A search of the message boards reveals a lot about which band saw to buy. I am looking for a quality machine as I only want to do it once! It’s main use will be for re-saw, and, as I get better, ripping and joint cuts such as tenons.
The Jet 18″ at about $1,200 seems nicely priced but there have been a number of disparaging comments that have put me off.
The MiniMax 16″ at about $2,500 gets universal praise for quality and service. Laguna, on the other hand, appears to have the worst service, though the machine appears to get high marks. But I have ruled it out because of the service issues.
Finally, Steve Wall lumber has a special on an Oliver 20″ at $2,200 but I haven’t found any comments on that.
All things being equal, I would prefer to be at the $1,500 range; however, if I have to go to $2,500, I will if it means getting a machine that will work well and not frustrate me. I don’t really want to go much beyond $2,500.
Any advice and ideas as to what I should buy would be most appreciated.
Regards,
Hastings
Replies
Hastings,
May I muddy the water a bit more?
If I had $2,500 to spend, I could easily go for the MM based solely on the experience and praise of others. However, I had considerably less that that when I made my purchase. Like you I looked at the Jet, Delta, PM, and some others. I decided on the Rikon 18". All reviews on this machine were good and criticism on the forums was minimal.
So far I am very pleased with the purchase. The machine runs smoothly, has been easy to set up, maintains its settings, and resaws 8" maple with ease. The machine did arrive missing two handles (one for the blade tension and one for the tension release. One call to the service department had both delivered in a couple of days - no questions asked.
I'm a hobbyist, so I cannot make any claims as to how this machine might hold up under heavy daily use, but it exceeds my needs and came at a very good price - under $1,100.
Rennie
A man is a fool if he drinks before he reaches the age of 50, and a fool if he doesn't afterward.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Morning Rennie..
Kind for off topic for Hasting question, but I have a question. When did you purchase your Rikon? I saw the saw at the IWF and was impressed for the price. Had a chance to pick up the Show display for $800, but had already made a decision elsewhere.
I was reading in some forum and caught that the tension mechanism had been re-located to make it easier to en-act. But some guy found some type of flaw with the new positioning if I read correctly (and maybe I didn't). I couldn't find where I read that again, so I don't know what the conclusion was as the topic was being discussed.
So... is your's the new version or the old and have you have any minor problems with tension release?
Thanks...
SARGE..
Hi Sarge,<!----><!----><!---->
I have the newer model, released in January. I had the option of buying the 'older' model @ Woodcraft (last one in stock - good deal) but opted for the newer one guessing that there had been a model change to "fix" anything discovered on the older.<!----><!---->
I've not run into any problems with the tension release. I learned very quickly to ditch the blade that came with it. I've been resawing some birch and maple for some small boxes (mostly for my own practice) and have been very pleased. I'm running straight along the fence and not experiencing any drift worth mentioning.<!----><!---->
Overall, I'm pleased with the machine. It seems well made, quiet, and has very good dust collection.<!----><!---->
Thanks for asking!<!----><!---->
Rennie
A man is a fool if he drinks before he reaches the age of 50, and a fool if he doesn't afterward. Frank Lloyd Wright
Edited 9/19/2006 12:05 pm by Rennie
Thanks Rennie... I am off if you want to call it that this week and searched for the article from the forum bout 30 minutes. No results! Could have been a bad dream.. ha.. ha...
From what I saw in the range from Jet 18".. Bridgewood 17" and the Rikon.. the Rikon looks like a competitor and feed-back from owners is a lot more important than specs and well manicured pictures. I like the two dust ports, btw. Saves having to cut the second one in the bottom to get a better handle on dust.
Enjoy the saw as you seem to be doing...
SARGE..
Rennie:The Rikon is interesting and the price is tempting! Thank you for you input; still not sure whether to just spring for the MM as suggested by others.Hastings
Minimax will usually offer the same package price as what they sell for at WW shows if you ask. This usually includes 3 blades (not the Lenox Tri-Master unfortunately) and the mobility kit. You can also sometimes find them with "factory seconds" for a further discount. Mine was labeled a "second" only because they had a few saws where customers had called with issues of some corrosion on the back side of the lower wheel or backside of the footbrake mechanism (I cant recall which). Rather than pay someone to remove parts, check for corrosion, clean it if necessary, and re-assemble, they just labeled the whole shipping lot as 2nds and offered a discount to customers willing to take a saw with some possible corrosion (none on my saw BTW). They also occasionally take a MM16 back in trade from someone wanting to upgrade to a MM20 or M24 so you can sometimes find a lightly used one from them too. The shipping will cost another $250 or so, depending on your location but you should be able to get one for less than their list price.
