Rikon Deluxe 14″ BANDSAW Model 10-325
Chuck57 | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
Anyone has experience with the new Rikon Deluxe 14″ BANDSAW Model 10-325 ?
I am a newbie to this forum. As a novice woodworker I wonder if I could get some advice from my more experienced fellow members?
I am impressed with its features as described on page 26 of Finewoodworking issue #188. I am looking to buy my first bandsaw and wondered if anyone has experience with using Rikon’s bandsaws? Given that another Rikon bandsaw (model 10-340)received “Best value” from Fine Woodworking in issue #170, am I making the right decision in considering a Rikon?
Replies
A friend of mine bought one a few weeks ago, and has been struggling to get it working correctly. As it arrived, it had two problems. One was that the lower blade guide could not be retracted enough to use 1/4" blades. The other was that the post which holds the upper blade guides had a twist in it so that the guides could not be set straight. The importer has been very responsive; they sent new guides, and have promised to send a new post.
Jamie,Thanks for telling me about your friend's problems. It's good to know that they are responsive to customer problems. I am following dtraversi's advice and will do a test drive before deciding.
Hey Chuck-
I bought the 18" after reading a fine woodworking review- and extensive leg work. It has been nothing but awesome. I spent about 2 hours with the set up procedure going over every inch of the thing and fine tuning every aspect. I'm sure you can buy a better saw but not for this kind of $.
If you can find a Woodcraft in the area- drop in and ask them for a test drive
cheers,
dave
dtraversi,Thanks for your positive feedback about your 18" Rikon bandsaw. I will definitely follow your advice to find a Woodcraft store to do a test drive.
Chuck-
Good for you- Since you're going to Woodcraft, I'll make one more suggestion. Head to the Rikon website and download the manual- read up on the adjustments of the guides.
Take a few different species of wood that you might resaw along for the test.
Ask the employees to let you tune the saw-set the guides- square the table,etc
(they might offer to do it for you but you can do it in 5-10 minutes with the supplied allen wrenches)-
Then slice away.
I spent about an hour with mine before I was satisfied enough to buy it.bear in mind that most band saws come with a mediocre blade stock- and also you might call ahead - my woodcraft is pretty busy on certain days- I picked a slow day.
Cheers,
Dave
Edited 1/9/2007 12:38 am ET by dtraversi
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