Need advice on purchasing a band saw

[stevenp]

I'm in need of a decent band saw; something that can scroll 2" or even 1" stock. I recently purchased the $99 Ryobi and immediately returned it after a couple test runs. Even after tuning the blade braces and thrust bearings meticulously, I struggled to cut a straight line in 1" pine. It just didn't have the rigidity that I was looking for.

I don't want to spend a ton of dough since this is only for hobby use, but I've come to the conclusion that I definitely need to spend more than $99.

Any suggestions?

 

[JBendel]

For the imports ... I 've gone to Grizzly, and never had an issue.

http://www.grizzly.com/

 

[Jim Tansey]

I think you would be very happy with the Jet 14 inch, but its about $500.00 if you want to go that high.

Jim

 

[stevenp]

$500 is a little more than I wanted to spend. I wanted to stay around $300. I checked out the 14" Ridgid at HD but the reviews reported that they have a serious problem with the wheels being out of balance.

The Craftsman band saws seem to get good reviews.

 

[S Hunter]

Grizzly makes a good tool, IMO

 

[delta]

Even if you spend 300-500 you may need to upgrade a few part to get a perfect cut. New high quality bushing and springs do wonders. Also using the correct blade for the cuts you are making. You won't be able to re-saw with a blade you use for cutting designs. But I also wouldn't expect to be able to scroll intricate designs either.

The Jet is an excellent saw.

 

[smithcreek]

Problem with Grizzly, at least it used to be, was that many different models were sourced from completely different suppliers in China so some models got decent reviews while others did very poorly. So if you go with Grizzly make sure you read some reviews on the specific model you're looking at.

If you can afford a saw that will handle a 3/4" blade, which most 14" models do, I highly recommend it, much straighter cuts and with a good blade you can resaw some wide boards which is incredibly handy to be able to do.

You can also look into used saws, they come up all the time in the classified ads and you can get a lot more saw for you money. Bandsaws are fairly simple, there's not much that can't be fixed easily. I bought my 24" bandsaw from Brown University and my 14" Rockwell/Delta off ebay, both less than 1/2 price of new.

 

[smithcreek]

Here's a good deal down in Bridgeport, CT. I would guess this saw will go for close to the opening bid of $299. It's geared so it can be used for metal also.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Delta-Rockwell-28-380-Wood-Metal-Bandsaw_W0QQitemZ170125821611QQihZ007QQcategoryZ20784QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And another in Jewett City, CT

http://cgi.ebay.com/DELTA-rockwell-VERTICAL-WOOD-CUTTING-BANDSAW-BAND-SAW_W0QQitemZ300125137696QQihZ020QQcategoryZ20784QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[smithcreek]

One last thing, the second ebay saw I listed looks like it has an aftermarket Carter blade guide installed on it that would cost you $150 by itself. If you're just cutting wood, that's a real plus.

 

[stevenp]

Oohh... I like that second one on Ebay...