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buying a new bandsaw

4K views 21 replies 15 participants last post by  mousejockey 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
i had a rikon 10-326 bandsaw that i didnt like and i sold it this past weekend and im in the market for a new one…i wanted one that could resaw ,,i was looking at the grizzly go513×2 and the grizzly g0 555lx,,,i like both of them ,,,it seems like more people have gotten the go555 series and updated them by adding riser kits or replacing the fence,,,,,but it still 1 hp verses 2 horse power on the g0513×2,,,im not in the business i just do it as a hobby but wanted a good one that i can resaw on,,any help would be appreciated about this or others for that matter,,thank you
 
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
Tire Plant Gas Wheel Machine


Gas Machine Fixture Engineering Metal


I know you said you were looking at a Grizzly and had ruled out Rikon. I went with the Laguna 1412 and have had absolutely no regrets. I added a small outfeed table and souped up the dust collection. It does everything I want.

Here's a video on my D.C. mods on the bandsaw…

Best
 

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#3 ·
Can't say enough about my Harvey C-14. 3 HP. Guides easy to adjust. I think it is a small step above the Rikon and Laguna. WAY above Grizzly and Jet. Super service.

Guide bearings are 50 cent garbage, so I am putting in good $1.00 bearings. Probably will replace the V belt as Chinese belts are crap. I kind of liked the Laguna but too many complaints about the guides slipping. Some don't have the problem. Anyway, total package, and I love it. Just re-sawed a bunch of 8 inch walnut logs. Strait as can be. I made a small extension to the outfeed and then used roller stands.

Harvey MAKES the band saws. I guess Geetech makes some too. Gris, Rikon, Jet, Laguna etc are just resellers.
 
#4 ·
Oh, look at the trunnions. Big hint. Some are pretty skimpy.

Really the bigger heavy duty 14 inch Rikon 10-353, Laguna 14BX and Harvey C-14 are all great saws. I would not go with the smaller Laguna or Rikon. Pennies more for the "real" deal. I am really glad I did not go cheap.

They all cut. To me, the guide adjustment and power were the keys. Of course, it is the blade that does the cutting.
 
#5 ·
Tire Plant Gas Wheel Machine


Gas Machine Fixture Engineering Metal


I know you said you were looking at a Grizzly and had ruled out Rikon. I went with the Laguna 1412 and have had absolutely no regrets. I added a small outfeed table and souped up the dust collection. It does everything I want.

About to take on improving collection on my C-14. It has a top 4 inch port and a lower 4 inch port. Going to try the split bit of hose first.
Here s a video on my D.C. mods on the bandsaw…

Best

- pintodeluxe
 

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#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
Wood Magazine did a 2021 comparison tests on 14" bandsaws. It's worth the read if your looking for a new bandsaw. In the article also touches on the different blade tracking guides. The article I read from Wood Mag was a longer article than what this link has. Both Grizzly G0817 and Shop Fox W1849 were Woods top choice. Laguna was not tested because Lagunas bandsaw was not available at the time. https://www.woodmagazine.com/tool-reviews/bandsaws/deluxe-14-bandsaws.

They also offer a free downloadable comparison chart https://www.woodmagazine.com/system/files/Bandsaw%20Comparison%20Chart.pdf
 
#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am pleased with my Laguna 14 SUV. it was made by Harvey, and Harvey sells it under their brand with blue paint instead of tan. 3hp, and 14" resaw. Bigger is better if in the budget. I would avoid buying a saw that needs a riser block.

- ibewjon
But Laguna uses their ceramic guides and Harvey bearings.
They are not actually identical, but very similar. It was a tough choice. I gather, folks who mostly resaw like the ceramics better as they don't gum up with wet or sappy wood. I think the Griz and SF are also made by Harvey. Small differences. Fences, power switch etc. The Griz I looked at the guides were terrible to adjust.
 
#11 ·
BTY, I have an idea how to make the guide bearings last without buying $15 Timkens. I'll report in a year or so. New bearings for my Harvey are on the way. I can't say enough about their customer service.

Download the users/parts manuals for each and you can compare the trunnions. Same trick to differentiate table saws. You can see which share parts. Handy for both shopping and for finding parts later.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
The Laguna/Harvey thing is interesting, I wonder if that's true if the table saw too?

