Thread: Tablesaw or bandsaw?

Thanks for all the input guys, I was leaning towards the bandsaw anyways, but think everyone has validated my opinion.

Anyone have or used this: Ryobi 9" Bandsaw

Originally Posted by dnjrboy

Thanks for all the input guys, I was leaning towards the bandsaw anyways, but think everyone has validated my opinion.

Anyone have or used this: Ryobi 9" Bandsaw

Forget the Ryobi. If you're looking to just buy a band saw and mostly use it for smaller work get the Skill band saw. I got mine at Lowe's and paid like $110.00.
It comes with a rip fence, miter, laser guide and 2 speeds. The laser guide is extremely accurate and helpfull.
I cut 1/8 slabs with no problems whatsoever. I just cut a 1/4 inch slab of Red Morrell burl blank in 2 x 1/8 slabs today. Perfect.
Couldn't be happier. The max. cutting height is 3 1/2 inches. which for smaller blanks is no problem.
If your serious about woodworking and bigger projects then a 14 inch band saw is what I would get but be prepared to pay a higher price tag.

I've been to Lowe's and looked at that bandsaw repeatedly. I don't have a bandsaw and would love to get a nice quality big one, but for now I wouldn't mind getting one just for scales. Max, from what you wrote, I assume you consider the Skil to be adequate? I was worried that it would not accurate enough.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I've been to Lowe's and looked at that bandsaw repeatedly. I don't have a bandsaw and would love to get a nice quality big one, but for now I wouldn't mind getting one just for scales. Max, from what you wrote, I assume you consider the Skil to be adequate? I was worried that it would not accurate enough.

I think it's a bargain for what you get. Skill is Bosch. It's made in China, but what isn't.

It's real easy to put together. The only thing you need to do when ripping is to use your fingers (always be carefull not to get to close to the blade) and hold the piece of wood against the ripping fence. Kind a like when you hone and are holding the tang side of the razor while using your other hand/fingers to counter weight/balance the razor.

Go slowly, follow the laser guide which once calibrated is spot on! and rip it through. You might end up with a lesser width at the end because you really can't use your fingers that close to the wood when trying to push it through the last inch or two.

I'm totally happy. I have a few other Skill tools and they are very good. Again, we're not talking for big project either like cannonfodder. For those you need the big guns.

Small bandsaws are fine, It is all you need for small to medium size work. Buy high quality blades and set the saw and guides up correctly and it will do what you ask of it. Buy a used copy of Mark Duginske’s band saw book. It is a very good book on the how’s and why’s of bandsaws.

Charlie

And here's a few nice tips and small video on the bottom of the page.

I've read up a lot on table saws and bandsaws but still can't decide! I almost decided on a bandsaw (I like the spec of the proxxon micro bandsaw) but then I read that unless I use at least 1/2 inch wide blades that the blade tends to wander and leaves a wavy cut. I get scale material resawn for me at the moment but would like to saw my own, mainly out of 2 inch square blanks, but the possibility of a wandering or wavy cut is putting me off the idea of a bandsaw. Has anyone had a problem like this with their bandsaw? I'm wondering if I am going to have to spend a lot more for a really precise machine.

Regards,
Neil.