Rikon 10-50 BAL

[john schnyderite]

Someone locally is selling a 3HP Rikon 350. Seems like it gets solid reviews. What is a good price for this saw in good shape?

[Van Huskey]

What is the actual model number, are you talking about the 10-350 bandsaw? If so I thought it had a 2.5hp motor but that is on memory.

Edit It just hit me, that was one of the bandsaws they sold with a Baldor motor option for a while and that version was 3hp. It is a pretty good bandsaw, the weak point being the guides are fiddly to set. The closest comparable today is the 10-353 which is pretty much better in every way except maybe the quality/longevity of the motor. The 10-353 streets at about $1500 so I would be looking to get the 10-350 with the 3hp option for about 800-900 if it was in excellent condition but that is about top of the range.

[john schnyderite]

Model number is 10-350 BAL. yes it is the baldor 3HP motor. Is it a markedly better saw than a 10-325? I see those posted around $500 every so often and am not sure the extra $300 is worthwhile since I'm not resawing 13" boards.

[Van Huskey]

The brake, more HP (better motor) and stiffer spine would be worth it to me. The 10-325 is a decent saw as well but has the same guide issue and you can get a new one (10-326) with the upgraded guides, better fence and 5 year warranty for about $900 or less when it goes on sale. The real question is what can you get the 10-350 for.

[john schnyderite]

he offered 800 with mobility kit and extra blades..

[Van Huskey]

he offered 800 with mobility kit and extra blades..

Not a bad price at all if it is in excellent condition.

[john schnyderite]

Did the 10-350 improve any issues with previous Rikon saws -- guides, fence, etc?


Not a bad price at all if it is in excellent condition.

[Van Huskey]

Did the 10-350 improve any issues with previous Rikon saws -- guides, fence, etc?

The 10-350 was Rikon's first "big" 14 inch saw, the previous saws were mounted on cabinets like the current 10-326 for example. It shares a mix of parts from the 10-325 and the 10-340 18" saw. It was built during what I consider Rikon's second generation of bandsaws so things like the guides and fence system are better than the first generation but not as good as the current generation.

The bottom line is it is a good saw and has a nice large table for a 14" saw. It has weaknesses but every saw does. I personally would rather have it than the current 10-326 just because it is a bigger stronger build.

[Curt Harms]

It might be worth checking into guide retrofits. Rikon was selling the new style guides to retrofit 10-325 saws. They weren't cheap, $149 at one time I believe. Carter may also have retrofits.

[john schnyderite]

We struck an deal at $750. picking up on saturday. any good resources on what to look out for when buying a used bandsaw? keep in mind im a bandsaw noob so video or layman terms would be helpful ;)



It might be worth checking into guide retrofits. Rikon was selling the new style guides to retrofit 10-325 saws. They weren't cheap, $149 at one time I believe. Carter may also have retrofits.