Official Luthiers Forum!

I, like many people here, am in the market for a larger bandsaw. I've been searching for quite awhile for one that will work for my larger cuts and resawing. I have a small 9" benchtop that works for small and intricate stuff.
I ran across this "central machinery" on the harbor freight website and wondered if anyone has used it. 17" 2HP Bandsaw at Harbor Freight
It doesn't look like the typical klunky green central machinery tool as if it was made by another manufacturer and branded differently.
Thanks.
-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

I bought 2 bigger bandsaws this winter. They both got taken back. The first
one had a weak guide block setup and the 2nd had poor tracking. Make
sure you take a really good look before you buy and if possible try it out.
Good luck.
Bandsawless Dan

I second looking at the 14" Rikon. I bought the 17" Rikon about a year ago. The overall quality is very good, and I like it a lot, but the blade guide setting is not easy. I was in looking at the 14" Deluxe model a couple of weeks ago, and the blade guides are much better on that model. As it has the same resaw capacity, and is a little cheaper than the 17", I'd go with that one if I were to buy again.

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Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain

Excellent advice.
The Rikon 14" deluxe is very high on my list. The 2 major advantages there are that it can be had locally with no shipping charge and that its new.
A very high on my list second option is a used 17" grizzly for a bit less than the rikon (I have found a couple of these), but I don't know much about the Griz.
Danny, which ones did you have a problem with? PM me if you don't feel it appropriate to post publicly.
Thanks
-j.

_________________
“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

I have the Grizzly 17" and it's an excellent saw. It cuts absolutely straight
with no drift and perfect 90 degree cuts. I have done a little resawing with it,
but I have to make a better and higher fence before I can resaw tops and
backs. I have a Woodslicer 3/4" blade for resawing that makes incredibly
smooth cuts. Some of the more expensive saws have more bells and whistles
(like a foot brake, which would be nice), but for the money this is an
excellent buy. MHO.
Craig S.

I too, have the Rikon 14 deluxe. So far I am very pleased with it. Haven't pushed it too hard but seems to be everything I was looking for.

I kind of second what has been said here. If it were my money, I wouldn't even consider spending it on a HF machine.
Another one to look at is the Steel City 18". They are a pretty new company put together by two guys that were in the Delta engineering dept. Really nice looking stuff.

I purchased the Rikon 14" deluxe last month from Woodcraft when they had their power tool sale. It is an awesome saw! I have cut a lot of wood and am very happy with the purchase.   I have not used the resaw capability, but have cut several neck blanks with great results.

For the money, I do not think that it can be beat.

Darin

Most of these saws are fine for general bandsaw work. It's re-sawing some of the difficult woods that really puts the saw to the test. I had the 17" Grizzly and while it was a nice saw the motor couldn't hold up to the rigors of re-sawing. Burnt out two of them before selling the saw. I would be very hesitant to buy the HF. Doesn't Rikon have an 18" saw?
I have read some very good reviews on the Rikon.

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Beautiful and unusual tone woods at a reasonable price.
http://www.rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store
The Zootman
1109 Military Rd.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 874-1498

I've got the 1.5 horse 14" PowerMatic with the riser block. I'm VERY pleased. I've done a little resawing and it's been ok. If I were doing much more I'd buy a bigger saw and keep this one for general use. As it is, for me, I couldn't have bought a better saw. Lot's of bells and whistles. Carter bearing guides, quick release, light, fence, sealed motor, etc. And 1 1/2 horse on a 14"... Great.

I PROMISE not to get the HF saw. I just wondered if anyone had used it or was familiar with it. There's no chance I was even thinking about it unless it got some rave reviews or something from you fellers here. But thats not the case, so that one is nixed.
-j.

_________________
“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

If you want a cast iron frame saw, call Neal at Equipment Sales and Surplus.  His stock changes almost daily due to the fact that he mostly sells "scrath and dent" Jet and Powermatic.  He happens to be about a block from the main distribution warehouse for Jet and is their official outlet.  When I was there last he was selling Jet 14" bandsaws for less than $400.  I recently paid $550 for a Powermatic that everyone else is selling for $999.

If you really want the welded frame saw, the Rikon that Woodcraft sells is really hard to beat.  As others have said, I would stear clear of the Harbor Frieght saw.

And remember no matter where you buy it, don't ever take the first price quoted as the final word.  It never hurts to dicker on the price.

Equipment Sales' web site: http://www.equipmentsalesandsurplus.com/products.cfm?pa=prod ucts&categoryID=4&type=new

Doug