Replies

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Sep 18, 2002 05:16am | #1

   jeff

      I can tell you nothing about the band saw. I did purchase a SF mortiser several months ago after some detailed scrutiny. IMO it it was the heaviest duty of the bench-tops with the General a second. It's looks like a floor model after I built a heavy, permanent cabinet. Dual columns and the square-ness of the fence was very good. It's the heaviest of the 5 models I tested. The only thing I liked better on the general was the forward clamp which operated with a crank like a floor model. I liked that crank so well I built one with a 9" veneer clamp for about $10.

      The Fox does not come with chisels as most, but is a bargain at $230 locally. I would have upgraded the chisels anyway. I will say that all 5 models will get the job done. All require tweaking. SF and General have longer handles like a floor model. You could slide a pipe over the other 3 models handles to overcome that. Better leverage and less effort.

   Any questions, ask! Good Luck with your decision..

   sarge..jt

1. 
   jefftobin | Sep 18, 2002 05:27am | #3

   Thanks for your response. I really appreciate it

2. 
   GORDON2267 | Sep 18, 2002 05:17am | #2

   Go for the Shop Fox on both of thrm.  Gordie

1. 
   jefftobin | Sep 18, 2002 05:29am | #4

   Thanks for responding. What is it that you liked about the Shop Fox equipment? Jeff

1. 
   GORDON2267 | Sep 18, 2002 05:47am | #6

   I have been following all the reviews and definately the Mortiser was rated top o the line for bench top

1. 
   jefftobin | Sep 18, 2002 03:54pm | #8

   Thanks one more time!

   Jeff

3. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 18, 2002 05:41am | #5

   jeff,

   Don't know anything about the bandsaw, but Popular Woodworking did a review of benchtop mortisers not long ago.  They liked the Shop Fox - good hold downs - but the motor (like nearly all that were tested) bogged down or stalled in heavy cuts.  Shop Fox/Woodstock International/Grizzly said they were going to make some changes to improve the machine.

   Jeff

1. 
   jefftobin | Sep 18, 2002 03:53pm | #7

   Thanks for the help. I really appreciate your taking the time.

   Jeff

4. 
   forestgirl | Sep 18, 2002 07:29pm | #9

   Back to the bandsaw (to me, Shop Fox is like Grizzly and Rigid -- the quality of the different machines varies greatly).  I've seen their saw, but not used it.  Info here is based on the Wood review in the current issue.  They call it a "middle-of-the-pack performer for a premium price."  Ouch!

   They reviewed the W1673 ($895).  The upside is the quick-release tension lever and the fact that the rip fence and miter gauge are standard.  Downside is the fact that it doesn't take a 1/8" blade, motor is hard to mount, and the price.

   Power rates well below the Delta and Grizzly, no tension gauge (not that the stock ones are worth much anyway).  Rates below the Delta in in 5 out of 9 factors, and costs more.

   In their "Plowing Power" test (how much resawing in 6" red oak could be done in 1 minute) it ranked tied for next-to-last.

   Personally, I'd stick with their mortiser.

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

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/18/2002 12:31:16 PM ET by forest_girl

1. 
   jefftobin | Sep 18, 2002 08:34pm | #10

   Thank You for the response! Sounds like I can home in on the mortiser purchase. Any thoughts on the band saw?

   Jeff

1. 
   forestgirl | Sep 18, 2002 10:18pm | #11

   I don't remember seeing any members post here who actually own a SF band saw.  The "thoughts" expressed in the Wood review were enough to squelch any interest I might have had in it.  I'd go with Delta or Jet m'se'f.  I have a Grizzly 1019Z right now, and it does what I need it to do at a good price, but not as good as either the Delta or Jet probably would.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 19, 2002 01:24am | #12

   Hey Forest Girl,

   Do you really put much stock in Wood Magazine's tool reviews?  You can almost predict with certainty that the Delta will receive best tool every time!

   If you look at the numbers they record in their tests however, you'll often find there is actually very little difference between their top tool and many of the others they thumb their noses at.

   Jeff

   Edited 9/18/2002 6:31:35 PM ET by Jeff K

1. 
   forestgirl | Sep 19, 2002 04:38am | #15

   When I evaluate a tool for purchase (which I'm not doing in this case, 'cause I already have a bandsaw), I look at all the reviews I can get my hands on.  Certain characteristics of each tool will generally be commented on across the board, so that helps a great deal in making a decision. 

   In this particular review, Delta did not come out on top.  I would appear to me, looking at their chart, and reading their summaries, that Laguna was considered more favorably than the Delta.  The Delta and the Rigid were their next two choices.

   I take all reviews with a grain of salt, but I don't disbelieve them just because they're from one particular magazine.  This particular review has some useful information vis a vis blade guide systems, resawing power and riser blocks, as well as standard and optional equiment on the saws considered.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 19, 2002 01:29am | #13

   Jeff,

   I went with the 14" Jet cabinet saw and I love it.  If you check the reviews, you'll find it's considered just as good a machine as the Delta for quite a bit less money.  When I compared the two, the only significant difference I could see was beefier wheels on the Delta, but I wouldn't consider Jet's in any way inadequate.

   Beside all that, should you encounter any problems, Jet WILL take care of you!

   Jeff

1. 
   Sancho | Sep 19, 2002 04:25am | #14

   I cant talk about the band saws but I saw their TS once and checked it over pretty good, It looks like a great saw Its a cabinent type but man If I had to buy another one that would be it Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Sep 19, 2002 05:47am | #16

      When i was getting the SF mortiser from RE-TOL who is a local SF dealer, I looked at the SF band saw. It didn't impress me from a quick look-over. Now that new TS that Ron T just posted. That got my attention. Nice just sitting there. I did not have time to check flatness on the tables or put my mic to work, but it is heavy, fence appeared really solid and the price was right.

      I am surprised to see so few tool reviews of SF. I would prefer to hear from someone that has had it in the trenches and see what kind of comments they have as to how it preforms. I think the SF line is like most brands. They have their hits and they have their misses. Most manufacturers tools look good just sitting on the show-room floor. Pretty. But the real test doesn't happen on show-room floors. It takes place in the shop! 

   sarge..jt

2. 
   forestgirl | Sep 19, 2002 05:58am | #17

   "They have their hits and they have their misses" -- exactly.  A great mortiser does not a fine bandsaw make!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Sep 19, 2002 07:48am | #18

   Lert

      Good call on doing a cross-reference from one mag to another. Generally speaking, when you can get two different WW's to agree on something; you may be on to something. If you can get three or more to agree, we're talking a big tablet being brought down from a mountain!

      The tool manufacturers should let WW's design the tools. Then they should let them set the retail prices too. That's my theory and I'm sticking with it.. grin>

   P.S. Thanks for info on wrench-slot. Even a dummy like me learned something new. Go back to what I just said about who should design tools. Ha......

   sarge..jt