| Great. Now I need a band saw [message #29666] |
Tue, 18 October 2005 07:38  |
GarMan
Messages: 960
Registered: May 2009
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Illuminati (2nd Degree) |
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I thought it would end with the tablesaw. After getting a tablesaw this summer, a really nice dado set on ebay, and building several crosscut sleds, vertical fence, I now do 80% of my projects with it. However, I've now convinced myself that I need a bandsaw too because I'm tired of cutting 8/4 hardwood with a jigsaw. I don't have a dedicated shop. Everytime I need to use machinery, I have to bring it out from the shed, so portability is a requirement. If anyone's familiar with bandsaws, I'd appreciate advice on the following: - what is the minimum size I should look at? 10", 12" 14"? I don't want to go any bigger than 14"
- how does rated hp translate to real-world cutting power? Will the entry level 1/3 hp be able to cut 8/4 hardwood cleanly? Will I need 1/2 hp, 3/4 hp or full 1 hp of power?
- what other brands should I look into outside of Delta and Craftsman? thx,
gar.
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| Re: Great. Now I need a band saw [message #29669 is a reply to message #29668] |
Tue, 25 October 2005 12:54  |
GarMan
Messages: 960
Registered: May 2009
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Illuminati (2nd Degree) |
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The 14" 3/4hp models seems to be a pretty common size. "Entry-level" for "serious" models. Most manufacturers seems to have a version of this and I suspect they all come from the same factory in China. Love to own a Canadian-made General, but at over two grand...  I still don't know how much power I really need. My plan now is to get a used 10" 1/3hp bench-top model first to see how it goes. If it's underpowered, I can alway sell it and not lose much money. One of the things I love about the used market. thx,
Gar.
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| Re: Great. Now I need a band saw [message #29670 is a reply to message #29669] |
Tue, 25 October 2005 21:52 |
Bill Martinelli
Messages: 677
Registered: May 2009
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Illuminati (1st Degree) |
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General makes great machines.
and, yes I think most come from just a few different factories in the east. The big horse power is helpfull when you get into resaw work. typically your cutting 4" -10" thick with blades having 1 or 2 TPI.
For what your doing 1/2hp working 2" material would be good if your taking your time. 3/4 would be the nuts, and 1/3hpo would work but be underpowered and make you think evil thoughts. If you going to be in the woodworking business you need a more commercial saw. If your going to be in the woodworking hobby you should give up a few dead presidents, as they say nad you'll be set for life with a nice 14" saw. If your toying around with some wood projects as a passing fad. Only then would I feel good about buying something entry level. I tend to buy more expensive tools to last my life or less expensive tools to set up and do single operations for as long as they last.
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