I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
(light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
pounds lighter than the Delta.

Thanks

foster239 wrote:
I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
(light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
pounds lighter than the Delta.

Thanks

don't worry about the weight. The Powermatic is much smoother than the
Delta. it tracks blades like a dream. you'll love the light, the
integral dust collection port, the blower. Nice tension lever and
guides too. In fact in the 2-3 years I've had mine, I haven't found
anything I don't like about it. I can't think of ONE thing I liked
about the Delta I had. (oh, yes I can--getting rid of it!)

Dave

You might also want to check out Languna and MiniMax. They sell 14"
saws that are a little more expensive, but might be even better than
the two saws you mentioned. I haven't seen either, but worth a shot.

Mark

I've had my powermatic a little over a year. It's never balked on me
yet, cuts straight and true without adjusting for any drift. I bought
mine after asking an editor at one of the woodworking mags between the
Powermatic and the Jet 16". He said the Powermatic was used everyday
and they were selling the jet.

HTH


foster239 wrote:
I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
(light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
pounds lighter than the Delta.

Thanks

foster239 wrote:
I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
(light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
pounds lighter than the Delta.

Welcome to the club! I've been looking at Grizzly's (diverse)
offerings. They have a 16" in the "outlet" section with a one-piece
cast iron frame and motor mounted in the base, but its max resaw is
7-3/4". I'm not sure that's a problem, as I don't really know if I need
more. It weighs 408lbs (450lb. shipping).

er
--
email not valid

"foster239" wrote in message
oups.com...
I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
(light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
pounds lighter than the Delta.

Thanks


What do you want to do with it?

2 weeks ago I returned a Rikon 18" saw after waiting for it for 2 months.
That saw was not up to what I think it should be and needed constant
tweaking.

IF money is surely no object I suggest you give a serious look at MiniMax or
Laguna as Mark has mentioned. With pretty much certainty you will be
pleased with your purchase. I am going for one or the other in the heavier
16" model at the end of the month. MiniMax has invited me to come to their
sales office and sales guy is telling me to bring my wood to test the saw.
He is claiming that with these heavier machines and a good blade that you
can resaw veneer with out guides. I am going to make him prove that.

I cannot address the Powermatic, but I bought the Delta X5 last May at
a woodworking show and it has been a lot of trouble to get working
right. Nothing was aligned when I go it home, the drive wheel set
screw was not tight from the factory and it has taken hours of tweaking
to get it to cut. Having said that, with the riser block installed and
a sharp blade I am splitting 11 inch logs with it. Still no amount of
adjusting has allowed the covers (doors) to latch. The quaility just
is not there as far as I can tell. Laguna and MinMax both make Delta
look like something from the Craftsman line and at the show they were
both resawing veeners like butter. If I could do it over it would be
the Powermatic for 14" or just suck it up and get the job done with one
of the high end machines, of course that would have made me a suddenly
single woodworker. YMMV

check out the grizzly g0444.


"Genedoc" wrote in message
oups.com...
I cannot address the Powermatic, but I bought the Delta X5 last May at
a woodworking show and it has been a lot of trouble to get working
right. Nothing was aligned when I go it home, the drive wheel set
screw was not tight from the factory and it has taken hours of tweaking
to get it to cut. Having said that, with the riser block installed and
a sharp blade I am splitting 11 inch logs with it. Still no amount of
adjusting has allowed the covers (doors) to latch. The quaility just
is not there as far as I can tell. Laguna and MinMax both make Delta
look like something from the Craftsman line and at the show they were
both resawing veeners like butter. If I could do it over it would be
the Powermatic for 14" or just suck it up and get the job done with one
of the high end machines, of course that would have made me a suddenly
single woodworker. YMMV

"foster239" wrote in message
oups.com...
I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
(light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
pounds lighter than the Delta.

Thanks


I like my Jet 16". Works very well, (with a new 1" - 3 TPI Lennox blade).
smooth and easy to adjust.
After changing blades, setting drift, it stays that way until I change
blades.

