Ridgid Bandsaw opinions wanted

I debated getting that saw a few times, but like you said, the reviews are really mixed – leaning more bad than good. I also didn’t want to plunk down a huge chunk of change on a bandsaw. I ended up getting the new craftsman 14” for under 400$ brand new (watch the sales online). It is a great saw so far and it has an 8” resaw height without installing riser blocks and changing the saw’s geometry.

Once I get a chance to really use it, I will post a review here. So far I can say the following:

It can properly tension a 5/8” blade easily
Tracking adjustment is simple and accurate
The upper and lower guides are awesome
It has plenty of power. I was able to resaw some 7” wide 22” long hard maple scraps into 1/8” strips fairly easily and cleanly without any bogging down or other complaints from the saw (with a 5/8” olson all pro resaw blade)
My wife has cut several cutting boards into different shapes with a good degree of accuracy and no complaining from the saw
Dust collection is decent, but not great.

that’s a few hundred less than comparable saws. This is essentially the Rikon 10-320 with an open stand and no fence. I did install the Rikon fence and it bolted right up without any issues.

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

I own the Ridgid. I purchased it heavily discounted when HD stopped selling them in the store. If you can get one for cheap and don’t mind doing some tuning (new link belt, stabilizing the stand, balancing the wheels), it turns out to be an OK bandsaw. I’ve had to replace a few parts on it because they were made out of cheap pot metal. My suggestion is to look elsewhere especially if you plan on doing resawing.

-- "hold fast to that which is good"

the bs1400 has always been considered thee weak link in ridgid’s stationary tool array. checkout the ridgid forum for several threads on the good and bad of that unit. however, it’s michael fortune’s go to band saw, believe it or not! $ 150 would be a better value, although $200 isn’t out of line.

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

Thanks guys Brandon has pretty much confirmed my suspicions that the Ridgid is not a great saw. I guess that is why there is one on CL rite now for $150 with a broken trunion. Years ago I bought a cheap drill press for $99 I have welded on it and made parts for it ever since because I am too stubborn to give up on it. Back when I bought it $99 was the better part of a weeks pay.

-- A tube of calk and a gallon of paint will make a carpenter what he ain't

Ridgid band saw have never been my style. Better to keep looking. I might suggest to examine and give a better look if you’re still planning to get used band saw . http://bandsawblog.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-used-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"

I got the BS1400 as a closeout at HD. I took it all apart and replaced fasteners, tires, guides, relocated the motor to below the saw, added a 6” riser, balanced the wheels. It runs as good as a $500 BS. Don’t pay more than $150 for one.

I have one. Pretty much like others say. I am not a big band saw user so it’s ok for me. HD had them on sale so you might want to check the price.

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