Bandsaw Advise - Please

[poolhound]

I have been considering a bandsaw for a while and am now looking for some help and advise from those of you who own them.


I started looking at the smaller ones (read cheaper) and pretty soon realized that this would be false economy as much less than a 14” saw would leave me wanting more in terms of power, size, resaw capacity etc. I also recognize that getting one that did not have a riser option would also be limiting so whatever I choose must have that option and I would order at the same time. Having looked at many reviews and gone blurry eyed over spec sheets etc, the three that keep coming up are the Griz 0555 or 0555X or the 10-325 from Rikon. I read that many of you are owners of these models so would appreciate any feedback or direct comparisons you may have.

As far as I have been able to tell both Grizs will need the 6” riser added the X comes with the resaw fence so would need to add that to the plain 0555 both would need rolling base (why don’t they just have this built in at 200lbs+) The Rikon has the 13” resaw capacity as standard but no resaw fence option I could see. I can purchase the Griz direct but have to go to a Disti to get a Rikon. Prices seem to be:

0555 $705 Shipped
0555X $818 Shipped
Rikon Varies from $699 to $800+ with some offering “free shipping” others charging. I coulnet find an option for a base so would need to add that

So specific question are:

1. Are these my best options, should I be considering something else?
2. What are the practical differences in these machines
3. Do the fences all adjust for drift?
4. what base do folks have on their Rikons?
5. where have Rikon owners purchased from – any recommendations

Can those of you that have had these machines delivered comment on how they are packed, did you have them shipped to home or pickup from dock. Do they come fully assembled or in parts. How big are they shipping size I have a 4’ x 5’ truck bed, big enough or not? How do you get it off the truck at home?

I am sure there are a bunch of questions I have yet to ask so please chime in. This would be the physically largest shop purchase I have made so trying to figure out logistics.

Budgetwise I am fairly flexible (within reason). The reason I am writing this posting now is I just save $750 on 4 airfares back to the UK in the summer so I feel that much richer and could push myself into a purchase

Thanks in advance.

[drumpriest]

Hey Jon, the best advise I can give on the Rikon is to go and look at it in person if you can. Woodcraft carries that line. There's nothing better than being able to play with it in person to determine if you like it or not.

I had a Rikon knock-off, and liked it. I upgraded to an 18" because of the amount of veneer I was sawing. (8+" of resawing hardwoods very thin)

Not all bandsaw fences adjust for drift, I'm afraid but I cannot say as to those machines specifically. The Rikon delux does indeed have a fence though. It includes a single point of contact bar, which is good for general resawing, but not good for veneer resawing. That's not to say that it's not adjustable.

Power should be a consideration if you are looking for a saw to cut through a foot of hardwoods. It's an unrealistic thing to do with a lot of 14" saws. People do it quite successfully, don't get me wrong, but those machines are not meant to do that all day, if you get my meaning. Go for at least 1.5 hp.

The euro style saws are mostly assembled, you typically have to install the table, knobs, that sort of thing, and you'll have to build the base for the Rikon. They are all fairly heavy, but not stupidly heavy. If you have a good friend, the 2 of you can handle them. I put my 14" together alone, and wouldn't recommend it.

My 18" had less to put together, but I had a huge buddy come over and help with it, it's HEAVY!

Hope some of this helped.

[Hoover]

While I do not own the Rikon with the 13" resaw, the reports on it are mostly positive. The steel framed saws are well respected. Besides Woodcraft and a few other sellers may offer you a package deal including a fence. Good luck in your decision.

[Popeye]

A friend of mine just picked up an almost new GO513. If I had a need for another BS this would be the one. I went all over this thing for her and tried it out. To me it's the best bang for the buck I've seen. http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-Bandsaw-2-HP/G0513

Looks like it falls close to budget and fills all your present and future needs. Pat

[Pappy]

Can't speak for the Rikon, other than the company has a good reputation.

I have the G0555 with the riser. Running Timberwolf blades, I have yet to have a drift problem. I have resawn up to 8" Oak without a problem. As happy as I am with my saw, I would say to look hard at the G0513 that Pat posted.

[gary]

Lookup the table size for each of these. I like a bandsaw with a big table top. The G555x has a much bigger table than the 555. I don't know how the Rikon compares here.

[MikeMcCoy]

The Rikon table is a little over 16X20 and it's nice having the room to work. I've been doing a lot of veneer work the last couple of weeks and haven't had any problems cutting up cherry right at 12" using blades from Iturra Design. I doubt you will feel cheated going with any of these.

