The 3-wheelers in general are very difficult to get to track properly, and they break more blades….not recommended.

AFAIK, the Craftsman 21400 was made by Richen Enterprises, who owns Rikon, and it is indeed very similar, if not identical to their 10". It's not a major workhorse, but within it's capacity limits, most seem to like it.

 

3 Wheeled band saw is not good. Because it breaks blades more frequently than 2 wheeled.

 

Resawing on either of those saws isn't going to be much fun, but of the two the 10" Craftsman will work marginally better. 3 wheeled bandsaws are pretty much junk.

Given that the maximum height you can resaw is less than 5" on the Craftsman, you're probably better off resawing on your table saw. Make a cut from one side, flip it over, and cut it on the other side (keeping the same edge against the fence).

 

spend a little more and get a 14" band saw. I've seen some on Craigslist for $75- $250 range

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/tls/3436403063.html

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/tls/3421966124.html

 

Not tryin' to spend YOUR money, but the Grizz 0555LX is one fine saw for the money. Mine was easy to set, and the after-market blades have made this my "go-to" BS.
Not a monster resaw BS, but will do all I need for general BS work. I have not added the 6" height unit as yet.
I have no connection with Grizz.
I lived with a ShopSmith 11" for many years before I opted for the Grizz. The SS BS did a lot of work, but was under powered as well as having less capacity. No reflection on the SS, just enjoying the added power of the Grizz.
Wanna know how I really feel?
Bill

 

The three wheeler is junk. I bought a new one years ago and after breaking the blade many times I took it to the delta repair shop. The repair man actually laughed at my problem, he then told me that breaking the blades are inherit to a three wheeled ban saw and there is nothing that can be done to change it. I now have a very little used delta ban saw setting under my bench collecting dust and probably rust. (but it's not breaking blades)

 

Hey thanks everybody. I went by Sears tonight and as usual looks like the cheap option is the bad option. I will just have to do some research and shell out some more cash it looks like.

 

Band saw blades have a minimum bend radius. Even if you don't go to the minimum radius the smaller this gets the more the metal in the blade is worked so it will fatigue and break. The wheels on the 3 wheeled saw have a very small radius. If the blade rolls over any part of the wheel it has conformed to the radius. That is why the 2 wheeled saws with the larger wheels is better. Forget the tracking problem and that alone makes them better. Then you throw in the tracking issue. Look for a saw with a metal frame so you can really put tension on the blade then go for more horsepower.