[OP]
Member
I need a benchtop band saw and have not had any luck finding one at the local Big Box stores nearby. Anyone have a good recommendation? I have also tried C.L. with no luck. I am currently setting up a mini-shop in San Diego so have no room for a floor model. All recommendations appreciated. Phil
Philip
Member
Lowes sells a Skil branded 9" benchtop for about $120. I have one that i bought Jan '10, its ok for what it is and it's price. I've since purchased a 14" floor model and rarely use the 9" anymore.
Sears has a 1/3hp 10" benchtop model with bearing blade guides rather than blocks for $199 that looks promising.
Member
I got the Ryobi 9" benchtop BS at HD for $110 or so. It's not bad - it has roller guides, a sight window to check blade tracking, a tracking adjustment knob, and a tension release lever. it has some vibration - I need to spend some time on the wheels to make sure they're not too out of balance. I've used it for some hobby/craft stuff and it works well. I would not want to have to cut anything larger thatn 1" hardwood on it though.
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger....then it hit me.
HF has a 9" bandsaw by Central Machinery but i dont know how good it is? but i do know that CM tools are pretty good as i have
some that my father passed down to me and they are still running strong.
http://www.harborfreight.com/9-inch-...saw-96980.html
its on sale right now for $129 plus a 20% coupon would help a lot!
Member
I have a Rikon 10" that is really nice. I've used other benchtops and this one I really like. Bearing guides and built very well. Cuts straight. Looks like the Sears model. Ryobi could have made it for them.
Moderator
+1 on the Rikon 10". I have one as a secondary BS. It's a good little machine. Sears sells one that is almost identical and gets good comments.
Here’s a mini review that I did on it: Rikon 10” 10-300 BS Mini Review
FWIW, I would strongly suggest that you avoid any of the 3 wheel bench top bandsaws.
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I've got an older Delta benchtop, used mainly to rough cut things. I do have an older Craftsman threewheeler (12") that I use for all my "scroll" cutting. I don't need one for resawing, at the moment. The three wheeler has worked without too much trouble over the years. A new tire was about it.
Member
I don't know about your Craigs List but the three states I routinely look at are covered with the venerable Sears 12". These are actually a decent saw and often go very cheap.
Of all the laws Brandolini's may be the most universally true.
Deep thought for the day:
Your bandsaw weighs more when you leave the spring compressed instead of relieving the tension.
Contributor
If I were in the market I would get the Rikon or the Craftsman.
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Member
Originally Posted by Cary Falk
+1 one the new side
Of all the laws Brandolini's may be the most universally true.
Deep thought for the day:
Your bandsaw weighs more when you leave the spring compressed instead of relieving the tension.
Contributor
I have the Craftsman, got it on sale about 3 years ago for $99, I'm very happy with it.
Dennis
[OP]
Member
Thank you all for the good comments and I will now proceed with some good ammo to see what I can find at Sears, etc. Phil
Philip
Member
Me too. Works great. Too bad it's not on sale for $99.
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