Replies

1. 
   RickL | Dec 05, 2008 05:01pm | #1

   Why not a Grizzly if you need something with reviews?

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Dec 05, 2008 05:11pm | #2

   cut,

   I owned one for 5 days and got so frustrated with it I took it back to Western Tools and swapped it for a Delta 28-206.  There are those who will tell you that wasn't such a great move.  I bought it at a show (from Western Tools) and got a really good price, but that was 3 years ago.

   I still had to tinker with the delta but I now have, what I consider a great bandsaw, and not a mortgage payment along with it.

   Bottome line is that I think you can do a lot better for the money your talking about.  I'd give Grizzly and Steel City a good hard look for the money you're talking.

   I also have a Pioneer air filter, the big box kind that resides up on some rafters in my woodshop.  Came with a remote and it works flawlessly and a lot less money than a JDS.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   polarsea1 | Dec 06, 2008 02:36am | #3

   I'd look at the Grizzly 14" Euro style or the Rikon 14".  Buying a new saw with the intention of putting a riser on it is, IMHO, like buying a new car with the intention of replacing the engine. :=)

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Dec 06, 2008 03:56am | #4

   Hey polarsea1,

   Haven't heard from ye for quite a spell now.

   Funny you should mention the riser block.  I spent months looking for a cheaper alternative than the Delta one, but to no avail.  At the time they were $130.  Yeah I know, I'm a cheap old phart.

   Finally gave up and bought one when I was in Western Tool and have never looked back.  I read about all the shenanigans folks went through putting one on but mine went on slickern a trout. 

   No adjustments, nada zilch, no pain.

   Must be lucky or sumpin.  Wait, I think I hear the footsteps of a Delta basher comin.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   Edited 12/5/2008 7:58 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres

2. 
   cutdude | Dec 06, 2008 04:42am | #5

   Thanks for the band saw info. I am curious, what frustrated you with the Pioneer B.S?

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Dec 06, 2008 05:31am | #6

   Several things, fit and finish of the panels/skins - they didn't align and the metal seemed paper thin compared to the Delta.  By the way, the Delta is not a highly rated bandsaw by any stretch of the imagination.

   What completely turned me off was that no matter what I did I could not get the wheels co-planar (sp?).  Made it next to impossible to track a blade. 

   The wheels themselves were not a lot heavier than the plastic ones I have on a 9" trike bandsaw!  Trike meaning it has 3 wheels - not a good design and it too is a Delta.  It is however a good little saw for small stuff.

   Also, bear in mind that I had to fuss a bit with the 28-206, but it at least gave me a fighting chance.  The wheels were co-planar out of the box, fit and finish was good and installation of the riser block was a cinch.

   The only problem I had with the Delta was that it would vibrate severely when shtting down - the only time it vibrated at all.  I was told that it's not a big thing but it bothered me.  Tweaking the motor pulley tension solved that.

   It seems that the price of a bandsaw is in direct proportion to the amount of tweaking one has to perform to get it right.  I really like the Delta and would buy another one, but maybe a bigger one the next time.

   My experience with the Pioneer was 3 years ago and they may have improved since then.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   Edited 12/5/2008 9:33 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres

1. 
   polarsea1 | Dec 06, 2008 05:51am | #7

   Hi Bob, I'm glad you're happy with the Delta. I have a new style Craftsman 14" that I'm pleased with  (I'm old and cheap too). My experience with a riser on my former Jet 14" BS was just the oposite to yours. Not gonna go into it here.

   My objection to buying a new 14" saw and adding a riser is that for not much more $$ you can get a better saw.

   Happy woodworking!

   Bill