Looking for first bandsaw

[Herdfan2005]

Hi all, I'm looking for my first bandsaw. Not looking for complete entry level but nothing fancy either. I'd like something I'm not going to want to upgrade in a year from now. Any suggestions? I'm in the Raleigh area. Currently I have a Grizzly TS and Grizzly DC and been happy with both.

 

[golfdad]

Grizzly's G0555 is a very good Bandsaw. I have one set up with the riser block. Stop by and give it a test run if you'd like:eusa_danc

 

[frankc4113]

Grizzly has a sale on now. The GO 513X2 is pretty good value for the money.

http://www.grizzly.com/search?q=(altcategory:"Santa+Sale")

 

[Melinapex]

I have the GO513 (my first and only bandsaw) for a few years now and am quite happy with it.

 

[zdorsch]

I have the tried and true Delta/Rockwell 14" that I picked up used earlier this year. It's been great to work with and they are frequently available on Craigslist, FB Marketplace, etc for $100 - $400. My only regret is the resaw capacity and my plan is to add a riser block in the future.

Another option, available on this site (I am in no way endorsing and have no connection with the seller): https://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/classifieds.php?do=viewitem&itemid=2745

 

[KenOfCary]

I was going to say that Grizzly has a sale on but somebody beat me to it. Rikon also makes some very good models. A lot of our members have one of the Rikon's and they can be purchased from our great supporter Klingspor.

 

[Ed Fasano]

Another 2-cent’s worth.

We recently bought a 14" Rikon 10-326 for the Habitat for Humanity shop (where I volunteer). It was nicely-priced at $899 at Klingspor’s in Winston. It's a very robust machine—powerful and smooth. The versatile (included) fence is also nice. The spring-loaded tool-less guide bearing system is attractive at first glance, but candidly, it's a bit finnicky to use. Once adjusted though, the guides work very well. The like-kind Laguna (at about $100 more) was, in my view, an arguably better saw for use in a shop with a single caring user. However, at the HfH facility, where many somewhat less experienced and sometimes abusive volunteer users are at the helm, the Laguna’s expensive-to-replace ceramic (coated) guides were worrisome. Rikon’s customer service folks are top-notch.

Personally, I have an oddball 25-year-old, French-made Kity bandsaw. It has been an amazing, trouble-free machine. It uses flat tires and an incredibly simple and reliable method of blade tensioning that is perfect for low-tensionTimberwolf blades. It’s been terrific for general use and moderate re-sawing. I’ll be in trouble (and in the market) when it breaks down through. The company is no longer in business. As long as I don’t need parts, I’ll be quite happy.

Ed



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