Need some info...bandsaw question

[MaggieMae1959]

My hubby said he would buy a bandsaw for me for my valentine/birthday - both in February... so I would like to ask the question.... what does anyone recommend???? I would like to be able to do roughouts and make life a little easier....

MaggieMae1959

Edit: to indicate question (asking advice) on bandsaw. Allows "Similar Thread" tool to pick up key phrase.

[Anthony Filetti]

Re: Need some info...

Maggie,
I purchased a JET, sold by Woodcraft, that I love. Makes quick work of anything. Make sure you know what size you'll need as that will dictate the size of your projects.

One thing to keep in mind is that you will probably want to invest in some good blades as well as cool blocks. Hope this helps.

[MaggieMae1959]

Re: Need some info...

My husband was looking at Sears (seeing as they do not make their own) and he seemed to think that they have one that may be made by JET......he wasnt sure... but said it looked pretty similar to JET. We're going to look around.... and yes..... good blades are the key. If you dont have the right tools for the job..... certainly makes it tough going...

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Re: Need some info...

I have a Ridgid, good saw, Jet makes a good one Delta, Grizzly makes a good one...lots of saws out there, but personally have no luck with sears stuff! just my opinionSad

[Anthony Filetti]

Re: Need some info...

Dave,
The nice thing about the RIGID brand is that they use to make the Craftsman saws (when they were much better...)Wink

[MaggieMae1959]

Re: Need some info...

I should have clarified...I was looking at the woodcraft brochure and was out last night so he stopped by sears.... he's not particularly fond either, but noticed that the bandsaw they carried looked like a JET..... He has a few places that he wants to look at them...he was talking about the 10" or 14" ~ I have no idea what he was referencing........ that's why he is the carpenter...... LOL......

[Anthony Filetti]

Re: Need some info...

Mags,
he is referencing the throat...this dimension is referencing the distance between the blade and the saw itself, it is imprtant as it goes to how large a piece of wood you can effectively cut. Say you were trying to cut a 15" tall blank but the throat on your saw is only 10", this might prevent you from being able to turn your blank the full circumference of your carving while cutting the blank...hence its importance

[squbrigg]

Re: Need some info...

Get him to spring for a Laguna.......they are expensive, but the best saw made. Ceramic guides and 220 volt powerful motor.

Bob

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Re: Need some info...

All I got to say is the bigger the better. Unlike a lot of other tools, you can't buy a band saw that's too big (a lathe either for that matter). Big motor and big throat. I've lived with a 12" for way too many years and it's tooooooo small. I put a bigger motor on it and it's fine for bow staves, but for general use, too small. Gotta upgrade one of these days (soon).

[Bartster]

Re: Need some info...

maggie,

i have the 14" jet and love it it is the best saw i have owned i staarted with a 10" delta could not keep a blade on it. then went to a 12" craftsman and wore it out. then got the 14" jet it has been a great saw. same saw as the delta for about 200.00 dollars cheaper. in my opinion you wont go wrong with the jet.

just my 2 cents

bart

[mdallensr]

Re: Need some info...

Look for a sturdy machine. The smaller saws don't have cast iron tables and don't have a lot of room under the guide to allow for large blocks of wood. Good dust collection is important as well. A smooth running saw makes a huge difference too. It's best to at least be able to turn on one and watch it run.

[Doug Ridley]

Re: Need some info...

I suggest at least 14" saw with a riser block. Jet or Delta are both good choices. I guess Grizzly is okay. Stay away from the 3wheelers.

[TommyPhillips]

Re: Need some info...

I am very happy with my Grizzly 14-inch with a riser block. Consider this a vote in its favor. Just don't forget: The blade that comes with it should be reserved for cutting up logs that might have nails or rocks embedded. I got a couple of Timber Wolf blades for clean cutting.

[GeorgiaCarver]

Re: Need some info...

I agree with Tommy Phillips.

I just bought (last week) a Grizzly 14" changed the blade to Timberwolf and I love it. I have completed my first two roughouts.

I used to have a Craftsman and I did not like it at all..... very hard to keep it adjusted and the main top drive wheel came appart.

Greg

[Krum]

Re: Need some info...

I have been buying the Grizzly machines. I have their jointer and now the planer. Good service & fast delivery. I am happy with what I have and love the power. One error on my part when I bought a 12 inch bandsaw I didn't realize that the 12 inch meant the horizonal length. Sad I was doing a big piece when I bought it thinking I had plenty of room underneath. NOT! With any tool you need to take it slow when you work I'm sure by now you have heard all the yaddyyaddyyadda's.
It's always exciting to get tools. Sure better than household equipment!Talking
Have fun shopping and let us know what you decided on!
Krum
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