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Bandsaw Buy or Not to Buy?

2K views 17 replies 15 participants last post by  gmaffPappy 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have the opportunity to buy a Powermatic PWBS-14, 1 1/2HP bandsaw with two piece base, for $800.
It is practically new. It doesn't even look as if it's been used. They gentleman who owns it was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, and is selling off his shop.

I know I need a Bandsaw for my shop, but on the list of things I need in the shop, a Jointer/Planer is #1, then a band saw and then a drill-press.

Is this too much a good deal to pass up? Rockler has the PWBS-14CS on sale for $1170. I don't know the difference, if any between the PWBS-14 and the PWBS-14CS. I don't know a lot about bandsaws yet, so I'm not educated enough to know it's a good saw or will leave me wanting. If I'm still wanting, at least I got a good deal and won't waste +1200 on a saw.

The saw comes with the mobile base (totally necessary for my shop) and several blades.

He also has an older Rikon 30-140 Drill Press. It's a 34" bench top, but has a stand, is also on a mobile base, and has some jigs for the press's table (those alone I'd think are worth a couple hundred dollars.) He'll throw it in for $300.

Or, should I just hold out and get my Jointer/Planer as planned, then purchase the rest as time goes buy?

It sounds like a good deal, and I hate to miss a good deal.

Good Deal or Pass? Thoughts?
 
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#2 ·
I think it's a fine bandsaw, and would do a good job. I also think that's a lot of money to spend on a 14" cast iron bandsaw….but the gold stuff is always higher. Without saying whether it's a good deal or not, my advice would be to pass on it; you can get the same capabilities for a lot less. I'm guessing, but the difference with the "CS" model may be a closed stand.
 
#3 ·
I looked up this bandsaw and about $1300 new. For used tools I start at 1/2 of new and adjust. If it is in very good condition and depending on location, not a terrible deal but I think a bit high.

I might offer him something for both items and see if you can get price down a bit.

The drill press is a out $400 new and is a radial drill press.
 
#4 ·
I recently purchased a Powermatic PWBS-14, 1 1/2HP bandsaw new while on sale, and am happy with it. It replaced a Jet Bandsaw that I used for 30 years…
Thats not a bad price providing it has the 6" riser block and all the accessories. Mobile base is a plus.
I spent about 6 hours assembling and aligning the saw, so you won't have to do that.
I'm with the others here, make him an offer on it and the drill press and see where you land.
 
#5 ·
Good deal maybe, great deal no. Look at the price of some of the 14 inch jet 1 hp bandsaws on Craig's List and I think the price on the near new Powermatic looks pretty good. I have looked at a few powermatic 44's that people are routinely asking $500 for and have passed. That being said, somebody else following me opened their wallet. 800 near new vs 500 for a 25 year old well used saw is a no brained to me.

Wayne
 
#6 ·
Good deal maybe, great deal no. Look at the price of some of the 14 inch jet 1 hp bandsaws on Craig's List and I think the price on the near new Powermatic looks pretty good. I have looked at a few powermatic 44's that people are routinely asking $500 for and have passed. That being said, somebody else following me opened their wallet. 800 near new vs 500 for a 25 year old well used saw is a no brained to me.

Wayne
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
My thoughts on the bandsaw….
I have a 14" Jet that is similar, it has been a good machine.
In the last year I have added the 6" riser and bought a tall fence.
That turned it into a very good machine and even though I lived without them for 12 years, now that I have the riser and fence I can say they are essential vs nice to have.
I haven't priced the PM riser but it will be at least $100 and fences will be more than $100.
If the saw doesn't have 12" cutting height and the tall fence you will be into for over $1k by the time you are finished.
You are starting to get real close in price to the steel frame saws which come with the cutting height and very good fences, not to mention some semblance of dust collection.

Not saying to pass or to buy, just throwing some thoughts around.
 
#10 ·
I buy most everything used, but gave in on the Laguna 14 SUV saw for the 14" resaw and 14" width and 2 HP motor. Steel frame, so no riser or alignment. Might be something to watch for.

- ibewjon
+1 on the Laguna
I own the Power Matic I bought this and at the time it was the best thing going- even Charles Neil was promoting it

this was before the Laguna

Today I would purchase Laguna much more user-friendly…
 
#11 ·
New WoodCraft on the Rikon, and Rockler on the Laguna have pretty frequent deals at or near 1000 bux. You are seeing Gold Paint madness in that guys pricing. You could as suggested offer a more realistic price on both tools. If he says no, see if he will keep your number. After seeing no buyers at his near retail prices he may see reality, and call you. If he does, then of course you offer today's price of 25% less than what you offered before.

On deals so close to retail prices for comparable equipment, you wouldn't be missing out on much by passing.
 
#12 ·
I'm a fan of Powermatic in general and think they age exceptionally well. However, 75% of the price of a new one is too steep for me unless it truly hasn't ever been used. If that's the case, it might be a fair price. I'd be more inclined to be in the $600 range though. I wouldn't fault you for spending $800 if it's in brand new shape with the mobile base though. Maybe get the drill press thrown in at the $800 point and I'd say you did well ;-)
 
#15 ·
Thanks for the input everyone. It's helped. After reconsidering my considerations, I've decided to pass. Mainly the decision was driven by the Planer/Jointer I want.

I'm looking at the Hammer A3-41 or the MiniMax FS-41E. Since they are both 16" jointer/planers, it makes sense I should have a re-saw capacity of at least 16" as well. So I think I'll go with a full steel one-piece enclosed 16" BS. As mentioned, the DC will be better as well, and I don't like the idea of adding a block extension, if I just get a 16"saw instead.

Thanks for the input all! It's been helpful.
 
#17 ·
Bear in mind that the size of a bandsaw in inches refers to the diameter of the wheels, not the resaw capacity. The resaw capacity would be the maximum height of a cut, sometimes enhanced by riser blocks.
 
#18 ·
Yah, I've been looking into that and educating myself on BS's. There'a lot to learn, and I'm wanting to buy a BS that's one step up from what will suffice, so I won't be left wanting for more in a few years.

I'm pretty sure I'll be doing a lot of resaw'n, so => 3hp is what I've been only looking at with a +16" Max Cut Height.

If I can convince myself to go with a premium machine (which shouldn't be too hard), I'm looking at the FB-510 or the MM16.

But, if I can't get the power that is my wife to agree (since I'm getting these tools to build her her new kitchen), I'll have to settle for either the:
Rikon Model 10-347: 18″ Professional Bandsaw
Baileigh WOODWORKING BAND SAW WBS-18 3hp
or Laguna 18|Bx Bandsaw 3 HP 220V

The decision processes and learning are ongoing. Even through it's a topic for another thread, input is always welcome.
 
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