Dave



Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
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Bought my Powermatic 14" at the show a couple years ago, smooth running
machine. Sure beats my old `14"craftsman. I use a "Woodslicer" blade for
re-sawing....great...and a 1/4" Timberwolf for general cutting, works for
me. I thought about buying the riser, but so far, I haven,t needed it.
I also like not having to buy $12 cool blocks all the time. My two
cents........George
"Teamcasa" wrote in message
...

"foster239" wrote in message
oups.com...
I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
(light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
pounds lighter than the Delta.

Thanks


I like my Jet 16". Works very well, (with a new 1" - 3 TPI Lennox blade).
smooth and easy to adjust.
After changing blades, setting drift, it stays that way until I change
blades.

Dave


Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
----------------------------------------------------------
** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY **
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.usenet.com

"Genedoc" wrote in message
I cannot address the Powermatic, but I bought the Delta X5 last May at
a woodworking show and it has been a lot of trouble to get working
right. Nothing was aligned when I go it home, the drive wheel set
screw was not tight from the factory and it has taken hours of tweaking
to get it to cut. Having said that, with the riser block installed and
a sharp blade I am splitting 11 inch logs with it. Still no amount of
adjusting has allowed the covers (doors) to latch. The quaility just
is not there as far as I can tell. Laguna and MinMax both make Delta

Damn cryin' shame! ... the last good 14" Delta bandsaw was the American made
14-299. If I were in the market today for a 14" bandsaw, I would either try
hard to find a used 28-299, or go for something else.

Basically, Delta has turned to purveyors of **** .. makes you wanna cry out
loud.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/13/05

On 6 Mar 2006 18:13:20 -0800, "foster239" wrote:

I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
(light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
pounds lighter than the Delta.

Thanks


I've got the Delta 14". It has very good ratings, available parts,
and popular. Certainly much better than average, and makes an
accurate cut. If you can get a model made in the USA all the better.
I have a mobile base and that makes it easy to move it around the
shop. I've done resawing with it, but I don't have the riser block.

Leon, If that's true, then you don't need to worry about which guide is
best. Let me know how it goes.

Bob

On 6 Mar 2006 18:13:20 -0800, "foster239" wrote:

I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
(light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
pounds lighter than the Delta.

Thanks

I have the delta and I like mine. I added a Kreg fence and did some
general tune ups on the saw, switched the belt out for a link belt and
added carter guides.

"Bob" wrote in message
ups.com...
Leon, If that's true, then you don't need to worry about which guide is
best. Let me know how it goes.


Well sorta, the sales guy said that guides matter more when using the
thinner blades in particular 1/2" wide and smaller. Apparently the 1" and
wider blades are stiff enough to track and saw straight on their saw with
out a guide. I'll be anxious to see this also.
Something to consider also the MiniMax has European type guides and he
recommends switching out to CoolBlocks for any blade narrower than 1/2".
That could possibly be a pain if switching sizes often. The Laguna ceramic
guides apparently are good down to 1/4", smaller and CoolBlocks are needed.

I am still drawn to the Laguna with the ceramic guides.

"Leon" writes:

I am still drawn to the Laguna with the ceramic guides.

That shouldn't be a deal breaker.
I added Ceramic guides to my Jet 14".

One word: Iturra

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

"Bruce Barnett" wrote in message
...
"Leon" writes:

I am still drawn to the Laguna with the ceramic guides.

That shouldn't be a deal breaker.
I added Ceramic guides to my Jet 14".

One word: Iturra

For theses sized saws? With 10 contact points?

Leon wrote:
"Bruce Barnett" wrote in message
...
"Leon" writes:

I am still drawn to the Laguna with the ceramic guides.

That shouldn't be a deal breaker.
I added Ceramic guides to my Jet 14".

One word: Iturra

For theses sized saws? With 10 contact points?

What do you mean by that, Leon?
JP

"Jay Pique" wrote in message
ups.com...

For theses sized saws? With 10 contact points?

What do you mean by that, Leon?


I am fairly new to Intura and understand they cater more to the 14" saws.
Bruce was answering to me and I forgot the Op was interested in 14" saws. I
am looking at 16 and 18" saws mainly. My mistake here if I assumed that the
guides are not offered for larger sizes at Intura.

The Laguna upper and lower guides each have 5 ceramic inserts that hold the
blade. 2 pair on each guide that are above and below the ceramic thrust.

