Anyone know about band saws? ***Update***

[Pliablemoose]

I want to buy a band saw & don't know jack about them, largest piece I'd like to be able to saw is ~10 inches thick for some trellises in the yard & some trim work for my looonnngg term custom van project.

Any advice?

I'm thinking a Craftsman brand, should be able to get a good price on one, just won't know which one to buy.

Edit

Bought one of these: Jet 14" bandsaw

& One of these: Jet Drill Press

 

[Sluggo]

I know that if you want to drive 3 hours up here, my father-in-law will sell you his mucho cheap

 

[trek]

delta is a respectable brand

 

[olds]

What kind of cuts are you making? Are they intricate?

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
What kind of cuts are you making? Are they intricate?

Need to be able to incorporate some serious curves

like here

 

[MooseKnuckle]

Originally posted by: trek8900
delta is a respectable brand

I agree, if you're going for a max cut of roughly 10 inches; that's atleast a 15in. or better saw and you'll be spending $$. Jet is also a good brand, but buying from Sears gives you the option of returning if you don't like it.

 

[alkemyst]

I don't have a band saw currently....I'd like to add one to my dad's woodshop. I like Craftsman saws...they may not last as long under heavy duty as say a Delta, but I am using them only a few times a year or so.

I have used a Craftsman 10" table saw since I was about 12 (I am 32) and the thing looks and runs like new....we just got the best radial arm they have and it's awesome to have both saws.

My next project is learning laminates (fiberglass and carbon fiber) and welding. Those are the only two things holding me back from really being able to dream it and do it.

I do know that 10" thick is pretty thick, I am not sure if 'home' saws can handle that. The last bandsaw I looked at had a 10" neck but could only do a max of a 7" board (straight cut). What are you planning on doing with a 10" thick piece of stock?

Å

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
What kind of cuts are you making? Are they intricate?

Need to be able to incorporate some serious curves

like here

Is that a bend or a cut?

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
What kind of cuts are you making? Are they intricate?

Need to be able to incorporate some serious curves

like here

That big curve I believe is done with woodbending and perhaps even a few pieces matched up.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
What kind of cuts are you making? Are they intricate?

Need to be able to incorporate some serious curves

like here

Is that a bend or a cut?

That's not really a good pic, I want to S-curve the trellis ends, and some of the van pieces will need some curves...

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
What kind of cuts are you making? Are they intricate?

Need to be able to incorporate some serious curves

like here

That big curve I believe is done with woodbending and perhaps even a few pieces matched up.

Yep. I was looking @ the trellis ends, thought that middle piece was shaped differently.

Also have plans to build a small footbridge.

 

[olds]

Have you considered a jig saw? A band saw would be $200 plus for something at the entry level. If the pieces are very long, you won't be able to swing them around in a band saw.
I have a craftsman 10" and it's fine for a homeowner.

 

[alkemyst]

Looking at that pic, I don't think a band saw is even the right tool for it.

Those end cuts are radial arm/table saw types....they are also probably double boards. Most places aren't going to have more than a 4" piece of stock and usually those are post shaped, not boards.

 

[MooseKnuckle]

Now that we know you've got $1k to spend from your other post; BUY THIS.

 

[Pliablemoose]

gonna skip the $1K band saw, will go with a cheaper one...

But I'm going to look @ bench grinders & drill presses too

 

[LordMorpheus]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
gonna skip the $1K band saw, will go with a cheaper one...

But I'm going to look @ bench grinders & drill presses too

There are few things in life more useful than a drill press.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Bump cuz I'm a tool whore

 

[Mookow]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Bump cuz I'm a tool and a whore

fixed

 

[Armitage]

Stay away from craftsman POS. I won't ever buy another craftsman power tool. I have a used craftsman bandsaw, and it's crap.
You can't go far wrong with Jet or Delta. Check out American Woodworker magazine. They have excellent reviews of tools.