Best bandsaw under $800? Rikon? Other?

[Danny Thompson]

It's only green lights and all rights toward a new bandsaw some time in January. My budget is $750-800. I would like something that can handle resawing effectively.

I like the idea of the Rikon 14" Deluxe--primarily the 1 1/2 HP and 13" resaw capacity. $750 with fence and resaw bar included. Anyone have one of these?

I've read great things about the Laguna and MiniMax's, but they are way out of my price range, right?

What do you recommend in this price range with a resaw capacity > 6"?

[Jim Dunn]

Rikon 10-325!! Nice band-saw I have one and couldn't be happier.

[Brian Kent]

Grizzly G0513 is the best I have found for under $800 and the G0513X2 the best under $1,000.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-Bandsaw-2-HP/G0513

The G0513 is listed at $850 but the 2008 catalogue puts it at $750.

12" re-saw
17" wheels
Very good reports of satisfaction and customer service

And I only know this because I hope to buy a saw soon and I have gotten a ton of good advice here!

[Dave MacArthur]

G0513! $750.

[Curt Harms]

I have the Rikon 10-325 and am happy with it. It'll resaw 10" white oak no problem with a good blade-I just did it yesterday. I went with the Rikon over the Grizzly 17" because I have a basement shop and it was easier to get the Rikon down the steps than the Grizzly and the scale just felt better for my smaller shop. The Grizzly 17" saws gets uniformly good reviews. I wrote a review on the Rikon a few months ago, You can probably find it with a search under my name and Rikon. We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to band saws.

Curt

[Billy Chambless]

I have the Rikon 10-325 and am happy with it. It'll resaw 10" white oak no problem with a good blade-I just did it yesterday. I went with the Rikon over the Grizzly 17" because I have a basement shop and it was easier to get the Rikon down the steps than the Grizzly and the scale just felt better for my smaller shop.

I almost laughed when I read this, because I'm considering the Rikon for a similar reason -- getting the 80" tall Grizzly through several 80" doors and a narrow hallway into my tiny shop might be a lost cause.

And your report about resawing the oak is a plus. ;)

[Danny Thompson]

Nice compilation link, Dave. The G0513 looks sweet for $750. How do I get that price?

I'm in Memphis. Wondering if it is worth the drive up to MO in case they have any on sale there that aren't reflected on the website. Is that common?

[Brian Kent]

I almost laughed when I read this, because I'm considering the Rikon for a similar reason -- getting the 80" tall Grizzly through several 80" doors and a narrow hallway into my tiny shop might be a lost cause.

And your report about resawing the oak is a plus. ;)


I had the same question about getting the 80" saw - on wheels - under an 80" door. Then I was looking through the spec sheet and saw that the actual saw is 73". The 80" height had to do with shipping container size.

We really do have a lot of great choices.

[John Bailey]

Nice compilation link, Dave. The G0513 looks sweet for $750. How do I get that price?

I'm in Memphis. Wondering if it is worth the drive up to MO in case they have any on sale there that aren't reflected on the website. Is that common?

Danny,

The 2008 catalog has the 513 for $750. It's gotta' be best bang for that price. Although it's not the "X" model, there were a lot of Creekers happy with the regular model before it went "X".

John

[Billy Chambless]

I had the same question about getting the 80" saw - on wheels - under an 80" door. Then I was looking through the spec sheet and saw that the actual saw is 73". The 80" height had to do with shipping container size.

We really do have a lot of great choices.
Hmm... now I just rechecked, and the 513 is listed as 73" and the 5132X is listed as 80". Weird.

But yes, we have almost too many choices.

Almost! ;)

[Michael McCoy]

I own the Rikon but have used the Griz so you are likely to be a happy camper which ever way you go.

[Brian Kent]

Nice compilation link, Dave. The G0513 looks sweet for $750. How do I get that price?

I'm in Memphis. Wondering if it is worth the drive up to MO in case they have any on sale there that aren't reflected on the website. Is that common?

Danny, there are two answers to this question. First, if you buy it in the next 18 minutes, then follow the instructions Grizzly gave me:

We appreciate your consideration of the G0513 17" Bandsaw. The price shown in Wood Magazine is a special price that is good through December 31, 2007 and the price is not shown on our website. It is not a mistake.

To take advantage of this special price, you may place your order online through our website at www.grizzly.com/products/g0513. To receive the special price, please notate the price and the media code that is shown in the advertisement in the "Special Instructions" field that is displayed when you place your order.

The second choice is to wait more than 18 minutes from now and get the 2008 prices as listed in their new catalogue:D.

[Brian Kent]

Hmm... now I just rechecked, and the 513 is listed as 73" and the 5132X is listed as 80". Weird.

But yes, we have almost too many choices.

Almost! ;)

Check the Yellow Button marked "Specification Sheet - PDF" on the 513X2. It is also 73" high. I have no idea why it says 80" on the original page "Specifications"

[Billy Chambless]

Check the Yellow Button marked "Specification Sheet - PDF" on the 513X2. It is also 73" high. I have no idea why it says 80" on the original page "Specifications"

Thanks, Brian. I've noticed a few inconsistencies in some of their listings. Not that that's unusual with any company these days...

[Danny Thompson]

Taking your recommendations to heart, I have posted a "WTB: Bandsaw" in the Classifieds just in case someone has a good used bandsaw in this range that they are looking to sell. Thanks.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=73219

[julie Graf]

i have the 14' deluxe and really like it. i resaw a lot of wood in the 7-12 inch range and it works great. i never thought i would use it this much, but i often find uses for it.

i had one problem with it and tech support was great. i'm not sure if ti was the bandsaw's problem or a set-up problem, but i was happy with the service.

[John Browne]

the Grizzly 0513 is 73" tall plus the height of the lifting eye bolt at the top (easily removed)--I just checked it.

You can't find a better saw for the $$$. I was going to buy the 513x but Griz put the 513 on sale in Sept and I couldn't pass it up. I've been extremely happy with it--it's not perfect, but geez it's a heck of a saw for the money. Eventually I'll upgrade the guides and fence and it will be close to perfect.

[Danny Thompson]

John (and other Grizzly owners),

Did any of you wire yours for 110? Did you use a Nema 5-20 plug or a normal 3-prong?

Julie (and other Rikon owners),

It looks like the Rikon comes prewired for 115 and a normal 3-prong plug. Is that right? Is that how you use yours?

[Michael McCoy]

Danny,

The Rikon comes with the 3 prong plug and prewired for 115. I could change mine over but haven't seen a reason to.

[John Browne]

John (and other Grizzly owners),

Did any of you wire yours for 110? Did you use a Nema 5-20 plug or a normal 3-prong?

Julie (and other Rikon owners),

It looks like the Rikon comes prewired for 115 and a normal 3-prong plug. Is that right? Is that how you use yours?

Mine's wired for 220. Used a 3 prong plug.

[glenn bradley]

I was dreaming of the Rikon when a G0513X came along barely used. A lot more saw for not much more green. You'll need 220v either way from the reports of owners who tried the Rikon at 110 as I recall.