"Leon" writes:

I am fairly new to Intura and understand they cater more to the 14" saws.

Yup.

Bruce was answering to me and I forgot the Op was interested in 14"
saws. I am looking at 16 and 18" saws mainly. My mistake here if I
assumed that the guides are not offered for larger sizes at Intura.

The Laguna upper and lower guides each have 5 ceramic inserts that
hold the blade. 2 pair on each guide that are above and below the
ceramic thrust.


Ah. I didn't know that. But one can get ceramic guides for 14" as
well, but as there are only one pair above and below, that would be,
in Leon's term, 6 points of contact on the 14" instead of 10 on the
Laguna.

How does double guides improve performance? It seems to me that the
ones closest to the wood matter. If there is another set above, how
much extra support does the second set provide?


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

"Bruce Barnett" wrote in message
...

Ah. I didn't know that. But one can get ceramic guides for 14" as
well, but as there are only one pair above and below, that would be,
in Leon's term, 6 points of contact on the 14" instead of 10 on the
Laguna.

How does double guides improve performance? It seems to me that the
ones closest to the wood matter. If there is another set above, how
much extra support does the second set provide?

From how I understand it the extra pair of inserts help to reduce vibration
in the blade in the cutting area. Basically the blade is more stable as the
blade enters the lower inserts of the upper guide. The ceramic thrust is
located between the upper and lower guide inserts.

Or it could be another example of if 2 work good 4 should work 2 times
better. ;~)
Either way it seems that this guide system works very well by comparison to
the competition.

Damn cryin' shame! ... the last good 14" Delta bandsaw was the American made
14-299. If I were in the market today for a 14" bandsaw, I would either try
hard to find a used 28-299, or go for something else.
Basically, Delta has turned to purveyors of **** .. makes you wanna cry out
loud.

I feel like I lucked out. I bought the non-x5 delta 14" band saw, the
one with the aluminum wheels and the rounded base. Mine was straight
and adjusted correctly right out of the box. The only problem I've
noticed is that the blade detensioning lever bumps into part of the
frame as you move it. It's sort of like they should have bent the
lever out an inch or so. The lever kind of slips past it easily so
it's not a problem. Just sort of a stupid design. After buying an 8"
dj-20 copy jointer from grizzly, I'm really wondering why I should buy
delta at all anymore. My griz jointer was literally perfect out of the
box, and with a bigger motor and pedistal mounted switch, for half the
price. Sounds like delta is the new craftsman.

brian

Leon wrote:
"Jay Pique" wrote in message
ups.com...

For theses sized saws? With 10 contact points?

What do you mean by that, Leon?


I am fairly new to Intura and understand they cater more to the 14" saws.
Bruce was answering to me and I forgot the Op was interested in 14" saws. I
am looking at 16 and 18" saws mainly. My mistake here if I assumed that the
guides are not offered for larger sizes at Intura.

I understand now. I was looking at the subject line and didn't read
through that you were looking at 16-18 inchers. Plus, I'm not a BS
owner yet, so I haven't gone through the Iturra catalog - although I do
have it, just in case!

The Laguna upper and lower guides each have 5 ceramic inserts that hold the
blade. 2 pair on each guide that are above and below the ceramic thrust.

That's what I was wondering - what you meant about "10 contact points".

JP

"Jay Pique" wrote in message
oups.com...

The Laguna upper and lower guides each have 5 ceramic inserts that hold
the
blade. 2 pair on each guide that are above and below the ceramic thrust.

That's what I was wondering - what you meant about "10 contact points".


Here is a link to a picture of the Laguna guides.

http://lagunatools.com/index.asp?Pag...ProdID=16&HS=1

The picture only shows the 4 left guides inserts upper and lower. The right
4 are hidden by the blade and then centered on both guides are 2 thrust
bearings that you cannot see either.

On 9 Mar 2006 06:41:35 -0800, "brianlanning"
wrote:

Damn cryin' shame! ... the last good 14" Delta bandsaw was the American made
14-299. If I were in the market today for a 14" bandsaw, I would either try
hard to find a used 28-299, or go for something else.
Basically, Delta has turned to purveyors of **** .. makes you wanna cry out
loud.

