Help!!! I’m gonna buy a bandsaw.
royjcouvillion
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I’m gonna buy a bandsaw and would like some input. I have a small shop (24’x20′) and think a 14″ on casters will do well for me. I want to be able to resaw. My budget (my wife says it’s the limit) is approx. $1200
I’ve read in these forums that some people immediately upgrade their machines. What combination of machine and upgrade should I consider?
Thanks to all that reply.
Replies
Hi Roy. I have not used this saw but I would look at the Laguna 14SE. 12" resaw, 2 hp Baldor motor and ceramic guides. The web site lists it at $1195 us. I am pretty sure that at shows they will throw in a Resaw King blade that is worth about $120. Personally I would choose a small high quality machine like this over a inexpensive large machine. Good luck and let us know what you buy. Peter
Roy -
I can't speak to the larger size machines like you might be considering but - bandsaws in the size and type I've been around are pretty top heavy. So ... the advice I would offer is to make sure the stand has a stable footprint and it's designed to be moved around safely. The mobile stand I had for my little Delta 14"er was woefully inadequate in that respect.
From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.
Dennis
Roy, don't but the 14' machine step up to at least a 16" Don't compromise and you will be bettr off!
Best,
Jim
I have the Grizzly G0513 and it has performed well. I am a hobbyist and had a budget like you. I wanted something that could cut up to 12" stock, and have a good size table and be able to resaw lumber for veneer. Here is the link to my orignal post. It has some details about the Band saw and some photos. Good luck on the decision!
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=17846.1
Roy... a bunch of us have the Grizzly 'Ultimate 14" Bandsaw' Model G0555. their prices just went up on Jan 1. It should be about $425, a 6" riser block is an additional $50 and their heavy duty mobile base is $70. It comes with a 1 HP 110/220 TEFC motor, a good fence, a quick blade release and Ball Bearing guides as a standard package. When you add in the shipping charges, you've got a good saw for under $600. That leaves some $$ for other goodies.
SawdustSteve
Thanks guys.
I'm also looking at the Bridgewoods.
There is a 14" http://www.wilkemachinery.com/OnlineCatalogListResults.tpl?SearchDetail=1068495113657679&SearchData=Bridgewood%20WBS for $599
and a 17" http://www.wilkemachinery.com/OnlineCatalogListResults.tpl?SearchDetail=1068496821660172&SearchData=Bridgewood%20WBS for $949
The 17" is a hoss. Cast iron wheels, tri-bearing blade guides...arggghhh. Add casters ($110) and shipping ($250) and we're at $1300. Maybe I can bring it in while my wife is sleeping.
That will cost a couple of hundred more than the Grizzly. I currently own a Grizzly 13" planer moulder, 10" Z-series contractor saw, 1.5hp shaper and a few other incidental tools. They rate a solid...ok. I'm tired of buying ok tools. I think I'll go with a 17" so I don't get the feeling I've outgrown it.
I'll let you know if I actually break down and get it.
Roy,
Ditto on the Grizzly G0513 17" bandsaw. I bought one last August based on input from folks on Knots and have not been disappointed. Don't waste your money on Grizzly blades; get Timberwolf.
Regards,
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
Click Here if you're interested in a good,inexpensive website host.
Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
I just looked at the Bridgewood and it has EXACTLY the same table, motor, fence, guide rollers, switch and wheels as the Grizzly G0555. It looks like they made the covers more angular and covered the cast iron with sheet metal. Oh yeah- the base is exactly the same, and so is the green paint. From the looks of it, it's the same machine with a different set of covers, just more money.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Edited 2/7/2005 5:33 pm ET by highfigh
check out the customer reviews for tthe Jet 16" at this amazon link. I have this saw and really like the quality and heft. Good luck.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/B00006J6PJ/ref=cm_rev_all_1/002-1453496-8907249?%5Fencoding=UTF8&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=hi
Hi Roy'
If you plan on using carbide blades, which really helps in resawing, you need more than a 16" saw. The wheels dia. on 16s are to tight and the teeth may start to break off.
I own a Mini Max 20 and a detla 14. I use the MM for resaw and straight cuts and keep a 1/8 blade on the Delta for curve and scroll work.
If I was on your budget I would be looking at Grizzly.
Bear
Edited 2/7/2005 8:36 pm ET by Bear
Edited 2/8/2005 5:23 pm ET by Bear
Ditto on the carbide blade for a 14" saw. The radius is too tight and the band is hardened too much for that. I just got a Grizzly G0555 and after hearing about the blade that comes with it, I just had to try it. It'll be in the trash tomorrow. All of the imported saws come with it, but it seems that it's just to keep the wheels from banging around during shipping. I found a guy here in Milwaukee who buys the blade stock in bulk and makes them up as needed. This thing tracks great and the saw marks are definitely not a problem. The Woodworking Show is in a couple of weeks, so I'll check out the blades to compare with mine. Whatever you buy, take the time to set it up correctly. I didn't think the setup was bad at all. "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Edited 2/7/2005 8:30 pm ET by highfigh
Highfigh... DO NOT throw out the Grizzly blade. Someone else suggested that it is perfect for cutting up old packing crate lumber that you're salvaging. I used it for that purpose and sure enough, I found two nails that I did not see when stripping down the crate. Saved my good blades from excess wear and tear. SawdustSteve
First of all, I don't have any packing crate lumber. Second, if I did and wanted to cut it up, I would use my saber saw or Sawz All.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Hey guys!
