Replies

1. 
   DavidxDoud | Sep 02, 2007 12:33am | #1

   there's multible threads over in knots about band saws - seems like I've seen the brand discussed -

   I assume it's of chinese manufacture? -

   I bought the Grizzley 0555 14" machine three years ago, right before the price went up - it's alright, and a million percent better than none, but I've never had a more ambivalent feeling about a tool purchase, and it's because of the country of origen -

    

    

   "there's enough for everyone"
1. 
   CAGIV | Sep 02, 2007 12:38am | #2

   Company is based in Mass and imports tools from Germany & China, not sure the country of origin for that particular bandsaw.

   I'm not to concerned where my tools are built, so long as they work well.  I looked at the Grizzly models, wasn't all that impressed.  Always thought I'd purchase a 18" model, but that 14" has an 11" depth capacity, wether or not motor is up to the task is another issue though..

1. 
   DavidxDoud | Sep 02, 2007 12:52am | #3

   1.5 HP is marginal for heavy resaw use - the machine does have a nice set of specs - they built in the 'riser block' that is the most common modification of the common saws - the light is a nice touch -

   what would you use if for primarilly?

    

    "there's enough for everyone"

1. 
   CAGIV | Sep 02, 2007 02:24am | #4

   Not sure, seems like a tool to have in the shop though.

   I'd imagine it would see some use for curves and re-sawing.

   I wish I would have had one that cut re-saw greater then 6" today b/c instead I ended up planing off 5/8 of material from some boards, not a huge deal but it would probably save time and the scrap could have been used for something.

   What I liked best was the increased depth vs. having to purchase a riser block and mess with it.

1. 
   DavidxDoud | Sep 02, 2007 02:57am | #5

   the deal with bandsaws is that curves require a narrow blade and resaw requires a wide one - and of course the wrong blade is on the saw each time you walk up to it -

   so ease of change is important -

   resawing 6" or wider stock is a bit of a challenge - the fence on a bandsaw is kinda a suggestion to your board - each saw seems to have its own angle of resaw that the fence only approximates -

   Rob Millard next door at knots has photoed his resaw set up - I don't know if it's still there after all the renovating over there -

   anyway, they are great tools, and I'd bet the Rikon machine would give good service for general use, but for serious resawing someone will have to do jig and fixturing and the operator will have to have some patience for 6"+ stock -

    

    "there's enough for everyone"

2. 
   Sphere | Sep 02, 2007 03:21am | #6

   I'm jump in here with an added thought. Ease of blade change: YES. That is a biggie.  I also have learned that the instant blade de-tenioner add on is a plus. My saw seems to get memory in the tires, of which I need new ones anyway, but I think that slacking the blade if the saw sits idle for a spell is good thing.

   Doing that with just the tension knob can be tedious ( on mine, a Ridgid) and to be able to flip a lever and be done is a handy idea, and then return to proper sawing tension is a snap as well.

   Also, I never trust the factory scale for tension, it (to me) is mor eof a feel or saw performance thing, a lot of blade bowing is a sign of dull, clogged, or slack blade. And resawing is a sure fire way to tell, the more scarce the wood, the greater the chance of screwing it up..LOL.

   Having your mill, I know you are aware of most of this, I am just blurting it out for anyone else not so familiar with the ins and outs.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   "If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"