Need Bandsaw Recommendation

[lrr]

I've had a small Delta tabletop bandsaw for years, and it is really great for hobby stuff like RC airplane work (cutting thin ply or balsa), but not much good for real woodworking tasks.

I'm thinking a 14" model is a logical next step. I see plenty of models in the $400-500 range, and they look decent for this price (Jet, Delta, Craftsman, Grizzly). But then I keep gravitating to the Powermatic, since it has ball bearing glides, a more powerful motor than most, and the Carter Quick Release on it. Currently it can be found for ~$799 after $100 rebate.

I'd like to know what folks here have and like, and especially if you have the Powermatic, and can tell me if I'm on the right track.

Thanks in advance.

[ChrisD]

Lee,

I have a closed-base Delta 14", which I believe was the last model that was actually made in the US. It's my first bandsaw so I really have nothing to compare it with. I installed a Kreg fence on it and a 1/2" 3 TPI blade from BC Saws (a Canadian company).

I actually got it second-hand from a friend, although it was in immaculate condition (no e-Bay speak here). When setting it up, I followed the advice of John White and Michael Fortune, through their articles in FWW on tuning a bandsaw.

Since that initial setup, it has been totally drift-free and always ready to resaw.

It's only 3/4 HP, but I have not needed anything more than that so far.

I've read nothing but good things about the Powermatic, but as Sarge might tell you, beware of reviews!

[jackellis]

I have a Ridgid with a 1 HP motor and a riser block I bought used for $300. I replaced the tensioning knob with a quick-crank from Highland Woodworking. Guides are some type of ceramic blocks. The previous owner, a luthier, put it on a wooden mobile base that seems to be fine.

With a middling 1/2" blade, it will resaw 4 or 5" stock just fine. A 9" chunk of bay laurel took forever - blade tends to get bogged down but it might be technique. A 6" thick piece of poplar resawed to 1/2" very nicely with a shop-built tall fence. At some point I will spring for Timberwolf blades and I expect nice, smooth, easy cuts.

If money and shop space were infinite, I'd get a Powermatic or a European-style saw. For a weekend warrior like me, the Ridgid with a few minor mods seems to fit the bill, especially if you can find one used. Try Craigslist and be patient.

[LCHIEN]

I've had a small Delta tabletop bandsaw for years, and it is really great for hobby stuff like RC airplane work (cutting thin ply or balsa), but not much good for real woodworking tasks.

I'm thinking a 14" model is a logical next step. I see plenty of models in the $400-500 range, and they look decent for this price (Jet, Delta, Craftsman, Grizzly). But then I keep gravitating to the Powermatic, since it has ball bearing glides, a more powerful motor than most, and the Carter Quick Release on it. Currently it can be found for ~$799 after $100 rebate.

I'd like to know what folks here have and like, and especially if you have the Powermatic, and can tell me if I'm on the right track.

Thanks in advance.

The 14" band saw is kind of the sweet spot in bandsaw sizes just like 10" are the standard point in table saws.

There's lots of choices, you might look at the Grizzly G0555 which is quite loaded for a price that is much less than the powermatic even after shipping. By all accounts its a solid machine. Comes with fence, ball bearing guides, quick release, miter gauge, etc. http://www.grizzly.com/products/g0555

Another choice is the craftsman 14" euro-style saw #22401 or sheet-metal saw as some call it, they have welded steel cabinets instead of cast iron frames. They have distinctive squared off wheel housing instead of the round-top wheel housings of the CI saws. Usually generous cutting height, more than the 6" of the standard 14" CI saws but less than the 12" of a 14" saw with riser. http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

[maxparot]

I have the HF 4 speed 14" with the riser for resawing. I think it's a best bang for the bux and you can upgrade it as need be. I have added the HF roller guides, Carter tension release, tire brushes and the Kreg fence. At this point I'd compare it to any 14" of this type and I'm sure I saved a few dollars along the way.

[ragswl4]

I have the Grizzly G0555 and have been happy with it. I have resawn 6" oak, padauk, lyptus, curly and quilted maple with it. I use a 3/4" blade. It has given me know problems after a year. Original guides stay in alignment. It is my first large bandsaw so I have nothing else to compare it to. Does what I need it to do.

I hate phonics: I should read: "It has given me NO problems after a year."

