Bandsaw recommendation

[Throbbin Rods]

I know there atre some woodworkers on here. My lady is going to be starting her own business doing wooodworking, marquetry and furniture. I am trying to help by getting her a couple of pieces of equipment. I am looking at a Porter Cable 14" bandsaw, it will do 6" resaw, 1.25 hp. It needs a blade and a wheel friction band (whatever the hell that is)
Do you feel that this is a decent machine and do you think $300 is a fair price?
Thanks much,
Bill

PS - Also looking at a Rockwell 14", older machine, looks to be in excellent shape, turn it on and start cutting. The Rockwell is $400.
an extra $100 won't break me but I want to get the best I csan for the money.

 

[ez-duzit]

Get the Rockwell.

 

[jimreed2160]

I have used bandsaws for years, starting with a Homecraft and presently using a Jet 14" with riser. The PC is probably a good saw for your wife to start with as it seems to tic all the boxes for an entry level saw.

This saw can be purchased new for $449. A new saw comes complete and working with a warranty and a demonstration blade. The one you found is in questionable condition. I looked at the parts list and could not find a "wheel friction band" and that disturbs me. Bandsaws are not very complicated unless you are a novice. Since this one is less than pristine, a fair price would be closer to $200 and maybe even less depending on condition.

Unless you know how to recondition a vintage bandsaw and understand how to adjust the blade guides, saw tension, tracking, etc. I would recommend going new or nearly new. Learning on an out of adjustment bandsaw might be more of a challenge than she wants just when she is trying to get started in a new business.

At least, check the internet or pick up a good book on bandsaws. They are very safe and good for beginners but bandsaws do require dialing in to do quality work. Many users become frustrated with the BS because they do not first develop saw tuning skills. In fact, a scroll saw may be better for her to start with. They do more precise work and do not require much in the way of adjustment skills.

 

[ez-duzit]

...could not find a "wheel friction band"...

They mean the "tire", which is simply a thick rubber band.

 

[Throbbin Rods]

I may not have been clear. My apologies. She's a long way from beginner status. She runs bandsaw, table saw, drillpress, scroll saw, jointer, chopsaw, skiding compount miter saw, planer and more that I can't think of at the moment. I want something she can use in her business and have it last for a long time. I'm concerned that the PC won't have that longevity while the Rockwell is built the old way, lots of life left in it. I'll also be buying her a fence for the bandsaw to allow her to do what she needs to do. She just doesn't own a bandsaw yet. She has 2 or 3 scroll saws. I'm not looking for an entry level saw, she would like to be able to resaw accurately at 1/8"
without ripples or tearouts to cut her own veneer for projects. I want to get a saw with that capability. I'm the mechanical one in the family and am certain I can make the adjustments and understand how everything works and teach her.I'll also be doing any repairs or rebuilds necessary.
Thanks all for your input. I'm thinking the Rockwell might be what I should get with an eye to not having to buy a new one in 5 years.

 

[biggziff]

Whatever you buy, get her a set of Carter guides for it. They make any saw cut so much better.

 

[Throbbin Rods]

Thanks for the tip! I'll do that

 

[Nowater]

She's a long way from beginner status. She runs bandsaw, table saw, drillpress, scroll saw, jointer, chopsaw, skiding compount miter saw, planer and more that I can't think of at the moment.

If you happen to get tired of her, let me know. I have a bandsaw.

 

[manwithtools]

If you really want to re-saw to make veneers, neither of those saws are ideal. They do not allow the blade tension to be set high enough for wider blades.

I would not let that stop you from getting either one at the prices you mention. I'd likely take the Rockwell given the choice. Get some good quality urethane "tires" (otherwise know as wheel friction bands), some Carter Guides and Timberwolf blades of the desired width and tooth count and get to cutting. It will make a good saw to learn on and will come in handy for doing heavy scroll work that her scroll saws can't do.

If you want to do serious resawing, look at Laguna LT14 x 14 SUV with a Resaw King blade. It's expensive, but the results will be be much more consistent. And you won't be
"killing" the saw feeding it wider boards, which is what you will want to do if making veneers.

