I’m looking into getting my first bandsaw. I know that I want to do a lot of resawing of stock up to 10″ wide and I also know that occasionally I’ll want to use a 1/8″ blade for scroll work. Given these needs, and after reading earlier posts, it seems a 16″ – 18″ saw would be the best choice. I’m currently looking seriously at the 18″ Rikon and the 17″ Grizzly, both of which are similarly priced at times with the Rikon is on sale. I’m concerned that a 1/8″ blade won’t track well on the 18″ Rikon and I’m concerned about limited blade availability for 16″ or 17″ bandsaws. Are these concerns warranted? Any opinions about the Grizzly vs. the Rikon? Are there other saws I should consider in the $800 to $900 price range?
Thanks,
Lyptus
Replies
fwiw, the latest issue of Wood magazine has a comparison of these and similar machines. I don't put a lot of stock in these comparisons, but it does give a side by side look at the tools. Didn't read complete article, but did notice they picked Rikon as top tool.
Chuck
"a lot of resawing" means different things to different people.
I make 400bdft purchases of 8/4 lumber. Most is 10" or wider. Most is resawn to 4/4 as I build projects. (I might spend 1/2 day a week resawing and planing from 8/4 rough to 7/8" finish.)
I find a 14" bandsaw with a 6" riser does a reasonable job.
Bandsaw blade suppliers weld up their blades from bulk rolls of blade stock, they'll make any length you need so you aren't limited to the offerings in the general woodworking catalogs.
A 14 inch saw with a riser block and the proper blade installed, which is very important, can easily handle both resawing and small blade work.
John W.
How wide a blade would you use to create veneer? A Delta salesman was telling me that a wider blade is better for really fine, straight cuts as for veneer, and the 14" wouldn't hold a blade larger than 3/4".
I've not heard of problems running narrow blades (like 1/8") even on a big saw, but my knowledge is from magazines and books (and, perhaps unfortunately, salesmen). Are you aware of any issues like that?
Unless you disabuse me of these notions, I'm leaning toward the Delta 28-682 or comparable (12" resaw, holds 1 1/4" blades, quick tension release).
A 14 inch saw can take a blade 3/4 of an inch wide but works just fine for resawing with 1/2 inch wide blades. I can't argue with buying a big saw but thousands of woodworkers are getting good results resawing with 14 inch saws with riser blocks.
John W.
My 16-inch Laguna resaws quite well and is rated to handle up to 12-inch boards although I haven't ever done that. I do, however, resaw in the 8 to 10-inch range fairly often. As to blades, as noted above, any size is made up to spec. I order mine from Timberwolf by phone and get them in all widths up to one inch. No problem, good prices, fast service. The Rikon looks good on the showroom floor, but I haven't used it. The local dealer says he hasn't had any callbacks on them.
Hi Lyptus, Have you looked at the MiniMax saws? The MM 16 is close to that money, and they get excellent marks from customers. Laguna and Aggazani are the major competitors, also good saws. I was set to buy the MM16, when a deal on a 36" Oliver came up.
If you are at all interested in a really big bandsaw, let me know. Old iron is not for everybody. My saw weighs over a ton, but, works spectacularly. 15" resaw, will take a 2" blade, 36" throat, and looks medieval, cost $400. There are some sources for old iron, if you want a saw with a ton (literally) of character and performance.
18" Rikon .. I have one I use for mostly resawing..
I use a 1" wide 3 tooth per inch LENOX blade..
I have never used a 1/8 inch blade so I can't comment on it..
I would think a 1/8 blade may be a problem.. Big tires and tracking.. Not qualified to answer.. Well, if I need a 1/8 or less blade I use my scroll saws...
I love my RIKON saw but never had any one better to compare it to..
Has a 9 inch? Delta that I use the small blades on.. You say 9 inch is junk.. Could be but somehow I get by with 'MY TOY' I love it also!
Well, I'm happy as hell so whatever...
Now for that Power Feed that cost more than the RICON...
EDIT::
I saw the post.... How wide a blade would you use to create veneer?
I use my 1 inch blade.. I can cut a sliver I can see light through..
HOWEVER.. that blade needs a better feeded than me.. Why I would LOVE a power feed.. I wish!
Edited 10/6/2005 9:36 am ET by WillGeorge
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