Does anyone have any experience with the latest Craftsman 14 inch bandsaw? I have been drooling over the grizzly g0555 but it is about 250 more after shipping and I can't swing that for awhile. The Craftsman seems to be a RIKON clone and has really good reviews as far as I have seen. I currently do not have a bandsaw and have been ready for one for awhile now.

I think someone just posted about one of those, here, in the last day or so. Check this-

 

http://thepatriotwoodworker.com/topic/17607-band-saw-cart/#comment-73018

Edited September 14, 20169 yr by lew

2 hours ago, Rlbailey3 said:

Does anyone have any experience with the latest Craftsman 14 inch bandsaw? I have been drooling over the grizzly g0555 but it is about 250 more after shipping and I can't swing that for awhile. The Craftsman seems to be a RIKON clone and has really good reviews as far as I have seen. I currently do not have a bandsaw and have been ready for one for awhile now.

Check out this link...http://thepatriotwoodworker.com/topic/17607-band-saw-cart/

Another TPW member, Al B. purchased one a short while ago. Both can give you an objective user view

Awesome! Thanks!

The Craftsman 14" BS is a good buy for anyone who needs a BS but can't afford the higher end tools. I had the Jet 14" BS for several years and was very happy with it,but, in a moment of uncertainty for the future I sold it. It wasn't long before that decision was regretted. .Not being able to afford another Jet , and after reading reviews I decided to look over the Craftsman.. With the 8 1/2" thickness cutting ability, it is all i need for cutting BS boxes . It did require a little tuning up after assembliy but it has all the power needed, with the ability to utilize 2 speeds.

Blade tensioning using the knob at the top is a bit of effort,but but works well. The guide bearing for the blades are somewhat of a  chore to adjust, requiring 2 different size wrenches as well as an allen wrench. Once adjusted though the saw performs very well.  

you can purchase the Rikon fence for the saw, It fits perfectly. and the Rikon fence is priced lower than  the Craftsman fence. 

I don't recommend using blades provided  by Sears. I always use Timberwolf  blades.. Sears recommends a 1/4' blade  as the smallesr for the saw. I have been using a 3/16" for cutting tight curves with no problem,  

If you get the saw and have a problem getting the blade to run on center ot both wheels, let me know It takes a little careful agjusting

Edited September 15, 20169 yr by It Was Al B

Thanks Al!

I just got some resaw blades for mine and only had to change the blade roller guides.  Seems like a well built saw.  Everything runs true and it is two speed.