Quick band saw advice...please

[kwgeorge]

I will add my thoughts to this thread. Just about everything that you see that I have made and will be making the Ridgid Bandsaw has something to do with it. Once tuned up and aligned the saw functions flawlessly. The post I made the other day where I was resawing down to 1/32” was on the Ridgid.

So do I think the Ridgid is the best saw out there? Well I really don’t know because I don’t own the others. Do I think the saw is a capable and decent tool? You BETCHA!

Ken

[Knottscott]

I don't own it so take this for what it's worth. I've read the comments about vibration, wheel issues, and motor probs from owners too. If you picked up the Ridgid at a good price, it's probably worth keeping. Otherwise I'd be inclined to investigate the Grizzly or Craftsman, or even the Harbor Freight BS if the price was dirt cheap and tinker with that one for less money.

[kwgeorge]

Well I think I will have to defend my saw just a bit. You know the funny thing is when I read a lot of negative comments on a tool I wonder just how much is truth and how much is that person’s inability to setup and properly use the tool comes into play. Anytime I post something negative or positive about any tool you can pretty much bet that I have investigated the tool and the issue to the nth degree.

Now Dustmight I find it interesting that you would recommend a Craftsmen over a Ridgid and for that mater even a Harbor Freight so with that I can only assume that you have some issue with Ridgid since you say you don’t own the saw but are going by other peoples comments. With that I would challenge anyone’s other make bandsaw against mine in a like test and usage.

Ken

[Ken Weaver]

I have the Ridgid out in the shop - went with it rather than Jet/Delta/Craftsman, etc. because it came available at half price. I have the riser kit to install, waiting for longer blades. Plan to tune things up over time. Out of the box with no tuning seemed to do everything it was supposed to, even resawing with the stock blade down to 3/16. Given the price break, I can make it work. I think buying tools has a lot to do with opportunity. Sometimes in our favor, sometimes not. Put another way, best tool in the world is the one in my shop.