Table Top Band Saw

[Jerry Murray]

Is there a quality unit that will do a good job with hardwoods?

I am very limited in space and a table top might be the way for me.

Any thoughts? I saw on Amazon a Skil, however it had no ratings.

[Bill Huber]

I have never use one or seen one but it looks good on paper, and the price is right.

The Shop Fox T20837

http://www.grizzly.com/products/9-Benchtop-Bandsaw/T20837

[Cary Falk]

I think these get fairly good reviews:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921419000P?keyword=bandsaw

http://www.rikontools.com/productpage_10-300.htm

[Bruce Page]

Jerry, I bought the little Rikon to supplement my larger BS. The Rikon certainly isn’t a horsepower king but depending on what you want to use it for, it’s a decent little saw. I understand that Sears sells one that’s pretty similar but with a better (cast iron) table.

Here’s a short review:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=25527

[Pete Janke]

I have the Craftsman Model# 21400. It is the 10" model which used to go on sale for $100. It has received good reviews from other woodworkers. It has worked great for me.

[Dan Forman]

I have the Rikon 10" (like Bruce's), for the same purpose, so that I can leave the resaw blade on my bigger saw. It does well cutting curves in 3/4" stock, haven't asked it to do more. I use it mostly for small pieces, don't know how well it would handle long, heavy pieces for ripping, or 2" stock. The grooved table is a bit of a bother, as edges of the stock tend to get caught in the grooves when cutting curves.

Dan

[Rich Pritchard]

Hey Jerry, I stopped at a local woodworking store couple weeks ago and they had just got the new JET 10" inch bandsaw in, haft to say I was very impressed it for a 10 inch. looked like someone finally made a professional quality 10", ball bearing guides, cast iron table, 1/2 hp motor, up to 1/2" blade cap. Very beefy. I already have a 14" rockwell and a craftsman 10" and I still want it...lol. It would be my pick.

http://www.jettools.com/b3nch/707200.html

http://www.amazon.com/Jet-JWBS-10OS-10-Inch-Band-Stand/dp/B001O0D6N8

[Bob Slater]

I have a three wheeled Beaver (Rockwell). I replaced it with a 15" General, but it does seem to work smoothly. I am going to sell mine locally, and as far as I can see they don't command much money. It would fit well on a bench, and appears quite well made. Check your local CL for them. (Unless you live in Toronto and want to buy mine)

[Jerry Murray]

I looked at some of the links you all have posted and I'm leaning towards the Rikon.

[Tom Kelley]

Jerry, I have the table top Delta 9 inch I found on sale at Lowes. It has been very useful. I built a dedicated stand for it. When all is said and done the saw with the stand takes up as much space as a 14" band saw. I have been thinking about selling the Delta and getting a nice 14". There are some on sale at the Griz. Just a thought.
Tom

[Derrell W Sloan]

I have a friend that has the Grizzly benchtop bandsaw. I have used it several times and was pretty impressed at how beefy it was. If I were looking for one I would probably get the Grizzly.

[Jerry Murray]

Hey Jerry, I stopped at a local woodworking store couple weeks ago and they had just got the new JET 10" inch bandsaw in, haft to say I was very impressed it for a 10 inch. looked like someone finally made a professional quality 10", ball bearing guides, cast iron table, 1/2 hp motor, up to 1/2" blade cap. Very beefy. I already have a 14" rockwell and a craftsman 10" and I still want it...lol. It would be my pick.

http://www.jettools.com/b3nch/707200.html

http://www.amazon.com/Jet-JWBS-10OS-10-Inch-Band-Stand/dp/B001O0D6N8

Rich,

I stated previously that I was leaning towards the Rikon...but after trying to find a vendor I don't think they have the 'support.'

Woodcrafters carries some Rikon but not the 10" BS. They say that they're carrying the 10" Jet. For the few extra dollars, this might be the better unit.

[Dan Forman]

This is slippery slope territory, but at this point you probably need to ask yourself, "what am I going to use this for?". I'm sure the Jet is a much better saw than the Rikon, but if you are going to spend that much, you could step up to a 14" saw for not much more, that will be quite an upgrade simply from a capacity standpoint. I don't mind the limitations of mine, because I know that I have the 16 for bigger tasks. I have only used it for small projects, but I would think it would be difficult to maneuver any large pieces on the relatively small table. And is certainly isn't capable of resawing much of anything. To rip a long piece, you would need to set up some sort of outfeed table.

On the other hand, if room is tight, that might limit your choice. But if you have the room, you might be happier in the long run with a 14.

Dan

[Bruce Page]

I agree with Dan. For a little more you could get a more substantial bandsaw with a more powerful motor.
Welcome to the slippery slope…

[Jerry Murray]

I agree with Dan. For a little more you could get a more substantial bandsaw with a more powerful motor.
Welcome to the slippery slope…

and it IS a slippery slope! :D