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best bench top band saw

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2010 7:58 pm
by temeh3
Im looking to buy one for a small shop. I had a big one in the past and dont want to go that way. What do you suggest, well no Ryobi.

Re: best bench top band saw

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2010 8:32 pm
by tippie53
I think delta may still make something usable . Avoid 3 wheel units . A small 12 incher may be a good one for you.

Re: best bench top band saw

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2010 11:10 pm
by deadedith
I bought a 10" from an old guy who took care of it, on Craigslist. It's lasted a couple of years now and - for what I do, which is light duty - worth every penny of the few bucks I paid for it.
Yep, Bad 'ol Craftsman!! With decent cool blocks and decent miter gauge and decent fence, I'm happy enough. Depends on what a guy needs.
DaveB

Re: best bench top band saw

Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2010 9:10 pm
by temeh3
I see Im having problems with not defining small. Im thinking 9" benchtop.

Re: best bench top band saw

Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2010 10:05 pm
by naccoachbob
I got a cheap Skil this Fall. Haven't used it for anything heavy, and so far I'm happy with it.

Re: best bench top band saw

Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 1:07 am
by nkwak
I got a 9" Ryobi but I hear you - yeah, it's quirky. The tensioner doesn't seem to work all that well.

Re: best bench top band saw

Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 10:32 pm
by temeh3
Id like to get a good brand like Delta or Porter Cable if there is one in a small size and not made in China.

Re: best bench top band saw

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:39 pm
by Guitar Hack
I bought a 10" Craftsman and it does everything I need it too.

Re: best bench top band saw

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 8:07 pm
by Tarhead
I have a 10" Craftsman http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... 921400000P which is exactly the same as the 10" Rikon http://www.rikontools.com/productpage_10-305.htm except mine has a Cast Iron table.
Look for one on Craigslist for <$100 or find a Sears outlet nearby. I love it and could not imagine having a woodworking shop without a small scrolling bandsaw. Just don't expect it to perform like grown up bandsaw.

Re: best bench top band saw

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 9:10 pm
by Kevin Sjostrand
I have an old (I've had it about 20 years) 3 wheel Sears 10" table top. It has been "okay", but I would not replace it with another. I've heard the 2 wheel are much better. I have used mine to cut out neck blanks from 3" x 4" x 30" stock, but you have to go reaaaallllllly slow. My next saw will be at least a 14"....I just have to find floor space, and it can't run on 220 volt.
I would like to also have another table top saw thought, so I would probably go with a Delta...I like what I've seen of those.

Kevin