Band saw battle

[Howard]

I am in the market for a band saw. Went and looked at the Ridgid at HD, Jet, Rikon at Woodcraft. The Ridgid is quite a bit less expensive by percentage or about $100 or so by dollar amount. I also went to Rockler this weekend and the sales guy, a full time custom furniture maker, said that the Delta and Ridgid don't use high quality motors. Is this correct? Considering this is a purchase that could last me the rest of my woodworking career, so to speak, is buying the Jet or Rikon worth the extra initial cost, in your estimation? BTW, the Rikon is one cool looking machine and would be the envy of the neighborhood... as if that matters...

[Whaler]

All I can do is rave about ny Jet.

[final_t]

My two cents

I am in the market for a band saw. Went and looked at the Ridgid at HD, Jet, Rikon at Woodcraft. The Ridgid is quite a bit less expensive by percentage or about $100 or so by dollar amount. I also went to Rockler this weekend and the sales guy, a full time custom furniture maker, said that the Delta and Ridgid don't use high quality motors. Is this correct? Considering this is a purchase that could last me the rest of my woodworking career, so to speak, is buying the Jet or Rikon worth the extra initial cost, in your estimation? BTW, the Rikon is one cool looking machine and would be the envy of the neighborhood... as if that matters...

Short answer: yes, the Rikon is worth the cost, but he's wrong on the motors (underpowered imho, but not crap).

Long answer/explation/other stuff:

The Ridgid BS1400 is a clone of the Delta model, just like the Grizzly G0580 and Harbor Freight 32206-0VGA units. The riser is interchangable between the Grizzly and the Ridgid, and I suspect the HF model. The HF says 1hp, but Hf always stretches it, so it's probably 3/4 hp like the rest.

IMHO, you can save money and get the HF model, or spend a little more and get the Grizzly. I have *NOT* been happy with the Ridgid, and after over a year of tinkering around, modd'ng, and buying upgrades (including a 2hp motor), I'm finally happy. If I had to do-over I would have gotten the Rikon 18" and actually spent less money.

Now, problems with this 14" Rikon model:
It's not expandable as far as I can see - you can't add a riser block, so you're always limited there. It's also a "1hp" motor, which without amps specing I'll bet it's like HF and actually 3/4".

If you're going to spend about $450-$550 for a bandsaw, I would strongly suggest looking at the Grizzly G0555 Ultimate Bandsaw.

If you are really liking the Rikon and don't plan on expanding out your resaw size, you really should look at the Sears Craftsman 12 in. Band Saw (BAS300 / 00922400000). It's a Rikon private label for Sears and is probably the best bang-for-the-buck bandsaw on the market today - everyone who has one loves it.

[Howard]

I looked at the Sears website and saw the 14in model they have. It does look almost exactly like the Rikon. No wonder it looked familiar. I have their Bosch 1617 derived router and I'm real happy with it. The Grizzly is a great value since the miter gauge and fence are incuded in the price. I don't think I can go wrong in any case.

[Wood_workur]

First vote for a Laguna!!!

[final_t]

First vote for a Laguna!!!

Oh heck yea! The LeeValley/LieNelson of bandsaws right there...
But man, who has the money or the space for one of those?

[WEG]

Laguna? No problem with the money or space, final_T, just roll the Ferrari out of the garage and roll in the Laguna! Easy Peasy : )

[drumpriest]

Don't forget the 14" craftsman, which is VERY similar to the Ricon, but has a bigger resaw capacity. I have one, and am quite pleased with it, though I did get it on a bit of a sale. <400$

[LinuxRandal]

All I can do is rave about ny Jet.

Sorry, the topic here is bandsaws, NOT football, LOL

[Uncle Hook]

I am trying to decide between the 12" and 14" Craftsman bandsaw models. I spent 2 hours comparing them earlier today. Both saws are quite impressive and are on sale to Craftsman club members through March 4. $300.00 - 10% = $270.00 for the 12'' Model and $480.00 - $75 = $404.00 for the 14" model.

