Hi crew, I know I’ll get as many answers as there are members here, but I need to ask anyway. I’m in the market for a benchtop portable planer and a bandsaw. Which ones to get and where to get them? Thanks for any help! Oh yeah, some info on where and how they will be used; home shop, furniture building, some moderate resawing.
-Marc
Edited 8/6/2003 6:57:10 AM ET by Marc
Replies
Marc, for a benchtop planer, I would highly reccommend the Makita. After cooking three (or was it four?) Deltas, I bought the Ridgid and after having a couple of problems with it, I returned and purchaced the Makita from Amazon.com. I think my reveiw is still posted there. I've had it for two or three years now with no problems. Oak, Ipe, Brazillian Cherry, you name it, its done it. If you want more details let me know. Unfortunately, I can't help you with the band saw. Good LucK!
John
Hello Marc,
Check out sears for a floor model. I got my craftsman 13" for $149.00 because it had been on display. I have a laguna lt16. I like it but it is like do you prefer a ford, chevy, or dodge. I would recommend that you look at ebay for bandsaws. There have been several delta 20" BS and larger for a good price. If you have a tall encough shop, a cast iron monster would be very good.
have fun shopping,
Chuck
I just got the Delta two sped planer. It's first job was some bird's eye maple -- one of the toughest woods for a planer. It did a great job. There was no tearout, and it left a very smooth finish.
I've put nearly 5000 bf of hardwood thru my DeWalt 12.5" planer and I'm about ready to sharpen the blades for the first time. No advice on bandsaw.
I was just reading chippers string about "tool addiction" and how we do nothing but get more and more tools for the sake of accumulating them. I don't think this applies to me because, ya know, I REALLY need the new bandsaw and planer... REALLY!
-Marc
The "moderate resawing" part of your description caught my eye. What size bandsaw are you contemplating -- 14"? 16"? Even bigger? There was a bandsaw review earlier this year (couldn't find it yet) that compared the usually 14" saws -- Jet, Delta, Laguna, Grizzly, Shop Fox and some other one methinks. There were surprising differences in resaw power and speed. Maybe someone can remember which mag this was in?!
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Hi forestgirl, the resawing that I'm intending to do would apply to book matching inlayed table top sections, paired cabinet doors, and laminations for bending. As far as the size is concerned, I'm really not sure. This will be my first band saw, (I've been borrowing time on everyone else's =) Money is always an issue. I did see a good looking 14" "no-name" brand on e-bay, but don't want to get stuck with a cheap tool. I think the Jet line is more in my comfort level. I have a few of their other tools and am very happy with them. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Marc
I think you're wise to pass on the eBay item. NoName saw = NoCustomerService.
I have some time off today and tomorrow, so maybe I can find that review mentioned earlier. In the meantime, seems to me settling on what resaw capacity you need would be important, and what size motor you should get. I like Jet tools also (have their 6" jointer and an ancient contractor's saw). The newly designed Jet bandsaws look terrific and I've heard that they're quite nice, with virtually no vibration:http://www.jettools.com/JETWood/ProductPreview/JWBS-PP.htmlJet's customer service is exceptional and their tools certainly have a track record.
The 16" saw has 10" resaw capacity, and comes with a 1.5HP motor. 'Twere I you, I'd stay away from their 14" saw -- doubt that you'd be real happy with it down the road with the type of work you're doing.
The JWBS-16 is available at the same price as a Grizzly 16" G1073Z and actually less than the Shop Fox, with only $99 shipping at Northwest Power Tools http://www.northwestpowertools.com/bandsaws/jwbs16.htm
Makes me wish I was in the market! Have fun.....forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
PS: if that $700+ price tag is way over the top for your budget, check out the new Grizzly 14" saw ($375 + $55 shipping). Resaw cap. is 6", but a riser kit is available.http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.cfm?itemnumber=G0555
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Marc,
Like YesMa'am, I have the Delta 2-speed and love it. Got it on Amazon with free shipping and free dust collection hood.
And I agree with Jamie that you probably won't be happy with a 14-inch BS. I have one and occasionally use it for resawing, but I'm severely restricted on width. Get the 16 or a riser kit.
BJ
Thanks guys, I was looking at that 14" Jet bandsaw, but now that you warned me I guess I'll revisit the budget for the tools purchases this year...
-Marc
Marc, it shouldn't be tooooo bad, the 16" is only about $100 more than the 14" closed-stand. You could probably make that up in your planer choice, e.g., a Delta 12.5" rather than a Rigid 13" or a Makita, DeWalt or other more expensive choice. Given your projects, better to skimp a little on the planer than the bandsaw, yes? forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I've only used two bandsaws.... the makita 2116, long since discontinued; and a MM20 from MiniMax... The MM16 is basically the same saw, just a bit smaller. Great Customer service and a great saw!
My planer is an early Makita 2030... it has been good to me; i can't imagine using one of the lunch box models,,, but some have good reports with them.
Good Luck!
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