 

[DGersic]

2nd the recommendation on the Timberwolf blades. They make even a cheap bandsaw work so much better. Get her a collection of these.


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[Throbbin Rods]

Manwithtools, hanks much for the advice, Yeah, if money was no object she would already be getting the laguna. Whatever I can find in my price range will have to do until we make more money than we do now.
She has a talent and is finally going to do what she should have been doing all along. she is happy when she can smell sawdust, cut the wood and make something out of it. I don't have one of those online photo hosting accounts or I would share some of her work. She's something else


NoWater, I'm not likely to get tired of this one, we are in it for the long long haul.

 

[yeldogt]

Have to second "manwithtools" -- re-sawing to make veneers requires a good saw and ideally a good saw with a thin blade to save expensive veneer stock -- neither of those saws are in that class. Why is she not picking ? She knows. What does she use currently?

Older USA made saws -- typical what people call 14" can be made to function well. But, you have to know what you are looking at ..what it needs and what upgrades it will require.

I'm not trying to discourage -- but, it's very common for people to purchase not one ... but two or more bandsaws ... before they get the one they should have bought first time around.


I have a minimax for resewing -- and an older delta 14 that ended up costing as much if not more than a new saw.

 

[Throbbin Rods]

Totally agree with those points. The eventual goal is the Laguna but it is a long way from where we are. She has 50-60 lbs of veneers at the moment and would like to turn those into finished products and generate income. We both know the Laguna is the right saw.
Karen lost her job last December when her shop closed and they moved all the machines and the work to Mexico. She had the oportunity for up to 2 years of free training while getting unemployment. She took classes in sustainable design and build and timber framing, then took the wood working intensive. She has always done marquetry although as a single mom she had to give it up for a long time. She is now in the position to get back to hwat she really wants to do and make it her work.
She knows what I am looking at and she imaking the final decision. She has no bandsaw at all currently and having one will make it much easier for her to do the marquetry she specializes in. I want her to have the best one I can get for what I can afford. If I was back to a regular full time Purchasing or IT job - no problem. Working a temp job is not the employment level I need to fund a Laguna. I'm trying desperately to stay under $500. I already bought her a jointer and about $800 worth of woodworking hand tools. I am trying to ger her set up to succeed. Having tools like the Laguna will have to come later.

 

[manwithtools]

This sounds like a good plan. Use the tools you can afford now to make money to buy the tools you need. Having a smaller 14" saw like the Rockwell will come in handy in the future. You can leave it setup with a 1/4" blade and use it whenever something needs cut quickly without changing blades on the bigger saw that you will eventually get.

I'll add this, when it comes to woodworking hand tools - spend the money to get good ones - it can make all the difference in outcome and enjoyment.

I once took a passion for woodworking and turned it into a business. It eventually ruined woodworking for pleasure for me. Took me over a decade away from it before I returned to it. I'm only now starting to really enjoy it again and it's been 20 years. I wish her all the luck. I made the mistake of ramping up to a 5 man shop making custom cabinets while I had a full time job. It burned me out quickly.

 

[Marctrees]

Older.. like 60's - 70's 14" Delta/ Rockwell are very good, parts available.

Not hard to find clean used ones that lived quietly in Granpas shop for years.

Go the extra $100 and get that for sure.

Plan on probably replacing tires.

Marc

 

[dogdog]

Grizzlys are really nice... saw one in action at a show where this guy free hand carve things with it... (no not a chain saw.) but actually with a grizzly band saw...

he was using one of these... (older version I think, it's been few years ago), I have the delta, it's ok... and no where near the skills that guy have.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Gri...MI2f2IsPep3gIVjlcNCh3pswf0EAYYASABEgJ2T_D_BwE

 

[Marctrees]

If one studies what the most popular 14" bandsaw is prefferred and owned by serious woodworkers, it is the old school USA made Delta/ Rockwell.

second, would be same vintage Powermatic.

