Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 10, 2003 08:36am | #1

   I can think of a couple of reasons why it's a good idea to do this, and I wish I had when I got my bandsaw.

   1. You won't have to replace a bunch of blades when you finally get the riser block.
   2. If there's any problem associated with the installation of the riser block (imperfections in the machine), they'll show up right away, while the saw is still under warrantee.

   I've never read anyone citing stress problems with the riser block.  Personal preference is for Timberwolf blades, the design of which enables them to work properly with lower tension level.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   ccampbell | Mar 10, 2003 04:23pm | #2

   Mark,

   What brand of saw did you order?  I have an extra riser kit for the Delta 14" if you're interested.

1. 
   user-577670 | Mar 11, 2003 09:00pm | #9

   CampbellDust,

   I have a 14" Delta Bandsaw, and am interested in your riser block!

3. 
   wolfsbear | Mar 10, 2003 09:29pm | #3

   I have to agree with forestgirl. I have a Rigid bandsaw and bought a riser kit after

   a year. I wound up throwing out six 93" blades, one still in the package. The riser kit

   has greatly enhanced my re-saw capabilities. I often cut my own turning blanks and

   that extra couple of inches is extremely useful. Forestgirl is right on another count,

   Timberwolf blades have been my choice also.

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 11, 2003 01:16am | #5

   I'll take the heat of Mark here:  got a note from him that he's ordered the kit.  Y'all can relax now.  Good job.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   MHargrove | Mar 11, 2003 06:53am | #6

   Yep, I added the riser block to my bandsaw order...only to discover this afternoon that it's backordered by Grizzly for 4-6 weeks. :-) 

   Oh well, the cost of a couple of smaller blades won't kill me while I'm learning to use the saw.

   -M.

4. 
   fdampier5 | Mar 11, 2003 12:19am | #4

   Go big or stay at home, 

     buy the riser kit right from the start!  

        exceptions, if your ceiling won't allow it,, if you will never ever in your lifetime ever do any resawing or work with anything thicker than about 3 inches.  or if you are so cheap that you squeak and would rather throw-up than use a pay toilet.. ;-)

5. 
   DennisS | Mar 11, 2003 10:59am | #7

   Mark -

   I don't know the Grizzley line of saws but I'm assuming their 14 incher is in about the same league (power wise) as my Delta. Yes, I bought the riser block at the same time as the saw and have been glad I did. However, I bought the 3/4hp model and I find that 3/4hp just isn't enough if you plan on leveraging that resaw capacity to any degree. At some point I intend to upgrade the motor to 1 or 1 1/2hp.

   Forstgirl brought up a good point about the riser block magnifying any out-of-tune problems in the saw. (well, those weren't her words but in that general direction) Fortunately there are plenty of adjustments that aren't difficult to make to get things tuned back up.

   The most critical first thing you should check, if you don't already know this, is the alignment of the wheels. I had to add about 1/16" shim washers behind the upper wheel in order to get them in perfect alignment so the blades would track well and in the center of both wheels. Adding the distance between the wheels tends to exaggerate such missalignment.

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

6. 
   bsutton12 | Mar 11, 2003 07:37pm | #8

   You may need a larger motor to handle the increase depth of cut.

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 11, 2003 10:15pm | #10

   The motor that comes on the Grizz 14" saw has plenty of power if a high-quality blade is installed and tensioned properly.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

7. 
   PineIslander | Mar 12, 2003 03:06pm | #11

   I Concur with all... you'll NEVER regret having 12" capacity instead of 6".

   I have the Grizzly 14" as well... the fit/finish of the riser kit was an issue... it was the only thing I've ever ordered from them that was a problem... but I was able to modify it acceptably.

   One suggestion: On the FW website there's a very clever video tip to use a piece of threaded rod to raise the blade tension knob above the body of the saw (where you can actually get to it- what a concept!) Absolutely do that... your knuckles will thank you each time you adjust tension.