Check this machine out.
http://www.wilkemachinery.com/OnlineCatalogListResults.tpl?SearchDetail=1068496821660172&SearchData=Bridgewood%20WBS
I want to expand my capabilities to do resawing up to about 10"
OK, now go to the Grizzly site and look at the G0513 that's $923, shipped.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
The resemblance is spooky!!! That looks just like my G0513.
Bandsaws are like everything else in life. No bandsaw does everything really well! The recent bandsaw reviews in the woodworking press tell the tale.
Wide wheels track wide blades better and resaw better. They're mostly found on the big machines. They have a large radius crown or very little crown.
But, they don't track narrow blades very well at all.
If you want to bandsaw curves, get a 14"; the smaller saws have more crown (a smaller radius crown) and track smaller blades better. If you want to resaw, get a big powerful saw. If you want to do both, then you'll have to compromise somewhere. Perhaps a 14" with a super blade, or maybe a 16".
Or buy two bandsaws!!
Roy,
I've been very happy with my 14' delta and haven't needed to add any upgrades (besides cool blocks). Since I'm limited to my jointer size (6.25") I haven't been limited by the 6.25" resaw capacity on my bandsaw. I guess if you wanted to make veneer or joint your wood by hand, neither which I currently want to do, you might want bigger capacity.
I have to warn you though, once you have a properly tuned band saw, your tablesaw becomes an assembly table and panel saw.
Kevin
14' foot Delta, that's a big saw. Just kidding. I have the 14" Grizzly with riser block, so it's basically the same machine. I don't know that I would relegate the TS to assembly and panels only. It is a nice assembly table, though. For ripping, it's a much more comfortable height and the table is a lot bigger. I have a 10" cabinet saw so the deeper table makes a difference and there's no way the bandsaw will cut as smoothly as the TS. I'll use the BS for curves, resawing, circles, beveled curves, etc. I happen to do quite a bit with sheet goods and have an extension table and 7' rails. I also have a planer, so 6" isn't my limit. On full thickness boards, I won't be using many wider than 6" unless it's an inherently stable wood, like mahagony. Obviously, not everyone uses their equipment in the same way(s) and everyone should make their own decisions but with forums like these, we can all learn from each other.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
If money was not an issue, which machine would you guys get?
I would rather buy QUALITY than CHEAP don't fall in the Griz trap - you get what you pay for
Ron
Ron,
I own some Grizzly machines and am in consensus with most comments I've heard about them...they are a good deal. But I'm not looking for a good deal on this purchase.
Do you know anything about Bridgewood machines?
Ok guys. I'm about to pull the trigger on the Bridgewood 17" (BW-17WBS). Shipping, base and all, it's about $275 more than the Grizzly. For that, I get cast iron wheels and bearing guides. If I could get comfortable with the Grizzly, I'd get it and spend the $275 on some nice blades.
Bones, the Grizzly looks good (and thanks for your presentation). Since you've had your's running for over 6 months now, are you still impressed with the quality?
I'll make the call on Friday. If anyone knows any reason why I should not marry this tool, speak now or forever hold your short piece.
Bones, the Grizzly looks good (and thanks for your presentation). Since you've had your's running for over 6 months now, are you still impressed with the quality?
Let me first state that I am a hobbyist so I do not use my stuff all day long. I have to say it has done everything I have asked it to do. The machine is well made and the top is flat. The 2hp motor is beefy and has handled what I have thrown at it. The blades on mine tracked very easily, and set up was not a real problem. The dust collection performs well. When it runs it purrs like a kitten. So I am very happy. I looked at the Laguna, and Minimax. I could not justify the extra cost. I did not use the stock blade. I bought some timberwolf blades. But other than that, that's the only change I made. I was so impressed with the bandsaw purchase, I bought the 1023SLX two months later. It is an excellent saw and I use it the most. I read some one post that Grizzly is junk, but I would have to disagree. The customer service is great. My table saw was damaged (in transit), and I refused the shipment. A call to customer service had a new one to me in 5 days. They were apologetic and the second arrived ok. For a little over $2100 I equipped my shop with a quality bandsaw and table saw. I was on a tight budget and can't complain. I think I got the best bang for the buck. Good luck on the decision.
No I don't know about Bridgewood machines - I have used GRIZ
Bridgewood machines may be good -I know the Delta machines I have bought have been good for me.
Ron
OK you all tell me Compare Griz with Delta - Look at all the Tool Reviews that's taking over FWW Mag.
How to they Compare? What's the price Difference ? Why the Price Difference ?
I will just stay a FOOL and use DELTA .
