Re: 14" Band Saw advice

Rich,

"Rich" <harrisfam1988@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote
Michael,
Thanks for the input. You are the only one who actually addressed my OP.
Maybe I didn't state what I was looking for clearly.

I am looking for a 14" band saw with a cast frame and the ability to add a
riser in the future. Everyone seems to think for some reason that I'm
interested in the saws in the article in FWW.

I read the article if I had that kind of cash, . . . SNIP

I understand your dilemma. Allow me to make a few comments about my
experience, before suggesting a solution.

I agonized literally for YEARS over the necessity & expenditure for a
bandsaw. There was no way I could justify the 'top of the line' saws, or
even the 'middle of the road' ones. I read books, magazine articles, 'THIS'
forum, etc. At the time there was also a chain of *woodworking crafts* shops
that opened a store in my area. Really known for their 'catalog sales',
don't remember their name, but the 'house brand' was 'Reliant'. 'Haunted'
that shop . . got a lot of hand-tools & supplies there, plus they carried
Delta & JET as well as the Reliant line. I was therefore able to see at
least three saws, side-by-side.

First, my background is engineering, and I am a wooden boat builder. I know
from experience that 'Finishing' may only use about 5 percent of the total
materials, it may account for 50 percent of the time, and cost, of building
or manufacture. Therefore, regarding 'Fit & Finish' . . . while 'fit' may be
an indicator of the amount of care, attention to detail, and precision of
manufacture, 'finish' is much more subjective. With one company it may
indicate poor quality throughout, while with another it may indicate a
decision to put cost & time where it will add to performance & value to the
customer. Also, my greatest peeve is Corporate 'slight-of-hand' - where they
promote an a well-known 'American' image, {& cost} and the product is 'Made
in China' for a pittance.

Second, how are you going to use this saw? Occasionally, with a bit of
re-sawing . . . as in my case. Or almost continuous use to re-saw logs &
'slabs' of hardwoods.

Third, be very aware that this is a heavy piece of equipment, moving a VERY
sharp and FAST moving cutting edge, under a good bit of tension.

The 'Final Contenders' . . .
The DELTA had the 'advertising budget' and a very nice finish. A reputation
of an 'All American' brand. The fit seemed good and it was a basic saw with
the usual 'hype' about it's adjustments. Price was at the high end.

The JET had no TV commercials or sponsored any shows, and had a similar
finish to the Delta. Fit seemed just as good as Delta. No prominent mention
of Country of Manufacture, but research indicates Taiwan under careful
{on-site?} American 'spec' control. Price - very much below Delta. Fence &
Gauge - 'optional'.

'Reliant' . . . Only seen here & in their catalog. An ugly 'Green' in color
{intentionally similar to the Grizzly ??}, and relatively poor finish. Fit
was 'fair'. Fence, Gauge, and 'extras' included. Blade guide blocks - metal
{I think}. Chinese manufacture and REALLY cheap pricing. While this Company
seems to have disappeared - I was really disappointed when the local Store
went - almost all of their house-brand 'stationary tools' have been
supplanted by ones from Harbor Freight. Probably from the same Chinese
factory. In fact, an 'HF' store has opened about 30 minutes away.

MY RESULT . . . I bought the JET 14in OPEN STAND. From Amazon, on 'Special',
plus Fence, Gauge, and Shipping, included. {I should have bought the 'Height
Block' then, but didn't. Recently had to really search around to find one at
MY price}. While the Grizzly was about the same quality as the Jet {from
Catalog description and individual comments, I'd never seen one}but at a
lower initial cost. By the time Freight and Taxes {there is *one* outlet in
PA . . . about in the middle of the state !!}were factored in, it was more.

CONCLUSION . . . SHOP for a JET. However, IF you MUST 'go cheap' look at the
Harbor Freight offering. Just keep in mind the caveats, and try to
physically LOOK at one before you buy.

Regards & Good Luck,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop




.

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