Looking at new band saws.

[Firebrick43]

Been looking for an old 20" band saw for a while (6 months) and just have not come across one. I want one with the ability to resaw decently but not solely.

So I have been looking at new saws.

Narrowed it down to three.

Rikon 10-353 is in the lead

Laguna 14bx in a close second but someday a first

And a grizzly G0513x2f

I feel the need for a foot brake as my boys are starting pinewood derby cars and feel a band saw would be a good first power tool to use and the foot brake can be covered by me as they saw. All three above have one I also want to resaw 12-14 inches ocasionally which older styled (delta and delt clones) won't do

The Laguna seduced me first for its looks, even the cast iron wheels are ****. The ceramic guide seemed a slam dunk and the trunnion design looks the best in my opinion. However the more reviews I read the lousy customer service came to the fore front and things like not being able to give individual ceramic pieces if one was damaged. It also the lightest weight.

The Rikon didn't come out in the beginning as their small saws 10 years ago were pretty crappy but they seem to have greatly improved. The 10-353 looks to have a great quick adjust guides and a great fence and table. Also the most power. Down side is plastic handles and not nearly as nice of trunnion

If I was just resawing I would get the grizzly for wheel size and mass. However many talk about pain of adjusting guides when switching blade sizes. It also blows the budget slightly but not entirely. Also it has to go in the basement and in that regard the bigger frame makes for more difficulty getting it down there.

Any further comments about these machines. Any happy owners of the Rikon (10-326 seems to have similar guides and features just not the brake)

Is my concerns about the ceramic guides immaterial? How about retrofit ceramic guides for the Rikon such as "space age ceramics"? You can get individuals parts if need be.

Thank you

 

[zkling]

If you truly want to resaw over 12", of those listed, only the rikon will do that.... Even then, maxed out it won't be fun.

In the end it is your choice on the foot brake, depending on the age and maturity of your kids. I've seen people get too reliant on safety features and become sloppy.

As far as the guides, ball bearing are great, when properly adjusted and kept clean, both inside and out. Ceramic or even consumable wood are good for very narrow blades and can be easier to adjust.

I'd recommend you get a good resaw saw and a 14" clone or smaller for the kids derby cars. You can then keep the smaller saw setup for scroll work. I also really hate changing bandsaw blades.