Benchtop Bandsaw

[rick7938]

As I have stated in previous posts, my workshop is very limited in space. The last power tool that I need to complete my little shop is a bandsaw. I have thought long and hard about what projects I will do with the bandsaw, and have concluded that a benchtop bandsaw is all that I will ever need (fat chance). Realistically, it is all that will fit in my current shop. A 14" floor model just won't fit.

I'm sure that this question has been asked a hundred times, but what is the best quality 10-12" benchtop bandsaw that you have seen or used?

Thanks in advance for any input or advice.

 

[rickc]

I am not sure about the BEST, but I can give you a couple to think VERY seriously about prior to considering a purchase. First - resist the Central Machinery (Harbor Freight) 3 wheeled, 12" model. I had an awful time keeping the blades on the wheels. Would not tolerate much torque - even with the very small blades. About the smallest curved cut I could make without a problem was 4" diameter. (Even with a 1/8" blade).

The other mfg. - Ryobi. We used several of those for a Toys for Tots demonstration at Home Depot one year. It was one very difficult to set up. Cut "OK", but I am not sure it was worth the set up pain. I was not the only one having the same problem. I bet it took close to 30 minutes to get the thing ready for cutting!

Might be worth it to see how the bench top Delta compares.

 

[PeteM]

I have the 12" Jet on a mobile base. Not really a bench top but it has a small footprint, easy to move, works well and isn't to expensive.

pete

 

[SteveColes]

Rikon makes a 10" that is sold at Woodcraft. I have no idea whether or not it is any good or has the capacity you need. But my experierence with their Midi lathe and some members experieince with the 18", it is certainly worth consideration see here and here

The price is not bad

 

[McRabbet]

I have the Delta 9" benchtop bandsaw that I've used for 5-6 years -- it is fine for smaller projects and blades are easily obtained for it, including Timberwolf blades. Don't expect to resaw with it, but it has enought power to cut through several inches of hardwood stock. I do not know what their current quality level is, so please take this with a grain of salt...

Rob

 

[DavidF]

Just don't buy a 3 wheeler! the blades break all the time and they generally have not enough power. Insom probably has some whizzy folding contraption that makes a 12 inch saw fold away into his bench:lol:

 

[Monty]

Hmmm... I think you might have me confused with someone else! I'm not the one with whizzy motorized morphing robo-shop gadgets all over my shop! :lol:

BTW - regarding the OP question - my only experience with smaller bandsaws was that I couldn't wait to get rid of mine! I don't do a lot of veneer work (as a matter of fact I don't really do much work at all, but that's another story), but still I frequently find myself resawing something that simply would not have fit on my old bandsaw. I don't blame you for wanting to maximize the shop real estate - I have to do the same thing, but expect to be limited with a benchtop.

 

[Mark Fogleman]

To throw you a $.02 curve ball...how about a really good jig saw instead? My Bosch gives me very good results (clean cuts, very little tearout) on just about everything I do with it and takes up a microscopic amount of space. Blades go up to 4" long and you are not restricted on stock width.

I saw one mounted under a table (upside down) with the blade sticking through an insert plate when I visited Festool last month. Should be easy to fabricate a homemade version with a few hold down clamps.

Link from German catalog: http://www.festool.net/mediandoweb/index.cfm?sLanguage=English&ID_O_TREE_GROUP=3689&PARENT=1662&AKTIVPROD=1

 

[Ken Weaver]

The Ryobi 10" has gotten good reviews, improved over the 9" (see here), but the footprint may be more than you want. The craftsman 10" and 12" while apparently good saws like the Ryobi, would have the same footprint problem.

 

[DavidF]

Hmmm... I think you might have me confused with someone else! I'm not the one with whizzy motorized morphing robo-shop gadgets all over my shop! :lol:

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/...dworking/582-my.version.flip.top.cabinet.html

I rest my case.....:lol: ok so it's not motorized - but it could be:eusa_thin

 

[Travis Porter]

The two of you are a pair, but I think Alan is trying to catch up and surpass the both of you so beware!