My shop looks like a Delta showroom, what kind of FOOL does that make me?
I bought the 18" bandsaw last April, it's pretty good, not great. The Olson blade it came with was garbage, now I use Timberwolf. The next thing I'll change are the guides, probably with ceramics.
All said, I wish I didn't rush (needed one for a project) and waited to buy the Laguna.
Not that I own the Grizzly company, but what EXACTLY is so cheap about their machines? I have four of them and wouldn't call any of them cheaply made nor would I consider myself as having fallen into any "trap". Instead of just coming in with one post and warning people, why not explain what you have and/or why the Grizzly is so bad? I see a lot more good Grizzly reviews here than bad, specifically regarding what the person who is looking for a bandsaw to buy.I agree that having cast iron wheels would be better, but not everyone here will want to pay the extra for them. Maybe someone sells an aftermarket replacement wheel and/or it could be purchased as a replacement part from some manufacturer. If the price isn't too high, I would consider this in the future."I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Edited 2/9/2005 10:40 am ET by highfigh
HAY they knocked my 18 inch RICON and.. geeeeeeeeeeee I never did anything to THEM! I like it ALOT!
Hey ......... I have not knocked anything. I'm just saying that there are differences, some easy to see others not so easy. As long as your not starving your kids to buy a fancy table saw or bandsaw go for it!! Weather you realy need it or not. If I could afford it I'd have a shop full of Northfield or Oliver machines, tons of room, air conditioning, a great stereo, a fancy pickup truck, a climate controlled lumber room and on and on. I'd also hire a tutor to show me how to really use it all (I'd take classes but I don't get around too well these days). Why not? In the mean time I'll enjoy what tools and equipment I can and slowly learn this wonderful craft of woodworking.
KDM
DUKE! Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
NOT TO YOU...!!!!!!
Just general comments I got when I got my 18" RICON..
Did I get carried away? Sorry guy, no offence meant. FWW gave the Rikon good marks.
KDM
Edited 2/13/2005 1:13 pm ET by duke-one
"I would rather buy QUALITY than CHEAP don't fall in the Griz trap - you get what you pay for..."
"A fool and his money are soon parted."
Anyone who presents Grizzly as CHEAP equipment these days is the one in the trap. Frankly, I'm not impressed with the person who brags about having all the expensive, "quality" equipment in his shop. I don't buy tools to impress anyone; I buy because of real quality -- price/value ratio.
Regards,
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting Click Here if you're interested in a good,inexpensive website host.
Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
I'm just a beginner at woodworking but have spent my whole working life with machinery, bought the G0555, tried it out a bit and wasn't happy with it. Sold it off while still almost new and bought a Laguna 18". Quite a bit more $'s but a much better machine. Smoother running way more power and just that look and feel of "real" machinery. They threw in 2 of their best blades ($200 each!) and the mobility kit is a part of the machine and is very stable, an important consideration when moving a top heavy 500lb machine. It also has low voltage release (no restart after power failure). I added a transformer to it so I could use a 120v machine light.
KDM
OK, so how much more was the Laguna 18"?
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
You took the words right out of my mouth.
$2500 Delivered
This is mainly a conversation about a specific price range and if you had compared two saws of equal or similar value, your post would have been more pertinent. If an 18", $2500 Laguna isn't better than a sub $400 Grizzly, something is wrong.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Edited 2/10/2005 11:02 am ET by highfigh
Ok, now let me throw another monkey in the party to dance with.
The MiniMax guy called me last nite and convinced me to delay my decision until I've reviewed his video. Not only did he get me interested in his bandsaw, now I've got wood for their combination machine.
Somebody please stop me before I cash in my granddaughter's college fund.
Roy,
If you want your granddaughter to go to college, you better not look at the Minimax video :-), if you know what I mean..
Best of luck with your bandsaw purchase
Granpa? Is that you? I don't want to go to College, can you send me that machine instead?
Laguna also has a nice video with lots of fine tools, what do you all think about Laguna's table saw?
Edited 2/10/2005 6:52 pm ET by duke-one
I don't give much consideration to table saws, they're basically very similar when you compare them. If you look at Laguna, Delta, Powermatic, and General, even Grissly of the same HP it's only the fit and finish that varies (slightly). They rip sheets and solid stock the same way. It's the blade and fence that matters.
I bought the Unisaw w/ Biess fence, put in a forrest II blade and it really hums. Still, I remember the feeling of using a Felder once and I'll never forget it. But, that's comparing apples to oranges!
Oh. I almost forgot
Stop fighting.
I'd head to the library and find the October issue of American Woodworker, there's a good review of bandsaws under $1000- one of the best I've seen. The issue showed up on the newstand a week after my new saw was delivered. it wouldn't have changed my decision but would have made deciding much easier. The following issue reviewed bandsaws under $1500. Think you'd find both issues very helpful along with a copy of Lonnie Bird's The Bandsaw Book. There's lots of choices- bigger isn't necessarily better. How much resawing do you plan to do and how much capacity do you need?
Thanks
I'll take a look
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