In the next few months I’m going to upgrade to a 16″ or 18″ steel frame bandsaw(still undecided as to which brand). I know these models are used mainly for resawing, which I need to do occassionally, but the majority of my BS work is in scrolling, using 1/4″ (or maybe even narrower) blades. I know the steel frame saws tables are approximately 10″ lower thatn my current Delta 14″. Does this lower table height mean less efficient scrolling, due to the table being further from the eye? Also, anyone find the Euro guides or Carter bearing guides inefficient for scroll cutting?
I guess what I’m asking is, I want a bigger saw with more power, more blade tension, but still want to be able to use it for scroll work, and don’t want to look back a year from now and wish I had my Delta back. Your thoughts on this will be much appreciated. Thanks. GP
Replies
GP,
seems you want the best of both worlds – heaps of power and tension for resawing and a saw for fine curve cutting. If your resawing is only an occasional need, see if you can find somewhere local where you can share time on an 18" saw. If you must have your own 18" saw, you could keep the 14 in delta as your fine work machine.
More to the point, as I read the catalogues, with the 16 and 18 in saws, along with a larger table, you get a 1-1/2 hp motor. It is this larger motor that gives the greater resaw capacity of a 16" or 18" saw compared to a 14 incher. However, Delta for one make a 1-1/2 hp 14" saw. This may be an alternative if you're worried about retaining a comfortable table height.
Ian,
I only wish I had room for 2 saws; I'd sell my Delta, buy back an old 12" Craftsman I sold to my wife's uncle a few years ago, and buy either a Laguna or Agazzani 16" for the thick stuff and resawing. Actually, probably the most practical thing to do would be to buy a riser kit for my Delta and replace the motor with a 2 hp.
I've had a lust for one of the steel frame saws for a while now, so will probably end up with one and maybe put it on blocks to raise it to at least a usable height for scroll work. Seems like the best solution. Anyway, thanks for the reply. GP
Can't use the carters for small blades 1/8" . I'll be darned if I know what they added to my saw except $. I think I would buy a scroll saw.
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