Craftsman 10" bandsaw

[bfrikken]

I have a chance to pick one of these up, used, for 75 bucks. I currently have a 9" model that gives me nothing but fits. It was given to me, and I avoid it because of a problem with the shoddy guide on it. I've found that I have been successful in bypassing a bandsaw by just using my table saw.

I wouldn't mind trying my hand at some bandsaw boxes or having it on hand for use. The wallet is already tight from a lathe and drill press purchase, but I was thinking I shouldn't let a good deal pass. Here's a link to the product at sears: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...rd=10+band+saw


Is that a steal? or reasonable price for used? Or should I just hold out for a bigger saw later? The pics I got look brand new.

[LCHIEN]

from what I hear, that's a quality, small bandsaw.

[JoeyGee]

Wow! Am I missing something? Is it really $180 retail now? I know Sears does some funny things with prices, but a lot of us got that same saw (I think it's the same) for ~$100 on sale.

Either way, I would jump on it for $75, assuming it's in good shape. The model is not that old. I have one and love it.

I don't know about BS boxes on this saw, I haven't tried it. I think I am the only woodworker on the planet that just doesn't get the whole BS box thing .

[jbrain]

I have one also and love it.

I got mine on sale for $100.00 about a year ago.

[siliconbauhaus]

I was looking into one of those when I had my band saw fall off the stand and crack the trunnion casting. I found that I can get the part for my band saw for $50 so I'm going to fix it rather than get a new one.

They seem to be pretty popular as they've been out of stock for at least a month.

[eezlock]

Craftsman 10" bandsaw

I have that same saw, and like it pretty well so far. It does take an odd sized blade, bought the replacement one from Sears because I didn't want to try and order one from another source. Another poster commented about
bandsaw boxes....well, I haven't tried making any of them either, just never
seemed to get around to trying it. That $75.00 price is a heck of a deal,
especially now that Sears has raised the regular price to $180.00...so go for it. eezlock

[pecker]

While I was searching for this thread, a bunch of you replied. But here it was anyway, at $99:
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...+bandsaw+%2499

[jrnewhall]

I've had mine for a while now and have done quite a bit with it. (See what I just posted on 'Band Saw Help" thread - http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=38190)

The key for me was ordering Timberwolf blades for from Suffolk. At $75 plus another $40 for 3 blades from Suffolk I think it is a steal.

~John

[vanguard]

I got mine during the same sale. I've only used it a couple of times, but I like it. A well made tool.

[mpc]

Another vote for "it's a good deal"

I too got mine when Sears had them on sale for $99 and ran fine/true right out of the box. Later on though I went through a full wheel alignment process and it got even better. I've since made my own table that sits flat on the lower wheelhouse (no tilt though...) and relocated the lower blade guides to inside the wheelhouse. That, combined with a custom made upper set of blade guides, increased the resaw capacity almost two inches above stock... enough to make bandsaw boxes over 6 inches deep. With a fresh blade and a reasonably careful feed rate the motor doesn't bog down much doing 6+ inches of walnut. I haven't tried any of the big bandsaws - with high HP motors - for comparison though. I do want that new big Rikon though...

The blade that came with it (1/4" inch that supposedly is supplied by Olson) is a good blade. The replacement 3-pack that Sears sells is nowhere near as good - in fact, that pack is a joke. I buy Olsons from my local Woodcraft and shorten them myself - trivially easy. One day I'll have to try a Timberwolf.

mpc

[Red88chevy]

I have been very pleased with the little Craftsman bandsaw. I have a Ridgid 14 that I have had a few problems with and have not used it since I got the 10" Craftsman. Most of what I use a bandsaw for is cutting curved pieces and I've been surprised how well it does. I plan on ordering some blades from Iturra but haven't gotten around to it, original blade still doing good.