Any 9 or 10 inch bandsaws worth buying for light duty woodwork

[tom coleman]

I would like to have a small bandsaw but most reviews I've read are fairly negative. Anyone happy with a particular model? I lookd fo reviews on this forum but didn't find any. However, I found a thread on replacing TS with large bandsaw. That could be interesting.

[Tai Fu]

There might be good ones... if you like breaking standard blades or using special blades that dull much faster than Woodslicers. This is one of the reason why I got rid of the 10" bandsaw I have. Another problem is that most 10" bandsaw with a stand takes up exactly the same amount of floor space as a 14 or 18" bandsaw, making them very inefficient for the amount of space they take up. Personally I think if you wanted something for lighter duty scroll work get a scrollsaw.

[scott spencer]

The 10" Rikon and nearly identical Craftsman have a pretty good track record for saws in this size class, but they're still small, light, and not overly powerful....all limitations of their size.

[Keith Outten]

I own a 10" Rikon band saw. I use it for lots of tasks that I prefer not to do on my larger band saw, kind of a sacrificial machine if you will. Its also a great little machine for tight radius work and I have used it to re-saw 4" wide Corian which it cuts surprisingly well. The Rikon is also portable, if I need to I can put it in my van and use it for on site work.

I wouldn't want to rely on the 10" Rikon as the only band saw in my shop but it has its place and it is pretty useful for sign work.
.

[Mike Wilkins]

Ditto on the 10" Rikon. Fine machine for light scrolly work. Although I have cut thicker stuff when I did not feel like moving the LT18 to the center of the shop. I believe the Sears machine is identical.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

Another yes vote for the Rikon. It's a great little saw, just remember it IS a little saw. As others have said, it's small, light and weak. Works well as a second saw.

[Bryan Cramer]

Wood Workers Journal rated the Skill the best bet for a 9" bench top bandsaw.

[Chad Bender]

I've got the Craftsman version of the 10" Rikon (for ~$100 cheaper than the Rikon). It works great for small things, and I've even done resawing of 4" maple. I use Timberwolf blades (1/4" 6TPI & 1/2" 3TPI).

[Rich Engelhardt]

I can tell you one to avoid like the plague.....

The Delta Shopmaster.

If someone pays you $50.00 to take one - you still overpaid for it.

Yes- they are that bad.
I will never own anything made by Delta - new or old - simply because I got taken so bad on the Shopmaster.

[Jery Madigan]

I have the 10" Crafstman version of the Rikon in addition to my bigger saw and I agree it seems to be the cream of the crop in that size range.

I you will have jsut one, pick up one of the plethora of 14" saws on Craigslist daily

[Gus Dundon]

10" Rikon band saw. It is inexpensive but works great.