Hey Folks,
Anybody have any advice regarding buying a large 20-24″ bandsaw? I looked at a Grizzly 24″ recently which had a huge amount of blade wobble. Since the owner only sawed packing foam with it, it is certainly possible that he didnt have it set up correctly, but the possibility that it was manufactured with out-of-round wheels or some other serious flaw makes me nervous. Buying a machine that one only sees in a catalog seem pretty risky.
I have also looked at a Northfield 20″ 3hp, 3 ph, direct drive, for somthing in the mid $2000. It seems like a solid machine.
I plan to do general woodworking and more-than-twice- a-year-resawing.
Grizzly, Northfield, Woodtek, Laguna, Agazzani, Northtech, Jet, Delta, General, Oliver….God, I’m so confused. Please help!
Thanks,
HG
Replies
H-G,
Wobble on a Grizzly bandsaw, hmmmm.
I have a Grizzly 14" that I had a real problem with because of the tires. I thought the wheels were out of round, but they were within .003" when I measured them with the tires off. The wheels were well within specs for such a machine. Grizzly sent me new tires which were even worse!
I don't know what the problem with the tires actually was. It seemed to me that they stretched and bunched around the wheel perimeter and I could not get them "smoothed out." New urethane tires solved the problem.
I wonder if the saw you examined had the same problem with its tires?
Rich
Edited 8/23/2002 9:08:32 PM ET by Rich Rose
Hello from a long time reader, first time poster!
If you're confused, wait. Do some more research, read reviews, gather opinions, but don't buy until you're sure you've found the machine that meets your needs.
Good luck! Jeff
Since you already have the Grizzly I would try aftermarket urethane tires and ensuring the saw is properly tuned first.
I bought a brand new Delta and it's wheels were > 1/8" out of coplanar, easily fixed with washer shims. Now it runs like a dream- can't imagine anything better!
If I was buying a new >20" bandsaw Bridgewood would be my choice. I've read favorable reviews that state beefier components than the similar Laguna offerings. But I don't have personal experience...yet.
About 2 months ago I bought a Laguna Tools 18-inch bandsaw and I have been very pleased with it. It is very strong and stable. I got a 1 3/8'" blade for resawing and my cuts are straight and clean. Their web address is: http://www.lagunatools.com/catalog.htm.
Good luck!
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