Band saw in the $500-600 range?

Marcus I got my Delta 28-230 used for around $250. Craigslist can be awesome. Mine is in beautiful condition, enclosed base, heavy cast iron. 1hp motor. If you just plain want a brand new one, well then, you should do that, but if you just want a good saw, see if there’s a used one you can pick up cheaper :)

Hi Marcus,

I just bought a 14” Rikon 10-325 for $799.00 I’m in Canada, and the price seems higher here. I read good reviews about the saw and have been happy with it so far.

It may be worth checking into and watching for a sale in your area. Not sure what the regular price would be in the US. If you do a search on this site for the 10-325, you’ll get lots of info.

Good luck
Sandra

-- No, I don't want to buy the pink hammer.

grizzly would be a good choice. fortunately, the prescribed budget puts the overpriced offerings from jet and powermatic out of the picture. long on promise (and price), short on delivery and poor values, IMHO.

occasionally, craftsman almost accidentally offers a good product. their 22401 14” BS was one of those. should you stumble across one left over from their clearance last year, it’s is a great value now. it is like a tricked out rikon 10-320 with greater resaw capacity, a fence, CI wheels, a light, a larger motor, etc. it’s replacement looks like this:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-14-inch-band-saw/p-00932607000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

probably a capable offerring, especially if budget is a primary consideration.

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

Just checked Marcus, the Rikon in the US goes on sale sometimes, but looks like still at 799. Well out of the price range you mentioned.

-- No, I don't want to buy the pink hammer.

I’ve been eyeing Craigslist and nothing has popped up yet. Definitely not opposed to used.

The 10-325 is the saw that I WANT for sure, but just seeing what else is out there one step down the price scale.

Marcus, I am picking up one of these tomorrow. It has some good reviews here on LJs. I checked out a floor model and it is a decent saw for the money.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-14-inch-band-saw/p-00932607000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3#reviewsWrap

-- Mike

Just ignore me….

-- Beer, Beer, Thank God for Beer. It's my way of keeping my mind fresh and clear...

Check out the craftsman BAS350. It can be had for under 400. I got mine for under 350 a few weeks ago. It’s basically a Rikon 10-320. I an VERY happy with it so far.

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

I think I’m just going to hold out and get the 10-325 when finances allow. I’m looking to do some minor resaw work, but larger than 6”, and the rikon seems to be right in the sweet spot.

Of course ill keep an eye out for a deal on Craigslist in the meantime.

Is there something wrong with the Grizzly model I haven’t come across yet?

-- Handcrafted by Mike Henderson - Channelview, Texas

I don’t think so, it seems to get pretty good reviews. When you add the riser and shipping, you’re super close to the rikon price. Personal preference at that point and I’d just like to buy locally.

I got ya. I don’t have the riser. So far after about 7 months, the saw has performed well for me.

-- Handcrafted by Mike Henderson - Channelview, Texas

My suggestion might be the least favorite, but I have built a decently strong cabinet business using these method with regards to machinery.

CL and auctions. Cabinet shops and school woodshop dept are closing a lot and go to auction. I bought a 20” powermatic 1981, 1000 lbs of beast for 75.00. I put a single phase motor in it for 450.00 and that bandsaw is nothing less than awesome. Currently there is a 20” Rockwell bandsaw, same size as my Powermatic, and the bid is currently at 75.00. It is at a school online auction. I suspect it will go up some, but not much. Simply because not too many want to wrestle a 1000 lb beast with a 3 phase motor in it. But let me say, well worth the effort :)

I probably would not buy a brand new bandsaw unless some crazy 70% off deal was offered. Like our bandsaw, it runs around 4,000.00 brand new and I likely would not even give 2,000.00 for it new because I can get a used tank in great shape for far cheaper.

I will say that machinerymax.com offers some great deals on machinery and they will ship. Just checked and no good bandsaw deals on the site right now. Best bet is finding local auctions and CL. I see old Rockwell, Walker Turner, Powermatic bandsaws on our CL fairly regular.

-- Jerry Nettrour, San Antonio, www.topqualitycabinets.net

https://www.onlinepros.com/servlet/Search.do?auctionId=38&itemId=1732

Here is a link to the Rockwell 20” bandsaw, it is in Houston area. This would be a great bandsaw to have. I might bid on it just for resale, not sure :)

-- Jerry Nettrour, San Antonio, www.topqualitycabinets.net

Try reading this link : http://americanwoodworker.com/blogs/tools/archive/2008/09/06/Tool-Test-Bandsaws-2.aspx

-- "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"