Craftsman 21400 10" BS $99

[tohellwithuga]

Argh, went ahead and ordered one at the last minute to be shipped (OOS in all local stores). Been spending too much money lately... but at least this one was on gift cards, so it doesn't show up on any credit card...

Thx OP!

Edit - Kinda weird, but I just noticed that they charged me tax based on the "Initial subtotal" of $135.94, not the "Subtotal" of $99.99, after the "Additional savings" of $35.95. No big deal, I guess, it's only a little over $2, but still...

[Knottscott]

Argh, went ahead and ordered one at the last minute to be shipped (OOS in all local stores). Been spending too much money lately... but at least this one was on gift cards, so it doesn't show up on any credit card...

Thx OP!

Edit - Kinda weird, but I just noticed that they charged me tax based on the "Initial subtotal" of $135.94, not the "Subtotal" of $99.99, after the "Additional savings" of $35.95. No big deal, I guess, it's only a little over $2, but still...

I think I'd challenge that one...the dollar amount is small, but it's wrong AFAIK unless there was some sort of rebate involved.

[RickLab]

It looks like they've extended the sale until 3/24 in case anyone decided they were missing out.

[xli1]

I bought one about two month ago at $129. At $99 it is a very good price. I bought another one and retured it with my last receipt, I finally I got it for $99 plus tax. Good deal! Nice saw!

[steve-u]

Got one and need advice on setting up

I bought one this weekend and have it put together but have not adjusted the blade guides yet. This is the first bandsaw I have ever used. For the money it seems well built. One question though - how would I know that I have the tension of the blade correct??

Thanks, Steve

[wdreamsmaycome]

I have the same exact question (blade tension), the manual is not very good at all...

[wassaw998]

Is there not an indicator that moves as you tighten the tension knob, and said indicator has a scale and along the scale are pre-scribed markings for different blade (Widths) ? Tensioning a BS blade recommendations range from a very scientific approach down to some very subjective methods such as "pluck a note and make it sound like a C , or is it a F..". In general, the indicator scale on a new saw is a good starting point. But try some searches on BS blade tension and you'll see the myriad of ideas. I would be more concerned up front of getting too much tension and bending the frame then not enough. Thats where the indicator scale on the saw comes in handy.

[wdreamsmaycome]

there is no indicator on the craftsman saw, hence us wondering about it: I've looked at many articles about this and there is so much conflicting info, one of the was along the lines of 'if you have a "real" bandsaw do xyz, if you have one of those toy sub $400 ones just turn the tension knob as much as you can'

[foneman]

this might work

I would try the flutter test. Adjust your BS blade tension with the upper support raised as high as it will go. Turn on your BS and tighten or loosen until the blade flutters slightly. Then tighten until it stops and then tighten an additional 1/8 turn. That is how I tighten my 14" BS and it has never failed me yet. Not sure why it wouldn't work for your BS.

[wassaw998]

Rikon has a 10" BS very close to the one you have - I just read the manual and like your's, seems to have no indicator. A suggestion would be send their tech support an email and ask for their recommendations on tensioning their 10" BS. (Model 10-300). In the mean time, what John recommended certainly should get you up and running. Personally I don't like a lot of guess work / vodoo in setting up machines so things like guages and indicators are helpful to old guys like me.

[tohellwithuga]

I think I'd challenge that one...the dollar amount is small, but it's wrong AFAIK unless there was some sort of rebate involved.

So, I called yesterday, and they said:

Sears: "We show that you were only charged a total of $106, which would be the correct tax. Would you like us to email you the receipt with the correct tax showing?"

Me: "Yes please, thanks."

So, 30 minutes later, I received an email that was identical to the original order confirmation, showing $8.15 tax.

[tohellwithuga]

Oh yeah, not sure if anyone is still thinking about ordering this bandsaw, but if you are, you might want to add this item onto your order:

Sellstrom Welding Respirator, Silicone Half-Mask

It's $5.97, but has $6.25 shipping (for me). But it ships free if you order with the BS. Know nothing about this respirator, but it seems to be a good deal if it's shipped free.

[steve-u]

I left mine at what it was set for tension and it seems to work fine for what I use it for. I put a mark on the inside so that I can use factory setting as a guidline in the future when changing blades or removing tension. One article as shown in the first link below said to expose 6 inches of blade and put moderate pressure from finger onto one side and it should not deflect more than .25 inch [though for this saw you can not go 6 inches]. I adjusted the guides and the tracking and it seems to run pretty good even passing the nickel test. Both pictures are with it running.

Steve

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/w00013.asp

[calec]

I missed the Hitachi BS blowout a while back. Although I still don't know where I would have put it. This one may be much easier to fit in my shop. It sounds like the blade that comes with it isn't the greatest. Does anyone have a suggestion for where to get a better blade?

Thanks.

RE:blades for Craftsman 21400. try Tool Center.com

[calec]

Can craftsman club members get further discounts on this product???

...And I'm puzzled why I don't get the Craftsman Club flyers any more?
I've bought stuff from them.
(I believe the only time there's a discount is when Craftsman Club has their specials on?)