Replies

1. 
   Jellyrug | Apr 22, 2005 08:36pm | #1

   Will,

   Hope you feel the same a few weeks from now, perhaps you had better luck than me.

   I purchased the same saw and after initial set up, I was impressed with the performance. The blades dull very quick, due to their short length (not the fault of the saw). I then tried to do a bit of precision work and fell out of love with the machine quickly. Tension the blade properly and the motor is not powerful enough, the wheels were not balanced, causing vibration, they were not running true and the blade marks left on lumber were too much for my liking.

   I'm back to changing blades on my 17", takes me about 10 minutes a time, but the superb cut is worth the effort.

   I ended up returning mine, perhaps I got the lemon.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Apr 22, 2005 09:50pm | #2

   I have just used it for some 'light' work.. I did not expect to much from it.. Just better than I expected.. Thats all... I guess I just wanted to say not JUNK.. OK for a 100 bucks..

   I then tried to do a bit of precision work ??  LOL  Gee I had to... Really sorry..

   I got some Lenon blades and better than the original.. You can't get a good blade with ANY bandsaw as shipped..  Well, at least for $100..

   I have a GOOD 18" saw that came with a blade I thought just shipped to keep the wheels from banging around in shipping!

   Edited 4/22/2005 2:54 pm ET by Will George

1. 
   Jellyrug | Apr 22, 2005 10:58pm | #3

   "I got some Lenon blades and better than the original.. You can't get a good blade with ANY bandsaw as shipped..  Well, at least for $100.."

   Lenon, or Lenox, you mean for the little 9" saw?

   "I have a GOOD 18" saw that came with a blade I thought just shipped to keep the wheels from banging around in shipping!"

   Everyone makes this comment, but I have to confess that I don't share the same experience. For resaw, I use a Lenox carbide and the results are superb, right up to 12".  Everything else, I use el_cheapo carbon blades with good results. I have tried 1/2" Lenox Bi-metal and they are better than the carbon steel, but how important is "very good", compared to "good"... I have tried Timber Wolf, not as good as Lenox, only slightly better than the cheap ones.

   I am meticulous when setting up, not sure if this makes the difference, I find the same thing with table saw blades. For me, it's time to stop testing brands and use what works good enough.

   If you keep the 9" saw, drop me an email, as I still have some new unused blades lying around, just collecting dust. Won't mind putting them in the mail for you. 

   Edited 4/22/2005 4:12 pm ET by Jellyrug

2. 
   forestgirl | Apr 24, 2005 07:25pm | #6

   You might try a Timber Wolf blade -- they're designed to operate under lower tension than other band saw blades.  They'll make to any size, but of course the bottom of the price chart is around 60".  A 1/4" blade 60" or under is a little over $10.  Half-inch, around $11.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   woodensplinter | Apr 23, 2005 03:10am | #4

   My experience was pretty much the same as yours.  My kids and my wife got me gift cards for my birthday.  A Mastercraft 9" bandsaw came on sale at Canadain Tire around the same time.  I didn't have a bandsaw and didn't have room for one either.  I thought it might be worth a try.  I purchased it with very low expectations.  Actually, I fully expected it to become a dust collector, constantly reminding me I'd made another foolish purchase.  To my complete surprise, the thing cut like a charm!  Better than I ever would have believed.  Do I fool myself into thinking its a heavy duty saw?  NO!  Most of the stock I use is 3/4 inch.  No problem with that.  One of the first things I tried was to split a pice of oak 2 1/4 inches high.  Darn thing cut it almost as fast as I could push it through.

   Some day I'll get a "real" bandsaw.  Until then, I'm quite satisfied making a bit of sawdust with what I have.  With luck, it'll last me a couple or three years.  If it doesn't, I don't think that little saw owes me anything already.

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   Edited 4/22/2005 8:13 pm ET by wooden splinter

   
   

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   Edited 4/30/2005 5:38 pm ET by wooden splinter

3. 
   Lightman | Apr 23, 2005 04:26pm | #5

   Started with that little saw about 8 yrs ago. I have a 0555 Griz too. I tend to step over to the little Delta for rough out stuff even now. It has never missed a lick. Best $99 I spent on a tool and last this long and do an ok job. Been thru 30+ blades I'm sure.

   Jimmy

   as always I wish you enough