Replies

1. 
   AlanWS | Jan 15, 2004 02:26am | #1

   I saw on the web that someone had used a Ridgid riser block in a Harbor Freight bandsaw, but that probably does not help you much, since I don't think you can get a Harbor Freight riser.

2. 
   JohnWW | Jan 15, 2004 03:28am | #2

   Chester,

   Ridgid makes a riser kit for their saw, why not use it? 

   All of the Taiwanese made 14 inch bandsaws are nearly identical to each other except for the handles and the paint colors.  The chances are that a riser block from Grizzly or Jet or any of the other Taiwanese imports will fit the Ridgid saw without a problem. 

   Some of the 14 inch saws, including the new Ridgid,are now being made in China.  While these saws look identical to the Taiwanese made saws, I don't know if the parts are interchangeable.  The one Chinese made saw that I've seen wasn't as nicely finished as the Taiwanese version it replaced.

   John W.

1. 
   BG | Jan 15, 2004 03:43am | #3

   JohnW,

   I need a riser for my Delta...Rockler wants $115.  Grizzly charges $40.  While the cast iron section may be the same what about the other parts....that's where the rub might be..

1. 
   gpwest | Jan 15, 2004 05:23am | #4

   BG,

     You can get a riser kit for Delta bandsaws for around $89 through Tool Crib  (Amazon), plus free shipping. It's not listed in the Crib catalog you have to find it on line.  GP

1. 
   BG | Jan 15, 2004 06:02am | #7

   GP,

   thanks for the info...

2. 
   DennisS | Jan 15, 2004 06:02am | #6

   BG -

   You may already know this, but the Delta 14" saw has two indexing pins to alighn the top and bottom pieces of cast iron of the basic saw, and the Delta riser block has these same two pins. The block only fits in one way, too. The alignment of the riser block, any riser block, is rather crucial to the alignment of the wheels, obviously. So it might be prudent to inquire about how some non-Delta block is manufactured and what template was used to locate these indexing pins if they exist.

   I know nothing about anything beyond my humble Delta machine.

   ...........

   From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.

   Dennis

1. 
   BG | Jan 15, 2004 01:31pm | #8

   Dennis,

   Thanks for sharing that info about the pins in the riser block. As you mentioned it I remember reading it somewhere, but it would not have been on my radar screen without you bringing it up.

   I don't think I can take the risk of using a riser setup other than Delta....unless they were specifically compared in a 14" bandsaw article in the last 12 months or so...and even then, what price piece of mind...on a bandsaw....  The saw came perfectly aligned and coplaner..why risk that... 

3. 
   JohnWW | Jan 15, 2004 10:36pm | #9

   BG,

   Unless you have a brand new Delta bandsaw, at least some of which are now being made in China, your saw is made in the United States.  I doubt that a Taiwanese riser block from Grizzly will fit your saw, but I don't know this for sure. 

   The critical element is the spacing of the steel alignment pins in the mating surfaces of the parts, unless the sizing and spacing of the pins is a perfect match the parts won't fit together.  In addition to the block itself, a riser kit also contains new blade guards for both the front and back of the saw and a longer post for the upper guide block assembly, it is unlikely that all of those parts would work on your saw.

   John W.

   Edited 1/15/2004 4:34:21 PM ET by JohnW

1. 
   BG | Jan 16, 2004 12:53am | #10

   JohnW,

   This is a new saw (two weeks) and it was made in China..28.206 model.  However, looking at the pictures online (not the best source) it appears the Delta Riser block is different than ether the Jet or Grizzly.  The pins seem to be in a slightly different location and the Delta has a handle that seems to screw into the side of the riser block...what for I'm not sure. I better stick with Delta..

2. 
   ChesterP | Jan 15, 2004 05:30am | #5

   Hi John, Thanks for the prompt reply. Before I bought the Ridgid band saw I checked to make sure I could get the Rigid riser kit and have been waiting for over 4 months to get it. Getting really frustrated with this situation. It seems to be still on back order. Ordered it in Sept. That is why I was hoping something else would fit the 14 inch band saw. Getting no where with Ridgid. Thanks for the info.    Chester