Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 26, 2007 05:17am | #1

   Rikon 14". What do you like and dislike about your machines?

   I have a Rikon 18".. Well, I like it ALOT and not sorry I got it BUT I think I should have got the smaller 14 inch one. > Why.. Who knows.. I'm strange..

1. 
   tazzer | Sep 26, 2007 06:21pm | #2

   That is strange.....SIZE MATTERS!!

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 01, 2007 10:17pm | #8

   That is strange.....SIZE MATTERS!!Yes! BUT! I have a really small shop. Thinking back I saw 12" resaw.. Thinking now I only used that feature once. Not that 18" is bad... Just sort of overkill for me!

1. 
   tazzer | Oct 03, 2007 04:46am | #9

   Will,
   I too have a small shop,and a small bandsaw.It is not too often I need a bigger one, but, "When You Need It You Need It". I am considering getting a Rinkon 18",so how did it do on your one 12" resaw cut? I would also be interested in any other info you could give me,buying experience,assembly,power,fit and finish,that sort of thing.

   Thanks,TAZ

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 03, 2007 05:48am | #10

   Hard to tell you because the only other bandsaw I have is a Delta 12".
   Which by the way is a pretty cool machine!The only other bandsaws I have used were for metal working..See if you can find a old post I made on ripping on my Ricon.
   I did out of the 'BOX' and I could see light through the wood after surfacing a 'bit'!I am strange, I admit it! I Use a Lenox 1" 3 tooth for ripping'For most woods it works more than OK with that blade. Yes I loose some wood in the process.. I live with that.However my band saw is DOWN just now! I need the casting for the lower blade guide Ball bearings. YEP! I started the saw and forgot to tension the blade!I posted someplace that the 18" I have was overkill.. Thinking back I thought it was what I wanted but I work in a small shop where space is less that I need!Just my opinion but I like my bandsaw!EDIT: DANG I re-read your post..
   ",so how did it do on your one 12" resaw cut? As in my little Delta?Well, to tell you the truth I never did that unless you want 4 inch tall Hickory and Ash Re-Sawed! Worked fine!

   Edited 10/2/2007 10:55 pm by WillGeorge

2. 
   tazzer | Oct 03, 2007 06:56pm | #11

   Sorry to hear about your "Oversight",keep me posted on how the repair goes.

3. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 03, 2007 08:21pm | #12

   "Oversight"....Damn.. I about had a heart attack! A 1" Lenox blade is STRONG. Lost a tooth on the blade and busted the casting for the lower blade ball bearings.What a bummer! Until I get around to order the part I have made a lower guide out of Purpleheart. Just a tall block with a slot cut by the blade (yes I had a new blade on hand). I used the screw holes for the lower sheet metal blade guards to mount the block. Workin' so good I may leave it that way!

2. 
   scottr | Sep 27, 2007 04:43am | #3

   I have the Rikon 14" deluxe.  It has great resaw capacity (13") and plenty of power at 220 V.  It would not run well at 120V.  The dust collection is not so good.  I get dust everywhere when using it.  However the guides are a snap to adjust between blade changes and the fence is decent.  I purchased a cheap (and inexpensive) mobile base for it which causes some stability problems.  I would opt for a high end mobile base if you plan to move it.  All in all it is a great bandsaw.  I go to it rather than my craftsman 12" for everything. I will be selling it ASAP.  I thought I would keep my craftsman for light scroll type work, but the rikon is so much better.

1. 
   bear10 | Sep 28, 2007 05:12pm | #5

   Thank you Scott.

    

   If I read you right, it sounds like the Rikon will bog down at 110V.  I hadn't heard that before.  I'll call the company service department and see what they say about that.

   Similarly, I'll call the Steel City service department and ask about performance at 110V.  From what I'm hearing from others, their service people are very good and should let me know if I'll have a problem with their machine at that voltage. 

    

   Each of the machines I mentioned, Powermatic, Rikon and SC can operate at 110V, but perhaps not effectively, or will be blowing the breaker.  I'll also have to ask what their startup and full load amperage are. 

   JW

    

    

1. 
   scottr | Sep 29, 2007 04:26am | #6

   You are correct.  My rikon would not run properly at 110V.  It would bog down and blow the 15A breaker.  No problems at 220V.  I don't know if I can say this on this site, but check out "sawmillcreek.org".  There is a lot of information from other woodworkers and their experiences with different tools.

1. 
   bear10 | Oct 01, 2007 06:23pm | #7

   Thank you for the insight on the Rikon saw.  I'll also check out the opinions on saw creek site.

   JW

3. 
   MoWWorker | Sep 28, 2007 03:26pm | #4

   Sorry I can't help you with the smaller version, but I have the 18" Steel City BS and have been very happy with it.  The folks at Steel City have been great to deal with in any questions I had.

    

   Good luck