Replies

1. 
   ctsjr | May 19, 2007 05:24am | #1

   As soon as I can, I am going to purchase the Steel City 14" bandsaw with the riser block. Great saw, built in mobile base, 1.5 hp, magnetic light, roller bearings top and bottom, balanced cast iron wheels, large cast iron table, 5 year warranty, tension release lever. You'll need around $700 though, but that's $200 less than the Powermatic and it has the mobile base and 5 year warranty that Powermatic does not. Tom

   "Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"
2. 
   forestgirl | May 19, 2007 05:31pm | #2

   At $500, you've got a challenge on your hands.  The Craftsman saw is getting alot of attention these days.  If it's an Orion-made machine (like their newish table saw), it'd be worth looking into. 

   A few miscellaneous observations:  Jet 14" saws, over the years, seem to consistently show underperformance vis a vis their motors, so checking out reviews and getting feedback from owners would be helpful.  Delta's quality control can be hit-and-miss, especially on a low-end saw such as the 28-276.

   Any chance for a bump up in the budget?  Might be worth comparing this Grizzly to the Craftsman.  That puts you close to the Steel City (before shipping) -- you don't happen to have an SC dealer nearby, do you?

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/19/2007 10:32 am by forestgirl

3. 
   cadiddlehopper | May 19, 2007 06:46pm | #3

   I had to replace the blade tension spring to slice veneer with my Delta 14-incher. Otherwise, I have nothing but praise for it. It is still the most satisfactory machine in my shop. Reading others' comments and examining the market, it is my guess that tension springs are inadequate on most such saws anyway.

   Cadiddlehopper

4. 
   BruceS | May 20, 2007 03:38am | #4

   With $500,  I would be searching out http://www.craigslist.com .   And look for a good used machine.  I picked up a Jet 14" for $250 and it was like new.  A little dirty and in need of new guide blocks and blade(the original blade).  Deals can be found.  New guide blocks(ceramic)  6 blades and a riser block and still far under $500.  No problems resawing 8" white oak with 1/2"X 3TPI with the 1HP stock motor.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

5. 
   MWJones | May 20, 2007 05:00am | #5

   I second the motion of looking for a good used machine.  I picked up a Delta 14” (1958 version) out of a newspaper ad a couple of weeks ago for $75 dollar- an additional $100 dollars in new urethane tires and other parts, and I’ve got a classic that will last forever.  It’s my 3^rd band saw and I’ll offered it to a friend in need at my cost, but I hate to see it go.

    

   Check out the Old Wood Working Machines Website- a great source for info on old machines and downloadable parts lists etc.    http://www.owwm.com

    

   Mike J

6. 
   MatthewSchenker | May 21, 2007 05:50pm | #6

   I owned the 14" Jet for many years and was very happy with it. I recently replaced it with a Powermatic. I wrote an extensive review of the Jet 14" on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/JET-708115K-JWBS-14CS-Horsepower-Woodworking/dp/B00006ANS4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-5835193-8681613?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1179758707&sr=8-1

   The new Craftsman line is getting very good reviews. I have the new Craftsman 6" jointer, and it's been great.

   My recommendation is to avoid Grizzly, unless you're prepared to deal with shipping headaches and lose money if and when the machine has problems and must be shipped back.

7. 
   Napie | May 22, 2007 05:45am | #7

   I concur on the used Delta.  For $500.00 you can find very nice machine, put a few dollars into it, like a riser block, tires, maybe a new motor, etc. and have a great machine.  My 1985 Delta does everything I could ask of a bandsaw including roughing out green bowl blanks by the dozen, resawing 12” hardwoods and profile cutting.

8. 
   JulianBE | May 22, 2007 04:07pm | #8

   I am very happy with my Ridgid 14" bandsaw.  The fence, while not very glamourous, locks consistently and firmly every time.  I set the saw up like Michael Firtune recommended and it is a great tool, precise, consistent, and relaxing to use.  Good blades (from bctool  and saw) and Fortune's set-up mean I don't need lots of power, fancy fences, or aftermarket guides.