Replies

1. 
   user-1119321044 | Jun 10, 2009 07:06pm | #1

   I'm very pleased with my Rikon after some tuning. First you need to install the supplied blade - the best location for it is in the trash - its useless. The guides on my saw would not adjust far forward enough to reach the back of the gullets on a 5/8 blade - never mind a 3/4" one. I don't know if they have fixed that problem yet but it can be done quite easily with a few washers and longer screws. The remaining job was to cut out /remove the piece of steel blocking the dust port - again they might have fixed this now. Apart from the above and general squaring and adjustment all should be fine.

1. 
   Domer | Jun 10, 2009 09:47pm | #2

   You might read the blog on Steel City in this same forum.There seems to be some concern about the future of Steel City.Domer

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 12, 2009 04:38pm | #7

   If that thread (not a blog) is read thoroughly, especially Sarge's info <click> about the relocation of Steel City main headquarters, it's apparent that there's little foundation for the rumor. 

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

2. 
   cwalvoord | Jun 10, 2009 10:28pm | #3

   I have been extremely happy with my Laguna LT14SE which meets the two requirements you listed. It is more expensive than the Steel City or Rikon but:
   - it is extremely well made (no flex or vibration issues)
   - it was well set up out of the crate (I made only a few minor adjustments)
   - it is very well designed, everything can be adjusted so that it is just right

   Laguna just came out with two more variations of their 14" band saw and I think all the prices have come down since I bought mine in Jan.
   Chris

3. 
   roc | Jun 11, 2009 04:29am | #4

   phantom,

   I whole heartedly second Chris's comments ! I have had my Laguna about three years and have no gripes. I really like it.

   You can watch the video on line now you do not need to get a DVD in the mail

   http://www.lagunatools.com/bandsaw.lt14se.aspx#

   Once you get to the site just click on "video" and the owner of Laguna will fill your ear.

   The pics are of bubinga resawed. Motor is 2hp Baldore. Does not bog and hardly gets warm.

   roc

   Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

   
   

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   Edited 6/10/2009 9:32 pm by roc

   
1. 
   Krico | Jun 11, 2009 06:54pm | #5

   What blade and the size of the blade are you running?

   thanks

1. 
   roc | Jun 12, 2009 05:16am | #6

   >what blade am I running< 1-1/8 " ( 30mm) wide Laguna Resaw King ; it is about a three to four tooth per inch.It is a very precisely machined blade. Laguna came up with it in their attempt to make a bandsaw cut as , or nearly as, smooth and accurately as a table saw. They succeeded. Need their ceramic guides to make the blade cut as well as possible but can put their guides on other brands of saws. Not cheep but worth the money.The Resaw King Blade comes with the saw.http://www.lagunatools.com/bandsaw.resawking1.aspxrocGive me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

   Edited 6/11/2009 10:17 pm by roc

4. 
   forestgirl | Jun 12, 2009 04:41pm | #8

   There are certainly better choices, but they will cost considerably more $$.  Sarge reviewed one of the Steel City bandsaws back in 2006, side-by-side with a couple other brands.  Click here to see the thread.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
5. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 12, 2009 06:19pm | #9

   I have the original Rikon 18" I am more than satisfied with it. I have used industrial wood cutting bandsaws and there is no comparison to them but it is still a more than just useable bandsaw. I have had it for several years and although not used everyday it has only given me two problems.

   1.) The lower casting that holds the roller-bearing blade guides. But then again I forgot to tighten the blade tension and a 1 inch 3 tooth Lenox blade was flying around inside. MY FAULT.

   I had the saw for about two? years then and I still received a free replacement. I told them up-front it was my fault and the saw was probably out of warranty.

   2.) I had one of the ball-bearing (blade guides) go bad. Maybe left the factory without lubrication? Someday I need to get another one. I mad a jury-rig replacement with a oillite bushing and some Purpleheart wood...

   If you have a used machinery dealer near you you may want to go have at look at what they have.

   EDIT:

   My experience only...  so things may have changed. I sure hope so!

   I was going to get a 18 inch Laguna bandsaw before ordering my Rixon.

   I did not get the Laguna because the person on the phone was more than just rude.  Simple questions seemed to 'tick' him off... I hung up and ordered the Rikon.

   
   

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   Edited 6/12/2009 11:27 am by WillGeorge