I saw a review on Lumberjocks the other day for the Rigid 14" that is $369 new and he used the Grizzly riser kit that's like $89. Achieved a 12 1/4 resaw capacity. I too am looking for a band saw in the not to distant future and would like one that can do up to 12 inch stock and this one seams to be pretty good for the price. Any idea on how this one compared to the Grizzly mentioned earlier?
I can't offer a comparison, only the caveat that 3/4HP is extremely light for anywhere near 12" resawing. With a new and very sharp 1/2" blade you can, with some skill, pull off the occassional thick resaw, especially in softer woods, but harder woods and boards more than about 6-8" thick and you will really start to push that Ridgid (or any other 3/4HP bandsaw) hard. Typically you would want at least 1-1/2HP and up for that sort of resawing. It is also handy, when performing that sort of heavy resawing, to have a saw that can accept 3/4" to 1" resaw blades with tension to spare as most 14" saws are limited, practically speaking, to 1/2" max. (despite claims of 3/4", though there are a few exceptions).
I always get a little concerned when I hear someone proclaiming 12" of resaw capacity on a 1/2HP to 3/4HP 14" bandsaw! I mean, what are the odds that manufacturers of larger bandsaws would waste money on 2-1/2HP to 5HP motors for that same 12-14" resaw capacity if 3/4HP was adequate? :wink_smil
Like I mentioned earlier, you really have to define what your intended use will be for this saw and base your purchasing decisions accordingly. Each class and size of bandsaw exists for good reason (not just for the sake of more or less money) and each excels at the job for which it was designed.
The traditional 14" bandsaw is a great middle-of-the-road choice for general purpose use or the indecisive, but don't choose a 14" bandsaw with a riser block if your goal is to do much heavy resawing (remember, that 3/4HP motor was chosen with the expectation of no more than 6" resaw capacity).
Also, for the new buyer, if you opt to install a riser block you will need to purchase longer blades to accommodate the riser block (typically 105" for the traditional 14" bandsaw with riser) -- an easy oversight when the new saw specifies 93-1/2" blades!
I mention this because sometimes when we focus on finding a bargain we can become fixated on theoretical, as opposed to practical, capabilities of whatever new toy... er tool... has captured our interest. A great deal is only a great deal if its the right deal. I speak from personal experience -- and I'm sure I'm not alone -- a moment of reflection on what our needs and expectations are never hurts and if it is the 'right deal' then don't be afraid to jump on it and enjoy your new purchase! At the end of the day the ONLY person who has to be satisfied is YOU.
Whatever you end up deciding, I sincerely hope you enjoy your new bandsaw. If you have any questions whatsoever, there are plenty of us here who will help you with any issues you may have. I don't use my bandsaw every day, but it is a wonderful tool to complement the tablesaw as most any cut that would be either dangerous or impractical on a tablesaw can be completed on the bandsaw. Not to mention, once resawing is introduced into the equation, along with a jointer and planer, you open up a whole new world of dimensioning possibilities. The next time you need 3/8" lumber, and all you have is 4/4, your bandsaw will begin to repay its debt -- resawing is much more efficient than planing away 5/8" of perfectly good wood!