Haven't heard much about Craftsman's newer band saws. Their newer
table saws got pretty good reviews. I'm pretty sure they are made in
the same factory as Rikon and share similarities (look pretty much
identical, same table dimensions) It's $479.

The big difference comparing it to the ubiquitous 14" delta clones is
it's a steel frame so can't take a riser, but has an 8" resaw (The
Rikon 14" has 6"). I can see myself making use of the extra 2" on
occasion, I don't anticipate a need for more than 8". I think the 1
hp motor is pretty well sized for that height.

It's got roller bearings. It's got a big honking table (~20x16).
Cast iron wheels.

The only downsides I can see are the table doesn't tilt at all to the
left. No quick release. It has an odd blade length, but I figure
that's only a problem when murphy's law kicks in and the last blade
you've got on hand breaks and you've got something that's got to get
done today.

Would I be better served getting the cheapest grizzly or ridgid and
then upgrading it as needed? Do they have good enough "bones" to
build upon?


-Leuf

On Sun, 05 Feb 2006 23:59:49 -0500, Leuf
wrote:

Haven't heard much about Craftsman's newer band saws. Their newer
table saws got pretty good reviews. I'm pretty sure they are made in
the same factory as Rikon and share similarities (look pretty much
identical, same table dimensions) It's $479.

The big difference comparing it to the ubiquitous 14" delta clones is
it's a steel frame so can't take a riser, but has an 8" resaw (The
Rikon 14" has 6"). I can see myself making use of the extra 2" on
occasion, I don't anticipate a need for more than 8". I think the 1
hp motor is pretty well sized for that height.

It's got roller bearings. It's got a big honking table (~20x16).
Cast iron wheels.

The only downsides I can see are the table doesn't tilt at all to the
left. No quick release. It has an odd blade length, but I figure
that's only a problem when murphy's law kicks in and the last blade
you've got on hand breaks and you've got something that's got to get
done today.

Would I be better served getting the cheapest grizzly or ridgid and
then upgrading it as needed? Do they have good enough "bones" to
build upon?


-Leuf


Yes. Also, take a look at Jet which is very good yet cost less than
Delta.

Also take a look at the Delta 28-206, built overseas for about $600.
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=918
Its built as heavy as the US version (fit & finish,casting,etc. a little
rougher). The problem I have with Craftsman these days is will you be able
to buy parts for all those machines that get good reviews today 10 years
from now.

"Phisherman" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 05 Feb 2006 23:59:49 -0500, Leuf
wrote:

Haven't heard much about Craftsman's newer band saws. Their newer
table saws got pretty good reviews. I'm pretty sure they are made in
the same factory as Rikon and share similarities (look pretty much
identical, same table dimensions) It's $479.

The big difference comparing it to the ubiquitous 14" delta clones is
it's a steel frame so can't take a riser, but has an 8" resaw (The
Rikon 14" has 6"). I can see myself making use of the extra 2" on
occasion, I don't anticipate a need for more than 8". I think the 1
hp motor is pretty well sized for that height.

It's got roller bearings. It's got a big honking table (~20x16).
Cast iron wheels.

The only downsides I can see are the table doesn't tilt at all to the
left. No quick release. It has an odd blade length, but I figure
that's only a problem when murphy's law kicks in and the last blade
you've got on hand breaks and you've got something that's got to get
done today.

Would I be better served getting the cheapest grizzly or ridgid and
then upgrading it as needed? Do they have good enough "bones" to
build upon?


-Leuf


Yes. Also, take a look at Jet which is very good yet cost less than
Delta.

On Mon, 06 Feb 2006 18:28:38 GMT, "Max Mahanke"
wrote:

Also take a look at the Delta 28-206, built overseas for about $600.
http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=918
Its built as heavy as the US version (fit & finish,casting,etc. a little
rougher). The problem I have with Craftsman these days is will you be able
to buy parts for all those machines that get good reviews today 10 years
from now.

Amazon has the 28-206 for $500. I'm a little concerned about the
delivery, we have a difficult and steep driveway, if the trucker
can't/won't back up the driveway I have no idea how I'm going to get
that sucker up it. We've already had the fedex guy nearly take out
the utilities this winter when he lost traction.

I'm in sort of an odd position. I've been approached by a local
magazine that wants to include something of mine in their holiday
buying guide... 10 months from now, but want to do the interview
relatively soon. Financially I would prefer to wait till next year to
make a purchase, and yet I have this opportunity and I'd like to put
my best foot forward.


-Leuf

Why do you want to buy a saw that you cannot get blades for? Even the store
doesn't have them.


"Leuf" wrote in message
...
Haven't heard much about Craftsman's newer band saws. Their newer
table saws got pretty good reviews. I'm pretty sure they are made in
the same factory as Rikon and share similarities (look pretty much
identical, same table dimensions) It's $479.

The big difference comparing it to the ubiquitous 14" delta clones is
it's a steel frame so can't take a riser, but has an 8" resaw (The
Rikon 14" has 6"). I can see myself making use of the extra 2" on
occasion, I don't anticipate a need for more than 8". I think the 1
hp motor is pretty well sized for that height.

It's got roller bearings. It's got a big honking table (~20x16).
Cast iron wheels.

The only downsides I can see are the table doesn't tilt at all to the
left. No quick release. It has an odd blade length, but I figure
that's only a problem when murphy's law kicks in and the last blade
you've got on hand breaks and you've got something that's got to get
done today.

Would I be better served getting the cheapest grizzly or ridgid and
then upgrading it as needed? Do they have good enough "bones" to
build upon?


-Leuf

We have a horizontal machining center (CNC) that cost in the neighborhood of
$250.000. Bought new less than 6 years ago. Can't buy parts for it anymore.
No longer being made. Unfortunately, that's the way it is these days. Long
term support is a hope. BTW, it's a Hitachi.

"Max Mahanke" wrote in message news:qzMFf.6921
The problem I have with Craftsman these days is will you be able
to buy parts for all those machines that get good reviews today 10 years
from now.

On Mon, 6 Feb 2006 21:09:16 -0500, "tdup2"
wrote:

Why do you want to buy a saw that you cannot get blades for? Even the store
doesn't have them.

All of the good blade manufacturers (timberwolf, etc) will make the
length to whatever you need.


-Leuf

Very true. The place I buy them doesn't even stock premade blades. They cut
it off the roll and weld it to order.

"Leuf" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 6 Feb 2006 21:09:16 -0500, "tdup2"
wrote:

Why do you want to buy a saw that you cannot get blades for? Even the
store
doesn't have them.

All of the good blade manufacturers (timberwolf, etc) will make the
length to whatever you need.


-Leuf

Leuf wrote:


Amazon has the 28-206 for $500. I'm a little concerned about the
delivery, we have a difficult and steep driveway, if the trucker
can't/won't back up the driveway I have no idea how I'm going to get
that sucker up it.


Four friends and the promise of beer?

rm