Hello,

I am trying to decide on a band saw. My budget has me looking at
these three: Delta 14" 28-206 1hp $500-520
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=918, Delta 14"
28-276 3/4hp $405
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=919
and CanWood 14" 10-305 1hp $470
http://www.westerntool.com/product.htm?pid=460604. The CanWood is a
steel box frame and is made in Taiwan, both Delta machines are cast
iron frames as everyone probably knows.

Thanks in advance, Gene

Go for horsepower and buy good blades.
Robert

I agree, go for the HP & good blades.
And wheels so you can move it easily.
Also note that the CanWood cannot take a
riser block and you will forever be limited to
6" resawing capacity with it.

Art

"Knotbob" wrote in message
oups.com...
Go for horsepower and buy good blades.
Robert

Knotbob and Wood Butcher,

Thanks. I had the same idea about the Canwood. It looks like a nice
machine and has all the bells n whistles, but I would be limited to
smaller material. I have also had a hard time finding any infomation
or reviews on the machine. The one horse Delta has a mail in rebate
for a riser kit and the 3/4 hp model comes with the mobile base.

Gene

"Hog Head" wrote in message
I am trying to decide on a band saw. My budget has me looking at
these three

The 28-206 is made in China. The 28-203 was Delta's basic, and only, wood
cutting 14" bandsaw until the past year or so ... made in USA, with some of
the forging done in Mexico for a while and sold in different packages, with
stand, without stand, limited edition, motor size (3/4 and 1 HP mostly), and
various model numbers designating package.

Reviews are mixed on Delta's new bandsaws and the model numbers have turned
into alphanumeric confusion. I'd buy used (anything starting with the basic
28-203) before I'd buy new ... just my .02

In short, try to find a used 28-203, you'll be glad you waited ... and
contrary to other's opinions, I would not worry too much about horsepower. A
well set up 1/2 HP bandsaw will out resaw a poorly setup 1 HP any day IME.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 9/12/05

On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 06:33:00 -0500, "Swingman" wrote:

"Hog Head" wrote in message
I am trying to decide on a band saw. My budget has me looking at
these three

The 28-206 is made in China. The 28-203 was Delta's basic, and only, wood
cutting 14" bandsaw until the past year or so ... made in USA, with some of
the forging done in Mexico for a while and sold in different packages, with
stand, without stand, limited edition, motor size (3/4 and 1 HP mostly), and
various model numbers designating package.

Reviews are mixed on Delta's new bandsaws and the model numbers have turned
into alphanumeric confusion. I'd buy used (anything starting with the basic
28-203) before I'd buy new ... just my .02

In short, try to find a used 28-203, you'll be glad you waited ... and
contrary to other's opinions, I would not worry too much about horsepower. A
well set up 1/2 HP bandsaw will out resaw a poorly setup 1 HP any day IME.


I agree,

The more recent numbers for the US made 14" is 28-248 and the X5
version 28-475X. They have been out for several years and you might
even find one of them used. They can be purchased new, but not in
that price range. The X5, which is the best deal is probably around
8-850

A well maintained used USA made Delta 14" is much better than the two
Chinese units currently offered.

Frank

At the risk of turning this into a never-ending thread, I'd recommend
that you at least take a look at the Ridgid. Low price, lifetime
warranty and easy to add the Grizzly riser block kit, which I just did
to mine on Monday. The Herc-U-Lift caster set also works great with it.
By the way, if anyone is wondering, the Herc-U-Lift does NOT work with
the Dewalt 746 table saw... DAMHIKT.

-John

The Canwood looks like a good machine but the steel box design limits the
resaw height to about 6".
The Delta cast iron frame style can be modified with a riser kit to give you
about 12"
Delta is prob made in Taiwan too, but most Delta stuff is made there now.
Dont let that be deciding factor.
I just bought a KING bandsaw and am very happy with it (so far.. fingers
crossed) I was surprised at a few features it has that I wasnt expecting.
Plus... KING has a big parts warehouse in Montreal. Ever try to get
parts for imported machinery?
"Hog Head" wrote in message
. ..
Hello,

I am trying to decide on a band saw. My budget has me looking at
these three: Delta 14" 28-206 1hp $500-520
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=918, Delta 14"
28-276 3/4hp $405
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=919
and CanWood 14" 10-305 1hp $470
http://www.westerntool.com/product.htm?pid=460604. The CanWood is a
steel box frame and is made in Taiwan, both Delta machines are cast
iron frames as everyone probably knows.