[poolhound]

Hey Jon, the best advise I can give on the Rikon is to go and look at it in person if you can. Woodcraft carries that line. There's nothing better than being able to play with it in person to determine if you like it or not.

Thats a good idea. The closest wood craft is some way from where I am but I will see if I can get down there and take a look.

[Black wallnut]

Several years ago I purchased a G 0555. Since I work for a trucking company and we had trucks going right by the Bellingham store I was able to save the shipping by having on of our trucks pick it up. It arrived in IIRC two boxes, one large one small, the small one was only the riser kit.

I was able to use a forklift to place it on my trailer to get it home. The base needed assembly, the saw itself was assembled. I split the top in the box since I had to anyway to install the riser block. Although slightly cumbersome I was able to assemble the stand and mount the saw with out assistance.

I had issues with the roller guides. I finally found the same bearings in bulk and purchased 10 sets for about $5. Have not had to replace any since but it is comforting to know I have them for when I need them. IMHO by only reading the write-ups the Rikon is a better saw. Although the G0555 might be a better value for a usable saw.

[Uncle Cracker]

Couple things... I have the Rikon 14" Deluxe and I love it. I use it for something every day. Was looking at 17" saws for much more money when someone on this forum suggested I take a look at the Rikon. Most of the magazine reviews have it rated at or near the top in every category, and I can see why. It has a big motor, single 4" DC fitting, and that 13" resaw capacity is awesome. Comes with some nice blade guides, and a quick-release tension lever. Trunnion is sturdy and the table is nice. Thought I would have to upgrade the simple fence that comes on the unit, but I have not had to do that. Very satisfied, and expert factory service and maintenance advice is a toll-free call away. Only thing I don't like is the cheesy gooseneck lamp that comes on it, because it droops under its own weight, and requires a separate outlet from the saw.

Rikon recommends the Woodcraft mobile base kit that you put on a piece of 3/4" ply cut to size. Mine works very well on that particular base.

Got mine on sale at Woodcraft for $649 last year (plus $49 for the base). A suggestion about Woodcraft... The stores are individually owned, and yours may not have the saw, even when WC has it on sale. Check first before you drive all the way there if it's of any distance. You can save freight by getting it that way, and WC does not charge freight, even if you have to have it ordered, if you pick it up at the store.

[ccourt]

I recently looked at the 14" and 18" Delta, Jet, Rikon and Powermatic 14". Ended up getting the Powermatic with 6" riser. The quality and the fact it comes with features I would have had to add made the decision in favor of the PW. It cuts like a dream. Good luck.

[poolhound]

Several years ago I purchased a G 0555. Since I work for a trucking company and we had trucks going right by the Bellingham store I was able to save the shipping by having on of our trucks pick it up. It arrived in IIRC two boxes, one large one small, the small one was only the riser kit.

I was able to use a forklift to place it on my trailer to get it home. The base needed assembly, the saw itself was assembled. I split the top in the box since I had to anyway to install the riser block. Although slightly cumbersome I was able to assemble the stand and mount the saw with out assistance.

I had issues with the roller guides. I finally found the same bearings in bulk and purchased 10 sets for about $5. Have not had to replace any since but it is comforting to know I have them for when I need them. IMHO by only reading the write-ups the Rikon is a better saw. Although the G0555 might be a better value for a usable saw.

Have you seen and been able to compare to the 555X. On the face of it, it looks like a very similar saw but from a specs point of view the "X" seems to have the following extras.

1.5HP vs. 1HP
Larger table
Quick release blade tension
Cast iron vs. aluminium wheels
Cast iron vs. aluminium fence
Resaw fence included
HDuty cabinet
Light
Lower wheel brush

[HarmsWay]

I'd also recommend the Griz G0513. I've had a 'blue' one (same factory - different paint) for a number of years. Great machine. The G0513x2 which is their current model appears to have improved in all the areas I considered potential weak points of the original G0513 (now has cast iron trunnions & roller bearings). It's a very enjoyable saw to use. Amazing for resawing which was my primary requirement. Works well off a mobile base too.

Bob

[LarryG]

Quick release blade tension

This is borderline nitpicking, but unless they've deleted it, the base model G0555 has quick-release, too. I don't see it mentioned in the specs, but it still shows up in the parts list and the manual.

That said, the upscale "X" variant does indeed add some attractive features. If I were buying again today I don't know whether I'd pay an additional $180 for them, though. I've been entirely satisfied with my G0555 but if I were going to up the ante that much, I think I'd apply the extra money toward a larger saw. I think.

[poolhound]

Do any of our other Phoenix members have any of these saw that would be willing to give me a "tour?"