Replies

1. 
   VomSorb | May 13, 2005 12:16am | #1

   Yes, it's worth it.  Cut some wood with it before you buy it.

2. 
   BG | May 13, 2005 01:27am | #2

   UrbanRedneck,
   You'll fairly quickly realize you'll need a decent bandsaw and a 14" is about the minimum. Several of us have initially bought something less than that to kinda get our feet wet and found it's main function was to be a good place to hang an apron or sweater.
   The other issue is space. My shop is small too. I realize you might not have the money to buy a larger one right now, but a 14" or larger is movable and is pretty much self contained. Likewise, I wish I had bought a floor mounted drill press too...a bit more flexible with the layout.

    

3. 
   nikkiwood | May 13, 2005 01:59am | #3

   Although a bandsaw for 75 bucks is tempting, the 10" Delta does not have much of a reputation, and I suspect you will be disappointed and frustrated. For sure, do take cstan's advice, and try the thing out before you carry it away.

   I hate to see people begin their interest in woodworking with a cheap, crappy piece of equipment. It's not always the case, but too often, the machine doesn't do what they want it to do, and they wil just give up in frustration.

   Whereas, if you buy a good machine, people will often labor to elevate their skill level to meet the capabilities of the machine.

   A vet told me once that, generally speaking, the care people invest in a dog (training, nutrition, medical) is in direct proportion to how much they paid for the animal.

   I am not pushing for or against this bandsaw, just trying to give a frame of reference to work with. If it gets you interested in the craft, it could be the best $75 you ever spent.

   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   UrbanRedneck | May 13, 2005 04:00am | #4

   Thanks for the info, everyone.  I talked to the guys at the local woodworking store and they said go for it.  What the guy said was that I will learn what I want in a bigger say and how big of a saw I will need for the projects I plan to do.  Also, when I am ready to jump, I can get all of my $75 for it back.  I'm still torn, I know I need a bandsaw for the projects I have lined up for the summer.  I don't like the idea of cutting all my curves for the detail of my portico in the back yard with a jigsaw.  If it can get me though that, then it will have paid for itself and I can look to a bigger saw in the fall.  Show the wife that I really use it and need a bigger saw and she should bite on the taller coin! 

4. 
   woodensplinter | May 13, 2005 04:13am | #5

   I have a small shop where space is at a premium.  I too wanted a bandsaw but didn't have the space.  To make a long story short, I got a 9" plastic bandsaw and, for me, it has worked out absolutely great!  Do I long for a larger saw.  You betcha.  Until that happens, I'll be happily making sawdust with what I have.  If you go for it, buy a decent blade, learn to tune it up, and remember what you bought it for.  (I think buying the smaller stuff is a bit of a crap shoot but, hopefully, you'll get lucky, like I did.)

1. 
   FastEddie | May 13, 2005 04:34am | #6

   I really like when someone posts the truth, and puts ego on the back burner.  some of us are not as fortunate as others, do not have the cash as others, do not have the space as others, but we are working to learn. I have to tell you that there are times on these threads that I see ego winning out over actual concrete advice.  I click out of those.  I proudly am one of the little guys, still learning.  And will continue.

   FastEddie

   LONG LIVE THE LANCASTER BARNSTORMERS!!!!!!!!!!  baseball is back after 35 Years!

5. 
   douglas2cats | May 13, 2005 03:55pm | #7

   Is it worth the money? 

   Depends on what you plan on using it for. If you just need something to cut occasional curved work, go for it. If you're intending to do resawing, I think you'll be pretty disappointed.

   Waddaya mean it wont fit through the door?

   
   

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   Edited 5/13/2005 8:56 am ET by douglas2cats