Finally bought a bandsaw

there is nothing like a good bandsaw. You’ll love it.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)

I’ve played around with that model in my local Sears. Seemed like a pretty nice machine. If I were in the market, that would likely be at the top of my list.
I must say that I’m surprised it can properly tension a 3/4 blade.

I bet you enjoy your saw! It is a beauty!!!

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

Enjoy your new saw.

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

Ted, it lists 3/4” as the maximum blade width, so we’ll if it can actually handle it once I toss it on. This is why I haven’t done a formal review yet

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

Congrats , Joe : )

-- When did quiet and quite become the same word ? I'm guessing about the same time as your and you're did.

enjoy

-- Joel -- http://diversitywoodworks.wordpress.com

Congrats Joe on your new saw and can’t wait for you full analysis, you get right to the point without the fluff in your reviews.

-- ~ Bob ~ Newton, N.H.

I have that saw as well and have been really happy with it.

The only problem I had was that the black plate on the Rikon fence sticks up above the height of the table. Did you have the same problem as well?

No, mine sits well below the table in the back. Did you put it on upside down maybe?

Edit – I think I misunderstood what you meant (black plate, not back plate). I did have that problem and you can see it in the pics. A couple washers under the rail took care of it. There is a lot of room between the fence and the table, so you can lower it a tad.

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

Congratulations on your new purchase! That’s a decent band saw!

-- "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"

congratulations, considering this is identical to the Rikon it should be a good performer. the only thing you’ve lost in comparison to the 325 is the resaw capacity (and added HP which is only needed for that extra resaw height) – unless you need to resaw anything that wide this one will do just as good.

As for the blade capacity rated at 3/4” – the saw itself (body construction and wheel width) can support the 3/4” blade, but the issue with 3/4” blades on 14” saws is usually the blade itself and not the saw (as long as the saw is rated to support it of course). the smaller diameter of the wheel creates more tension on the blade that has to comfort to that radius – and can cause early wear and the blade. I find 1/2” blades to be just fine as long as it’s a good blade, and you could probably use 5/8” with good results as well. have not felt the need to go 3/4” with mine yet.

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

congratulations on your new purchase! that’s a scaled down version of the 22401, which is a 10-320 with features like an enclosed stand, a light and CI 14” wheels. if it’s made by whoever makes rikons, you’re going to really like it.

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

After doing more research I did reconsider the 3/4” blade. I found some similar information about 14” bandsaw wheels not being able to tension 3/4”+ blades well even if they have the capacity. I cancelled the timberwolf 3/4” and picked up an Olson Allpro 5/8” resaw blade on my lunch break at woodcraft today. I’m not sure how good it is, but for 15$ It’s worth a shot.

I knew I was losing height by not going with the Rikon deluxe. I don’t have a pickup truck or a wagon, so I am transportation-limited to what I can squeeze between the front seats. 8 1/2” is a pretty hard limit unless I am only getting one board (which never happens). Usually after jointing and cutting away defects on the edges, I have barely 8”.

I also question the ability of a smaller 115v motor to saw through 12” wide hardwood stock consistently for many years. Had I really needed the extra height, I would have went with something like the LT14SUV.

I’m sure there will be times I wished I had that extra few inches, but they will be few and far between. Also my lumber mill has a horizontal resaw and he only charges .15 per LF. It would take many board feet of resawing to equal the $550.00 price difference between my saw and the 10-325

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

Congrats Joe. Having a bandsaw is way better than not having one :) I need to pick one up soon myself.

-- John, BC, Canada