All Replies on Need a new bandsaw

What is the model is it? I have the 33208 and I’m thinking you can get a riser kit for it.

It’s the four speed.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

The Rikon 14”, when on sale, gets close to that price. The WC sale may have ended already.

This one Shane? http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2020041/18855/rikon-14-deluxe-bandsaw-model-10325.aspx

It’s on sale here. http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/rikon-14-deluxe-bandsaw.aspx

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

A Google search shows that riser kits are available for the Central Machinery bandsaws. A 6” riser will give you 12” of saw cut depth. I put one on my 14” Jet bandsaw and it works good. You also have to get new blades, but all this is cheaper than buying a new bandsaw.

-- Mark Smith, Tracy, CA., http://www.markscustomwoodcrafts.com

HF doesnt sell this bs anymore. I’d rather get a new one.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Yeah, that is it Russ. WC had it @ $799 w/ $100 gift card. I have had it for a couple of yrs. Seems alright, but I am no bandsaw expert.

I found it on their special offer page for 749$ but the delivery is 160$. and no 100$ gift card.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Take a look at one of these guys
http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-2-HP-Bandsaw-Polar-Bear-Series-/G0513P

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

That’s a nice one Jim, but I don’t have 240 out in the garage.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

It says 110/240 on the specs Russ

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

Russ, you know they have a WC off 69hwy and 87 st. like a 20-25 min drive? Also Overland Tool is about 5 min from there, on the other side of I35.

Hey Russ, thanks for the post on the little Marples saw. Picked one up today.

-- "Actions speak louder than words but not nearly as often." - Mark Twain

Jim, it comes wired for 240. The amp draw on 115v is a bit too high for a BS in my opinion. 20 amp compared to 14 on the rikon.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Shane, you’re right. I had forgotten. I might have to go there tomorrow.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Great saw cutworm.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

I’d go with Grizzly, whether one of the 17” ones or the G0555X. If I had the money, they would be the first I’d go to in terms of value.

-- Tristin King -- When in doubt, sand it.

I just purchased the Rikon 10-325, from WOODCRAFT. I just got it two weeks ago, set it up last weekend. Haven’t really used it yet, just a few test cuts, with the stock blade. I’m waiting on some precision straightedges, to test the flatness of the table. Other than that, so far I like the saw, but this is my first real BS so I really can’t offer any insights. Good luck with your BS hunt!!!
Here is my post in a my thread about the saw, it explains my issue: http://lumberjocks.com/replies/536636

Decisions, Decisions…....

-- Randy-- I may not be good...but I am slow!

Russ, sounds like you have made up your mind. Pull the trigger! :)

-- Art

Damn you missed it! about 2 weeks ago, WC had the Rikon on sale for $799 with a $100 gift card!

get a riser block. the amps would be consistant with the horse power.

you’re looking at the right brand of bandsaws, russ. great tools and a great company which consistently delivers what the walter meier tool group’s tools (jet and powermatic) promise but consistently fail to deliver for the same price.

-- there's a solution to every problem.......you just have to be willing to find it.

Toolie, I like that Grizzly too, but it runs on 20 amps and I’d only be blowing fuses if I got it. I think the Rikon is exactly what I need. The problem is getting it on sale and picking it up myself if the local freight is too high.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Don’t forget the G0555LX. Great saw for the money, and a riser will kick up the capacity. Won’t break the bank either.
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

If you are concerned on current, then the Grizzly G50555×14” with riser might be a candidate
http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-Extreme-Series-Bandsaw/G0555X
1-1/2 HP, 15a @ 110v, cast iron wheels, larger table, built-in work light, extruded-aluminum resaw fence…
With riser and shipping, you are under $1,000.

