You might remember that a couple of weeks ago I replaced my workbench with a smaller one.  This change opened up enough floor space to add a free standing bandsaw. 

 

I have a ShopSmith bandsaw currently that does not meet my needs, mainly this is due to the 6" depth of cut.  The new saw needs to have 12-14" depth of cut to rough out bowl blanks.  I am limited to 120v and 7'8" overall height.

 

I've been doing some research and found one that looks like it might fit the bill.  I'm asking for the benefit of your experience in choosing the right saw.  

 

Has anyone used this saw?  Any concerns about the Grizzly brand?  This saw is the runner up but I know virtually nothing about the ShopFox brand.  Any reason to choose one over the other?  I would much rather buy American but I'm not sure that's possible anymore.  

 

Do you know of a better choice for this specific application?

 

.40

 

 

I make do with my Shopsmith Band saws but, if if I had the space, I'd  sure be looking at a Laguna. 

How about that? HD selling Grizzly products. I have no qualms about the Grizzly brand at all, the few things I've owned from them where as well made as any on the market, and the times i needed CS it was good. That said, the Shop is literally the same basic saw with a different paint job, Grizzly introduced the Shop Fox brand as one that was sold by other retailers. While I have no hands on with either saw, I do like the specs they laid out....except for the 2 HP motor being prewired for 120V. I think I'd want 240V for a motor that size.

1 hour ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

How about that? HD selling Grizzly products. I have no qualms about the Grizzly brand at all, the few things I've owned from them where as well made as any on the market, and the times i needed CS it was good. That said, the Shop is literally the same basic saw with a different paint job, Grizzly introduced the Shop Fox brand as one that was sold by other retailers. While I have no hands on with either saw, I do like the specs they laid out....except for the 2 HP motor being prewired for 120V. I think I'd want 240V for a motor that size.

Can't it be converted? Asking for a friend.

I certainly think it can...my surprise it's prewired at 120.

https://lagunatools.com/classic/bandsaws/14-12/

I have a Grizzley GO555 with riser. My only complaint is it would be nice to have a bigger motor. Have heard nothing bad on their BS but lathes have some problems.

 

If I bought one now Laguna would top the list.

I have a different thought on your question....If you are planning on running a log 14 to 16 inch in diameter through a band saw I will tell you that will be very dangerous.  Thats a lot or weight you will be pushing through the blade . Just one false move and you might be eating a flying busted band saw blade...and using two people will not make make it that much more safer.  

   But now if you are planning on resawing that wide of board forget what I said. But this will be almost impossible unless you get a band saw with maybe a 5 hp motor and that will cause the price to shoot up through the roof. But don't worry the band saw will already have caused a large hole up there!

 Smallpatch

Thank you for all of the responses. 

 

7-8 years ago, I bought a Laguna Fusion table saw, let's just say that it was a mistake and I could have made a better choice.  I know that they are sponsors and all but I'm a bit leery given my experience with it.  Maybe I got a lemon but I kept running into problems with it.  Small problems at first like rattling access panels, ineffective dust collection, then the trunnion bolts came loose.  Thankfully it had to go when I moved into the small shop. 

 

@Smallpatch, I plan on cutting 1/2 logs into a circle as the primary use.  Right now I do just the corners with a reciprocating saw.  It kind of works but it's time consuming and hard to be as accurate as I would like. 

 

.40

Okay, that sounds better than what my little brain was telling me!

Hey, check out this Grizzly band saw G0 701

I have a Rikon 10-324 14” bandsaw. I run 12” logs through to cut the pith out and also cut my blanks round before I put them on the lathe. I have had it a couple of years and has done everything I have needed it to do.

10 hours ago, Smallpatch said:

Hey, check out this Grizzly band saw G0 701

I'll take it....right after I win the lottery, move to the new ranch, build a barn, drill a natural gas well, install the power plant, and outfit my dream shop. 

 

.40

10 hours ago, RustyFN said:

I have a Rikon 10-324 14” bandsaw. I run 12” logs through to cut the pith out and also cut my blanks round before I put them on the lathe. I have had it a couple of years and has done everything I have needed it to do.

 

Does the fence lay down flat to create a lower profile fence for smaller work?

 

.40

16 minutes ago, forty_caliber said:

 

Does the fence lay down flat to create a lower profile fence for smaller work?

 

.40

No.

What blade type/width is the best all-around for roughing bowl blanks?  What has been the most successful for you?

 

.40

3/8”  about 5 tpi

Edited October 15, 20223 yr by lew

I am completely biased, with an unashamed plug for our sponsor, the Laguna bandsaws are nice, my cousin has one, I've seen it and used it, and loved it, below your price point with the Shopfox at 1600 bucks, but it has a resaw capacity of 12" not 14".

Cousin has had his for about 6 years now and still loves it.

14|12 Bandsaw | Classic Machinery | Laguna Tools

LAGUNATOOLS.COM

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The 14|12 Bandsaw is a 110 Volt saw that feels like a 220. Features include pyramid shaped spine, 1 ¾ HP TEFC Motor...

 

I always used the chainsaw to split the logs.  I have just used my Delta band saw, which has a 6" limit, to trim the bowl blanks.  When trimming edges the 6" limit doesn't become a factor when the radius is factored in.  A 5" or 6" slab of wood makes a pretty big bowl. 

I use a 1/2 3tpi blade in my 14 inch Grizzly