Need band saw advice - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Iamdusty · 09-19-2009, 08:47 AM

I am looking to buy my first band saw. Space and cost have to be considered. I would be using it to give me more flexability when making boxes and other non-fretwork projects. No re-saw plans. Thank you for any help you can be.
Dale

Bruce-P · 09-19-2009, 11:48 AM

Grizzley G0555

Grizzley G0555 14" Bandsaw

KtownScroller · 09-19-2009, 12:07 PM

Craftsman 9 in. Band Saw

wood-n-things · 09-19-2009, 12:43 PM

I agree with Bruce..it is capable of being upgraded later to 12" re-saw with a kit.
I have this one and I really loved it right out of the box. I have the roller base for mine so I can move it around easily in my small work area, and then store it back out of the way.

Max · 09-19-2009, 01:31 PM

I have an old Craftsman and it works great, but I'm limited to what I can resaw. If I was to do it over again, I'd pay a little extra and get one capable of resawing up to 12".

Kepy · 09-19-2009, 01:41 PM

I have a Ridgid 14" which replaced a Craftsman 12" which was a mistake. At one time I had a Delta 8" which was expensive to operate as was tough on blades. The lifetime warranty on the Ridgid was a deciding factor.

Jediscroller · 09-19-2009, 01:48 PM

Let me just third the recommendation for the Grizzly GO555. IMHO there is simply no better bandsaw available for under $1000.

Sally · 09-19-2009, 03:31 PM

I wish I'd bought a bigger saw too. I have the 9" Craftsman. I won't upgrade now but I'd have more flexibility if I'd bought a 12"

georgewoodie · 09-19-2009, 04:40 PM

Iamdusty:

I have a 14 inch Delta and I am quite happy with it. I have used it now for about 6 years.

To do it again, I would go for a machine with a higher HP rating if possible. I have not yet been inconvenienced with my present machine but I have found over the years that I often find more [and unimagined] uses than originally considered. Therefore more available power.

Woodie

RichZ · 09-19-2009, 04:45 PM

I too have a delta 14" but I have upgraded it. Install Carter bearings top and bottom and the Carter quick tensioning lever. Always take the tension off the blade when not in use. I resaw with no problems at all. You say you may not resaw but that will change. If you need 1/4" material or less you can make your own. Use a good quality saw blade. Use Timberwolf almost all the time.

Richie Z

09-19-2009, 08:47 AM	#1
Iamdusty Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Utah and Arizona Posts: 106	Need band saw advice I am looking to buy my first band saw. Space and cost have to be considered. I would be using it to give me more flexability when making boxes and other non-fretwork projects. No re-saw plans. Thank you for any help you can be. Dale Last edited by Iamdusty; 09-19-2009 at 08:50 AM.

09-19-2009, 12:07 PM	#3
KtownScroller So much better :) Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: PA Posts: 2,662	Craftsman 9 in. Band Saw __________________ - Rick

09-19-2009, 12:43 PM	#4
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Right here ---silly Posts: 4,471 Blog Entries: 1	I agree with Bruce..it is capable of being upgraded later to 12" re-saw with a kit. I have this one and I really loved it right out of the box. I have the roller base for mine so I can move it around easily in my small work area, and then store it back out of the way. __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. Don't be so open-minded. Your brains will fall out!

09-19-2009, 01:31 PM	#5
Max Dismembered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Independence, Ky Posts: 383	I have an old Craftsman and it works great, but I'm limited to what I can resaw. If I was to do it over again, I'd pay a little extra and get one capable of resawing up to 12". __________________ Dan ___________________________________ "Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again." --L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"

09-19-2009, 01:48 PM	#7
Jediscroller American Crafstman Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Galaxy far, far away Posts: 3,174 Blog Entries: 5	Let me just third the recommendation for the Grizzly GO555. IMHO there is simply no better bandsaw available for under $1000. __________________ Kevin Scrollsaw Patterns Online Making holes in wood with an EX-30, Craftsman 16" VS, Dremel 1680 and 1671

09-19-2009, 11:48 AM	#2
Bruce-P Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 108	Grizzley G0555 Grizzley G0555 14" Bandsaw

09-19-2009, 01:41 PM	#6
Kepy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Elkland, MO Posts: 120	I have a Ridgid 14" which replaced a Craftsman 12" which was a mistake. At one time I had a Delta 8" which was expensive to operate as was tough on blades. The lifetime warranty on the Ridgid was a deciding factor.

09-19-2009, 03:31 PM	#8
Sally Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Renton WA Posts: 1,021	I wish I'd bought a bigger saw too. I have the 9" Craftsman. I won't upgrade now but I'd have more flexibility if I'd bought a 12"

09-19-2009, 04:40 PM	#9
georgewoodie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 123	Iamdusty: I have a 14 inch Delta and I am quite happy with it. I have used it now for about 6 years. To do it again, I would go for a machine with a higher HP rating if possible. I have not yet been inconvenienced with my present machine but I have found over the years that I often find more [and unimagined] uses than originally considered. Therefore more available power. Woodie

09-19-2009, 04:45 PM	#10
RichZ Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kings Park NY Posts: 35	Bandsaw I too have a delta 14" but I have upgraded it. Install Carter bearings top and bottom and the Carter quick tensioning lever. Always take the tension off the blade when not in use. I resaw with no problems at all. You say you may not resaw but that will change. If you need 1/4" material or less you can make your own. Use a good quality saw blade. Use Timberwolf almost all the time. Richie Z

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