Bandsaw Gloat. . .

[Duff]

Just picked me up a Ridgid 14" BARELY used for less than half price. The worst of it, is the bolts holding the motor and saw to the table, are rusted...oh gee, I wonder if that will affect the blade tracking (insert sarcastic tones). So, anyone else have this one and have recommendations? I'm moving up from my 12" Craftsman Bandsaw/Sander! Already rough tuned it in. Noticed the cool blocks are a little stubby, but thats an easy fix. Blade tracks about 1 1/2 degrees right on resawing and with a smooth speed, works mighty fine I think... Then again, this is my first GOOD bandsaw.

Duff

[Ken Massingale]

Good score, Duff. I don't know that BS, check http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/index.php

[Duff]

Ken, I don't know how to thank someone and cuss at them at the same time, but now you've introduced me to yet another board to sign-up on and read near constantly. . . .

Thanks

[jackellis]

Get the riser block kit and consider a slightly larger motor at some point. Also, good blades. This weekend I'm finally going to try an Iturra on a 9" log.

[Duff]

Got some good blades so far. Used it again briefly tonight to work on my sons pinewood derby car (rough shaping into a 2009 Camaro (he called it). Little checking before pluging it in, all tensions good, angles good, cool blocks good, tracking good. . . table perpendicular to the blade.

CUT LIKE BUTTA!!!

[JTimmons]

So, anyone else have this one and have recommendations?
Duff

I have this bandsaw, there was an article in the October 2006 #172 issue of Wood magazine showing how to tune it up. I haven't had the chance to do any of it myself, though.

[final_t]

Well I personally consider this bandsaw worth about half of the retail price, so I think you got a proper deal!
That being said, things to do:
1) Get the upgraded spring and hand crank with beefer nut from Iturra Designs. You can get the spring for a little more money from Woodcraft or other mail orders, but have not see the crank + nut elsewhere
2) Replace the stock tires if the owner hasn't already. Shop around for these, make sure you're getting the pair for the price. Most places over-charge for a single.
3) Replace the belt with a link belt.
4) After much personal experimentation, I have found the ceramic guides & thrust bearing replacements are the best choice. I do make my own guides out of maple/hickory for the smaller blades

As for the motor: if you have a good blade and are not doing a lot of resawing, the motor should be fine. I *did* upgrade my motor because I was resawing at the max 5-7/8" hight of the thing, and plan on putting the hieght extended someday.

[DonHo]

"Get the upgraded spring and hand crank with beefer nut from Iturra Designs. "

I have a 12" jet(all my small shop will allow), the saw cuts good but I've had problems with the tension bolt and nut striping out. The first time (couple of years ago I could buy just the bolt and nut for under $20 but it happened again and they only sell the whole tension mechanism now and it's around $50. The bolt and nut were 10mm and I had no luck finding a square 100mm nut or 10mm bolt long enough locally. I just happened to find a post on woodnet about a guy who used a 3/8" square nut and 3/8" all thread. Bent the top of the all thread to 90 degrees and epoxied on a large dowel to make a tension "crank". I gave it a try and it works like a charm AND it only cost about $3. BTW the 14" jet used the same bolt and nut so I think it would work on most 14" bandsaws.

DonHo