Mini max s45n 18 ????

[Tom Mitz]

I have a line on a used S45N 18 for 1600. Would you get it or a new 18 Rikon ???

Yea I know here goes !

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Tom,

It's the same story....you need to look at both the Rikon and the S45N and determine if they suit your needs and if they both are in good shape.

There are a lot of happy Rikon owners here and I"ll bet there are some happy S45N owners here.

[Philip Johnson]

Tom I gotta laugh your in the same boat as me trying to decide on a bandsaw, why is it such a hard decision. I'll tell you what to buy and you tell me what to buy...maybe it would be easier to spend someone else money

[Tom Mitz]

Phillip - thats a great idea ! LOL :D

[Sam Layton]

Hi Tom,

I have two S45 MM bandsaws. Is the S45N a newer model?? I am very happy with the saws. As always, I would like the 20" or 24" model... I have had mine for many years, no problems. I don't know anything about the Rikon.

Sam

[Thomas S Stockton]

I have an older model of that saw, it has worked well over the years only needing to replace the bearings and belt once.
$1,600 sounds steep for that saw. I paid about a $1000 20 years ago and see older ones on craigslist for 500 to $700. I guees it all depends on the age and condition of the saw.
If it is an older model I think the Rikon and Jet of similar size are probably better and a little more refined.
Tom

[Philip Johnson]

Tom considering that saw is 2295 new and there maybe a little discount on that the saw would have to be low time and very good condition before I would buy it. But that is just me