Looking for a Band Saw

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I’m looking for a resaw type bandsaw. Trying to find a decent used model but the pickings are pretty skinny. Lee Valley has a Rikon 14” that looks pretty good from the video.

I’ve looked in the used market and lots of smaller units of varying quality. But I believe a resaw model would be worth the extra $s.
Any other models worth looking into?

 

[BK13]

I always thought that when I buy a 14"ish bandsaw I'd look awfully hard at what Laguna offers.

 

[LeonardY]

I prefer the old iron. I have a vintage Delta 14" with a riser block. I have modified it with Iturra tensioning parts and a Carter blade release. 3/4 HP motor. It's a beast. It takes 1 minute or so just to spin down. Dust collection could be better on it. I haven't finished my mods for that yet.
It would be a project if you can find one but it would be well worth it.
I have a friend who has a Walker Turner 16 inch that is great too.

 

[The Cobbler]

some good points in this video on resawing

 

[tarbellb]

Grizzly and Laguna are the standard go to these days, both make a very nice saw.

Tons of info out there, dont get analysis paralysis.

 

[RTM]

I have the Laguna 14SE, and love it. Powered off 220v, but switchable to 110v. I added a dust port to the lower housing, reduces the build up in there. I bought mine used for under $1000 in 2010 . Gets more work than my TS these days, but that’s not hard to do. Buddy just bought the newest version.

 

[LeeG]

I have the 14” Rikon. It is just ok for resawing. I bought it specifically to do that, but I think the biggest blade mine will take is 1/2”, and I’d prefer a larger one. I got mine on a sale for $500 at woodcraft about 8 years ago. I hindsight, I’d have been better off spending more of a more ridged saw.

 

[bpjr]

I have the 14” Rikon. It is just ok for resawing. I bought it specifically to do that, but I think the biggest blade mine will take is 1/2”, and I’d prefer a larger one. I got mine on a sale for $500 at woodcraft about 8 years ago. I hindsight, I’d have been better off spending more of a more ridged saw.

Which model is that? Ricon shows 3/4" max blade size on their current 14". Ricon make good stuff.

 

[lafester]

Seems like there is always at least 2 deltas for sale on FB.
Plenty of parts around since they made the same saw forever.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Thanks guys.
Cobbler that was excellent info, nice saw too
I will look into Laguna and Grizzly but am guessing a supplier may not be local.
Don’t do FB but Kijiji will have some but generally priced close enough to retail to buy it new. In Canada, General would be a good name for most higher end tools.
My buddy a carpenter has a Delta that he doesn’t use much but is moving to an acreage so not short of space. He might sell it anyway. We’ll wait on that one to see how it goes. I’ve got him and his guys keeping an eye out for me.
I want a saw that doesn’t need any tweaking as I need it when I need it. Don’t need another project. But have to admit if the purchase price warranted it I might change my mind.
The Ricoh probably has had some upgrades from a few years ago. I can now see that a larger blade would be an advantage. The Ricon is local but will have to do some additional homework if the $1500 CDN before taxes is reasonable.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

From what I can tell is that the Grizzly, King and Craftex are basically the same Chinese build. We do have a Laguna sales point where I am situated. For the same money it looks like the Rikon maybe the better bang for the buck. Still looking at other used saws and options.

 

[RTM]

Beware of frame flex, it’s not a spec any mfg talks about. The Delta with a riser block to get to 14”, and many other less expensive saws suffer from it. I used to see people complain about it in online forums, haven’t looked at anything since I got my Laguna, so I don’t know how newer units line up.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

RTM. Excellent point about the frame. I was comparing the Rikon and Laguna and had to step up to the Laguna BX to get into the 220v. The Rikon can be wired for 230v already.
The BX does mention a one piece frame the 14/12 model is not a one piece frame. The Rikon mention their frame construction is welded steel.

With the Covid thing I have not physically visited either sales location. So maybe next week or when it is possible.

The reason for the resaw band saw is due to a promise I made my wife. When I had to clear for my future garage site I promised I would make something out of the Cedar trees I had to knock down. My wife enjoyed seeing the birds flitting back and forth year around and taking refuge in the cedar branches. So I need a band saw and I sticking to that story. I can see a nice Cedar bench to her future.
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