Thanks in advance, Gene

Frank Boettcher wrote:

On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 06:33:00 -0500, "Swingman"
wrote:

"Hog Head" wrote in message
I am trying to decide on a band saw. My budget has me looking
at these three

The 28-206 is made in China. The 28-203 was Delta's basic, and
only, wood cutting 14" bandsaw until the past year or so ... made
in USA, with some of the forging done in Mexico for a while and
sold in different packages, with stand, without stand, limited
edition, motor size (3/4 and 1 HP mostly), and various model
numbers designating package.

Reviews are mixed on Delta's new bandsaws and the model numbers
have turned into alphanumeric confusion. I'd buy used (anything
starting with the basic 28-203) before I'd buy new ... just my .02

In short, try to find a used 28-203, you'll be glad you waited ...
and contrary to other's opinions, I would not worry too much about
horsepower. A well set up 1/2 HP bandsaw will out resaw a poorly
setup 1 HP any day IME.


I agree,

The more recent numbers for the US made 14" is 28-248 and the X5
version 28-475X. They have been out for several years and you
might even find one of them used. They can be purchased new, but
not in that price range. The X5, which is the best deal is
probably around 8-850

A well maintained used USA made Delta 14" is much better than the
two Chinese units currently offered.

I recently bought a 28-206 and took it back because it was defective.
(I do not mean to imply that all model 28-206s are defective, just
that the one I bought was.) I took your (Frank's) advice and bought
a Delta X5 bandsaw. I don't regret it at all, even though the saw
cost several hundred dollars more.

If the OP (Hog Head) is interested in the thread with Frank's advice,
the message ID of my original post is


(A good newsreader should let you double-click the Message-ID to
either read it -- if the post is still on the server -- or query the
Google archive for it.)

Hog Head wrote:
Hello,

I am trying to decide on a band saw. My budget has me looking at
these three: Delta 14" 28-206 1hp $500-520
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=918, Delta 14"
28-276 3/4hp $405
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=919
and CanWood 14" 10-305 1hp $470
http://www.westerntool.com/product.htm?pid=460604. The CanWood is a
steel box frame and is made in Taiwan, both Delta machines are cast
iron frames as everyone probably knows.

Thanks in advance, Gene
Gene,
i have the delta 14 inch. Although it seems to be build well fit and
finish, have Never been that impressed with it. I tell you, a lot of
the ability to cut is in the blade. Delta blades are junk, timberwolf
or other high silicon blades very good and I can resaw with a 1/4 blade
(not more than 3 in thick material). Really don't like the delta to
change blades, very hard readjust the roller and blocks on the lower
guide after changing. Dust collection seems poor, not sure why. Also,
get cool blocks.
On the positive side, it has tracked well for 3 years, does cut well
when finally set up well. Get a good fence with attachment at both
ends.

Michael B. Ryan

I was looking at the Ridgid bandsaw writeup on the Home Depot website.
Every now and then, it's those "teenie weenie" mistakes that add spice
to life!

The bandsaw description reads -
"3/4 HP TEFC Induction motor for quiet,
smooth running belt drive that delivers
power to resaw up to 6 Ft.' thick oak."

6 FEET thick?? Wow!! That is SOME bandsaw!!!

LOL

Jack


John Girouard wrote:
At the risk of turning this into a never-ending thread, I'd recommend
that you at least take a look at the Ridgid. Low price, lifetime
warranty and easy to add the Grizzly riser block kit, which I just did
to mine on Monday. The Herc-U-Lift caster set also works great with it.
By the way, if anyone is wondering, the Herc-U-Lift does NOT work with
the Dewalt 746 table saw... DAMHIKT.

-John

I have the Jet 14" and it's fine. If I were you, I'd go to the
bookstore or library and read what Lonnie Bird and Mark Duginske say
about choosing a bandsaw. Here are a couple of things I would pay
attention to:

* 4" dust port -- I would make sure it has one. I finally rigged up
something with sewer pipe that works alright on my Jet, but you really
want to get one with a 4" port, even if you don't have a dust collector
right now.

