Ridgid Bandsaw on Craigslist... you opinion wanted

[davidtu]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/179776792.html

Short of it: Ridgid 14" BS1400 $150 claimed to have used 1 hr.

Don't have one, haven't had one. Need to know what to ask about if this is a decent price, which it seems to me (based on description of used 1 hr)... tho looks like the table is a bit rusty, so not sure how well maintained it was (btw, is rust there an issue?)

I understand riser block and fence are extra, not sure if getting those later would add too much cost ... and I've perused the forum and it seems like its a respected saw, tho perhaps a little lite in the loafers (3/4 hp motor).

I left a message, waiting to hear back. WHAT SHALL I ASK? HELP!!!

[maxparot]

That saw is $349 new if it is good working condition it's a bargain.

[jtrcy]

$150? Sounds like a deal. I've had one for a few years and found the riser kit at HD on clearance for $15.

The stock blade sucks, but the riser kit blade's not too bad.

Seems to me to be as good as most other imports - the fit and finish is decent. I have the older gray model.

For $150 - I'd say you could not do better for a bandsaw. One thing to note - the stand has a lot of flex that cause quite a bit of vibration - if you mount some plywood inbetween the saw and the stand it stiffens it up nicely. Also doing so allows you to mount the motor a bit farther back and use a longer belt - that makes it easier to open the lower door.

JT

[davidtu]

Thanks for the quick feedback.

Assuming its not already sold... what questions to ask or checks to the condition shall I make? Remember, never used one!

[RLonning]

Ask if the saw has any vibration. Some users talk about the "nickel" test. Can you balance a nickel on its edge on the table while it's running? There are a number of strategies for reducing vibration. Some recommend using a link belt to replace the V-belt. Others have recommended adjusting belt tension. My problem was a badly out of true upper wheel. Mark Duginsky in his book on bandsaws described using a drill to remove small bits of metal from the rim to rebalance the wheel. Once I started drilling the edge, it looked like swiss cheese by the time I got it balanced.

[Scottydont]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/179776792.html

Short of it: Ridgid 14" BS1400 $150 claimed to have used 1 hr.

Don't have one, haven't had one. Need to know what to ask about if this is a decent price, which it seems to me (based on description of used 1 hr)... tho looks like the table is a bit rusty, so not sure how well maintained it was (btw, is rust there an issue?)

I understand riser block and fence are extra, not sure if getting those later would add too much cost ... and I've perused the forum and it seems like its a respected saw, tho perhaps a little lite in the loafers (3/4 hp motor). I would not worry about the rust.

I left a message, waiting to hear back. WHAT SHALL I ASK? HELP!!!

I used to own one. It is a decent bandsaw. You are right on about a little bit light on HP but as long as you are planning on resawing on it like it's a sawmill it will do fine. I upgraded mine with riser block, roller guides and Timberwolf blades and it worked great. It tracked better than my Jet. If you don't buy it at $150 I will!

[mcgrath4u]

• Ask what kind of blade is on there now (this will tell you what he used it for 1/2" 3 tpi for resawing, 1/16"-1/8" for scrolling).
• Ask what it was primarily used for (resawing, scrolling, etc.). I say the second to see if his first response corresponds to the second.
• Ask if there was any modifications made.
• Ask if anything is missing or been changed.
• Ask if he is the original owner.

John

[jackellis]

I just bought one of these used for $300, including a couple of extra blades, an aftermarket fence, riser block, cool blocks. The previous owner also changed out the motor for a larger one, for which he built another stand. it is light on HP for resaw, but for $150, you can afford to replace the weak stock motor with a bigger one.

I say go for it.

[mater]

It probably won't last long at that price. I have one and I added a link belt and changed the blade on mine and it runs great.

[davidtu]

Thanks everyone for the info, unfortunately this one was already sold--no surprise I guess.

Your answers will sure help on the next one that comes up.

Scotty, assuming you're not looking for one yourself, I'm signing you up to alert me to any BS local deals you find!

Thanks all!

[jonathan55]

After reading post on this and other threads I took the plunge and bought the Ridgid band saw at Home Depot today. It's still in the box so I can't say much. I decided to take advantage of the no intrest and payment for 6 months. They gave me 12 months no interest and when I checked out the guy gave me 10% off and said that the first item charged got 10% off! All in all a good deal, maybe this should be in bargin alerts!

[davidtu]

What'd they charge for that saw Jonathan?