Get the MM16 and a Lenox Tri-Master blade - you'll love it. Within days of getting the electric hooked up I was resawing 9" curly maple veneers, all consistent thickness, few if any blade marks, and pretty smooth surfaces with virtually NO setup other than setting the fence to blade distance. I did have some problems with my electrical switch but MM took care of it with a replacement switch and all is well.
Hope you have a good DC setup though. Resawing the wider stuff that one of these bigger bandsaws will let you do will generate TONs of dust.
If you build it he will come.
I'm surprised- I thought the MM16 was under $2K- or am I thinking of a different model (or is it a euro-dollar problem)?One question to ask is what dealer to go through, and does it matter much?Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
The only BS of theirs I see that's under 2K is this one:
http://www.minimax-usa.com/bandsaws/s45.html
The MM16 shows up at $2395
http://www.minimax-usa.com/bandsaws/mm16.html
As far as I know, the only dealer you can get them through (at least in the US) is the one on the links.
If you build it he will come.
The S 45 is their lower line Doug. It is made in I believe Hungary or Chek Republic and not by Centurian (sp) in Italy. And you are correct that Mini Max USA in Austin is the sole distributor of the MM line here in the U.S. and the price you saw on the web-site is currently what it sells for.
Regards..
SARGE..
Any thoughts about the Bridgewood BS? Some have placed it up there with Minimax and Agazzani.Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
Evening Glaucon..
I probably have some thoughts about every tool I've ever seen as I am and have been fascinated by machinery since I was very young. It's hard for me to by-pass one without giving it the once over. :>)
If you're referring to the PBS 440.. PBS 540.. or PBS 740 professional series, IMO it sits in the same class with Agazzani, Mini Max and Laguna. I wouldn't hesitate to put one to work. Nice piece of machinery as they changed the motor to American as the Italian motor was having some problems.
If it were the BW 17 WB you had in mind, IMO a step or so below what we just mentioned. Even though I have never seen the BW 17 WB in person, I would like too. Bridgewood did not show up at IWF this year to my dis-appointment as that is a saw I wanted to compare to others (Rikon, Jet, etc.) in it's price range. It looks to be a decent machine, but pictures and spec sheets don't tell the rest of the story.
But to answer your original question, drop a BW PBS on my door-step and I would be a happy camper as I would with Mini Max, Aggazani or Laguna (well.. keep the ceramic guides that produce cold sparks on that last one as I will supply my own guides that don't produce cold or hot sparks). ha.. ha...
Regards...
SARGE..
Thanks Sarge. I'll tell Santa that you want the Carter guides for Christmas... as for the saw, at 500 lbs, there is no room in the sled... Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
I read in these boards that both dust control and sharpening are more important that one initially thinks. I think I'm going with a cyclonic DC from Grizzly with a JDC ceiling-mounted air filter and ducting to each machine.Thank you for your suggestions. I'm very tempted to go with MM but the Rikon looks possible.Hastings
I missed the Oliver 20" at the IWF show. They had it in the Sunhill booth and not in the Oliver booth as room didn't allow with those "big" planers. What I can tell you is it's made in the Pacific Rim. It's very heavy. The blade is 157" (156 1/2" is a standard stocker) which is off-size and you would have to have them custom made which is not a problem. Ball bearing guides and a 3 HP motor. Cast iron wheels and rack an pinion.
I just spoke to Steve Wall and this is a show display saw. He has used it for some small jobs at his lumber business. He says replacement parts are not a problem and the back-frame is very rigid. Steve is very reputable and doesn't speak with forked tongue.
But..... after having gone over the MM 16 at show price of $2200 I would be hesitant to pay that much for even a 20" saw. IMO it should be priced around $1700-$1800 as the Jet 20" which is a beefier saw in guide post, welds (wheel size of course) and HP than the Jet 18". The Oliver does have a 3 HP.
Sorry I couldn't be more "hands-on" as I missed it at the show. But in the over $2 K price range I know where I would go.
Regards...
SARGE..
