Replies

1. 
   PaulEames | Feb 27, 2005 03:06am | #1

   I have the Rikon, it is okay. It has the power, that is not a problem. I find it goes out of adjustmet and does not hold its settings like I think it should. What I don't know is if it is any better or worse then any other model as I have had no real exposure to anything but my saw. I think if I had it to do over again I would get the Laguna LT14.

2. 
   walnutjerry | Feb 27, 2005 05:05am | #2

   Hi Pete-----If money is no object go for the industrial grade saw by all means. I am a one man shop and really have to justify equipment costs. I recently (about a week ago) updated my bandsaw. I had to weigh out what I used the bandsaw for, how often I used it and would it make money for me (at least enough to help pay for it).

   While visiting the big woodworking machinery show in Greensboro, NC and surveying what was represented, I settled on what I thought was the most saw for the money. The brand is "Fisch"----it is a 16" band saw, 1 1/2hp, dual voltage(115/230) 2 speed(2300 and 3250 rpm),  resaw capacity of 12", roller bearing blade guides, 3 point fence, 2-4" dust ports, quick change blade tensioning & release, 16 x 16 cast iron table. It also has cast iron wheels. The saw retails for $999.00.  I got it at the show price of 899.  It takes a 128 1/2" blade(this was determined after measuring the blade that came on the saw and talking to the company that makes the blades)

   I have ordered Timberwolf blades for it(which have not arrived yet) after talking with their rep at the show. Then I will be able to really evaluate the workings of the saw. Using the reight blade for the right job makes a big difference with any bandsaw.

   I had bought from Fisch before and have been happy with the equipment and customer service. This is the first year they have had the band saw so time will tell. It comes with a 2 year warranty.

   Good luck on your selection----Jerry

1. 
   peteD | Mar 01, 2005 05:07pm | #4

   Thanks, Jerry

   I never heard of Fisch before but I will check this brand out.  The size is right and price is in my range so that's good. 

   Thanks again

   Pete   

1. 
   walnutjerry | Mar 01, 2005 09:01pm | #5

   Pete----I do not know where you are located but Fisch Precision Tools Inc. is in Claysville, Pa.  Route 40 West, P.O. Box 644,  15323.

   Phone number is 724-663-9072

   email: [email protected]

   Tell them I referred you-----thanks, Jerry Hartsell

1. 
   peteD | Mar 07, 2005 01:11am | #6

   Jerry,

   I checked the Fisch saw out and I really liked it.  I have been looking for some time and after checking out the Fisch website and talking to the company, I decided to drive to one of their distributers here in Illinois and got a real look.  I was impressed and bought it.  It appears to be a hybrid, having features of an larger industrial saw.  Although this is a new product for the company, I am comfortable with the purchase.  All of their other product appear to be well made.  The President of the company actually showed me the saw, and he appeared to be a regular guy and very proud of his product.    I liked the fact that I was talking to the President of the company, as I would think that he was involved in many of the decisions that go along with manufacturing a new product at the company.  I would have liked to spend more time talking to him than I already did, but I had a long drive.  Anyways, for the price, the the saw really sells itself.  It appears very solid, well made machine.  It is also very heavy.  I do not see myself outgrowing this tool.

   Much thanks again for all the help,

   Pete 

1. 
   walnutjerry | Mar 07, 2005 01:46am | #7

   Pete--CONGRADULATIONS!!!  I am happy if I  have been of any help.

   Would the man's name be Dwight?  Dwight is one of the owners and the one I bought from. He used to be a dairy farmer. Right down to earth and not at all pretentious. I had bought one of their mortising machines a few years ago.(also from Dwight)  I have been more than pleased with customer service. There has never been a hassle to resolve anything.

   I just got one of my new Timberwolf blades on the bandsaw yesterday. I put the 3/4" 3TPI on for cutting tenons in red oak for table aprons. After adjusting the tracking and the normal routine of setting blade guides and getting proper tension, I got a good uniform, relatively smooth cut through 3 1/2" of material. Adequate smoothness for the face of a tenon.

   I think I am going to be happy with the bandsaw/blade choices I made. My first comment about the saw was the fact I thought the table should have been a little bigger. That is not a big handicap though. I will continue to evaluate as time goes on and I use it in different applications. I think the choice of blades for what you are doing will have as much as anything to do with the success in using the saw.

   Enjoy the new toy!!!              Jerry

2. 
   peteD | Mar 07, 2005 07:11am | #8

   Jerry,

   Actually the guy's name was Tony.

   I just finished switching the wiring to 220.  The instructions did not explain how to do this, but there was a small wiring diagram inside the cover plate of the motor once I removed it.  I did this once on the motor on my table saw, so it was the same approach.   I also had to switch the plug.  I hear what your saying about the size of the table, and I would general like to have the largest table possible, but I never expected a real large table on any of the saws I was looking at.  I have seen smaller tables.  I think the Laguana had a real small table.  I am not complaining one bit, I am happy with the machine.  I do have to order some blades.  Tony gave me some coupons for the timberwolf blades, so I will most likely try them out.  Well, thanks again.

   Pete 

3. 
   walnutjerry | Mar 08, 2005 06:42am | #9

   Hi Pete-----I had the same coupons(probably). I went to the website of the company honoring the coupons and also several others. The prices I found that were the best was with Suffolk Machinery, even better than the "coupon" company after the discount.

    Besides the prices being better I got the fourth blade free.

   Have you used the TW blades before?

   Jerry

3. 
   rrdesigns | Feb 27, 2005 07:21am | #3

   I purchased the 18" Rikon through Woodcraft in December, 2004. The only bad thing that happened was the motor did not work properly from the onset. I contacted Rikon and they shipped me a new motor. To make matters worse, it was poorly packaged and arrived with a bent fan cover. I swapped it with the cover from the original motor and swapped the motors in the bandsaw. It was time consuming but not technically difficult. The new motor worked fine. When I shared my experience with the Woodcraft manager, he called the Rikon sales department and they gave me two timberwolf blades of my choosing free to make amends for my trouble. I am using the Rikon primarily for resawing (for now) with a 1" timberwolf blade installed and so far have been very satisfied.