Choosing a Bandsaw and Planer

[LeftyTom]

Yes, this is another "what do you think?" thread. No, the bandsaw and planer are not the same tool :slap: Used tools can be included in the selection process.

The bandsaw choices include (my cheap choice) Ryobi BS1001SV 10"; Yorkcraft YC-14WBS; Jet JWBS-14OS 14"; Jet JWBS-14CS 14"; (crowbar in wallet) General International model 90-125 M1, 14" includes fence; and (crowbar wedged further in wallet) Rikon 14" Model 10-325, includes fence. I want one with at least a 6" resaw ability, and a fence (resaw fence would be dandy, too). Building a stand for the saw is not a deal-breaker, but adding a fence is not cheap.

Planer choices are narrowed to the RIDGID TP1300LS 13" planer w/stand; DeWalt 735 13" planer, no stand; and Delta 22-580 13" planer, no stand.
I understand these planers will not hog off a bunch of wood in a single pass, which works for my needs in the foreseeable future.

 

[toolferone]

The Dewalt planner no question about it. Any of the 14" BS would be fine, but not smaller. I would get the Jet because you can upgrade later to the 12" resaw height and can even add a bigger motor too.

 

[TXnNC]

For the planer I would look at the Rigid 4330 also. Very similar to the 1300ls except it does not include a stand, but it has a 3 knife head. If I recall correctly, the price is the same on the two.

I have the 4330 and absolutely love it. I have never had a problem with it and it has never so much as slowed on anything I have asked it to do.

Ken

 

[Bas]

Planer: The DeWalt 735 and Ridgid (1300/ 4330) all get great reviews. The DeWalt takes top price in finish quality, but costs more, and does not have infeed/ outfeed tables or a stand. The 4330 has three knives (which should give it a slightly better finish than the 1300), has infeed/ outfeed tables, but no stand. The 1300 has infeed/ outfeed tables, a stand, but only two knives. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. The Delta planer is decent, appears to finish in the middle of the pack in the various reviews. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing outstanding either.

I have the Ridgid 1300, and I've been very happy with it. After adding a stand and tables to the DeWalt, you're probably looking at $250 above the Ridgid. That buys a lot of knives, which IMO is by far the most important factor in the finish quality. But, if you plan to build your own tables and stand, I'd steer you towards the DeWalt.

On the band saw, have you seen the review from PWW? That might help narrow things down. All things being equal, I'd probably splurge on the bandsaw and get the cheaper planer.

 

[NCPete]

Is the 14" Craftsman in that review even available anymore???

 

[Nativespec]

For a lower priced bandsaw I like the Rikon 14" with its tall resaw capacity. I would look for a used planer and not get a "lunchbox" type.

David

 

[Travis Porter]

No opinion on the planers, but I would definitely recommend going with a 14" bandsaw.

 

[PeteQuad]

Since we're talking about Ridgid and Dewalt planers, I will make the obligatory mention of the Dewalt 734. It's price and similarity to the Ridgid planers mentioned should help muddy the waters. I am actually waiting for the Charlotte woodworking show to come before purchasing one of these in case there are any deals to be had. If there's not, I'm leaning towards the R4330.

The Grizzly bandsaws have been getting a lot of mention lately. The have 3 14 inch models you might be interested in, priced at $325, $395, and $575 (shipping not included, runs $70-90). I'm probably going to pull the trigger on one of their 17" models after the Charlotte show is gone.

 

[Don Sorensen]

Band saw - I have no opinion, though I'm leaning toward something that can handle at least a 1" blade, for re-sawing.
Band Saw fences - there's plans in magazines all over for various band saw fences. I think the one I built was in PWW - but I could be wrong.

Planers - I've inherited my Dad's old (ca. 1991 )Delta while he's inherited someone else's newer model - the big improvement: a blade height lock - very important and I think they all have them now anyway.
Neither Delta will "hog off" a whole lot of material, but why would you want to? You can obtain a pretty good finish with these planers by "sneaking up" on your final thickness. And keeping your blades in good condition, as well. So there's lots of passes for little material.

I'm not a Delta fan (nor detractor) just tossing my 2 cents in.

 

[LeftyTom]

With bandsaws, there is one point I cannot figure out, without looking at one in person (at that point I am usually in buying mode): how wide a blade it can handle. I want it to handle at least a 3/4" blade.

 

[jsjordan]

I echo the comments about the 14" BS. I have a Delta with the riser kit installed and the ability to resaw wider stock has come in handy MANY times. Regardless of brand I recommend getting something with a riser option.

 

[PeteQuad]

The bandsaw specs should state what size blades it can fit. The only complication is that the general thought is that even if a blade will fit, that doesn't mean it can properly tension the blade.