My First Bandsaw - Need Your Advice

[Andy Korfin]

I am going to purchase my first bandsaw and I've saved enough to actually get a new one. With the Woodworking Shows in town (NJ) this weekend I think that is going to be the place for me to start shopping. I know Delta is there and they usually have special deals at the show.

I would like to get a 14" saw and it will have to be under $1000 so that narrows my search a bit. My questions are what brands offer the most durability and simplicity. I am a beginner in woodworking and don't have any experience with the bandsaw.

Thanks in advance for your input,

Andy

[Brent Ring]

There is going to be a wealth of info already here - just search on first bandsaw. Most will ask you what you want to do - resaw? General cutting, what are you trying to do and what projects to you plan on building? Most will want to know that before they offer advice.

For myself - I was in your shoes about 18 months ago - I chose and found a wonderful used Powermatic 141 - added a kreg fence and was out of pocket about $550. It does not have alot of resaw height - but it just keeps running well. I have found that I could use more resaw height, so I have filed that need away when the budget will allow. But I have learned alot about bandsaws and should be able to sell this one if I chose for nearly what I have into it. If you must have new - Grizzly, Powermatic, Delta and Jet all have good ones - buy as big as you can afford.

I used my power tool purchases as a learning experience - and I have made only two out of about 8 mistakes - should have held out for an 8" jointer, and a 220v cabinet/hybrid table saw.

[James Carmichael]

Surely with 1k to spend you could go bigger than 14". I'd check out Grizzly, or look for Woodcraft to put the 18" Rikon on sale again.

[Ron Bott]

I think a 14" bandsaw is a good starting point for a beginner. I'd much prefer a top of the line 14" bandsaw than something larger of marginal quality.

[Prashun Patel]

Wood Magazine did a review of the 14" saws a couple months ago. I think in September 08.

I don't know that you'll get a lot of info from the show (I'm going there myself!).

I think y'll do better to just do some price comparisons and internet shopping.

Buy a good blade. Timberwolves are well regarded...

[Rick Cicciarelli]

The tool reviews from Fine Woodworking for last year and this year had the same results. Editors top pick was the $1500 Laguna 14" band saw. For best buy, Grizzly won out with one of their 14" bandsaws which had good results and only cost something like $750 if I recall......
The only reason I have this on the top of my head is because I've been looking into the 14"ers myself....

[Eric DeSilva]

I chose and found a wonderful used Powermatic 141 - added a kreg fence and was out of pocket about $550.

+1

I was in your boat about a year ago, and found a Powermatic PWBS-14C (that looked like it had never even cut wood) for $650. It even came with three new blades.

[keith ouellette]

With a grand to spend my first thought was that you should go larger than 14" but my second thought was why. just to put it in perspective

grizzly has a 14" 2hp industrial re saw band saw ( g0457) that has a 10" cutting height for $895

they have a 17" 2hp heavy duty ES (g0513x2) with a 12" cutting height for $995

With the same hp the 14" looks much sturdier and has a much better re saw fence. Do you think you would ever resaw a board over 10" wide? I doubt would.

Mind you this is coming from someone who has no band saw but does like talking about them because he wants one so bad.

[Chris Tsutsui]

If you are a beginner, then I suggest you watch this video of David Marks band saw tune-up:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/woodworking

Click there, then go to woodworking tools and materials, then click on video #3 "band saw tune-up".

My first bandsaw was a used Delta 14" with carter bearing guides and blades for under $300. (Craigslist)

After tuning it up, (I didn't have to get new tires or bearings), the saw works great and I can even use the fence correctly which the previous owner said was junk.

Then I figured I can always get the height adjustment kit for the bandsaw and longer blades to make the band saw more versatile. (Adds like 6")

One mistake to be careful of is to invest in an expensive industrial large band saw with carbide tipped blades, etc... Because maybe you won't use the bandsaw that much for most of your projects. I know I used to get by ok with a Jig saw as a substitute. heh

[Bill Huber]

Woodworker's Supply has a great deal on a 2 speed Steel City right now.

$497

Riser Block is $109 and the fence is $109

So for a little over $700 you could have a great saw that would do just about anything you need as a beginner.

1-1/2HP, 115/230V, 1PH TEFC motor w/mechanical on/off switch - 1,500/3,000 SFPM.
13" blade to frame 6-1/4" under guide (12" with optional riser block).
16" x 16" cast iron table with miter slot tilts 48° right and 10° left.
93-1/2" standard blade length, 1/8" to 3/4" width.
7-1/2" maximum rip right of blade; 11-3/4" left (using optional rip fence).
Comes with mobile base integrated into the stand, wheel brush, wrenches and instructions.
68"H x 38"W x 27"D.
271 lbs. net weight; 291 lbs. shipping weight.
Five year manufacturer's warranty.

[Bill Houghton]

I had a dinosaur-brand American 12" saw for years - very good tool, but parts SO not available if it ever broke. I just bought a Jet 14" for $50 from a business-closing sale. If I hadn't found that, I'd still be happy with my 12" saw.

Sure, if you can fit a 36" saw into your budget and space, great; but don't be seduced by the notion that you can't do good work with a 14" saw.

[Robert Strebler]

I'd take a look at the Grizzly's. The G0513x2 is a great saw and would come in under your budget since it's $995 and has free shipping right now. It's a 17" saw, but the footprint isn't much different than a 14 and you'll have a lot more capabilities.

