Christmas Gift from my Bride!!

[Donn Morris]

Hi all,

My wonderful bride wants to get me a band saw for Christmas. I'm thinking a 14" band saw. Any suggestions? Anyone in the Colorado area have a used on for sale?

[Jay Yoder]

I have the Delta 28-206 I bought from a local supplier. I would advise against it. I have had issues with the CI trunions (cracked off) the blade support action (excessive slop) and an excessive amount of vibration which I have minimized with the link-belt. There were some fit up and paint issues. It is running now, but if I had the $600 back I would probably buy the new Jet 14" with the riser block built in. Others may have had better luck, but I think the X5 version of this is built to much tighter tolerances but dont know for sure.

[Dave Lehnert]

I don't own one but this unit from Grizzly gets good reviews.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/The-Ultimate-14-Bandsaw/G0555
http://www.grizzly.com/images/pics/jpeg288/g/g0555_det2.jpg

If you are looking for something bigger, Alot on here own this model.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-Bandsaw-2HP-w-Cast-Iron-Trunnion/G0513X2

http://www.grizzly.com/images/pics/jpeg288/g/g0513x2.jpg

[Jim Kountz]

Check out Grizzlys 14 saws, they get rave reviews (mostly) and are of good value. I have their 17" saw but its considerably more money, although a fantastic saw.

[Michael Weber]

Not sure where in CO you are but the Denver CL has several band saws listed. Might want to check that out.

[Paul Steiner]

I would also advise against a new delta. I taught woodwork at a new school that bought 3. The guide post jammed on the first saw, the second saw blew a capacitor on the motor, the third saw had the trunions crack and fall off. 2 of the three saws had tires that would not stay on. It was a nightmare.

[Mark Patoka]

I recently bought the Grizzly G0555X and I'm very happy with it.

[John Sanford]

If shipping is doable, while I was websurfing yesterday I saw that either Highland Hardware, Peachtree, or Hartville Tool (can't remember which) had the Steel City 14" Granite topped bandsaw for $699 IIRC. By all accounts that I've heard, 'tis a well regarded saw.

[Corey Wilcox]

I have had my Grizzly GO555 for about 3 years now and would recommend it to anyone. Plenty of power and the adjustable bearings allow for smooth blade cuts. If you're planning on doing a lot of resawing of boards over 6" you should go with something bigger, but for everyday, average use you won't be disappointed with this saw.

[Donn Morris]

I'm sorry to hear about all the problems with Delta. They have had a good reputation for years. But cracking trunnions - that's bad. I like my Girzzly joiner so maybe I'll check out those.

I think it was Wood magazine that tested band saws in 2008 and they gave a Craftsman a pretty decent review. Any experience with Craftsman band saws?