Great band saw deal

[drbassman]

I've been trolling around for a better band saw and Woodcraft just put one that I was considering on sale.  They knocked off $180 and it's going for $419.  It's a Rikon with good reviews.  Just thought I'd share!  I'd love a heavier duty saw, but this price point works for me.

[godofthunder]

Rikon makes really good stuff. I think you will be more than happy.

[drbassman]

Rikon makes really good stuff. I think you will be more than happy.

Good to hear Scott.  I've had my eye on this one for awhile. Got the spot all cleared out for it in the shop!

How's the new band doing?  Got any gigs coming up?

[Highlander]

Someone mentions band-saw's and my bro' pops his head up ...

[godofthunder]

Useful they are.

[Rob]

I have a 12" Ricon and it is as good as a 14" for what I do.
I have resawn 5" oak but do get a decent blade it makes a real difference.

[Lightyear]

Looks nice!  Is it this one? http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2085779/43096/Rikon-14-Open-Stand-1-HP-Bandsaw-Model-10-321.aspx

If so it looks like you can resaw up to 8 inches!  Without a lift kit!   

This looks pretty similar to my 10-12 year old Jet - I think I gave $350 for back then.  Most of these are copies of the old Delta 14" saw and it's a solid design.

Rob's right - ditch the stock blade - you'll be glad you did

[drbassman]

Looks nice!  Is it this one? http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2085779/43096/Rikon-14-Open-Stand-1-HP-Bandsaw-Model-10-321.aspx

If so it looks like you can resaw up to 8 inches!  Without a lift kit!   

This looks pretty similar to my 10-12 year old Jet - I think I gave $350 for back then.  Most of these are copies of the old Delta 14" saw and it's a solid design.

Rob's right - ditch the stock blade - you'll be glad you did

Yep, that's the one.  I agree, I'm going to get a good blade for it.

BTW, what's the best blade for cutting 1.5" stock (bodies)?  Most of the cutting I'll be doing is the rough cut around the perimeter of my scratch built mahogany bodies. 

[Pilgrim]

I have the bandsaw unit for my Shopsmith and I find that it can cut even 4" fence stock like a hot knife thru butter.  I bought a variety of blade widths for various jobs, but I'd imagine that a blade of 1/2" or less would be best to navigate body contours.

And Bill, PLEASE watch the fingers.  That damn thing cuts so well that I'm very, very careful around it. 

[dadagoboi]

Yep, that's the one.  I agree, I'm going to get a good blade for it.

BTW, what's the best blade for cutting 1.5" stock (bodies)?  Most of the cutting I'll be doing is the rough cut around the perimeter of my scratch built mahogany bodies.

1/2" wide 3 TPI.  I use it for everything from hard maple to cardboard, including mahogany and pickguard material.  Olsen All Pro
http://www.amazon.com/Olson-105-Band-Blades-hook/dp/B000H6D3VK/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_text_y
Review:
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/123tpibandsawblades.aspx

Get a book on bandsaws if you don't have one.  It will teach you how to cut tight radii with a wide blade as well as a lot of other tricks.

[Rob]

I have only used the Highland blades for resawing and they are really nice.

[drbassman]

Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely check out the blades you recommend.  The saw is in, so I'll pick it up today!

[drbassman]

Wrestled the saw into the basement with a buddy this morning.  I'll post some pics when it's all set up.  Found some nice Olsen blades on their site, direct buy.  This saw takes a newer length of 99.75" and not everyone has them available.

[Lightyear]

Still have all of your fingers Doc?   Any updates?

[drbassman]

Still have all of your fingers Doc?   Any updates?

Been busy with family stuff but will get back to it on Monday.