I’m sure I’m not the first to ask this question: I am a begginer woodworker in need of a decent bandsaw. I plan on using it primarily to cut curves and chair legs in hardwoods, which could be as thick as 12/4 i supopse due to the chair legs. Probably not going to be doing much resawing, but maybe every once in a while i might want to so it would be nice to have that option (to some extent). In terms of safety, I would think that any decent make properly used would be as safe as the next?
Given those criteria, what size and horsepower would be recommended. Any specific models to recommend? Thanks much for the feedback, thanks, tony.
Replies
Do you have a budget in mind?
Mark
Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.
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everything is relative, including relatives.
That being said, I would recommend the Gizzly 14"
G0580 is $325 base
G0555 is $425 base
Riser block for increasing reaw ability from 6" to 12", mobile base and shipping is over that.
Price is reasonable and quality is good from what I hear. I will be buying a G0555 in a couple of months.
As with any band saw, rash the one that comes with it and buy a good one. Although I have heard that Gizzly now offers Timerwolf blades - not sure if they put one with the saw or still send out trash and offer to sell the timerwolf.
If price is not a concern I would look at Laguna
I have a RIKON 18 and LOVE it..
They also have a 14" about $550.. If the 14" is like the 18" you can't go wrong..
Just me though... Grizz is a good saw too..
Will,
Where can one get one of the 14" Rikons? Do they have a riser block available for them?1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go 4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
Specific models? Really does depend on your budget, tony. Give us a hint. The Grizzly 14" G0555 is great for someone who's spread pretty thin as they build up their shop. (Personally, I'd stay away from the 3/4HP alternative, G0580.) If you have tons of dough you might want to go with a Minimax. If you don't have tons, but want more substance than the G0555, you could opt for the new Grizzly 14" "industrial bandsaw" (take that with a grain of salt maybe) at $695. G0570.
Go to http://www.grizzly.com and click on "Woodworking Bandsaw" in the tool list at the bottom to see these.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
thanks for the recommendations. i'd like to keep it under $1,500 and try and get something that i won't grow out of for a long time.
I'd talk to Jim Strain at Mini-Max. He is the owner and answers emails.
He just brought in a new Italian made saw at less than your price point.
http://www.minimax-usa.com/
If you can get a MiniMax for that budget, it'd be a great way to go. They are fine machines and their customer service is incredible.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
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