My Sears bench band saw is wearing out.  I'm not complaining, it has lasted 15 years. It is a 10 inch with most features that saws of that era had. I also have a 14 inch Jet, but I used the small one for more precision cuts. I'd like to get something similar in size but with better features like better guides, easier blade adjustments and ease of blade change. I've looked at several on line and only a couple looked promising. Of course all say things that you want to hear. 

 

Any advise is appreciated.

Check out the WEN. I just bought one and am impressed with the quality. I got mine from HD delivered right to my door. I am like you,I have a Ridgid, basically the same as the Jet and it has a riser block ,I use it for ripping and resawing  mainly also some other work, but needed a smaller go-to saw for jigs and templates and smaller work.

 

I bought it based on the reviews. It had very good reviews, and I am not disappointed.I even checked in to the Company.

Wen was a so-so brand when I was young that made a circular saw and jigsaw and drill motors. they went out of business. A group of Chinese investors bought the brand and formed a company to bring power tools into this country, as we needed more, sarcasm, so started making a line of affordable tools. My logic is if they are bucking their way into the market at this late date against established companies, they must have a decent quality tool. Based on the reviews ,as I said,  I gave them a try.

So far so good .

The one thing I did was make a Zero Clearance insert as the one furnished was too wide. I like the rack and pinion knob adjustment for the blade guard too

http://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-3-5-Amp-10-in-2-Speed-Band-Saw-with-Stand-and-Worklight-3962/206587103

 

Herb

Edited December 7, 20169 yr by Dadio

Ron, you might have a look at Micro Mark. 

You might check out Sears again.  They have a 10" Craftsman (Rikon) that is very attractively priced.  I bought it a year ago, and it's worked nicely.  It is a Rikon with a different coat of paint and a 1-yr warranty.  Go to a store and sniff around and they might offer a bit more off the price.  The same model (in Rikon) gets 4.5 stars on Amazon, so it's not a dog.

Ron, I've read the "new" Rikon 10" bench-top model is a pretty nice saw. A little pricier than most bench-tops, but has many upgrades you might not expect on a bench-top model.

Woodcraft has had it on sale from time-to-time also. Don't know for sure if Rikon makes Sears-Craftsman benchtop model or not...they did make their 14" floor model for them. Might be worth investigating???

 

@Dadio...good review on the Wen...I've seen and also read up on the "new" company. It appears they are in it for the long-haul and are making some pretty decent tools for the price point.

 

Edit add: @PeteM beat me to the punch...great minds think alike...well at least Pete's great mind...mine is ????

Edited December 7, 20169 yr by Grandpadave52

All good sugestions.

Herb

Thanks guys

 

It has to fit my very limited space. Floor models are out, already have a big Jet. Will look at the ones suggested . I usually get gift cards each Christmas at Home Depot and with my 10% vet discount I can get a deal on one. I will do some research soon. Maybe..........it's 10 degrees and we have snow on the roads. For now the web will have to do

 

It must fit in the ONLY place I have.........

@Ron Altier...didn't know if you pulled the trigger on one yet Ron, but got a Woodcraft eFlyer today...the Rikon 10" is on sale

 

Woodcraft - Rikon 10" BS on sale

http://www.harborfreight.com/plastic-welding-kit-with-air-motor-and-temperature-adjustment-96712.html

I have not got one  yet. I looked at the woodcraft and it is identical to Sears, which is on sale at the same price. I went to sears and examined it, looked good. I went home and change the blade on my old Sears 9 inch, realigned everything and get it working good again. Thinking about keeping it for now.

 

Thanks for looking for me.