Replies

1. 
   BArnold | Oct 20, 2004 06:23pm | #1

   "I need to get a saw..."

   What kind of saw?  You mentioned resawing (which would indicate a bandsaw) and general cutting (which could be a table saw).  If you do mostly smaller items, a bandsaw will serve both purposes.

   Regards,

   Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting

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

   ---

1. 
   bradcas | Oct 21, 2004 04:12am | #2

   which make of a bandsaw??? I need a good all around one.

1. 
   BArnold | Oct 21, 2004 03:22pm | #3

   I just bought the Grizzly G0513 based on recommendations from the Forum.  It's a little above what you said you want to spend, but I think you'd find it worth the money.  The catalog price is $750US, shipping is $78 in the lower 48 states.  If you absolutely must stay below the $700 level, the 14" Grizzly G0555 bandsaw seems to be well-liked by some on the Forum.Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting

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

2. 
   RodWolfy | Oct 27, 2004 09:33pm | #4

   I'd get one of the ones recommended by the wood rags. The bandsaws are all about the same, based on a 1930's Delta design (with some modifications over the years). Made in the same factory over in Taiwan too (quality is based on the company's tool inspector that's stationed there). That being said, look for the things that you need. Some don't have the ability to have a riser kit installed, so you're limited to 6" resaw. Some now have a quick release tensioning lever or upgraded guides. There was a great article in the latest issue of FWW on setup. You don't need anything fancy according to the author. Other authors have written that you should buy and use a Bandsaw before a table saw. It will do rip cuts very well if tuned up correctly. Safer than a SCMS for small items (I have almost lost a finger with small pieces being thrown on the SCMS).

   I had a 14" Jet. I put a Carter guide on the back for thin blades. I was able to cut tight curves. I sold it and bought an Agazanni 20". Watch out for the Upgrade urge. Most people find it's better to "cry once" than keep upgrading.

   The bandsaws made over in Europe are generally considered to be a better design for the money - folded steel frames. Cast Iron is the best, but it's gotten too expensive on the big machines.

   That being said, If I were in the market, I'd probably buy a Rincon 14" (Sp?) at the low end or save up for a MiniMax 16".

3. 
   oms | Oct 30, 2004 03:03pm | #5

   American Woodworker (#110, Oct 2004) had a good review on sub $1000 14" bandsaws. The buy once instead of upgrading is a good piece of advice. Personally I am probably going to buy the Minimax 14S some time in the next 6 months. The resaw is limited to < 7" but for every day regular cutting it seems well made.

1. 
   kernsdan | Oct 31, 2004 10:40pm | #6

   What I have found is the blade is what makes all the difference. I have a 14" Delta that I thought was a piece of junk. I was at a woodworking show and watched a demo on blades and guides. I bought them and now its a sweet machine.

   Edited 10/31/2004 3:42 pm ET by the doctor

4. 
   forestgirl | Nov 10, 2004 08:17pm | #7

   bjcas, the G0555 mentioned by Bill above would be my suggestion.  It's Grizzly's 14" "Ultimate" bandsaw, and really upped the standard on these saws by including a quick tension release, roller bearing blade guides and a high-quality fence.  I have the old Grizzly 14" saw and like it quite a bit.  The G0555 is a vast improvement.  $375 + $58 shipping.  Look here.  Whatever you buy, get the riser block right up front, not later on down the road (you can ask me how I know this, LOL).  It's fifty bucks.

   Don't bother with Grizzly blades though.  Much better ones out there (Timberwolf, for example).

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)