Okay, Another one. Well not quite.
I want a new bandsaw. I’ve looked at several small shop saws. I also am looking at some used ones. I would love a nice 18″-20″ Delta/Powermatic wood/metal saw. But… I can’t afford one. I’ve been finding some 14″ deltas, old walker-turner 16″ and recently some parks 16″ bandsaws in my price range. Should I take on the old machine, do a little resto and have a nice vintage saw with a wierd blade size.
Or should I run out the Griz and buy the Ultimate 14″ saw and call it a day.
Before I get the list of it’s up to you, can you reair a broken saw etc. Yes, I am better than average with mechanical things, I do like old tools, but new ones are good too.
Thanks for the help. Ty Yost
Replies
Ty,
For me it's always a time issue. I have the 0555 and it's a great saw. Is it a saw equal to some older model 40+yr old. I doubt it.
I actually have the opportunity to get an old I-R 18in saw from a fellow for the taking. It is one massive saw. Weights in the neighborhood of 600lbs! Wheels still turn light butter. Has 4hp 3ph motor. But it has a broken foot which would need to be fixed and a clean up job that would take me forever. Someone saw fit to brush paint it some time back and it's peeling off now.
I may still try it being I already have a saw, but knowing me it would be a couple of years before I could say "it's ready". For me I'm not sure I want to invest the time.
My 2 cents Ty. Let us know what you decide and good luck.
Jimmy
as always I wish you enough
Hi Try5077------I just recently updated my bandsaw after a couple years looking around. I had a sears 12" from the 70'S. I was definitely limited to what I could do with it.
I went to a 16" bandsaw put out by Fisch. They promote it as a 16" saw with 18" capabilities. It has a 12" resaw capacity which you do not usually find on a 16" bandsaw. 2 speed, 16 x 16 table with 3 point fence, 2 dust ports, 1 1/2 hp,(110/230) and a quick release and tension system. There is an article in May Woodshop news about the saw.
I did order Timberwolf blades for it after talking to one of their reps at a woodworking show. That is the key to most bandsaws----having the right blade for the job. I was able to resaw red oak 6" high and about 1/32 thickness with acceptable accuracy for the first time in my career.
I felt it was the most saw for the money. I did catch a show special and bought the one on the floor so I feel like I got a real good buy.
Good luck on your choice!! Jerry
my advice for what it is worth:
save up and buy a real saw. it is just too important of a tool to shortchange. i wish i had done this the first time. my first saw was a rigid 14" with a riser block. i quickly outgrew it, and have since moved to a laguna 20". if you have a true workhorse bandsaw, that you don't have to futz with every time you use it, it gives you so much flexibility. and on top of that, you begin to use it for jobs that would normally be done on the table saw, and that is not only makes things eaiser, but safer, too.
ph
Good for you.. To me ANY tool is good if it does what you want!
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