These are both usually approx $350 - $500 in very good shape on the used market

Marc

 

[jimreed2160]

Well they should have said "tires" instead of "friction pads". Those things expire. Heck, I replaced a set on my granddaddy's saw when I was ten years old. But back to you--

Of course the Rockwell is the way to go. With good blades and a steady hand she will be able to make good veneers and earn her Laguna ticket. If she is good, the market will find her quickly and you can become her full time shop helper. Good luck.

 

[niget2002]

I have an older Rockwall bandsaw. Once tuned, they run very true and can do everything she needs. The only limitation I run into is the 6.25" DOC. I run a rimberwolf blade, linked belt, and just put new urethane tires on it. The tires are only $40 but works well. When I first got it, I tore it down and cleaned everything. I still need to install a dust collection port on the front of it.

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[niget2002]

Oh. I want to add... A good fence makes all the difference. I plan on adding the grizzly fence to mine. Right now I have a wooden fence that I clamp on. It works, but not great.

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[dogdog]

If one studies what the most popular 14" bandsaw is prefferred and owned by serious woodworkers, it is the old school USA made Delta/ Rockwell.

second, would be same vintage Powermatic.

These are both usually approx $350 - $500 in very good shape on the used market

Marc

Not sure what the serious woodworkers use as technical evaluating criteria...preferred/preference can be subjective...

 

[Marctrees]

The ONLY thing wrong w a basic clamp on fence on a band saw is the time to re set it.

Which, for most, is wayyyyy less often than like a Tablesaw.

Many folks, on a Band Saw, will use an end of a radiused 1x2, rather than a longer fence.

One small point of contact.

Depends on the job at hand.

Marc

 

[bullnerd]

Rockwell over Jet or any other off brand easily.

If it doesn't have a riser, get her an 1/8" blade, very fun, she'll love it for doing scroll type stuff.

 

[Throbbin Rods]

Wow! This turned out to be very educational for me. She's never had much of anything to work with or anyone to treat her the way she deserves. I want to do whatever it takes to make this happen for her. I believe that she will be successful. If anyone can post a pic on here I would gladly forward a picture of her work.
I bought the older model made in USA Delta 6" jointer she wanted at an auction for $105. Runs quiet and true, she is amazed at how quiet compared to others she's run. I had spoken to the guy wh owned it before bidding, he said that he bought it a long time ago and rarely used it.

 

[My Old Tools]

I understand the money limitations. Where you are now, get the Rockwell. Keep your eyes open for a 20" or larger for a resaw. The Lagunas are nice for a modern saw, but solid old Delta Rockwells, Powermatics, Crescents, etc can be had for short money in your area. Mass is key for a smooth running saw. You can find a nice cast iron saw for $400 - $800 if you watch.

 

[Marctrees]

Throbbin - I would urge you to take a good look at this below.

Even though I almost never buy foreign made, this is what
I would get...


https://nh.craigslist.org/tls/d/14-amt-wood-band-saw/6726097972.html

Read and learn alot in the below link -


https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?94400-Has-anyone-used-seen-an-AMT-band-saw

The majority of guys in the above link are full time Pro woodworkers.


AFTER.... you have it awhile, you can decide if you want to upgrade to Carter guides.

Readily available in stock from Carter.

I really recommend this course for you.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

The above was posted after looking at all Bandsaw and Band Saw in current NH C list and surrounding.

There are a few other possibles, but in FAR second place... mostly crappy saws to begin with.. and the few good and OK ones far second place after all considering.condition, price, etc.

NO question this is what I would do.

Marc

 

[ez-duzit]

Get the Rockwell.

 

[Marctrees]

Checking out in person any and all bandsaws..

Have the owner demo it.

Should be no noticeable bearing or other scraping noises.

Should run "Smooth"

Check for cracks, mostly under table on the radiused "trunnions"

As explained in the link above, this is one of MANNNYYY Taiwanese "Clones" of that Era...

I dunno, like 70's 80's maybe...

That copied the original Delta...

Because it was so proven, well known, and accepted..

