Is 28″ overkill for a home shop bandsaw? I’d use it to make cabinets and furniture mostly.
AE
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Replies
Sure! But don't let that stop you.
Make sure you ask the important questions though, like:
- can I get it into my shop?
- is there enough headroom?
- is it missing any parts that would be hard to come by? Guides may be hard, table may be impossible.
- does it need any repairs? If so, am I truly capable of taking them on?
- if it has babbitt bearings, am I capable of replacing them?
- are the guards that it comes with sufficient for my needs?
- can I run it with the power that I have (e.g. phase, amps)?
If that one doesn't work out, a nice big machine for a home shop is the Delta/Rockwell 20", and it's fairly lightweight at 600 lb.
Pete
AE,
A 28 inch saw would be a large saw for a commercial shop and is probably larger than 99% of the band saws used in home shops. A saw that large would probably need a 9 foot ceiling, would weigh in the range of a 1/2 ton or more, and probably need a heftier electrical supply than most home wiring is capable of supplying.
Your question suggests that you don't have a lot of experience with band saws. I'd suggest that you do some research and read articles about using band saws before making such a major purchase.
John W.
I've got an old 36" Indiana Machine Works bandsaw. Yes, it's way bigger than I need for 95% of the work I do, but it's extra size is never a problem. It lets me do stupid stuff like sawing up logs into planks, without worrying about hurting the saw for the weight of the log. I'd definately buy it. When you get used to the mass of these old machines, a 16" Jet will seem like a rediculous underbuilt toy. Now I just need to find a big old flat belt driven thickness planer of a similar vintage, and I'll feel unstoppable.
It's funny to read the different opinions... basically it is overkill but can be useful and the extra size won't hurt.
Problem is it's three phase, which would require a converter. I think I'll hold out for something a little more "mid" sized. The reserve on it is $1500 cad which is as much as I'd bid, and I'm sure it will go for more anyway.
I too have a 36" bandsaw, purchased in at a sale in Qunicy Il. Put a 2hp farm duty motor on it, added a chain in place of the belt, and it cuts and cuts and cuts. Yes takes up a lot of floor space, but is so much fun resawing anything. As for the chain drive, bought a gear for motor at a bearing shop.. and need to give the upper wheel a spin by hand when I start it but once going, it does not stop
I use a 28in bandsaw as my main shop saw, but then we're a trade shop. We also have a 14in Startrite saw because not only is the big saw overkill, but it isn't very good at handling blades narower than anout 1/4in - for that the 14in is much better. The 14in saw blades are also a LOT cheaper.
Scrit
Whoa, $1500 is alot. I paid $275 for mine. I did have to make new wooden rims and put a 3 horse motor on it though, but I'm still under $600. Good luck in your search for the right bandsaw.
$1500 is a lot. Big bandsaws frequently go remarkably cheap.Besides the 20" Delta/Rockwell, there are several other medium industrial machines that will blow the 14s out of the water but are more practical for someone who doesn't want to deal with the really big iron. You'll find a lot of good information on http://www.owwm.com/. Pete
If it isn't direct drive the motor can be replaced. Large single phase motors are expensive.
Hey, when I got my Harley, the wife said "You don't need a motorcycle!". My reply was Need has nothing to do with it!. If budget is not a problem, get what you want. That's just m2cw. For me as a hobyist, my little ol 17" is plenty big enough. Good luck on the decison. Which new tool to buy is a good place to be! Take care.
I just bought a 20" DAvis wells that surely is older than I am (45). I've torn it apart and am replacing parts as I go. Nice big table - heavy machine. Will let you know. Paid $400 and will surely spend another $400 on parts plus time. Still a deal for a saw like this.
Hey you got a good deal. I'm spending about $700 on a Powermatic 81 20", in working condition. Massive cast iron table, a pretty good deal. *cheers*My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
I'll trade you my like new delta bandsaw for yours.
-Lou C
Is 28" overkill for a home shop bandsaw? I'd use it to make cabinets and furniture mostly.
NA but if it were me.. I'd get one then see that 30 inch one I Just Had To Have!
the big saws typically don't run small blades very well... small as in anything less than 3/8". I have a Minimax 20" that does pretty much everything I could imagine I would want a big bs to do and am very happy with it, but I also have a Jet 14" that I use exclusively with a 3/16" blade for more intricate work... which you don't typically need the horsepower for anyways.
Honestly, I'd think for general furniture and cabinet work a 18" bandsaw would be a good fit. I really don't think the size is as important as the features and ergonomics (e.g. eas of changing the blade and setting the guides).
I like your setup and it fits my budget and space better too. Thanks for the advice.
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