I have owned a 14″ Rockwell(delta) bandsaw for many years, and have no complaints other than it needs more power. I have always wanted a benchtop bandsaw for my office/shop where I work on string instruments, but never liked the 10″ Delta, Ryobi, Craftsman, or any other except for maybe the Inca.
I received a Craftsman catalog that listed 10″ and 12″ bandsaws with cast iron tables and was able to see the 12″ at the nearest Sears Store. I was really impressed with the 12″ saw in workmanship and precision. I admit I wasn’t able to try it but am tempted to order the 10″ saw. Does anyone out there own one of these new saws? I wouldn’t use this saw for much in the way of resawing as I have the 14″.
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I looked at the same units last year at Sears. The first thing I noticed was that on BOTH floor samples, the blade tension mechanism was broken (split in two) by people who were playing with it. This piece is quite flimsy and will probably break on a regular basis. Yes, the table may be cast iron but the main casting is aluminum. These units have VERY small motors with little torque. You are better off sticking with the Rockwell unit. If you want more power, replace the motor. SawdustSteve
Thanks for the reply Steve. The saw I looked at had a steel mainframe, cast aluminum wheels, and decent looking guides. The weight of the saw (MOD. 214) is over 75 pounds. Pretty hefty for a 10 inch saw at 125.99. I don't intend to replace my 14" Rockwell with it, but want it as a benchtop unit for inside my music shop. I was hoping to find someone that actually purchased one, but decided to order one anyway. I'll give a full report in a week or two.
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I don't even consider a tool from Craftsman with a power cord or battery. Unless it was made before 1975. You might be able to buy a decent jig saw for $120, but i wouldn'e even consider a band saw for that price.
Craftsman's 22124 TS has gotten good notices and has many satisfied users -- I nearly bought one. I recently bought a 14.4v Craftsman impact driver and it was a great buy at $90.
Besides, my grandfather retired from Sears. After having worked for JC Penney (and abused by a terrible manager there) during the Depression, he felt Sears treated him much better. So I have a soft spot for Sears, I'll admit. :)
I don't buy everything Craftsman, but I don't think the brand deserves the shellacking it sometimes gets here. They're not what they were, but who is? :)
You do know that Sears is now owned by Kmart??
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
I received the saw (Model119.214000)two weeks ago and installed a new blade from the folks at Suffolk Machinery. ( 3/16"x10RK.o25") My intended purpose for this saw is for small musical instrument parts, jigs, clamping blocks etc. Any resawing is done on my old standby Rockwell 14". I immediately put this saw to use and am very happy with it.
On the down side: The lower blade quides are tricky to adjust, and the table insert is too thin and doesn't sit flush with the top. I plan to remedy that with one made out of aluminum of the right thickness.
Overall, I am very happy with the saw as it filled the need for an additional saw located right near my main repair bench, it has proved it can adequately cut various curved blocks in 2" maple, and so far has shown it can resaw violin ribstock(1 1/2" x 1/16") with ease.
I suspect many will push it beyond what it really is, a 10" under 130.00 bandsaw!!
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rikon has a small bandsaw you may like. if you will not use it but for small operations, this will fit your bill and need.
The only drawback is that you will nto be able to do much resawing and that blade selection will not be as great as a 14" bandsaw.
Check it out.
The Rikon looked very similiar but the cast iron table of the Craftsman, the 25 more pounds of weight(most of which was in the table) and longer blades(71")swayed me to buy the craftsman. Also, on sale it was 129.99.
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