So I’ve been planning on getting a bandsaw for a long time, but at first I didn’t have the space for it – then I figured, maybe I can squeeze a 12” version in the tight space that I did have – but that would mean I will not be able to resaw – which is one of the main reasons I wanted to get a bandsaw, so eventually I just had to put this wish on the back-burner…
I had recently moved to a larger place, with a larger garage that is currently dedicated for a shop – and can actually fit a couple of tools, and a decent work area (once I have everything organized and cleared… will take a while as we have more important matters to draw our attention at the moment – our daughter) but I have finally was able to get my wish bandsaw! YAY!
I did a lot of research, and for my needs I think a 14” will be more than I’ll ever need. that being said – I did want to get as much resaw capacity as I could, and as much power as possible, while still making it reasonable on my pockets – the choice was a Rikon 14” Deluxe bandsaw. at 1 1/2 HP it is more powerful than most bandsaws, it is a steel construction which I personally prefer over the cast iron construction. it is capable of resawing up to 13” out of the box (although I didn’t get it in a box – it still has the same feature), comes with an easy to use Resaw fence+bar, cast-iron wheels, large cast-iron table – how can you go wrong?!? – oh, and it’s spanking beautiful… lol – yes it does matter.
Here it is… arriving in the trunk+back seat of the car. at first I wasn’t sure I’d be able to transport it by myself, and even if I could, I didnt know if it would fit in the car -but after measuring, and calculating, and checking to see that it CAN be transported on it’s back – I was able to fit it in the car. A bit heavy, but with some creative thinking and leverage from the straps I was able to lower it down into it’s awaiting mobile base (got it from woodcraft- it works smoothly and easily)
And here it is still without the cast-iron table after being wheeled into the garage:
And with the Cast-Iron Table mounted on… all ready to cut some wood:
I WILL write a full-on review once I have set it up, and get some work done with it to get a feel for how it performs, and how we interact with one another. So far – So good! tonight I sleep a happy camper :)
-- My Drinking Club has a Woodworking Problem...
12 comments so far
trifern
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4773 posts in 294 days
posted 78 days ago
I am happy for you and look forward to your review. Thanks for sharing.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
Karson
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13154 posts in 927 days
posted 78 days ago
Looks like a great big saw there. Congratulations.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
Chris
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1259 posts in 518 days
posted 78 days ago
Congrats!
-- Chris
Douglas Bordner
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2702 posts in 591 days
posted 78 days ago
When there’s a will there’s a way! This will open up a whole new vista in your woodworking career.
We’ll be looking for the review and some projects…Yippie!
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
Les Hastings
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523 posts in 300 days
posted 77 days ago
I think you’ll like their saw. I have the Rikon 18” model and I’m really happy with mine.
-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)
PurpLev
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355 posts in 175 days
posted 77 days ago
Thanks for the warm wishes everyone! Douglas – I’ve already been through a couple of moments where I said to myself “if only I had a bandsaw I could to ‘this’ and ‘that’ ...” hahaha, I can’t wait to see what else I can do with this thing.
-- My Drinking Club has a Woodworking Problem...
Lee A. Jesberger
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2891 posts in 506 days
posted 77 days ago
Hi Purplev;
Looks like a great addition to any shop.
What do you mean sleep?
How can you consider sleeping at a time like this?
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
PurpLev
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355 posts in 175 days
posted 77 days ago
Lee – I don’t really want to, but I am forced by law to sleep… it’s a new thing here…
besides- thats when I do my best work… only problem is that it’s not there when I wake up to show to everybody… gotta work on a solution to that
-- My Drinking Club has a Woodworking Problem...
ryno101
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154 posts in 191 days
posted 77 days ago
Congrats… Oh, I’m jealous…
I’m in a similar position as you were with shop space, and have avoided a table top bandsaw for exactly the same reasons. I want to be able to have some resaw capabilities.
Can’t wait to see your review, this is going to open up a whole new world for you in terms of what you can actually make!
Oh, and if you ever need anyone to help you test… Winchester’s not too far from here… ;-)
-- Ryno
SCOTSMAN
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529 posts in 112 days
posted 77 days ago
Good luck with the new saw I bought one and a year later took a fancy to a much bigger one, which I bought right away.They did not deiliver it for a few months but I got most of the money back on the first one about 2/3rd’s. The new one is a 24 inch with full 18”inches under the guides for resawing I know you will never look back.The very best of good wishes to you my friend God Bless Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
Dick, & Barb Cain
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5369 posts in 826 days
posted 77 days ago
Congratulations, It’s the same as mine.
I know you’re going to like it. I’ve had mine over a year now, & really like it, no complaints.
That must have been a bugger getting it in, & out of the car.
Mine came in a box, & the individual pieces were heavy enough.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
fidelfs
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10 posts in 594 days
posted 77 days ago
you will love it, I have the same one and it purrs not like my old Grizzly ultimate bandsaw ( I sold it and bought the Rikon) that made all kind of noices.
I am actually working with hard maple and I am resawing some of it and the bandsaw cuts like butter.
Good choice!!