Replies

1. 
   BG | Jul 10, 2002 03:21pm | #1

   I'm asking myself the same question Rich.  The more I listen to this forum I'm beginning to think ya gotta be one hell of a mechanic to keep these power tools running true.  Even the most popular/expensive table saws are around $2000 dollars...how good could the quality be at that price?  Imagine what something that big would cost if you were putting it in an automobile.

   I'm gonna listen more to the experts for a while before I make any decisions and buy some new blades for my jig saw.

2. 
   gerry001 | Jul 10, 2002 03:32pm | #2

   From several reports and discussions over the past few years, I would not recommend one unless you were very familar with a BS and mechanically inclined, and had more time than money available. Some of the Reliant tools seem okay, like their jointer and drill press, but not the BS.

   Gerry

3. 
   BanyanTree | Jul 10, 2002 03:45pm | #3

   Rich,

   I would personally never buy another major power tool from Woodworker's Warehouse.  I've been burned a couple of times by their practices, like selling "floor models" instead of new ones without telling you about it.  Then you get home and find missing parts, bent or broken parts, and on and on.

   Woodworker's Warehouse, for me, is only for supplies (glue, etc.).

   Maybe the chain has different practices in different areas of the country.

4. 
   Azeddie | Jul 10, 2002 05:32pm | #4

   I had one yrs ago....CRAP...NOw I have a Delta, much better, Take a look at the Jet it is cheaper than Delta while being far better than the Reliant

   Reliant= rough castings, sharp edges, excessive vibration, poor blade tracking, Etc.

   makinsawdust
5. 
   cherryjohn | Jul 10, 2002 09:25pm | #5

   well Rich, I have one of those band saws.  It is a 14" with a 1 hp motor (tefc).  According to FW recently when they compared bandsaws they commented that if you are an occasional user it is hard to walk away from the saw because of its price.  I have had mine for about 3 years.  the only thing I would tell you is get a "link belt" ( about $25) to drive it and ditch that belt that it comes with.  It runs so much smoother and cuts so much better.  I am an occasional band saw user. i make chairs primarily, and it just works well.  Some wood working snobs ( I hope my brother is reading this because he is one!!) will tell you all the things the Reliant doesnt have .  It has a Tiwaneese motor ( but it still draws 9 amps....a Delta with a 1 hp motor draws 9.6 amps)  true the fit and finish isnt as good as delta and the Delta has a blade access door that swings out  while the Reliant has 2 knobs that have to be removed.  It doesnt have a great fence and the blade guides may not be up to deltas quality...........but it costs 1/2 as much!!!  in your case, even less.  If I was a pro and used a band saw daily, maybe I'd go for a more pricey unit but in this case the "get what you pay for arguement" is quite shallow.  My humble opinion

6. 
   EdJW | Jul 11, 2002 07:11pm | #6

   Rich, I have the Reliant and I very much agree with CherryJohn's post.  If you're not going to use day in and day out it's not a bad choice for the money.  -Ed

1. 
   gerry001 | Jul 12, 2002 06:40am | #7

   It's just like any other tool. It depends on what you need to do, how much you know, and the luck of the draw. Quality control there is a bit worse than others. Of course, I still remember going through 3 Delta scroll saws in just over two weeks:-) On the other side, I have the Reliant jointer and floor drill press. Both have done well for several years, and are quite comparable to units with twice the cost.

   --Gerry

7. 
   3dog3 | Jul 12, 2002 07:29pm | #8

   Rich:

   I have owned a Reliant 16" saw for about 10 years.  It took a little tuning up when it first arrived, but has served me well.  The motor is a little underpowered for any serious resaw work, but for semi-occasional use it is more than adequate.  I would suggest swapping out the guides and BUY A DECENT BLADE. 

   Michael