I picked up the Rikon 10” bandsaw a little over a month ago to do small BS projects on, with a side benefit of not having to change out the resaw blade on the MiniMax as often. I finally had some time to give it a test drive.
The Stats:
Motor: 1/3 HP, 4.5 Amp
Throat Width: 9 5/8”
Max Cutting Depth: 3 3/8”
Blade Length: 67 ½” !!
Blade Width: ¼” – ½”
Blade Speed: 2780 ft/min
Table Size: 11-13/16” X 11-13/16”
Table Tilt: 45°
Weight: 55 lbs.
Pros:
Very well made for the price.
Smooth Running – wheels have been balanced.
Both upper & lower guides have ball-bearing guides.<O
Lightweight – easy to lift onto bench or tablesaw.
<OImpressive dust collection using a shop vacuum.
Cons:
Oddball sized vacuum port.<O
Cheap plastic miter gage.
Cast Aluminum table rough around the edges.
I am really impressed with the overall quality and design of this bandsaw, it appears that Rikon did their homework. Other than the cheesy aluminum table, toy miter gage, and oddball dust port, this is a cool little saw that should fit the bill for small work very well.
Lesson Learned:
Go by the manufacture’s spec sheet…
The Woodcraft website lists the blade length of the Rikon at 67” and sells 67” blades. The Rikon data sheet lists the blade at 67½”. Foolishly, I did not cross reference the lengths and ordered six 67" Timberwolf & Woodcraft blades from Woodcraft, adding up to $128, including shipping. Naturally, the first thing I did when the blades arrived was to remove them from their packaging and hang them on the wall.
You’ve probably guessed already… the 67” blades don’t fit! I will be calling Woodcraft on Monday.
Pic 1. New table, ¾” phenolic faced MultiPly with ¼” phenolic throat plate. Full size miter gage slot.
Pic 2. Machined port adapter to fit my Fein T3.
<OPic 3. Easy to perform scroll type cuts in ¾” read oak.
Pic 4. Almost no dust after cutting the red oak.<O