My dad is looking to replace his 56 year old bandsaw – he liked what he saw in the rigid – including the price of about $400 at HD with a great warantee…
What’s been your experience?
Thanks,
Mark
Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.
Visit Dust Maker
Replies
I moved up to a Ridgid 14" back in december and have been pretty happy so far. I moved up from a little 9" bench top saw that to put it lightly sucked big time. Assembly was pretty easy and I haven't had any major problems as yet. Initialy I did replace the factory belt with a smooth running link belt and I did take the liberty of bolting a piece of 1/2" angle under the top of the stand both enorder to cut back on vibrations and now the saw runs very smooth. From what I can see Ridgids add ons can be a little pricy though. I inquired about the riser block and they only sell it as kit with a blade, a guard and the riser block for I think it was $120.00. I did add on the new Kreg bandsaw fence and am happy with it so far. I am aware that this is viewed as a mediocre saw but I am pleased with the possibilities this tool has opened up for me, I wish I would have been able to get a full size bandsaw much earlier.
Chris,
Thanks. I forwaded your response on to my Dad...Best,
Mark
Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.
Visit Dust Maker
Hi Mark... I used a Rigid bandsaw for a short time. One of the first things I did not like was that the 'blade guard' on the left side is 'closed' so you could not easily change the blade. It is very simple to reverse so it is 'open'. Also... you can't swing the lower door open all the way as the motor gets in the way. It took about 15 minutes to initially set the saw up. It runs OK, like most of the other 14" bandsaws. What I LIKE is the dust collector right under below the point where the sawdust is produced.
Look into the Grizzly G0555 bandsaw. It comes with a 1 HP motor (3/4HP for the Rigid), roller bearing guides and can be adjusted for TWO speeds, one for wood and one speed for metalwork.
When I purchased the Grizzly, it came all set up. I did not have to tweek anything. The blade Grizzly supplied was just about useless... only good for keeping the wheels from rattling around during shipping. I understand that they have improved the blade they send with the saw. What I don't like is the dust port is on the (bottom) back of the saw and needs a 4" hose or an adapter to work with my shop-vac. Hope this info helps. SawdustSteve
FWIW, Here's a useful item to add dust collection at the source:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=30198&cat=1,42401&ap=1
The magnet allows options for placement. Permanent retrofits with various aftermarket shop vac ports or attachments are also easy possibilities:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000DD1F3.01-A3TQ3OIW6NTQKL.THUMBZZZ.jpg
Mark,
I've had the Ridgid BS for a couple of years. I've been using a Woodslicer blade from Highland Hardware and a fence adjustable for blade drift that I built myself from a plan in "Shopnotes" (early issue, #18, I think). I just do small resawing jobs on this bandsaw.
It performs well but to be absolutely honest with you, the motor seems to be a little underpowered. I have been resawing some dogwood that I dried myself, and I feel like it could use a little more oooooomph.
I mentioned to another woodworker that I might replace the motor with a 1 or 1.5 HP that's capable of running on 220 volts ( I have more 220 avail. right beside this BS). I am also thinking of building my own base on castors for this saw in the form of a cabinet with some storage and using the base that came with it for something else. Upgrading to a magnetic switch could be in the cards, too (Damn! they should have never sent me that Grizzly catalogue) So I guess I'm really at the point of looking at my Ridgid bandsaw as more a "kit" than anything else. Or I'm ready to film the next episode of "Pimp My Bandsaw." But no serious problems with the product.
Ed
Mark, I haven't used the Ridgid bandsaw, but after examining it, I'm not Impressed. And after reading a lot, and I do mean a lot of complaints about problems with Ridgid machines, I wouldn't touch them.
There a little less money than other machines I would choose, but I believe your getting a lot less machine. Now I know a lot of people are going to say their Ridgid tools are just fine. But I don't think I've read more complaints about any mid range tool company than I have about Ridgid.That's hard to ignore.
Ridgid has a forum, surf that for a while and draw your own conclusions. And It's not enough for them to (Make It Right) after there's a problem, It should have been right in the first place.
I would say If your Dad only want's to spend $400.00, take up a family and friend's collection, and upgrade.Tell him it's Dad appreciation day, or your investing in your inheritance, whatever.
Foot note. I have five GI machines, and never needed the warranty that came with any of them.
Have a good one. Walker1
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled