All,
I am in the market for a band saw and, more importantly, in need of information about them, first & foremost. I want to know, in your opinion, what features should I be looking for, what are some of the characteristics of a good band saw and which manufacturer’s line should I be looking at. I plan on spending ~$900.00 & want to use it in making furniture. If you have any information I would greatly appreciate it and thanks in advance.
dlb
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The undisciplined life is not worth examining.
Replies
Well, given your goals, you might wanna head down to the bookstore tomorrow and pick up a good bandsaw book. Duginske's (click) is one of the best. Lonnie Bird has a good one too. Whatever responses you get here at Knots, you'll still need a good primer for selecting and using the bandsaw and its blades.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
What was the other book you referenced in an earlier post? I am brain dead tonight and can't think of his name to save my life, it's one of my favorite bandsaw treatises on 14" saws. My copy is foolishly out on loan.
Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb
"What was the other book you referenced in an earlier post? I am brain dead tonight and can't think of his name to save my life, it's one of my favorite bandsaw treatises on 14" saws." Well, you're doing better than I am, 'cause I don't remember mentioning another book on bandsaws! I have Bird's book in my library, Duginske seems loved by all.
The only book I remember mentioning recently is the giant tome by DeCristoforo, Power Tools. Great book! Too bad it's out of print. Got mine at an estate auction. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I told you I was brain dead, not nearly enough sleep this week! Iturra was the name I was trying to remember.
Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb
Oh! Iturra Design, Louis Iturra. Not a book, but an extremely informative catalog! For our OP (original poster), phone number for a catalog is 904-371-3998. This is a new number to handle catalog requests.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
As with all tools, I recommend quality fundamentals rather than gimmicks. A well-built machine with good adjustments for square and tracking will bring you years of effective use. A junk machine with a bunch of electronic gizmos (thankfully not as common in bandsaws) will give you mediocre results from day 1.
Band saw questions on the internet tend to get a disproportionate emphasis on resaw capability. Don't discount resaw, but don't make it your first priority.
Mainstream brands will tend to have better availability of parts and accessories. The Delta 14" is arguably the industry standard. Used ones come up for sale frequently, so don't discount used also. If you go the used route, I recommend that you check out the OWWM FAQ for more on what to look for.
Pete
Thanks for the reply. I am not really interested in resawing so that is low on my list of reasons to buy. I am more interested in a quality machine, with a few good accesories.
Thanks,
dlb
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The undisciplined life is not worth examining.
dlb,
You will be interested in resawing once you get the bandsaw...not big 10-12" stuff but 4-6" wide for thinner drawer sides and gluing up panels so you can avoid plywood.
My research on bandsaws had me conclude the key things were cast iron wheels and 1 or more horse power motor. The rest of the accessories(carter bearings, etc.) did not share universal acclaim. Delta and Powermatic make a 14" bandsaw with cast iron and 1 1/2 hp...they are beautiful machines and cost aout $850. Delta also makes a 1hp with aluminum wheels which I bought on sale and they make a 3/4hp. My bandsaw was less than 1/2 the price of the cast iron model. Grizzly makes a very nice 14" with aluminum and 1 hp.
At your price point most of us would probably look at the Rikon 18" and Grizzly makes a 17" (I think )...both of these units have cast iron wheels and about 2hp motor. Those who have purchased them report very favorably.
Thanks for the info. This is the type of information that I am seeking and with it I can save a few dollars as well as get a good quality machine. I guess that the reason I am not interested in resawing is that I have not applied myself to understanding the need for it - but I will give it consideration. Thanks again.
dlb
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The undisciplined life is not worth examining.
Grizzly has a discontinued 16" model bandsaw that I have owned for about 6 years.
2hp, 7 1/2" resaw capacity,excellent saw. They have a few left according to their website. You may want to check the website for more info.
mike
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