[Bob N]

At the end of last year when purchasing tools for my shop, I purchased a very cheap GMC 8" bandsaw knowing I could upgrade down the road. I am considering making that upgrade before long. I have not even used it because it was damaged and I need to return it.

I have researched the bandsaw issue to the point of becoming confused. I have no desire in cutting trees and trying to saw them with a BS. I normally work with standard Borg stock. I know the BS is good for cutting curves and doing some minor ripping as well as nifty notching in boards. I know many do resawing with the bandsaw, yet I cannot see myself doing much of that if any and even if I did, I doubt the stock would be more than 2X6 type material.

What other things do you folks do with your BS? If you were in my shoes, which size would you go for? Which model would you go for. My shop is getting tight, so space is some factor, but I can always manage if need be. I don't want to spend a fortune, but would like a good machine. I have reviewed the Delta 10" BS which looks like it would fill my needs. I know the Grizzly Ultimate 14" BS is very popular, but a little more pricey of course. Goodness knows, I have about every tool and could certainly get by without a BS if need be, but it is one of those things I would "like" to have for convenience.

I would like to keep it simple and compact, yet functional and decent quality for my purposes, which are minimal.

Hoping y'all can give me some good advice as you always have here and possibly clear my confusion on what I need. I know the final decision has to be mine, but any tips and info leading to an informed decision will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Glenmore]

Bob I bought a grizzly 12" 3 wheeled model from them for at the time 139.00 now I've seen it for 159.00. It is a bench model being in the same boat as you couldn't afford the money and the more important space. I'm very happy with it. Only complaint I have is the blade size 62 1/2" in length could only find them from grizzly. And they only come in 1/4" and 3/8" width. They are tough little blades though did a lot of cutting with the first one. They run about 12.00 a piece.

 

[Bob N]

Hi Glen,

Yes, I saw that one also. The blade size is a factor there for sure. I would like to be able to go up to 1/2". Also there saw height is only 3 7/8 and no way to add a riser that I could find. I still am not eliminating it from my choices though as it may really be all I need. I am trying to gather opinions and I really appreciate yours and the review on how it has worked for you.

Much Thanks.... How is that TS doing for you?

 

[reible]

I have an old sears 12" and I have upgraded it with a carter kit. I don't do much resawing but I still find the height that you can cut a factor. I use to cut toy cars out of true 4x4 stock and have found uses for sawing stacks of wood all to be cut at one time. Even some simple resawing of ?x6 stock happens. I would say stay with a saw that does at least 5-1/2".

I use 1/4" and 3/8" blades the most but 1/8" and 1/2" are also used so having a range of blade sizes is also something to look for.

Now most of the cutting I do ends up being a scroll cut and the machines true test for me is how well it does that. Two parts of this come to mind, the first being what is the distance from the blade to the column.... When you are doing shapes this gets you everytime. I use to have an 18" saw to use as needed and loved the extra space, (I even know someone who made his own bandsaw and it had 3 foot wheels for this same reason). The second part is the blade holders and guides/backers.... They make a big difference and the better that system is the better your cuts will be.

If I had the money and was out shopping I'd look for a 12" or more likely a 14" by a major manufacture. If I had less money maybe a jet.... Some of the "look a likes" or "rip offs" ones are so close that upgrades for the good ones fit....

Anyway that is how I see it from my side of the world.

Ed

 

[Bob N]

Ed,

Thank you so much for the words of wisdom. As always, there is a lot of food for thought in what you have posted. This is exactly the kind of advice and opinion I am looking for. I want to try to get it right this time and hearing how folks use this machine is the best help I can get. I certainly don't want to under buy, but I don't need to over buy either.

Hope you have a GREAT day!

 

[kp91]

Grizzly 555 has been a solid performer in my shop, has come in handy because I've had to do some "light" metal work, and it's big enough to handle that with no problem.

I had started out with a 9 inch black and decker that I inherited from my grandfather, and it wasn't bad, but the more I used it the more I found I could use a bandsaw for, and the more I wanted a bigger one. (it is big, and heavy, and you'll need a mobile base for it)

in the $400 range, I don't think you can beat it for a 14 inch saw. I picked mine up a couple of years ago at the tent sale in Pennsylvania, and saved the shipping, so it really was a great deal. Of course with gas prices now, my round trip would probably break even.....

Hope this helps,

 

[Bob N]

Doug,

If I end up going with a 14" the Grizzly 555 is definately the one I have my sights on. I have heard many good things about it.

Thanks for your input, it is more helpful than you know.

 

[delroy33]

bob try this web site www.woodworking.com/ww101et-band.cfm it may have some information for you.