 

[eezlock]

As I have stated in previous posts, my workshop is very limited in space. The last power tool that I need to complete my little shop is a bandsaw. I have thought long and hard about what projects I will do with the bandsaw, and have concluded that a benchtop bandsaw is all that I will ever need (fat chance). Realistically, it is all that will fit in my current shop. A 14" floor model just won't fit.

I'm sure that this question has been asked a hundred times, but what is the best quality 10-12" benchtop bandsaw that you have seen or used?

Thanks in advance for any input or advice.

Rick, why not try and consolidate/combine tool storage space...if you can?
I found an article with plans on making a revolving top tool
stand that houses two tools in one cabinet with only one footprint
and it has casters on it to boot! I made one for my shop...
I installed the 12" planer on one side and the 10" bandsaw on the other. I simply undo the locks at the corners,flip the top and
rotate it around bring up the other machine , lock it in place and
go to work! I love it and it works great. eezlock

 

[rick7938]

Ya know, Eezlock, that's a great idea. I just bought a new Dewalt 734 planer from Lowe's (12 months same as cash), and that would be the ideal solution. After much soul searching, I'm thinking that a 9-10" bandsaw is all I will need for the immediate future until I get a larger workshop because most of what I do will be small scale anyway.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[woodguy1975]

A bandsaw is one of the key tools for any shop. I would give up the space for a 14" saw. They only take up about 24"x24". A bandsaw falls just behind a Tablesaw and jointer in my book.

John

 

[rick7938]

Yea, Woodguy, you're right also. Therein is one of the rubs. I have a radial arm saw that I use for cross-cutting only. It takes up the space where I could put a bandsaw, but the old Craftsman radial arm saw, jointer, and table saw belonged to my Dad, so I have to convince myself to get rid of the radial arm saw, because I can't keep every tool in that little workshop.

But, you're right, I know that I would be much better served by a 14" bandsaw than a smaller benchtop.

 

[toolferone]

We do have the Rikon 10" here at Woodcraft and I think it is a great small saw. It looks just like its full size brothers, right down to the ball bearing guides.

However, I still agree with most here in that a 14" should be what you get (space not with standing)

 

[yellofins]

Rick,
I have one of the 10" Craftsman direct drive units that's your's if you want it.
I have some extra Craftsman blades also.
It is sitting on the shelf taking up space since I got an old 14".
You can try it out and see if a smaller unit will work or if you need a big saw. It fit the bill for smaller work.

Ron

 

[sapwood]

Therein is one of the rubs. I have a radial arm saw that I use for cross-cutting only. It takes up the space where I could put a bandsaw, but the old Craftsman radial arm saw, jointer, and table saw belonged to my Dad, so I have to convince myself to get rid of the radial arm saw, because I can't keep every tool in that little workshop.

Rick, I faced a very similar conundrum . . . small shop, RAS and other legacy tools from my dad, and a desire to upgrade. I finally sold the RAS to someone who had the space/need for it. It consumed more space than any tool the shop (including my lowly workbench)! Although my shop is still overcrowded, I have a 14" bandsaw and DC where the RAS once resided :icon_thum

HTH,
Sapwood

 

[rick7938]

Yellofins,

Please check your PM. Thanks.

 

[eezlock]

Ya know, Eezlock, that's a great idea. I just bought a new Dewalt 734 planer from Lowe's (12 months same as cash), and that would be the ideal solution. After much soul searching, I'm thinking that a 9-10" bandsaw is all I will need for the immediate future until I get a larger workshop because most of what I do will be small scale anyway.

Thanks for the feedback.

Rick, the plans I referred to were in the book from August Home Publishing "The Complete Small Shop"
I made this and like it very much. I may even build another one
for other tools as the need arises. eezlock