* New tension rod -- Nearly all the tension rods are very difficult to
turn, especially to completely remove the tension on the blade. Even
if the saw had a snazzy lever to take the tension off, I'd still
replace the tension rod. Once you do that, the lever doesn't matter
much. Something like this:
http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com...OD&ProdID=5620
I think Iturra Designs has a less expensive one. You can also make
your own handle that fits on top of the existing one.

* Resaw capacity -- Riser block on my Jet (and Delta's of the same
vintage) adds 6" to the resaw capacity, but reduces throat capacity.
If you have or plan to buy a 6" jointer, then your real resaw capacity
is only about 6", anyway, because you have to joint two sides. (You can
get around this with planer jigs, etc., but it's kind of a pain.)
Also, remember that resaw capacity adds 6" to the height of the
machine. Depending on your height, that can make the tension more
difficult to adjust.

* HP - I have a 1 HP motor and it's fine.

* Fence - It doesn't have to be fancy. If the saw doesn't come with
one, you can definitely make one.

I would also consider a Rikon saw. I don't know much about them, but
they seem to be getting good reviews lately.

Mark

Mark Wellswrote:
I have the Jet 14" and it's fine. If I were you, I'd go to the
bookstore or library and read what Lonnie Bird and Mark Duginske
say
about choosing a bandsaw. Here are a couple of things I would pay
attention to:

* 4" dust port -- I would make sure it has one. I finally rigged
up
something with sewer pipe that works alright on my Jet, but you
really
want to get one with a 4" port, even if you don't have a dust
collector
right now.

* New tension rod -- Nearly all the tension rods are very difficult
to
turn, especially to completely remove the tension on the blade.
Even
if the saw had a snazzy lever to take the tension off, I'd still
replace the tension rod. Once you do that, the lever doesn't
matter
much. Something like this:

http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com...OD&ProdID=5620
I think Iturra Designs has a less expensive one. You can also
make
your own handle that fits on top of the existing one.

* Resaw capacity -- Riser block on my Jet (and Delta's of the same
vintage) adds 6" to the resaw capacity, but reduces throat
capacity.
If you have or plan to buy a 6" jointer, then your real resaw
capacity
is only about 6", anyway, because you have to joint two sides. (You
can
get around this with planer jigs, etc., but it's kind of a pain.)
Also, remember that resaw capacity adds 6" to the height of the
machine. Depending on your height, that can make the tension more
difficult to adjust.

* HP - I have a 1 HP motor and it's fine.

* Fence - It doesn't have to be fancy. If the saw doesn't come
with
one, you can definitely make one.

I would also consider a Rikon saw. I don't know much about them,
but
they seem to be getting good reviews lately.

Mark

Mark,

That was the first thing I bought. It is a good book and I have
learned quite a bit. After all, woodshop was about 22 years ago.
The Delta 28-206 has most of the things that you listed and comes
with a riser kit through a mail-in rebate.

This saw is in my price range and someone has already said "What do
you need to spend $500 + on a saw for?".

I have thought about adding bearing guides but they restrict the use
of narrower blades. Are Cool Blocks good enough?

Thanks, Gene

On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 00:01:01 GMT,
lid (Hog Head) wrote:

Hello,

I am trying to decide on a band saw. My budget has me looking at
these three: Delta 14" 28-206 1hp $500-520
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=918, Delta 14"
28-276 3/4hp $405
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=919
and CanWood 14" 10-305 1hp $470
http://www.westerntool.com/product.htm?pid=460604. The CanWood is a
steel box frame and is made in Taiwan, both Delta machines are cast
iron frames as everyone probably knows.

Thanks in advance, Gene


Avoid Taiwan stuff. Read Duginski's book before you buy.

I'd take a look at some of the Rikon stuff. I bought their 18" that was
written up in Fine Woodworking and absolutely love it. It's a well thought
out and designed tool. Rikon seems to be making products with the end
woodworker in mind. Has a lot of extra features that have obviously been put
in by someone who really uses these kinds of tools.
Think they make a couple of smaller sizes.
As for the whole made in Taiwan argument - that's pretty baseless anymore.
Vast majority of woodworking tools are being made in foundries in Taiwan
now. The quality varies as much as any US made quality will (and good luck
finding US made tools). The key is to figure out what features you need on
your tool (power, cutting capacities, blade change ease, tensioning ease,
etc), find a few tools and do what you're doing here - ask the people who
already have them.
I didn't buy my Rikon until I saw one at my local Woodcraft. Was sitting
side by side with comparable Delta and Jet saws. Was a no brainer. Fit,
finish, features and price all pushed me to the Rikon and I'm happy with the
purchase.

