This is a dumb question to ask. I'm looking at a 9" Wen and a 10" Rikon. The Rikon is twice the price, and I'm sure it is a better saw. I just don't know if it is worth the extra. Does anyone have one of these saw?
Thanks
Thanks
Small bandsaw
- Thread starter mocountryboy
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I have the Rikon 10 bandsaw, and like it a lot. It has more power than I thought it would. It is pretty easy to adjust and holds its adjustments well.
A friend of mine had a Rikon 10 inch saw and couldn’t get it to work, I adjusted the guides in about 15 minutes and it cut fine from then on. It is small and precise and needs a good tune up to work well.
I have a Ryob1 which I think is about the same as the Wen. I use it a lot and it works okay.
That said the Rikon is a MUCH nicer saw. It is a much more rigid in supporting the upper guides, using metal parts there rather than plastic. It has a much better trunion setup. It has a nicer table and a fence. The slightly larger wheels is a plus as well.
I have the Rikon, it is pretty nice. If you are patient, sometimes you might find it on a good sale.
One issue I had with mine is it threw and shredded the drive belt. I'm not sure quite why this happened, but it has been fine after I replaced the belt.
BTW, I believe the official replacement belt was $30 but I found a generic replacement for $2 and ordered 3 of them for less than $10 shipped.
One issue I had with mine is it threw and shredded the drive belt. I'm not sure quite why this happened, but it has been fine after I replaced the belt.
BTW, I believe the official replacement belt was $30 but I found a generic replacement for $2 and ordered 3 of them for less than $10 shipped.
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Another vote for the Rikon. Great small band saw to compliment my 18" Laguna. The 2 triangle area wood working supply stores will have your blades.
You might check out the new Grizzly 9" band saw. Looks like a good offering; all metal, integrated light and dust port, cast aluminum wheels, etc. Gets great reviews on the Grizzly website. $199. If I was in the market, I would consider it very seriously. Good luck in your search.
Ed
Ed
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One thing to consider when buying a band saw is wheel size. The smaller the wheel, the more stress is put on the blade, leading to shorter blade life. The saws with 3 wheels, although giving you a wider cutting ability, stresses the blade 1/2 again as much as a 2 wheel saw, and the smaller diameter of the wheel makes for a sharper bend as the blade passes over the wheel. The larger the wheel, the longer the blade life due to less breakage.
Sears don't sell Craftsman band saw any more
Thank you for the input. Rikon is the one I really want. Now I have to get the wife to let me spend the extra money.
Was able to pick up the Rikon 10" bandsaw last weekend. Have not had time to set it up yet. Hope I can this weekend. Thanks for the inputs.
I have a 9" Craftsman bought used which is exactly the same as the Rikon version except the Craftsman has a cast iron table and the Rikon had an aluminum table. I found it used for very little money. All it needed was retensioning the belt and it works great for small curvy stuff and quick cutoffs. Well worth the little space it occupies. I use a bigger saw for ripping rough lumber and resawing.
Where and what brand of blades do you get for the 10" Rikon saw?
Will be using for small cuts.
Thanks
Will be using for small cuts.
Thanks
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I got these from Amazon and they work great and last a lot longer than I had expected. Made in Australia, I believe.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07636LX75/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07636LX75/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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