Im considering a Grizzley 17 inch 2 HP bandsaw, as well as a 19 inch 3 HP. I’m not concerned with the price diff of $250 dollars on this one. I’m soliciting opinions here. Is the 2 HP more than I could ever want, or is the 3 a better very long term safe bet? As for my woodworking – I’m a hobyiest only, have a dedicated basement shop, been woodworking for many years, but new to bandsawing. I suspect I’ll do occasional curve work, but the majority of the anticipated bandsaw work would be for resawing. As for projects, small boxes and cabinetry.
Ideas, thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
Freed
Replies
2 hp is plenty for a homeshop. I have the grizzly 16" bandsaw with 2 hp and have resawn short logs with it. I do not recall ever bogging it down.
mike
All that horsepower gets you is the possibility of a higher feed rate. That's it: feed rate. Mounted on the same saw, a 2 hp motor will cut everything a 3 hp motor will cut. However, the maximum feed rate is lower. In a production environment, feed rate has some effect. In a hobby environment, not so much. You probably never feed a saw at its maximum feed rate anyhow. That is, the horsepower difference between these two saws is not what should drive your decision. I'd look more at issues like the blade guides, the fence, the table size, and such.
I have a 4.5 hp Baldor on a 16 inch (Laguna) and wouldn't want any less horse. I would suggest the 3hp, personally. I find feed rate an important enough factor if you can afford it, and all the advice I've ever gotten (and appreciated) is to go with the most power you can afford or want to spend for. Better to have more than wish you had more. I have 3hp on my table saw and wish I'd paid the extra 100 or so for the 5hp...
The way motors are rated today, I'd go for the bigger one.
Paul
I think, (I could be mistaken, but haven't seen anything to make me think so), that induction motors are rated pretty much as they have been for the last fifty plus years. There are some real standards on how the horsepower and torque are measured.
The universal motors are where the "fake" horsepower claims are coming up. They are misusing the torque X rpm equation, ( T X rpm / 5252 = hp), but instead of using simultaneous measurements, (which is the only way the physics makes sense), they are using free spinning rpm, and the stalled rotor torque. Which results in false horsepower ratings of several times the horsepower you get if you convert the watts the motor is pulling and assume the motor is 100% efficient.
Induction motors get misleading HP numbers too. Check out those 5 HP compressors at your local big box store. Less bogus (but still bogus) is multiplying the service factor by the rated horsepower. Lots of of other variations I'm sure.Band saw horsepower tends to be way overemphasized on Knots. Assuming the horsepower is real (probably not), the difference between 2 and 3 should be insignificant in a 17" bandsaw for amateur use. I've run 13" green logs on a 20" with less power than that. However, the bigger wheel does make a difference. So does how well the machine is built, how big the table is, how strong the trunnions are, and how good the knobs and handles that you'll be using all the time work. I'd take a good look at both machines and buy based on that.Pete
Edited 10/14/2007 11:44 am ET by PeteBradley
For a $250 difference, I would personally go with the largest motor and largest resaw capacity.
Lee
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