Craftsman - 10" Model 21400 (Rating: 5)

I kept running into situations where a bandsaw would have made a particular step in a project very easy vs trying to use a jigsaw. I researched bandsaws, with most of the info surrounding 14" and larger saws. There wasn't a lot of info on smaller saws, and I didn't give them a lot of thought. After some research I realized a smaller saw would do about all the things I had needed one for, have a smaller footprint, be a lot smaller expenditure, and if the smaller saw was any good, would be a keeper even if I decided later to go for a big one.

My research for smaller saws pointed to the Craftsman 10" 21400. It appears to be the same saw as the Rikon, but a cheaper price. Saws smaller than this all appeared pretty lame, with a lot of plastic structural parts and really poor and cheap blade guides. At least this saw had metal structural components, ball bearing guides, and a cast iron table. I paid $188 delivered from Sears in April of 2013, and just checking today the saw is $189 delivered.

I've been very pleased with the choice. The guides do need to be set up properly, and the OEM blade is junk. I couldn't believe the performance difference when using a good blade of the proper specs for a given cut. I purchased the blades from Iturra Design in Jacksonville, FL (904)642-2802. Louis Iturra is old school and doesn't have a web site, but is knowledgeable and very helpful when it comes to bandsaws. Pricing is very competitive as well. I got the following blades:

- Starrett 1/8×70-1/2 14 tpi .025" Flexback
- Starrett 1/4×70-1/2 6 tpi .025" Flexback
- Bladerunner 1/2×70-1/2 3-4 tpi ,022 rounded back

Performance of all the blades has been excellent, although I haven't used them enough to discuss life. Using the correct blade for the cut is all important with a bandsaw. The max cut height of the saw is 4-5/8", and with the 1/2" blade this little 1/3 HP saw cuts right through 4-1/2" red oak - I wouldn't have believed it if I had not done it myself. I have "resawn" pieces less than a 1/16" thick (4-1/2" wide), with very consistent thickness. The other blades perform very well used appropriately.

The saw has all the adjustments of bigger saws. Tilts the upper wheel for blade alignment, and has blade tension adjustment, but no tension gauge, the aluminum wheels have some type of replaceable rubber-like insert, the cast iron table tilts and has an angle gauge. The fence is actually pretty good, and the miter gauge is serviceable. I used slick tape on the sides of the miter runner to snug it up in the slot. Blade changes are quick and easy. Blade guide set up is not quick or easy, but the fact it can be done on a saw this size is the good part. Guide adjustment is the same as larger saws with ball bearing guides.

All in all I think this is the best value out there for a small bandsaw, and will be a keeper in my shop.