I feel like I lucked out. I bought the non-x5 delta 14" band saw, the
one with the aluminum wheels and the rounded base. Mine was straight
and adjusted correctly right out of the box. The only problem I've
noticed is that the blade detensioning lever bumps into part of the
frame as you move it. It's sort of like they should have bent the
lever out an inch or so. The lever kind of slips past it easily so
it's not a problem. Just sort of a stupid design. After buying an 8"
dj-20 copy jointer from grizzly, I'm really wondering why I should buy
delta at all anymore. My griz jointer was literally perfect out of the
box, and with a bigger motor and pedistal mounted switch, for half the
price. Sounds like delta is the new craftsman.

brian

Strange as it may be, I found that metals cast in Taiwan, China, Korea
are just not very good compared to the US, German or Canadian-made
metals (I don't know why). Today it is more difficult to find
quality machines made in the USA due to all of the outsourcing. Sadly,
manufacturing in the US can't compete with China. I have a grinder
stand made in China--it's cheap for sure but does the job. I'd steer
clear of a China-made machine, though.

On 9 Mar 2006 06:41:35 -0800, "brianlanning"
wrote:

I feel like I lucked out. I bought the non-x5 delta 14" band saw, the
one with the aluminum wheels and the rounded base. Mine was straight
and adjusted correctly right out of the box. The only problem I've
noticed is that the blade detensioning lever bumps into part of the
frame as you move it. It's sort of like they should have bent the
lever out an inch or so. The lever kind of slips past it easily so
it's not a problem. Just sort of a stupid design.

Mine was aligned out of the box too, and I don't have that problem
with the lever - it *is* bent out an inch or so on mine. I do find it
takes too much tension off leaving the blade flopping around if I just
want to detension not change the blade, so I've taken to wedging a
stick in between the casting to stop it near vertical.


-Leuf

Leon wrote:

: "foster239" wrote in message
: oups.com...
:I want to buy a new bandsaw. I'm not too worried about the cost but I
: don't think I need a big machine. So, I think a 14" will do me fine,
: maybe with a riser block. I was trying to decide between a Powermatic
: (light, rip fence) or a Delta X5 (mobile base, USA?) or maybe something
: else if you can talk me into it. I like the Powermatic but it is 75
: pounds lighter than the Delta.
:
: Thanks
:

: What do you want to do with it?

: 2 weeks ago I returned a Rikon 18" saw after waiting for it for 2 months.
: That saw was not up to what I think it should be and needed constant
: tweaking.


Can you expand? I was thinking of getting one.

-- Andy Barss

Andrew Barss wrote:
Leon wrote:

: 2 weeks ago I returned a Rikon 18" saw after waiting for it for 2 months.
: That saw was not up to what I think it should be and needed constant
: tweaking.


Can you expand? I was thinking of getting one.

DAGS google's groups for a recap. He didn't like the roller bearings.

er
--
email not valid

In article ,
says...

Strange as it may be, I found that metals cast in Taiwan, China, Korea
are just not very good compared to the US, German or Canadian-made
metals (I don't know why).


Taiwan is getting better, slowly, but Chinese steel is a shocker. I own a
Chinese made stainless steel fish smoker, bought at a megastore. The thing
rusted within 3 weeks, sitting on a shelf in a dry shed :-( just as soon as it
was removed from the plastic bag with the desiccant.
Every bit of Chinese steel I have owned has the average strength of tin foil
and rusts like no other metal short of elemental Sodium. 2"x 8 gauge screws
that snap their heads before they're half into the predrilled wood ...

Them Chinese must think we're really really dumb.

-P.

--
=========================================
firstname dot lastname at gmail fullstop com

Peter Huebner wrote:

Them Chinese must think we're really really dumb.


Or that's what the "value engineering" project manager specified.

Here in CT, we have a scenic railroad that runs a Chinese steam
locomotive that's been "re-detailed" to look like old American iron.

The locomotive is 17 years old and has never failed to pass an FRA or
insurance company inspection. It was purchased new in 1989.

"Peter Huebner" wrote in message

Them Chinese must think we're really really dumb.