After saying that, I bought a used Rigid 14” that the prior owner couple months ago with new tires on and the wheels balanced. It also had the Kreg resaw fence on it. I put a Grizzly riser kit on it. With the 3/4 hp motor at 110v and 1/2” woodslicer blade it is cutting over 10” ash with no problem. I’m sure it is slower than on 220v, but fast as I have the talent for at this time. It was a bit of a gamble, but ended up at $400 and I am happy.

Bigger table is the one thing I would covet the most.

Steve.

I like my grizzly tools and have had good service from them,but you have to live with what you buy. I have a number of tools that are rated at 20 amps on 20 amp breakers with out problems .I think it’s because the electrical amp ratings on tools are start up amp ratings so if it pulls as many amps as it’s rated at it,it should only be for a very short time during start up ,plus there’s not that much of a load on BSs . I just seem it’s kind of weird to buy a new BS and have to put a riser block on it. Best of luck on what ever you buy buddy.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

I’m really torn Jim. The Rikon I can get for 879$ after tax on a Mid January sale of 15% off. I can get it delivered (via Shane) free. The Grizzly after tax and delivery is 1000$.
Is there really that much difference in the two and what is that difference. Is it the table, because I like the grizzly table better and the fence is higher.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Russell,
I have the Rikon 14in Deluxe and love it to death. BUT if you can get the 18in version of the Rikon for $1k then I would jump on it! My 2-cents…

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

Sorry Russ since I have never owned a Rikon tool I don’t know how the preform ,I do know they have good reviews in general. I know that in the past Grizzly has had free shipping just before or just after the holidays .I don’t know if they would tell you if their going to have free shipping later or not but if the shipping cost where gone on the grizzly the cost would be very close. The other thing I would feel weird about is putting a riser block on a brand new machine. I know others have said they have done it with no ill effect ,but it just makes me feel like your altering the band saws original design. Please don’t let me talk you into anything make up your own mind.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

I just don’t think I’d ever use a 18” to capacity Mike. My sawyer has pretty controlled cuts on his stuff so I’d be resawing less than 12 inch boards. My lathe only turns up to 12.5” so the Rikon meets my needs well.
Now if Grizzly waives the shipping, I’ll definitely get one.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Jim, I may give Grizzly a call and see about the free shipping. Thanks. That would sell me on it if they did.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Russell,
I am not talking about the large resaw capacity, the 18in BS can handle a wider blade and that alone makes all of your resawing easier and straighter. My 14in BS has a 3/4in blade and the tension is maxed out, but it does handle it well enough. Just a thought…

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

I’m not sure they will tell you or not,I would wait until Monday and call one of the stores and contact customer service not the order takers at a call center.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

I really don’t have a great BS, it a craftsman 12” I got off craigslist. I found good blades make a Ton of difference. I get them from Highland in Atlanta.
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/

-- Once in a man's life you should have a good dog, a good horse and a good woman. The trick is to get them all together at the same time

Mike, when I went to see the Rikon yesterday, they had it in back using it to make some toys for kids out of maple. They were resawing 6” maple with a 1/4 inch blade. You should have seen how nice it cut. Almost no kerf marks at all.
I’m leaning more toward the Grizzly now simply because I can get it at the same price.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Russel, I also have the Rikon and use it every day in the winter. I have a 1/2” blade and resaw alot with it, I recently instaled the carter guides, moved the light to the front, and took the baffle out of the bottom. It has been a very good investment. I also have many grizzly tools, they have also worked well for me. I can usually resaw and one pass through planer and the wood is good to go.

-- Bob, Lewistown, Montana. Kindness is the Language the blind can see and deaf can hear. - Mark Twain

I don’t have any idea about the band saw you liked on high land wood working. I hope I can help you in purchasing band saw with these tips. Basically, you should be keen on the features of the machine, from its frame down to its accessories. 3/4-hp motor is best for most operations,if you do resawing, look for a saw with 1 hp motor. , guides and rollers should be firm ,Euro style guides are great.

-- "someone has to be wounded for others to be saved, someone has to sacrifice for others to feel happiness, someone has to die so others could live"