BAND SAWS (any opinions)

Looks like Santa wants to get me the bandsaw I need for my shop. Not knowing much about them and getting so conflicted reading reviews, I was wondering if anyone has any opinions on JET vs. Rikon. I will be using the saw mostly to resaw wood. The models I was looking at was the Jet JWBS 14DX Pro and Rikon 10-325. They are both in the 800-900 dollar range with the weekend sales so I want to make a decision very soon before the sales end.

The Jet model has the 12" resaw so no riser block is needed. The Rikon is 13 1/2 resaw. No fence with the Jet but also read the fence with Rikon not too good for resaw. Thats about all know. Any help or opinions are appreciated. I would like to stay around this price range.

[wood-n-things]

I have the Grizzly g0555x and absolutely love it.

[KTravis]

Had a Jet 14" for years and loved it. Grizzly has some great products too and I would start by checking them out. The main thing you need to be concerned about is horse power. Resawing is a slow process that requires lots of power, particularly with stock that is extremely wide. Also please remember the best saw in the world will preform poorly without a good blade. Spend the extra $$ and get an excellent blade. It will can make the task an enjoyment instead of a chore.

[stephenD]

Congratulations on the new tool. Really happy for you.

[handibunny]

We have a 14" Powermatic, which was just a little more money than the Jet, but as I recall, the 14" Jet only had a one HP motor and the Powermatic 1-1/2. It came with a free riser block, and has been fine for re-sawing with an auxiliary fence and a 3/4" blade.

Likelihood is that whichever saw you choose, the fence will not be a good one, and you'll need to get some good blades right from the start.

Good luck with your new tool! Re-sawing is a really good way to cut down on wood cost.

[Terry Jay]

Power and depth are the issues. If you do raw edge blanks, 13" is a huge difference from 12". If you re-saw lumber, no big deal. More power, better cuts. You may have a choice of 110 or 220, and go with 220 if your situation permits.

A good resaw fence that is adjustable for drift will be needed, and a resaw blade. Maybe adds $150 to the cost, including shipping and some allowance for tax.

[sawdust11703]

Thank you all for your tips. I fully expected to have to purchase a better fence and good blade aside from what comes with whatever machine I get. Who actually makes a really good fence and blade for RESAWING?

[NC Scroller]

Just like Mike I have the Grizzly and love it. With any 14" saw you will want the riser kit. For all my resawing I use Wood Slicer blades from Highland Woodworking.

Wood Slicer Bandsaw Blade | Custom Length Bandsaw Blades

[evilbadger]

I have this one Buy Jet 18 Bandsaw with Quick Tension 3HP 1Ph Model JWBS-18QT-3 at Woodcraft
Nothing slows it down. I was looking at Grizzly saws when I bought this and decided to go with the Jet because I can go to the store and buy blades for it, the Grizzly saws use a different blade size and you will have to order them because most stores will not stock them.

[sawdust11703]

Unfortunately I'm going to have to stick with a saw in the 1 1/2 HP range and 110 volts/20 amp line. I don't have the room for these bigger machines and the electrical for the larger HP. The two models I listed in my first post don't need a riser kit. They are two 14" saws that have 12" and 13 1/2" height capicity.

[Rolf]

I just looked at videos for bothe of the saws you are looking at. I have 1.5 HP on my delta and it has plenty of beef with a good blade I have cut 12" Honduran mahogany without a problem.
Both have great features such as built in riser, roller guides etc. all things I added after the fact on my saw. The Jet has no fence The Rikon does, but I would put on a Kreg or something of that quality any way.
I have several Jet products and am very happy with them, I am not familiar with Rikon.
I would try to read as many online reviews as possible.
I lean towards the Jet as I like the dust port location and their track record with my existing tools plus green would clash with my other tools. But I think either one would be a great addition to your shop.

[sawdust11703]

Thanks so much Rolf. I definitely do value your opinion and input on stuff like this. I'm going to do some more reading up and want to make a decision by tomorrow because some of these sales end on Monday I believe.

[Terry Jay]

If your are still looking, here is the Reviewed Products by Category @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community master index of product reviews at Lumberjocks. Have a look at what others think.
Terry

[sawdust11703]

Thanks so much for that link Terry. Lots of good info and reviews there. I've done a lot of research and read tons of reviews on the Jet and Rikon 14" in the past few days. The reviews I read in your link pretty much solidified the direction I was going in. Although you probably can't go too wrong with either saw, I think I'm going with the Rikon. Customers who own that saw seem to be very happy with their purchase. I will now have to figure who makes a real good bandsaw blade, especially for resawing. The fence I will have to see about. Some people seem to feel it was fine, others got an aftermarket one.

[Rolf]

Timberwolf blades are great and Bob is a sales rep. talk to him at the Christmas party.