Sarge,Thank you for your advice. I think it's the weakness of the dollar that pushes the MM over the $2,000 barrier. It would be sweet at $1,750!
I assume from your coment that you would go with the Oliver?Hastings
Actually Hasting, I would not go with the Oliver as it is over $2 K and a Pacific rim export. You may have mis-understood my comment. I believe the Oliver to fall into the $1800 range compared to the Italian BS's over $2 K.
I have been over these Italian saws with a fine tooth comb at the IWF show, as I did 4 years ago. 4 years ago my choice over $2 K was MM. My choice after comparing all at the show in August is still MM when we are talking over $2 K. Some things just haven't changed.
The IWF show price was $2190. If you are serious about spending over the $2 K, call Eric Loza at MM and plead, beg and cry on the phone if necessary to see if they will give you that price. Won't hurt and even if they say no, if you want the best BS under 20" my choice was and still is MM. My choice for a 20" is MM.
Now, if you step up to the 24" range, we can have an entirely different conversation as there are other brands that will stand toe to toe with the Max 24". We're talking industrial grade at that point and several companies concentrate their effort in this direction.
Good luck...
SARGE..
Well, I’ll put in my two cents worth. How about a saw that will do all that you are asking for, plus, and come in for about $650 or less. Go find a used mid ‘80’s Delta 14” unit, add a riser block, Timberwolf blades, bigger motor and tune it up. I have one that has a 1 ½ hp motor, carter guides and some items from the Iturra catalog. I resaw 12" hardwoods all the time with no problems at all and it takes up very little floor space. I happen to love used iron and that’s all that is in my shop. The money left over has bought some nice L-N planes.
Iturra Design
4636 Fulton RD
Jacksonville, FL 32225-1332
1.888.722.7078 voice
1.904.642.2802 fax
Napie, Older machines have a certain charm but fixing and tuning a band saw is beyond me; it's more to do with temperament than ability!Thank you for the suggestion.Hastings
Just remember, you'll be tuning a new saw a lot also, so the money saved and the high quality of the saw can't be ignored. And, if you do your own from the start, you will know just how to keep it up. Bandsaws require FAR more ongoing attention than any other stationary tool in the shop. Just think of the stuff an extra $1000.00 will buy for your shop....
Go to an upcoming Woodworker Show in your area, this fall or winter, and buy a Mini Max 16, or 20 if you plan on resawing really big stuff, at the show price. The blades you get only use for utilitarian purposes, but the mobile base is worth much. Realize that you will need 220 V and an electrician to hook it up. The saw comes with only a pig tail to the motor. The show price should be under 2K and you will have a bandsaw for life.
I use my MM for ripping and resawing. When I rip a board I get a good finish that is straight and square. A couple of strokes with a hand plane and that edge is finished.
Larry
LJM:Thank you for your input. I spoke to MiniMax and they will throw in a mobility kit and three blades (or a carbide blade at cost). The saw price is $2,395 with $275 delivery.
A quick search on Google didn't provide any shows near me. I notice that the last show MiniMax attended was IWF so I may have missed the boat until 2007.Hastings
Go to http://www.thewoodworkingshows.com to see what show is in your area or call back MM and see what show they will be at in your area. You may not need to wait very long since these types of shows are generally in the winter months.
Larry
I did a ton of research; thought long and hard; pried my fingers off my wallet; and bought the MM16. I couldn't be happier. It is a great machine.
Satisfied user and owner of a Laguna LT18 since 2001, and have not had a single problem out of the machine since then. 12" resaw, 3 horse powerplant and can take up to a 1.250" blade if needed. I use 1/2" blades for the curvey stuff, 1/2" blade for general purpose and large radius curves, a 1" Resaw King for very satisfying resawing into some hard timbers, and a 1 1/4" blade for general thick stuff, including ripping thick/wide stock. I would see if I could find a local owner/user of the Laguna line of machines before dismissing them. Most of the welded-frame saws in this class are similar in design, and come from the same part of the world. A first hand look at one in action might change your mind.
Tales of customer service abound on this and many other forums, and should be taken with a grain of salt. There are countless users of Laguna machinery all around the US in both amateur and pro shops, so there must be something a lot of folks like. How long do you think a company can stay in business if they continuously p--- off folks. Not long in a competitive environment.
Signed: a satisfied owner.
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