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Bench-top Band Saw?

2K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  runswithscissors 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm in the market for a Band Saw but my shop is very small. Ideally I'd like to get something like a benchtop one so I could just take it out when I need to. Is it even possible to get a decent bench-top bandsaw? Is re-sawing pretty much out of the question?
 
#2 ·
I have a Rikon 10" band saw and it's a very nice machine for $200.
A little tall to consider a bench top, it needs a base about 30" tall; or less.
It's about the smallest saw with cast iron table and a fence.
Has a 1/3 HP motor and can re-saw 4". Wood Slicer makes a re-saw blade for this saw.

I see a lot of older Craftsman saws that are considered 12" on CL all the time for less than $100.

I often see the three wheel saws for ~$50 on CL. Don't think you could re-saw on one though.
They don't get many positive reviews. Think the wheels are a problem. I have one but only cut wax or balsa with it.
 
#3 ·
If you have a really small shop and you absolutely must buy a bench-top,I would recommend the older model Ryobi BS901,it would fit on a small bench like a Workmate and it's a pretty good saw for it's size,blades are still available , it is a fairly accurate/easy to use bandsaw for around $50 to -$60.
 
#4 ·
I haven't tried one, so am just guessing here, but HF's 9 or 10 inch bandsaw doesn't look too bad. Has a cast iron table, and the flex in the blade support seems minimal, for what it is. I've sometimes thought I'd try on if I ever needed to downsize my shop.

Update: just checked out their website. Now the table is aluminum. They claim 2.5 hp at 2.5 amps, but I strongly suspect they moved the decimal. 1/4 horse sounds more like it.
 
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