Band Saws

[Lorax]

Okay, so Im ready to throw my craftsman band saw in the river, it's the three wheel type--bad design. So i am getting a 14 ' that I can put height spacer on (goes from 6' cutting height to 12'). The two types I am looking at is Jet, and Rigid. Has anyone got experience with these brands, whereas I should stay away from one of them? thanks

[Guest]

Re: Band Saws

Jet is a good one. Wish I had one but I have the taiwan knockoff. can't comment on the rigid.

DaveE

[Tony]

Re: Band Saws

Lorax, you are correct. The 3 wheel type band saws are not the best. I have been very happy with my large Delta. Occasionally woodworking magazines will run a comparative review of popular brands.

Keep this is in mind. The diameter of the black shoot coming out of the lower wheel compartment is probably not the same diameter of the hose coming from the dust collection device. I really do not know what the designers had in mind.

These things are heavy and make sure you can get a stand that will allow a portable base to fit underneath. These have rollers that can be locked in place. It will save you alot of unnecessary lifting.

Band saws have been called a carvers best friend; they can also be called their worst enemy.

[Bandaid]

[lorax]

Re: Band Saws

The Aug Fine woodworking compares radial arm saws, not band saws. aaanyone else

[Bandaid]

[FatEddy]

Re: Band Saws

Won't go so far as to say one is better than the other but have had the delta for a number of years. Used it mostly to rought out bows from osage orange and hickory. Make my whittling cut outs with it also, after changing to a 1/8 inch blade of course, but that's pretty light work compared to the bows. Only thing I could really ask for woulld be a larger motor. Gets kind of warm when roughing out the bows, but doubt a carver would have a problem. Bow staves are usually roughly 6' long and 4' or so on a side and hard as a rock (almost).

[Captain_Bandaid]

Re: Band Saws

I'm not sure why you want to get rid of the Sears 3-wheeler. I have one and it seems to work quite well. However, it is a pain in the bucket to adjust and you MUST adjust the blade guides properly to get a straight cut. The users manual seems to be written in a combination of English and Rubbish so understanding how to adjust the saw can be challenging. Once I got it set up, it seems to work well....except for the part where the cut goes to the right...darned blade kerf!

[FatEddy]

Re: Band Saws

Properly setting up the saw being a bear isn't unique to the Sear's saw xxx every band saw I have ever seen is ticklish, especially when it comes to the narrower blades. Half inchers and up aren't much problem, but the 1/8 inchers are nasty.

[Gray_Fox]

[lorax]

Re: Band Saws

The problem with the 3 wheel design is when a blade pops off, or you have to change a blade. It takes three hands to put it on, and I only have two.You can't easily push down on the tensioner and guide the blade around three wheels, or if you can you are a better man than I Gunga Din.

[FatEddy]

Re: Band Saws

He can probably even get the blade folded back the way it came out of the package. Still haven't mastered that one. Got em all hanging on nails in the shop.

[Captain_Bandaid]

Re: Band Saws

Lorax, next time you change a blade, use a spring clamp to hold the blade onto the rear wheel while you slide if over the other two.

[Guest]

[/quote] I have a Ridgid bandsaw and believe it is a very good tool, I like it, the only drawback I see, they should have used a little more common sense in design in changing blades, have to take table off etc etc, I had a shopsmith a while back that was a snap to change blades on. Still like the ridgid tho

[louhodson]

I have had a Delta 14" open base model for about 8 years or so and can't find anything to complain about. It came with the tension release lever and a 3/4 horse motor. I added a Kreg fence, the 6" riser block and a 3/4", 3 tooth Timberwolf blade. I just cut a short length of Sycamore branch, about 6" dia. lengthwise, into quarters, then cut slabs 1/4", 1/8" and credit card thickness with no problems. The pieces will need light sanding and then they're ready for use as intarsia or inlay pieces.