Tools & Materials
Delta - 18-in. Bandsaw 28-682
Delta’s 18-in. bandsaw features a 2-hp motor with cast-iron wheels and acceptable resaw capacity.
Jun 01, 2004
If you cut a lot of thick stock, or if you resaw stock in the 9-in.-wide to 12-in.-wide range, an 18-in. bandsaw is worth considering. Not only does it offer extra capacity, but most 18-in. saws also have more horsepower to cut faster. I looked at 11 models ranging in price from $900 to almost $3,000, evaluating cutting ability, machine sturdiness, and blade-changing ease. The Delta showed acceptable results in the resaw test, did well in the curve-cutting test, and ranked eighth in the frame-deflection test. Fussy-to-adjust guides made blade changing a chore.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM
While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test.
Ridgid R4331 Planer
Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.
Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure
With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in