So, MOST parts are actually interchangable..


I spent time on this to help you...

Not sayin you need to do what I recommend...

But I do ask you to study what I typed and decide for your self.

Let us know how your hunt progresses.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Get the Rockwell.

I do not disagree w that, as long as you confirm it is an OLD one ...

USA made.

Other than that, "Bang for the Buck"...

I would do what I suggested.

And, remember, I like have VIRTUALLY NONE Asian stuff in my Shop, ...

Nor will I ever.

But, I, for myself, would do this.

Marc

 

[Jackfre]

I have a Laguna BX14. It is an excellent saw and the extra power is nice for resawing. Almost any bandsaw that is set up properly will do a good job, but, in your case I’d take the older saw if, as previously noted it runs smoothly. PC isn’t know for any BS manuf. to my knowledge. Rockwell certainly is and a wide array of guides and accessories are available for it.

 

[crasher98]

She has a talent and is finally going to do what she should have been doing all along. she is happy when she can smell sawdust, cut the wood and make something out of it. I don't have one of those online photo hosting accounts or I would share some of her work. She's something else


NoWater, I'm not likely to get tired of this one, we are in it for the long long haul.

Mr. Rods, sounds like she found a good one too -- a team with a woodworker and a mechanic w/ IT skills sounds very strong to me; I think you two are going to do just fine. Just don't tell us that one of you is an excellent cook too or you're going to start making people sick with envy! (but don't worry, we'll get over it )

 

[ScottsGT]

Keep watching C/L. I picked up a Jet 14" for $400 or $450. They come along now and then. But also check nearby cites. I drove up to Charlotte NC about 1.5 hours away from me.

 

[kbs2244]

I have to ask if she needs a saw that big?

 

[Marctrees]

Laguna is good stuff, but much higher price point, and overkill for a starter.

Now... I DO understand that a Starter should NOT choose a tool that will dissapoint and dis enhearten them...

Take ANY Wind out of their Sail...

So, sure... if the $ are there, Laguna and others in that range are a great idea.

But, again, "Bang for the Buck", is something like I am suggesting.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Just like...

Sure, some Ferrari or Porsche, BMW, Audi, AMG Mercedes... etc ... may be awesome,...

But Bang for Buck a current Challenger,Mustang, Camaro, Vette, is a WAY better value.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

If IIRC, OP said "Marquetry"

In the future, she may benefit for a Scroll saw such as Hegner, Excalibur, etc.

Ballpark 1k$ new.

Down the road... Maybe.

The ergonomics and way it cuts makes then night and day different than any other current or especially Old Arn scroll saws.

Unlike most Old Arn machines, they were basically worthless for accurate intricate work.

It's the difference in Handling around corners of a high end european car, compared to my beloved 70's US Muscle cars.

Marc

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I just picked up a pre-owned Shopsmith bandsaw for $150. Of course, I already had the Shopsmith. But it is a very good bandsaw; as many know you can get Shopsmiths for as little as $200 sometimes (craigslist). And the bandsaw is really excellent for the money.
I had already cut down the way-tubes on my S/S due to limited space in the shop.
If you don't want to go the S/S route I understand. Just wanted to put that option out there.

 

[Norcal]

I am another one in the get the Rockwell camp, they are better then any ChiCom garbage like Porter-Cable, & Grizzly, I have a US built Delta, & a 1939-40 Delta, (Rockwell bought Delta in 1945 & sold them in 1984), if a Rockwell/Delta 14" band saw owner desired, a riser block is available to increase the resaw height, the saws are a decent machine, also have a Rockwell 20" wood/metal saw that needs to be finished to become a user.

Remember, "Buy Well. Buy Once".

 

[Marctrees]

Not sure what the serious woodworkers use as technical evaluating criteria...preferred/preference can be subjective...

I'm commenting on the end result.

What people very often end up owning and using.

Having a choice of anything, within an individuals budget, ...

Let's say under $500....

What I said is generally most often the case amongst informed/ experienced individuals.

Marc