I've owned a few bandsaws and I put HP high on the list, but that's me.

I've heard nothing but good things about Laguna. A friend of mine has one and loves it, and he's a very particular person so I respect his opinion.

Blades make a huge difference. I haven't sprung for one on my saw yet (142" blade) but If you can swing it, a carbide blade will make a big difference, I hear Laguna has a good one.
 
#13 ·
I have the Harvey C-14 and it does a good job. I personally had a BAD experience with Laguna when I bought a dust collector so I refuse to buy anything from them.

There should be plenty of reviews of the major bandsaws out there for you to read thru as well.
 
#15 ·
I have been using my Laguna 14" for almost 20 years. Mostly for resaving with a 3/4" carbide blade and ceramic guides. The guides have never been replaced and they still work great. No gumming up as others have said and virtually no wear. If you have heavy well balanced wheels, a sturdy carcass, and at least 2 hp, you should be fine. I don't see why your Rikon couldn't have satisfied you.
 
#16 ·
What was the issue you had with the rikon 10-326? Seems from reading here, and elsewhere a lot of people feel it's an awesome saw. I have the Rikon 18" and love it for a resaw BS. Just wondering if it was the saw, or user that was at issue?

What I'm saying is you could buy a brand new MM16, set it up all wrong, and use a crap blade with suspect welds, and I wouldn't expect it to offer you a good result.

So what did you have trouble with? I'm not trying to get you to buy any brand, or model, just wondering what it is you are looking to get done, and what or why didn't the Rikon do that. IOW what was the issue? I believe you need to answer that to get where you want to be.
 
#18 ·
Hi everyone. I bought the Laguna 14/12 bandsaw 4 years ago. Absolutely fantastic saw. I should have bought a good bandsaw years ago. One of those machines you are on the fence about buying. I use mine all the time. There are tons of cuts I could never have done without it. I was also debating about Laguna when I got mine. There was a lot of negative things being said about them then. I took a gamble and am glad I did. I bought a SuperMax drum sander which is owned by Laguna now. I had a couple of minor issues with it and they took care of them right away. They even called me on the phone and discussed exactly what the issues were and got parts out immediately. How many other companies call you now. I think their customer service is excellent now.
So long story short you can't go wrong with the 14/12 bandsaw. And oh their carbide Resaw blades are excellent also.
Bentley
 
#20 ·
Hmmm, apparently the Rikon was too big???

https://www.lumberjocks.com/topics/315334

- Steve
Interesting. I didn't put the 2 together. I would think most of the saws mentioned then would also not work out. Compared to the cast iron Delta clones the metal frame saws are a bit taller, and for the most part, especially if resaw is part of the equation, the cast saws aren't too front line anymore.
 
#22 ·
Can t say enough about my Harvey C-14. 3 HP. Guides easy to adjust. I think it is a small step above the Rikon and Laguna. WAY above Grizzly and Jet. Super service.

Guide bearings are 50 cent garbage, so I am putting in good $1.00 bearings. Probably will replace the V belt as Chinese belts are crap. I kind of liked the Laguna but too many complaints about the guides slipping. Some don t have the problem. Anyway, total package, and I love it. Just re-sawed a bunch of 8 inch walnut logs. Strait as can be. I made a small extension to the outfeed and then used roller stands.
Harvey MAKES the band saws. I guess Geetech makes some too. Gris, Rikon, Jet, Laguna etc are just resellers.

- tvrgeek
I have a different opinion of the Harvey C14 and especially the CS. I received the saw on a pallet very nicely packed, opened it up and there is no way to lift it off of the pallet, no place for a hook or eye or anything to use a hoist to get it off the pallet. CS said I should get some neighbors to help lift it off, that's not a plan! I had just moved into the house and most of my neighbors are retirees like myself, bad backs and pandemic fears from seniors in the high risk category isn't a solution. When I pushed back on the CS person he said I could lift using the frame on the left side and the big pipe on the right side!! What pipe?
? I figured out later that he probably meant the dust collection port. Apparently he was totally ignorant of woodworking tools and he's their CS person
? REDICULOUS!! The saw seems good but include a way to lift it, and hire competent people.
 
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