Replies

1. 
   jc21 | Oct 31, 2004 03:48am | #1

   Check the archives first ............... some good bandsaw threads. Might also check out the Oct. issue of American Woodworker ......... a good review of most all bandsaws under $1000. And some more info from you; what are you going to mostly be doing with it (I'd assume cutting blanks), budget, do you have 220v available in your shop, resaw capacity needed etc, etc.  Me ........... I bought a MiniMax S14 last month and have been very pleased. Worth a look if it meets your needs. http://www.minimax-usa.com/s14-s16.html  The best bang for your $ is imho the Grizzly G0555. For resaw capacity at a good price the Grizzly G0513. http://www.grizzly.com/products/items-list.cfm?key=420010&sort=price Jet, Delta, and Powermatic are worth a look too. Best bet is to define your needs and budget first, research, look, and ask around (Knots is a great place to do that- it's how I found out about the S14).

2. 
   CharlieD | Oct 31, 2004 09:03am | #2

   What's your budget?

   Charlie

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
1. 
   Bodgerman | Oct 31, 2004 03:32pm | #3

   JC and Charlie D:  Thanks for the responses.......JC, I checked those websites and got lot of good info.  Only thing is, now I'm REALLY confused.......Its worse than buyin' a set of golf clubs......

   Budget?  What budget?  I really need that $4,000 one but will settle for less I guess.  I was thinkin' around $500 but then JC put me onto the SW14 which has an 8 inch cut on it and thats really what I'm lookin' for.  It will be used mostly for cutting blocks and 6 inches just seems a little short most of the time.....

   Anyway, I'm up here in the bushes in central MINNESOTA and preparing for another MINNESOTA WINTER so I can hunker down in my little shop and pass the time away 'till the ice goes out in the spring. 

   I use mostly burls and scabs off trees so they need to be kinda round and centered on the lathe or lathe tends to dance across the floor and out the door.

   So, looks like I'm gonna have to keep things at $1000 or under.  PLEASE don't suggest anything over $1000.  I got the itch tho so better hurry. 

    Thanks again.

   Jim M.

    

1. 
   jc21 | Oct 31, 2004 05:53pm | #6

   "Its worse than buyin' a set of golf clubs......" ....... that it is. The choices aren't so clear cut as in buying other equipment. Pros and cons to 'em all. Your budget is more than enough ................you should be getting a nice chunk of change back. Spending more money usually gets you one or more of the following; more capacity, more power, and/or better construction or some combination there of. For me the MiniMax S14's price, power, very solid construction (lots of reinforcement in the upper wheel housing, cast iron wheels, trunnion and trunnion shoes), and features were right for me. If you ever get to the Cities, head over to Seven Corners, Rocklers, and Woodcraft and check some of them out side by side. For Grizzly and MiniMax it's online.

3. 
   bones | Oct 31, 2004 04:29pm | #4

   Your question was the first question I posed when I joined this forum. For me, I wanted to have resaw capability, power, and the ability to rough cut bowl blanks, and the ability to cut veneer. The first thing I set was my budget. I wanted to keep it under a 1000 because I needed a good table saw as well.  I looked at 14" saws with riser blocks to get the extra height, and I looked at full size bandsaws. I spent about two months looking on ebay and woodweb for used top of the line saws like laguna. After researching and discussing with the folks here I decided on the Grizzly G0513. It was my first Grizzly product and they have great customer service. Looking back I would do it the same way. I included a link to my original thread if you wish to view the machine and how it looks when delivered. I will recommend also you use Timberwolfe blades, they are great.  My BS was $823, delivered. I think most people will recommend what they went with, as I have. Good luck on the decision.

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages/?msg=17846.1

4. 
   CharlieD | Oct 31, 2004 04:44pm | #5

   I have to second the Grizzly recommendation; and if you get their current 14" with a riser block--the G0555 I think--you get by for considerably less than your stated budget, inclusing the shipping. I bought the Delta when my turn came, and it sounds like I wasted some $.

   Charlie

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
5. 
   jptenberg | Nov 01, 2004 03:41am | #7

   I've got an 18" jet for sale in the minneapolis area.  It's great, but I'm moving my shop and am upgrading to a laguna.  I've had it for a copuple of years, and it has served me well.  If you're interested, we can negotiate price/delivery

   Peter

1. 
   Bodgerman | Nov 01, 2004 05:45am | #8

   Peter:

   I am interested.  What horsepower is it?  What is the cutting capacity height?  What year is it?  What model is it?  How much do you want for it?  If I came down to pick it up can you help me break it down enuf to get it into the back of my Honda SUV?