[Jeff Wille]

I have a Grizzly G0555 - The Ultimate Bandsaw. It can be shipped to you for $509, so you should get two!

If you insist on spending more, I'd still stick to Grizzly. They really have a great selection, and offer many in your price range. There's already a lot of posts in this thread with other great Grizzly models.

I have NO complaints about mine!

Good luck!

--Jeff Wille
www.jeffwille.com

[Pete Bradley]

Get a good-quality name brand saw. Don't spend a penny on custom add-ons (cool blocks, riser blocks, detensioners, etc.). Get experience with the machine. Get more experience. By then you'll have valuable skills, you'll know exactly what you want next, and you'll have a good-quality name-brand machine that you can easily sell to offset the cost of the new one.

Pete

[John Bailey]

I really don't subscribe to the adage that bigger is better - most of the time. However, when talking bandsaws, it's true. If you must buy new, and you have a grand, the Grizzly 17" or one of 18"rs on sale is the way to go. The footprint is not that much different and you will get all the re-saw you'll need and a lot more swing room. If you're still going with a 14"er new, take a look at the General International 90-125. It's a sleeper as it doesn't get much press. It comes with a good fence, a 16x16 in. table and a little blower thingy (technical term) to keep sawdust off. If you'll consider used, go with an older Delta 14"er, the older the better. Get one with as few bells and whistles as possible and that saw will be your teacher of what a bandsaw can do for quite awhile. You should be able to find one for well under $500. Most good ones will be around $300.

As suggested, make sure you get a good blade. That's essential.

Good luck,

John

[Doug Shepard]

Just dont get Woodworking Show-itus. Figure out what vendors/brands are going to be there and what models are in yuor range, and research the best prices before you go. Dont assume you're going going to get that great of a deal from a WW show discount. If you find one you like, be ready to haggle with them based on your up-front price research.

[Steve H Graham]

I thought I was an idiot for buying a big old 19" Shop Fox. That was a few weeks ago, and I've already run into something that would not fit under the guides.

[James Carmichael]

I think a 14" bandsaw is a good starting point for a beginner. I'd much prefer a top of the line 14" bandsaw than something larger of marginal quality.

With patience, like shopping used or waiting for a sale, 1K will get you into a good 18" bandsaw. Griz should have one close to that at regular price.

The bigger machine can use wider blades, a definite advantage in resawing. Even an entry-level 18" BS will sport at least a 2hp motor, which few, if any 14" machines will have (is that what the GO555 comes with now??). Finally, there's carbide blades. They can be used on a 14" machine, but most won't tension them enough, and the smaller wheel puts more stress on the blade. Bigger machines handle these much better.

Given a choice between a 14" BS with a gee-whiz fence and a bare 18" machine of similar quality, I'll take the latter every time. There's no substitute for size and power.

[John Sanford]

I once thought the 14" with riser kit was the way to go, but no longer. Going the riser route means that you potentially end up having to spend more money on blades. Go big from the git go...

[jerry nazard]

The Grizzly 17" is a very good (no, exceptionally good) bandsaw for the money. I almost bought the super 14" and then at the last minuet went for the big one. I really like my saw!

-Jerry

[Jim Kountz]

I have the Grizzly 513x2 and would recommend it to anyone. Its a fantastic saw with plenty of power and large capacities. As someone mentioned its actual footprint is not much bigger than any other saw so you really arent losing there. 17" is a good all around size, not small not huge but big enough to get most jobs done. Ive done small work such as bandsaw boxes with a 3/16 blade all the way up to resawing with a 3/4" blade and the saw has done all Ive asked of it. I even rough out 7"x16" diameter maple bowl blanks with it and it doesnt even bog down or choke for a second. Just cuts like butter.

[Rick Fisher]

I would buy used. I dont think you can get a bandsaw that is too big.. unless its too tall for the ceilings.. :)

What you think your going to do with it today may not match your desires later.

I have fallen in love with matching veneers. I just got some 8/4" x 10" Sapelli which is 15' long. I intend on resawing it for a table top.

I would never have done this 5 years ago. A 1 hp x 14" saw with a riser will make this cut, but a 800lb saw with a 3hp - 5hp motor and a 3/4" or 1" blade may not even get warm..

[Noah Vig]

Decide what you see yourself using the bandsaw for and it should make the decision easier.

I agree with the other recommendations and personally would buy a G0513 or G0513x2 rather than a 14" saw. Lots of information on the forums about them with many positive experiences.

I started with a 14" bandsaw from my grandpa and now have a extremely nice 21" Bridgewood that I bought used. Rather extravagant for me but have big plans on what I am going to use it for and it will be a central tool in my shop.

Something to consider is purchasing a solid used bandsaw if you can find one and have the patience to wait. If you think a 14" bandsaw will fit well, buying a used one would mean you would most likely be able to sell it for a minimal loss if any if you end up upgrading in the future.

Have fun.

[Ray Phillips]

I have the 18" RIKON with a 12" resaw height. It has a 2 1/2 horse motor and with a timberwolf blade it will cut most everything like butter. It has the cast iron wheels and bearing guides. It is on sale pretty often at Woodcraft. It would be priced close to your range. I decided against buying a smaller saw and putting riser blocks in because when I done my research many owners felt that saws are designed with motors to handle certain resaw capacity and once you increase the resaw height without changing power you could lose the effectiveness of the saw. I may have come to the wrong conclusion but I am really happy with my 18' RIKON. Good luck on your future purchase.