Agreed.

I have a Wilton 14" at home and a Delta 14" at work. Both have the two
speed gearbox. They are VERY similar ... the Wilton (ca. 2001) is
essentially a 'clone' of the much earlier Delta (ca. 1960). They are
nearly identical. There's little to choose between them. The Delta's
been going strong for over 40 years ... I hope the Wilton will do as
well. With care. I can't see why it won't.

Both are currently available, but the Wilton, an import, is perhaps half
the cost of the Delta. And even some of the Delta stuff is imported now
(I don't know about the saw).

Dan Mitchell
==========

Don Foreman wrote:

On 22 Jan 2004 09:02:05 -0800, wrote:

I would like to purchase a band saw in the $1000 price range capable
of cutting both wood and metal. I've found some information on two
possibilities: Wilton's 14-inch 8201 Tradesman band saw and
Craftsman's 15-inch wood and metal band saw, but I haven't seen either
saw and I don't know anything about Wilton's reputation. I'd
appreciate recommendations for other saws that might work and any
information others have about the Wilton and Craftsman saws. Among
the things that would be helpful are knowing where the saws are made
(Taiwan, PRC, etc.), whether speed change uses gears or belts, and how
the saws compare to JET band saws in general quality and features.

I have the Wilton and have been happy with it. It's made in Taiwan
but I found nothing to criticize other than the plastic tension knob.
I replaced that knob with a metal one. Other than that, fit, finish
and function have been completely satisfactory.

It has both belts and gears; the gearbox is engaged for lowrange
speeds and disengaged for highrange speeds. It's very easy to engage
and disengage.

Wilton is a US company based in Elgin IL that has been in business
since 1941.