I need a 14″ bandsaw, I think. I’m a hobbyist and would probably only give it light use, but you know how expectations go! What I don’t need is another troublesome machine to maintain.
What are some of the issues I need to consider for making a selection? I’m not prone to cheap machines, but I can’t afford the best at this time and I feel myself being suckered into a “deal.” How much $$$ do you end up spending on various blades? How long does it take to change a blade. Thanks for your help.
Dave
Replies
First thing, buy a book on using a bandsaw.Mark Dungske [ I hope I spelled Marks last name correctly] has an excellent book on using , tuning and selecting bandsaws.
As far as blade costs. most blades for a 14" saw would be around $12.00 each. Time to change blades vary with the machines and blades.I have a 16" Grizzly bandsaw with 113" blades, takes about 20 minutes to change blades, reset thrust bearings and cool blocks, and track correctly.
Perhaps the very first issue is the hardest: what do you intend to do with the bandsaw? I realize you said light use, but it's the type of use that determines if any machine will be troublesome to maintain. Together with this, most 14" bandsaws have an optional riser to extend the height. If you're ever going to need this, plan for it now, since it changes the blade length's that you need.
On blades, reasonable ones are perhaps 10-18. The better blades will be easier to track and likely last longer. On that note, the longer blades needed for the riser will also tend to last longer as there's more blade available. How much you end up spending on blades? Ummm...for doing what? With a single 1/4 blade you can do most general work. But I cut out curved boxes with a 3/16, production cut smooth tenons with a 1/2 raker, resaw and cut veneer with a 3/4, and scroll with a 1/8.
Blade changing time varies slightly between machines, and by how well you've adjusted the machine. Also, how well the blade tracks. My blades typically run about $16, and it takes well under 5 minutes to change a blade and adjust the saw. A bit longer for the 3/4. If your wheels are not coplaner or the blades vary or have excessive lead, then much longer. All of my blades track with the same setting, and I replaced my guide bearing with a more rigid one so that adjusts easily.
Also on blades, don't count on using the one that comes with the saw. Typically best to quickly toss it.
With all that said, this very simply machine can give you a good headache unless you first learn how to adjust it, so start with a book and don't rush through that step.
Gerry
I agree with the view that it helps to read a book. I purchased a book from Taunton called "The Bandsaw Book" by Lonnie Bird that is a great education in band saws. I highly recommend it as a first step.
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