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Looking to buy a bandsaw

Looking to buy a bandsaw (post #169566)

KendallTaylor on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 02:34

Power Tools and Machinery

Looking to buy my first bandsaw in the 14 inch range. I would like current recommendations. I would use the saw mainly for resawing but would like to cut curves as well. It has to be 110v but other than that I am open.

questions (post #169566, reply #1 of 8)

by RalphBarker in reply to KendallTaylor [original] on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 14:37

A couple of questions. What is your budget? How wide do you need to resaw?

Saws (post #169566, reply #2 of 8)

by Westchester in reply to RalphBarker [original] on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 15:00

One saw isn't the answer - you need two different saws. Delta in the 700.00 range for curves. For resawing you need a bigger machine.

budget (post #169566, reply #3 of 8)

by KendallTaylor in reply to RalphBarker [original] on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 18:32

I consider spending 1400 but don't want to spend it on a machine where I am not going to use the extra power etc. Also I don't see resawing anything wider than 10 inhces.

power (post #169566, reply #6 of 8)

by RalphBarker in reply to KendallTaylor [original] on Sat, 01/07/2012 - 11:00

The trade-offs between different sizes and models can generally be summed up in terms of size and capacity. The HP of the motor plays a big role for resawing, and the larger saws typically have larger motors, too.

For 10" resawing, I'd lean toward a 2hp unit, regardless of "size" (14", 17", etc.). A 2hp motor, however, will pull almost 20 amps on a 110v line. A 1 1/2hp motor will pull about 15 amps on 110v, so you have a little wiggle room on a 20 amp circuit. The current Delta 14" BS has a 1hp motor, which would pull around 10 amps on 110v.

I'd suggest looking at Laguna (considered by many to be the Rolls Royce of bandsaws), Delta, Powermatic, and Grizzly. A model with a 1 1/2hp motor might be a reasonable compromise for you, or go 2hp if you have a 30 amp circuit in your shop.

Note, too, that "curve cutting" on a bandsaw is limited to fairly gentle arcs unless you are working with very short stock.

Oh boy can I sink my "teeth" into this one. (post #169566, reply #5 of 8)

by roc in reply to KendallTaylor [original] on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 20:50

I am going to go get some links and post them for your perusal but first let me whisper one little phrase in your ear . . .

about the 110 v must be thing . . .

d r y e r o u t l e t

could you reach it with an extension cord ? That's what I do. Works great. Probably take a change of plug on the saw cord or a custom extension cord.

If the plugs are hard to push into the wall socket or pull out a wipe of WD-40 on the brass prongs of the male plug will seem like a miracle !

roc

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

My Laguna / my prize possession (post #169566, reply #4 of 8)

by roc in reply to KendallTaylor [original] on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 20:44

Here is one discussion on bandsaws, resawing etc.

http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-w...

>need a bigger bandsaw than 14 for resawing<

Huh

Hmmm

that's old school . . . or you met up with a "good salesman" before ACTUALLY trying a modern 14.

See pics

Tha's a 14; a good one with a 220v industrial motor but it doesn't even slow down resawing 10 inch bubinga and purple heart. Much power to spare. The motor hardly gets warm let alone hot. NOT A PROBLEM !

I think it would at least be adequate on 110v but have not tried it. In any case you are not going to run a larger saw on 110 V ; nope nope, naaaawgonadoit.

PS: Maybe I misunderstood the need a bigger saw comment. Maybe you meant need a bigger saw than the $700 Delta curve cutter.

I am all for having more than one bandsaw. Switching blades is time consuming and not "fun" after the first few times. Best to have a bandsaw set up for resawing and one set up for curves.

But . . . that is not in my budget or my work space limitations

putting skinny blades on my Laguna works great once it is tuned for the skinny blade. I have a plethora of narrower blades.

The big wide Laguna resaw blade is truly a precision blade. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS BLADE it is WORTH every penny.

roc

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

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agree on the blade and dont forget the the guides (post #169566, reply #7 of 8)

by bones in reply to roc [original] on Sat, 01/07/2012 - 19:02

I agree with you on the blade. I used the timberwolfe blade and its an awsome blade on my 17 bs. However while the resaw cuts were accurate they were not finish ready. When I bought that laguna blade with carbide tips, it was a night and day difference. I wish the laguna guides fit my saw but they don't so, i did upgrade to some better ones for my saw and I am very pleased with the results the cuts are perfect coming off. I also agree changing blades is a real pain. Once I got it dialed in perfect I really did not want to touch it. I decided to get another bandsaw just to cut the small stuff. Don't think you need to shell out a ton of money. I bought an old (old) walker turner 16" bs from the 40's and when I replace the bearings fit it with a new motor and tires I'll have a little over 200 in it. While I had that project the saw below came up on the old iron.org site for 200. I bought it and just put a new plug on it and bought a small blade & carter guide and she's cuting all my small stuff. There's a nice 36" over there now I'd like to buy but I'd better stop at 3. BTW the 14" I just bought is the original delta 14" from 34 with original motor still runs like a charm.

...For that old machine lovers: http://vintagemachinery.org/home.aspx

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agree on the blade and dont forget the the guides (post #169566, reply #8 of 8)