The resaw capacity of the 14" model measures about 8.5" versus about 7" for the 12" model. Depth of cut is for the 14" model is 13 5/8" versus 12" for the for the 12" model. The 14 " model has a 1 hp 11 amp 110V (or 5.5 amp 220V) motor vs a 3/4 hp 7.0 amp 110v moter for the 12" model. The 14" model has 14" cast iron wheels vs 12" cast aluminum wheels for the 12" model. The 14" model takes a 99 3/4" blade vs an 89 1/2" blade for the 12" model. The 12" model takes blades 1/8 to 1/2 in. The 14" model takes blades 1/8" to 3/4". Table height on the 12" model is about 40" 1/2" above floor vs 43 3/4" above floor for the 14" model. The 14" model has a closed cabinet stand vs. opened frame stand for the 14" model.

Both saws have: 2 speed drive pulleys; the same cast iron tables (20-3/8" x 15-3/4"); the same Ball bearing saw blade guides with microadjust knobs; and 2 1/2" and 4" dust collection ports.

I am debating wheter it is worth the extra $135.00 for the 14" model or wheter to possibly wait for a better discount on the 12" model later this year. I want to put the saw on casters and I think the 12" model may have a better stand for that.

I would be interested in hearing opinions on the value of having an extra 1 5/8" depth of cut, 1 1/2" more of resaw capacity, and 1/3 more hp, and cast iron wheels offered by the 14" model.

[cwsmith]

I've looked at several bandsaws, including the Ridgid and the Grizzly "ultimate" 14-inch. The latter has received some decent opinions, while the Ridgid seems to have some problems with several owners (mostly vibration, as I recall). I haven't seen the Grizzly up close and personal, but I have the Ridgid, and I wasn't too impresed.

I did take a close look at the Craftsman (Rikon) 14-inch and it appears to be very well built and is decked out with some features that the Rikon-badged unit doesn't have. Probably the notable, is the additional depth capacity (spec says 8 inches). Althought, being a fabricated steel design, you cannot add an extension block like with Grizzly, Ridgid, and many other 14-inch cast-iron bandsaws. However, according to a review of the Rikon that I had read (I believe on the Fine Woodworking site), the Rikon was the only 14-inch saw that could achieve maximum tension during their test.

The Craftsman unit also has a decent sized table and an adjustable fence (for blade lead). The roller bearing blade guides are also well designed with the thrust bearing surface against the bearing face, instead of to the side, as on the Grizzly and Ridgid. (The Griaaly also uses ball bearing blade guides, but the Ridgid uses conventional blocks.)

Regarding the question as to whether their was an advantage to the 14-inch depth capacity as compared to the 12-inch. IMHO, the 12-inch may not have enough HP to handle that capacity, while the 14-inch provides at least another 1/3 HP. But, that is only a guess on my part.

Overall, the Craftsman/Rikon units seem to be very well built and comes with considerable features for the price. Right now, it is on the top of my list for purchase, I just wish Sears would give it a longer warranty.

I hope this is helpful,

CWS

[lrogers]

All I can add is that love my Grizz G-0555. The fit and finish is excellent, the riser was a snap to install, it's quiet and the manual was first class.

[Workman]

Ditto on the Grizzly G0555! The question is what are you going to do with the bandsaw (or whatever tool). So far, my Grizzly has been able to handle whatever I've thrown at it, including resawing 2 X 12 red oak (20 years old), cutting veneer (with a Timberwolf blade), and cutting curves, etc. It also handles stacked cuts on hardwood easily. The Grizz gets my vote too. Has anyone tried the new resaw fence Grizzly has in the 2006 catalog? (Aluminum with cast iron base, I think).

[Scottydont]

I have owned the Rigid and the Jet. The Rigid motor vibe problems are due to the cheesy motor mounted to the stamped metal stand. Final T nailed it IMHO. The Sears 14" has gotten great reviews on woodworking forums. If I had to do it over again, It would be down the Griz G0555 and the Craftsman 14".

As for Uncle Hooks question about the Craftsman 12" vs. 14", more than the dimensions of the resaw capacity is the motor HP if you plan on resawing. Mo HP mo better!

[Tundra_Man]

Grizzly G0555 all the way. Best 14" band saw, period. I'd sleep with mine if I could.