[LarryG]

Another Grizzly G0555 owner here. Quite pleased with it, especially considering the cost. Its one flaw is that the guide post doesn't travel perfectly straight up and down, but this is a common problem on cast iron frame saws. Otherwise, I really like it. The built-in quick release tensioning lever is wonderful. The Carter-style bearing guides are fine, but I don't consider them to offer any significant advantages over conventional block guides. More like an alternative system than an upgrade. Good fence. Miter gauge is just good enough to allow Grizzly to say, "Includes miter gauge!"

I've looked at the Powermatic several times in stores, and there's no question it's nice ... it's very nice. But the last time I checked prices it was approaching double the cost of the G0555. That's a lot of difference for two saws with the same basic specs. If I was going to spend upwards of $1000 on a band saw, I think I'd be looking at one of the 18" sheet metal saws. Probably. I think. Tough call. Like I said ... the Powermatic is definitely nice.

[Tundra_Man]

Another vote for the Grizzly G0555. I've had one for nearly three years now, and absolutely love it to death. It has the features of higher-priced saws (roller bearings, quick release tensioner, 1 HP motor, nice fence, etc.) Set up properly (get Mark Duginski's excellent book) it cuts like a dream.

I have the riser block installed and (with the right blade, obviously) have resawn 12" rock maple, walnut and bubinga without any trouble. If it'll resaw bubinga, it'll go through anything. My guide post does travel straight up and down, at least within tolerable specs.

I don't have any experience with the Powermatic, but I can't think of anything it might do that my Grizzly won't. I agree with Larry that if you're going to spend twice the amount, you're better off stepping up to an 18" saw rather than just a more expensive 14".

I've said it before: the biggest problem I have with my G0555 is that my wife keeps catching me hugging it when I think she's not looking.

[scott213]

I'm not sure what your using it for but Shopsmith has my vote hands down. I owned a Jet 12" it was junk, couldn't resaw straight. I got my shopsmith and I can resaw oak, maple and whatever you throw at it with a 6" capacity. As far as cutting curves no problem. I also bought a circle cutter that is quite nice. Shopsmith tools are very well built. There is a video/book by Mark Duginski called mastering your bandsaw. It is chuck full of helpful suggestions. Also check out http://www.songofthegreatlakes.com/ssbandsawreview.htm

[eddy merckx]

There is an article in the Iturra catalog about what the current best bandsaw is. If I remember right, he chose an old Delta 14" as the best possible saw. The best of the newer imports is the Powermatic because there are so few compomises. He also said (what Larry said) he'd rather upgrade to an 18 inch Grizzly for about the same money. Bigger wheels = fewer broken blades and ability to use 3/4" blades.

If you call Iturra Design, you can talk to Louis himself. He doesn't have a website, but the phone is 866 883-8064. If you haven't heard of it, Iturra Design is a company devoted to everything bandsaw.

Eddy

[SARGE..g-47]

I run a Steel City 18" for re-saw and kept my Jet 12" with smaller blades to cut curves. But if I were going to a 14" as you seem to be, I would look at the old style Delta's (I wouldn't touch the new ones) as Chris mentioned. If I were going new (and I probably would) the Griz 0555 as the guys mentioned is pretty well made from my observations and the price is excellent for the product delivered.

Regards...

[Knottscott]

For midrange 14", I'd be looking at the G0555 or the Craftsman 22401. For upper end, I'd take a look at the Rikon cadilac model.

[Whaler]

I have the Jet JBS14CS and am very happy with it.

[sacherjj]

I got a friends Ridgid 14" for free. I added a Carter tension release, because I hate tensioning and untensioning. I also added the Grizzly riser. I had planned to eventually get the 555 Grizzly, as that seems to be the best bang for the buck, if this saw hadn't fallen in my lap.

[lrr]

Folks -- thanks for all the suggestions! I was amazed to see the number of responses. I have been getting Grizzly catalogs for years, but never bought a major tool -- mostly smaller items. I am glad to hear the favorable reviews! And the thought of finding an older Delta or similar on Craigs List is intriguing...

And now I'm really torn -- I looked last night on Amazon, never really thinking about checking with them for major tools. They are offering free shipping on the Powermatic. This is really making this decision tough!

Thanks again for all the great ideas.