   Looking forward to hearing from you.  Thanks.

   Jim Mans

    

    

1. 
   jptenberg | Nov 01, 2004 06:59am | #9

   Jim--

   My shopp is actually in Annandale, which is about 50 miles northwest of Mpls, so it might even be less of a drive for you...anyway

   It's a Jet 18" model JWBS-18.  I bought if new about 3 years ago.  The resaw cap. is 10" ; horsepower is 1 1/2; fence, miter guage etc...i have a mobile base for it, the original euro style bearing guides, plus a  new set of Carter roller bearing guides; 1/4. 3/8, 3/4, and 1" regular blades; and a 1/2" carbide tipped lenox  all to go with it-- if you like. 

   I have ripped 12/4 walnut on it , cut bowl blanks out of 10"maple logs, and used it for cabriole legs and detail work without any trouble.  You're welcome to try it out if you like.

   New, the saw is 1200, plus the extras.  If you came to get it, i could help you load it and I think we could fit it into an SUV pretty easily.  I would take $850 for it.

   Peter

   jpswoodworking.com

1. 
   Bodgerman | Nov 01, 2004 02:49pm | #10

   Peter.........Thanks.  I'm lookin' at a Grizzly GO513 that I can get delivered for $828.00 and I think I will be going that way......

   Thanks for your trouble.......I was in your fine town last spring.......bought a little Sunfish sailboat there....

   Have a good winter.  Peace!

    

   Jim

1. 
   TomMGTC | Nov 01, 2004 03:59pm | #11

   Not that it's any of my business but if I were you I would be all over that used jet and all the extras it has. Forget the grizzly and get that used machine, it's a darn good deal.Tom

   Douglasville, GA

2. 
   Bodgerman | Nov 01, 2004 05:00pm | #12

   Doggone it Tom........Now you got me thinkin' again......and that's a struggle......I'm so damn inexperienced with this stuff that it makes me nervous to think about buyin' somethin' used.......But Peter says he's just upgrading and I have no reason to not trust him.  Thanks!!

    

   PETER:  Are you there?  I might reconsider your Jet.........let me think a minute.

    

   Jim M

3. 
   bones | Nov 01, 2004 05:13pm | #13

   Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Isn't life grand!

4. 
   BArnold | Nov 01, 2004 05:18pm | #15

   "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Isn't life grand!"

   And amidst all the decision-making about tools, we also get to vote in the general election tomorrow!  Lucky us!!!

   Regards,Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting

   "I do my own thinking; therefore, I vote for the best person."I will think next Tuesday; therefore, George W. Bush is the only choice!"

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

5. 
   BArnold | Nov 01, 2004 05:15pm | #14

   Bodgerman,

   I recently got a Grizzly G0513 and it's a great machine.  My neighbor has the Jet 18" and wishes it had a few features the Grizzly has -- nothing major -- he now views the G0513 as the better purchase.  Now, having said that, I'd sure take a good look at the used Jet 18" with all the other goodies.  With the extras I recall going along with the used Jet, it's a good deal if everything looks solid.  If it's a reasonable drive for you, I'd sure make the effort to look at it and, if it looks good, bring it home.

   Regards,Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting

   "I do my own thinking; therefore, I vote for the best person."I will think next Tuesday; therefore, George W. Bush is the only choice!"

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

6. 
   jptenberg | Nov 01, 2004 05:29pm | #16

   Hey Jim

   why don't you give me a call and we can chat

   (612) 384-5871

   Peter

7. 
   sawdustysneeze | Nov 02, 2004 06:08am | #17

   I know this may hurt, but I got my 18" Rikon on Friday and love it. 

8. 
   Bodgerman | Nov 16, 2004 02:25am | #18

   Hey you guys....I want to thank everybody who gave me help in my big decision with the band saw.......I ended up with a JET 14" deluxe.........got 1 1/4 hp motor and 12" height capacity with the riser.....Now I just have to learn how to use the thing......I will use it mostly for cutting out bowl blocks.....

   One deciding factor is I could pick it up.......it breaks down and fits in my small suv....and also into my small shop.........thanks again.

    

   Jim M