Newbie BS Owner has ?

[lago]

I have a Delta 26-142 14" BS with the riser block kit that has not been installed yet. Being the first time I have used a BS, I have a lot of questions. I have been keeping some of the previous posts for reference material and that has been a great help.

1. I will be getting a book or two for more info on using the tool.

2. The riser kit has not been installed yet. Since this saw has a
1/2 hp motor, will it be able to handle resawing. I recall some
threads that indicated that it might not. I have access to some
mesquite and live oaks trees that I am thinking of using. Have no
idea what a new motor would cost. The Delta website has various
motors listed but higher HP has higher rpm. Possible could change
the pulley configuration but that might require a new belt cover.

3. Blades-It came with a 1/8" 14tpi blade and 3 105" blades that
would be used if riser kit is installed. Since I need blades,
Previous item needs to be addressed before I spend $$ on blades.
Again, suggestions on very basic starter set of blades would be
appreciated.

Thanks
Ken

[LarryG]

I'll begin by saying I'm not a bandsaw expert, having had my G0555 for less than a year. Still, FWIW:

Books: I recommend Mark Duginske's "Band Saw Handbook." I have Lonnie Bird's "The Bandsaw Book" and find it to be of little use for someone who already has a saw. I've looked at the Duginske in the bookstore several times, and it looks much better as a reference than the Bird.

Motor HP and resawing: I think you'll find 1/2HP marginal, perhaps inadequate, for serious resawing. Of course it all depends on how wide the board is, the wood species, the feed rate, etc etc etc. The cost of a new motor will depend on what you get, where you get it. Anywhere from $40-50 at Harbor Freight to hundreds for a Baldor.

Blades: Myself and others have found the Woodslicer (1/2" wide, 3TPI, variable pitch) to be an excellent all-around blade, suitable for everything that doesn't require curves tighter than a 1/2" blade can manage. IMO it's about the best thirty bucks you can spend on your bandsaw. Available from Highland Hardware in Atlanta.

Otherwise, the usual advice (which I've not yet taken myself, since I too am still trying to decide about a riser block) is to call Suffolk Machinery, makers of the well-regarded Timberwolf blades, and tell them what your needs are and let them recommend a starter selection of blades. They have a buy-three-get-one-free deal that will allow you to get a nice assortment for a very reasonable price.

[Roger109]

Ditto on Mark Duginske's book,its been a winner for me,and get the best blades you can afford!

[DaveinFloweryBranchGA]

I third that recommendation on the Dugineske Bandsaw handbook. I have the Bird book and haven't found it to be worth the money. The Duginske book is what I used to go completely through my HF 14 incher and once I was done, the saw ran like a champ. If you buy this book, I doubt you'll need any other books on the bandsaw from a set up standpoint.

I also have and really like the Suffolk Machinery blades. Of great benefit is their telephone support, which is excellent for figuring out what you need related to blades, motors, speeds, etc. The support is worth more than the blades cost in my lowly opinion.

[don_hart]

I also have a copy of Mark Duginske's "Band Saw Handbook." and find it to be very informative and probably oneof the best bandsaw hanbooks out there.

The timberwolf blades from suffolk machinery are great blades and right now they have a buy 3 get 1 free deal.

As to the size of the motor you are most likely to find it to be a little underpowered for resawing. You will probably want to move to a 1 HP motor if possible. But even if you don't change the motor you will find many tips in Mark's book to increase the performance of the saw that will help.

[Otter]

a fourth on Mark Duginske's book