My 2 cents

Gary in KC


"Hog Head" wrote in message
. ..
Hello,

I am trying to decide on a band saw. My budget has me looking at
these three: Delta 14" 28-206 1hp $500-520
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=918, Delta 14"
28-276 3/4hp $405
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=919
and CanWood 14" 10-305 1hp $470
http://www.westerntool.com/product.htm?pid=460604. The CanWood is a
steel box frame and is made in Taiwan, both Delta machines are cast
iron frames as everyone probably knows.

Thanks in advance, Gene

Cool Blocks plenty good. I considered getting bearing guides, but my
research found a lot of people who said they didn't notice any
difference before and after bearing guides.

I also use a Lenox bi-metal blade, which stays shart A LOT longer than
standard blades.

Mark

Anyone know anything about the Grizzly Ultimate 14".
http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emNumber=G0555

Thanks,

Gene

Gary I looked at the Rikon and side by side it sure looks exactly like
the CanWood. http://www.westerntool.com/product.htm?pid=460604,
http://www.rikontools.com/14inbandsaw.htm

Thanks,

Gene


Gary A in KCwrote:
I'd take a look at some of the Rikon stuff. I bought their 18" that
was
written up in Fine Woodworking and absolutely love it. It's a well
thought
out and designed tool. Rikon seems to be making products with the
end
woodworker in mind. Has a lot of extra features that have obviously
been put
in by someone who really uses these kinds of tools.
Think they make a couple of smaller sizes.
As for the whole made in Taiwan argument - that's pretty baseless
anymore.
Vast majority of woodworking tools are being made in foundries in
Taiwan
now. The quality varies as much as any US made quality will (and
good luck
finding US made tools). The key is to figure out what features you
need on
your tool (power, cutting capacities, blade change ease, tensioning
ease,
etc), find a few tools and do what you're doing here - ask the
people who
already have them.
I didn't buy my Rikon until I saw one at my local Woodcraft. Was
sitting
side by side with comparable Delta and Jet saws. Was a no brainer.
Fit,
finish, features and price all pushed me to the Rikon and I'm happy
with the
purchase.

My 2 cents

Gary in KC

http://www.westerntool.com/product.htm?pid=460604. The CanWood is
a
steel box frame and is made in Taiwan, both Delta machines are cast
iron frames as everyone probably knows.

Thanks in advance, Gene
[/quote]

"Hog Head" wrote in message
.. .
Anyone know anything about the Grizzly Ultimate 14".
http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emNumber=G0555

Thanks,


Love mine! Haven't had the time to put much use on it lately, but I resawed
some 9-10" Maple slab on it a while back, it worked just fine. I bought the
riser kit & mobile base, never did really try it w/o riser, just went
straight to it. That Maple was cut with a 3 TPI hook, 3/4" Grizzly blade.
Had to put it through the planer a couple passes to smooth it out, but I was
very happy with the results.

--
Nahmie
The greatest headaches are those we cause ourselves.

"Mark Wells" writes:

I have the Jet 14" and it's fine. If I were you, I'd go to the
bookstore or library and read what Lonnie Bird and Mark Duginske say
about choosing a bandsaw.

Call up Iturra and get their free catalog. It's a 200 page tutorial on bandsaws!

* New tension rod -- Nearly all the tension rods are very difficult to
turn, especially to completely remove the tension on the blade. Even
if the saw had a snazzy lever to take the tension off, I'd still
replace the tension rod. Once you do that, the lever doesn't matter
much. Something like this:
http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com...OD&ProdID=5620
I think Iturra Designs has a less expensive one. You can also make
your own handle that fits on top of the existing one.


The Iturra just raised their price because they improved it. I think
it's $53. I just ordered one, and it does not fit my Jet 14"
Deluxe. The Tension Release lever is in the way. I called them and
they are working on a solution, so I am going to send mine back and
wait for the new model.

--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.