Which Bandsaw

[dupont6480]

Finished the exterior of my shop 2 weeks ago. I have been on extended travel and will post the results soon. Plan on completing electrical this week and then start on interior.

Still need a bandsaw for shop and need assistance on which is the better buy/saw?

RIKON 14" deluxe 10-325 or the POWERMATIC 14" w/ free riser.

RIkon in $749 this month and POWERMATIC will be $899 and a $50 gift certificate later this month.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[Ken Massingale]

Historically the Powermatic with riser has had issues with alignment of the riser to the bottom of the saw. I'd make sure that has been resolved.

I had to make the same decision a few years ago and chose the Rikon 10-325, and haven't regretted it a second.

Whichever you decide on, get a couple of bimatal blades from woodcraftbands.com. (this is not Woodcraft)

Enjoy whichever you buy.

ken

 

[TBradley190]

I just purchased the Rikon and I love so far, but I dove into it yet. I'm starting a morris chair now so I'm gonna break it in good. But it would be a hard choice for me against a PM because my other Powermatic tool are the most top quality tools IMO. Good luck with it!

Tim

 

[Bill Clemmons]

When I was in the market for a new BS two years ago, I looked into several models and did some research. As Ken pointed out, putting a riser on a 14" saw has led to problems. The riser becomes the weak link in the spline of the saw, and can get out of alignment w/ the table.

I think the only reason for adding a riser to a 14" saw is to increase the resaw capacity from 6" to 12". The Rikon 10-325 already has a resaw capacity of 13", w/ a one piece, solid spline.

I chose the Rikon and have been very satisfied. No matter which saw you choose, I would strongly suggest you immediately get rid of the original blade and replace it w/ a high quality after-market blade. I'm satisfied w/ the Woodslicer from Highland Hdwr, but others on here have good experience w/ other blades as well.

Bill