Bandsaw...how cheap is too cheap?

[duneslider]

So, a few times a year a bandsaw would be nice to have. I do not need a big bandsaw, I am thinking a small 9-10 inch is plenty for my needs. You can find Skil, Wen, Ryobi, etc for under $200 bucks for this size. These would just be a benchtop model that I could put up on my bench and make a few cuts and then put it away.

Or I can move up to a 10" and spend double or more and those would need their own stand and take up a lot more space in the crowded garage.

Does anyone use one of the small 9" saws and find they are good enough for occasional usage? Or is the jump to the 10" so much more amazing that I should do that?

Are the name brand in this size that much more amazing that it is worth it for my use case? (think Jet, Delta, etc)

 

[exmaxima1]

Buy a used 14-inch BS for less than $200:

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[RTM]

Cutting Metal or Cutting Wood?


Gonna guess wood, based on the list of vendors. Most of those little machines will cut 1/4" wood easily, 1/2" with more work. As long as you are cutting flat stock, they may work OK.

I use mine for resawing (i.e.cutting thick boards into thin piece guitar backs out of a board), and you won't be able to do much of that with those little ones (you may have to fight to get a 1/4" by 1-5/8" slice out of a 2x4)

 

[428PI]

My little 10 inch Craftsman wasn't worth much until I put a 1/2 inch blade in it and than of course you can't cut much circles. Had much better luck with Craftsman 14 inch with thin blade. That was a blessing (now my son has it). I'm stuck with the 10 inch. I bought it used for 75 or so.

 

[ez-duzit]

Buy a used 14-inch BS...

This. Don't just waste your money on a toy.

 

[duneslider]

I guess if it really makes sense to have a bigger one taking up space maybe jumping up to 14" is better.

I will just be cutting wood, nothing thicker than a 2x4. One of the times each year I want one is for pinewood derby cars with the kids. Every now and then I have to cut something else and use the jigsaw but a bandsaw would be the better choice for a "better" cut.

I will watch the classifieds in my area for a 14" saw and see what I can find and then figure out how to store it

 

[whateg01]

I have a small 9" saw that I use for small stuff. I have access to a 14" and it's definitely a know capable machine but if the floor space is takes is too much, I think the small one will work fine.

 

[ohhimark]

I have whatever the current model Ryobi is. With a new blade it can kinda cut thin stuff, if you're patient. I would go with a much larger, more powerful saw, or go without. This one isn't worth the space it takes up on the bench.