Nope ... it's the homeboy MBA's, lawyers and politicians who know you are.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/13/05

"Andrew Barss" wrote in message
...

: 2 weeks ago I returned a Rikon 18" saw after waiting for it for 2
months.
: That saw was not up to what I think it should be and needed constant
: tweaking.


Can you expand? I was thinking of getting one.

-- Andy Barss

As Enoch rood indicated, I do not like style roller bearings that came with
it. They would unadjust as you tightened up the hex bolt. When cutting
green wood the dust would stick to the blade and bang against the roller
bearings creating more vibration and noise. Oddly the only blades that
would track and not move forward and backward were the cheap ones. Timber
wolf blades did badly. I think Timberwolf did badly because they were low
tension. The upper wheel on the saw would wobble a bit left to right when
in operation. This too can cause the problem mentioned.
The saw with the 2hp motor could resaw 6" wide Oak and 8 " diameter logs
effortlessly but the tracking issue and adjustments not staying put was
unacceptable for me. I want to cut veneers and tracking is going to be
important. I am plan to go with he Laguna 16HD for about 2 times more money
or the Minimax MM16 in the same price range as the Laguna.
Had I been able to try the Rikon before the purchase I probably would have
not bought it in the first place. For equal comments about the top wheel
wobble, the 18" Delta has that problem also, at least the new one at the
dealer did.
The Rikon looks great and the fit and finish is almost perfect but I am
looking for a better saw.

Mine was aligned out of the box too, and I don't have that problem
with the lever - it *is* bent out an inch or so on mine. I do find it
takes too much tension off leaving the blade flopping around if I just
want to detension not change the blade, so I've taken to wedging a
stick in between the casting to stop it near vertical.

I noticed it was loose also, but it hasn't caused me any problems.
When I retension, it always goes back to tracking right on the first
try.

brian

"Peter Huebner" wrote in message
t...
In article ,
says...


Taiwan is getting better, slowly, but Chinese steel is a shocker. I own a
Chinese made stainless steel fish smoker, bought at a megastore. The thing
rusted within 3 weeks, sitting on a shelf in a dry shed :-( just as soon
as it
was removed from the plastic bag with the desiccant.

I am not defefending the grade stainless steel that they used but leep in
mind that there are several grades of stainless steel and some will rust.


Every bit of Chinese steel I have owned has the average strength of tin
foil
and rusts like no other metal short of elemental Sodium. 2"x 8 gauge
screws
that snap their heads before they're half into the predrilled wood ...

Them Chinese must think we're really really dumb.

They may think that but if the product is marketed and or designed by an
American company the Chinese are simply following orders. Who they build
for dictates the quality and grade of materials used.

Swingman said:

"Peter Huebner" wrote in message

Them Chinese must think we're really really dumb.

Nope ... it's the homeboy MBA's, lawyers and politicians who know you are.

Well, there is one small group of lawyers and politicians here in GA
who are now unemployed as a result of their decision to mess with what
they _thought_ was a dumb mechanic. Karma got them in the end.
(That and a large quantity of pro se briefs and squeaking wheels...)

Sometimes, very seldom, mind you, they receive a rude surprise when
stepping on someone who stands in their way. But they DO seem to be
rude, arrogant, selfish SOB's with little to no discernable soul.

I haven't found a good solution for the "crap" products on the market,
however - other than perhaps to roll your own and buy "vintage" goods.

And here I though I was the only suspicious, curmudgeon around here...
(Although I tend to think of it as pragmatism.)


Greg G.

"Greg G." wrote in message

And here I though I was the only suspicious, curmudgeon around here...
(Although I tend to think of it as pragmatism.)

Damn ... guess I'm gonna have to get even more blunt.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/13/05

Swingman said:

"Greg G." wrote in message

And here I though I was the only suspicious, curmudgeon around here...
(Although I tend to think of it as pragmatism.)

Damn ... guess I'm gonna have to get even more blunt.

No, you're OK. ;-)
What strikes me most about my own encroachment into the realm of
curmudgeon-ness is that is it provoked by the many lessons in life
that proved that being a "nice guy" was far less effective or
expeditious than being, as you put it, blunt. Give 'em an inch...


Greg G.