Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 06, 2012 04:37pm | #1

   A couple of questions. What is your budget? How wide do you need to resaw?

1. 
   Westchester | Jan 06, 2012 05:00pm | #2

   Saws

   KT

   One saw isn't the answer - you need two different saws.  Delta in the 700.00 range for curves.  For resawing you need a bigger machine.

   SA

2. 
   kendalltaylor | Jan 06, 2012 08:32pm | #3

   budget

   I consider spending 1400 but don't want to spend it on a machine where I am not going to use the extra power etc.  Also I don't see resawing anything wider than 10 inhces.

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 07, 2012 01:00pm | #6

   power

   The trade-offs between different sizes and models can generally be summed up in terms of size and capacity. The HP of the motor plays a big role for resawing, and the larger saws typically have larger motors, too.

   For 10" resawing, I'd lean toward a 2hp unit, regardless of "size" (14", 17", etc.). A 2hp motor, however, will pull almost 20 amps on a 110v line. A 1 1/2hp motor will pull about 15 amps on 110v, so you have a little wiggle room on a 20 amp circuit. The current Delta 14" BS has a 1hp motor, which would pull around 10 amps on 110v.

   I'd suggest looking at Laguna (considered by many to be the Rolls Royce of bandsaws), Delta, Powermatic, and Grizzly. A model with a 1 1/2hp motor might be a reasonable compromise for you, or go 2hp if you have a 30 amp circuit in your shop.

   Note, too, that "curve cutting" on a bandsaw is limited to fairly gentle arcs unless you are working with very short stock.

2. 
   roc | Jan 06, 2012 10:44pm | #4

   My Laguna / my prize possession

   Here is one discussion on bandsaws, resawing etc.

   http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/power-tools-and-machinery/bandsaw-maincentral-shop-tool

   >need a bigger bandsaw than 14 for resawing<

   Huh

   Hmmm

   that's old school . . . or you met up with a "good salesman" before ACTUALLY trying a modern 14.

   See pics

   Tha's a 14; a good one with a 220v industrial motor but it doesn't even slow down resawing 10 inch bubinga and purple heart. Much power to spare.  The motor hardly gets warm let alone hot.  NOT A PROBLEM !

    I think it would at least be adequate on 110v but have not tried it.  In any case you are not going to run a larger saw on 110 V ; nope nope, naaaawgonadoit.

   PS: Maybe I misunderstood the need a bigger saw comment.  Maybe you meant need a bigger saw than the $700 Delta curve cutter.

   I am all for having more than one bandsaw.  Switching blades is time consuming and not "fun" after the first few times.  Best to have a bandsaw set up for resawing and one set up for curves.

   But . . . that is not in my budget or my work space limitations

   so

   putting skinny blades on my Laguna works great once it is tuned for the skinny blade.  I have a plethora of narrower blades.

   The big wide Laguna resaw blade is truly a precision blade.  DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS BLADE  it is WORTH every penny.

   
1. 
   bones | Jan 07, 2012 09:02pm | #7

   agree on the blade and dont forget the the guides

   I agree with you on the blade.  I used the timberwolfe blade and its an awsome blade on my 17 bs.   However while the resaw cuts were accurate they were not finish ready.  When I bought that laguna blade with carbide tips, it was a night and day difference.  I wish the laguna guides fit my saw but they don't so, i did upgrade to some better ones for my saw and I am very pleased with the results the cuts are perfect coming off.    I also agree changing blades is a real pain.  Once I got it dialed in perfect I really did not want to touch it.   I decided to get another bandsaw just to cut the small stuff. Don't think you need to shell out a ton of money.  I bought an old (old) walker turner 16" bs from the 40's and when I replace the bearings fit it with a new motor and tires I'll have a little over 200 in it.   While I had that project the saw below came up on the old iron.org site for 200.  I bought it and just put a new plug on it and bought a small blade & carter guide and she's cuting all my small stuff.   There's a nice 36" over there now I'd like to buy but I'd better stop at 3.   BTW the 14" I just bought is the original delta 14" from 34 with original motor still runs like a charm.  

   
2. 
   bones | Jan 07, 2012 09:02pm | #8

   agree on the blade and dont forget the the guides

   I agree with you on the blade.  I used the timberwolfe blade and its an awsome blade on my 17 bs.   However while the resaw cuts were accurate they were not finish ready.  When I bought that laguna blade with carbide tips, it was a night and day difference.  I wish the laguna guides fit my saw but they don't so, i did upgrade to some better ones for my saw and I am very pleased with the results the cuts are perfect coming off.    I also agree changing blades is a real pain.  Once I got it dialed in perfect I really did not want to touch it.   I decided to get another bandsaw just to cut the small stuff. Don't think you need to shell out a ton of money.  I bought an old (old) walker turner 16" bs from the 40's and when I replace the bearings fit it with a new motor and tires I'll have a little over 200 in it.   While I had that project the saw below came up on the old iron.org site for 200.  I bought it and just put a new plug on it and bought a small blade & carter guide and she's cuting all my small stuff.   There's a nice 36" over there now I'd like to buy but I'd better stop at 3.   BTW the 14" I just bought is the original delta 14" from 34 with original motor still runs like a charm.  

3. 
   roc | Jan 06, 2012 10:50pm | #5

   Oh boy can I sink my "teeth" into this one.

   I am going to go get some links and post them for your perusal but first let me whisper one little phrase in your ear . . . 

   about the 110 v must be thing . . .

   d r y e r  o u t  l e t

   could you reach it with an extension cord ?  That's what  I do.  Works great.  Probably take a change of plug on the saw cord or a custom extension cord.

   If the plugs are hard to push into the wall socket or pull out a wipe of WD-40 on the brass prongs of the male plug will seem like a miracle !

4. 
   steamfab | Jun 28, 2012 11:48am | #9

   Consider the prices and product specifications of  band saw machines from http://www.utilitybandsaw.com .

5. 
   Camero68 | Jul 11, 2012 10:29am | #10

   Jet, Grizzly, Delta and Trajan 914.  Good reviews of these band saw machines from http://www.bandsawreviews.com .

6. 
   surfside123 | Jul 19, 2012 01:05pm | #11

   Re: bandsaw blade

   In choosing a band saw blade, you must also consider the material you are cutting. This will lead you to the type of blade that you need for the cut. This includes, the right TPI, the blade’s tooth set and type.