tabletop bandsaws

[austin]

I am tired of going over to other peoples houses to use their bandsaws but have not had the opportunity to demo any tabletop ones. Since a free standing is out of the budget, does any one have any personal preferences? How is Delta?
Ryobi?

thanks,
Austin

[Luthier]

My students have used them in class when I taught shop. They are light duty and not meant for any heavy use or application. #As long as you keep that in mind and use them for certain applications they are ok. #They will accept a 1/8" blade for doing fine turns. You can also do some resawing on them but using a wider hook tooth blade.#They do not have a reputation for being real work horses and if you are into the building of instruments for the long haul, you may want to reconsider getting something with more "punch". #Just my opinion. #It will cause less frustration in the long run. #Check out newspaper classified ads, auctions, and yard sales also. #I have had great luck with those sources.


Don

[Mandopickr]

I have a Ryobi that is...adequate. I am currently saving for a 14" free standing saw. I have to admit that buying that little saw was the one thing that actually got me started building. I had always told myself if I had one I'd be building mandolins. I bought one and I did. If you can be patient and find a deal on a big saw do it. You will be much happier in the long run. I'm taking my band gig money this month and buying a Rigid 14" from Home Depot.

[John Zimm]

I have Ryobi that has caused me a lot of grief. It is almost completely unable to cut through blocks of cherry that I have. I am no expert, but I would advise against the Ryobi.

-John.

[sunburst]

I was waiting for others to break the news. Think used! The older the better, IMO, and the bigger the better. Of coarse, space can be a limiting factor.
My bandsaw is a 1927 Yates American 30. Yes, that means a 30 inch wheel, and I realize few of us have that kind of room, but there isn't much that can be done with a bandsaw that I can't do with this one. It's easilly one of my best tools, and cost much less than anything comparable that is new.

[thistle3585]

I have been to several pattern making shop auctions, apparently that business has gone overseas, but I have seen some great bandsaws go for less than $100. #Generally, they sell cheap because most people don't have a place for something that large. #Check with your local auctioneers.

Sorry, I forgot. In terms of tabletop bandsaws, I feel more comfortable with Delta tools than anything else. My firsthand experience with Jet, Powermatic, and Ryobi was poor but they weren't all bandsaws. You might try Grizzly.

[Kent Barnes]

I built Harlan #1 with a Ryobi benchtop bandsaw, and it was adequate, but just barely! One real problem with the small saws it the throat depth. A standard F-model mandolin needs at least a 13" throat to cut some of the curves of the top and back. There have been parts of mine that had to be cut with a coping saw because I couldn't spin the top/back around enough to get into the scroll area. The peghead is also a challenge for the same reason.
I would recommend saving for at least a 14" saw.