Bandsaw recommendation - quick

[p8ntblr]

Someone has a 14" Ridgid bandsaw asking $175. If it's in good condition do you think it's a good deal? He said someone is going there later today but I contacted him first so I get first dibbs. Wacha think??? thanks.

[bthere]

If it is truly in good condition, I think it is a good deal. A nice open stand 14" bandsaw with a 3/4 hp motor. I think HD sells them new for around $350, so the used one at half price sounds alright.

Just make sure to run it to verify that the motor is in good shape without excessive vibration. And verify that the table is flat with a straight edge.

[Alex Franke]

Sounds pretty good to me, too. I wonder if the bands saws are covered under their stellar full lifetime warranties??? Might be something to look into...

[Knottscott]

I wouldn't pay full price for the Ridgid, but $175 would be attractive to me assuming it's in good working condition. At that price it can be upgraded as needed/wanted, and can become a pretty nice BS.

[p8ntblr]

Just talked to him on the phone. He said there's a scratched paint, missing throat plate, and *maybe* some rust (he hasn't used it in a while). But that he's only used it a dozen or so times.

[bthere]

I wouldn't worry about the plate, you can make or buy one -- blanks for the Jet are about $8 for 3 and I wouldn't think ones for the Ridgid would be more. As a matter of fact, Jet inserts may actually fit the Ridgid table.

The rust, as long as has pitted the table too much is no big deal to a Scotch Brite and WD40.

[p8ntblr]

I wouldn't pay full price for the Ridgid.

What don't you like about it?

[p8ntblr]

Well I'm off to check it out.

[drumpriest]

I personally wouldn't pay full price for the ridgid because for the money, you can get a better bandsaw. 3/4hp is a touch low for a 14" saw. Now at 175$, used but in good condition, I'd be tempted. It's not a BAD bandsaw, just not the best bang for the buck at the usual 350-400$ (price of it varies, time of year, etc...)

I got my craftsman euro style, 1hp, closed base, 8" resaw for under 400$, and I'm sure you will hear from others here who have made good deals.

[Knottscott]

What don't you like about it?

drumpriest summed it up well. For full price, I'd be looking at the Griz or the Craftsman. Nothing wrong with the Ridgid per se, but it's not their strongest machine relative to the competition IMO, and there have been some complaints of vibration from the wheels, etc. $175 for it leaves plenty of room for "forgiveness" and upgrades as desired or needed....$350 does not.

[p8ntblr]

I ended up passing on it. It looked a little beat up for my liking and plus I checked out the Ridgid forum before I left and also read about the vibration from the wheels. Thanks for your input guys.