Delta BS150LS ?
 

My local Lowes has a Delta BS150LS 10" band saw (new in box) being cleared
out for $127. Its a Shopmaster 2-wheel unit, and looks similar to the more
common 9" model, but has a larger motor, a 7" resaw capacity (and obviously
slightly larger wheels).

I thought it might fit my needs for an inexpensive, small saw, but I don't
want to buy it unless it performs well for its size and price point (in
other words, a reasonable bargain). So I went to look it up.

I can find no information at all, anywhere, for this unit. Google comes up
empty! (don't see that often).

Has anyone come across this unit? Any usability comments?

TIA,

/rick.

"RickS" rick --dot-- s --at-- comcast.net wrote in message
...
My local Lowes has a Delta BS150LS 10" band saw (new in box) being cleared
out for $127. Its a Shopmaster 2-wheel unit, and looks similar to the
more
common 9" model, but has a larger motor, a 7" resaw capacity (and
obviously
slightly larger wheels).

I thought it might fit my needs for an inexpensive, small saw,


Most saws in that size/price range are a step up from a toy. It may have
7" capacity, but the chances of re-sawing a piece of hard maple that is 7"
wide and having it come out accurately are slim.

Want to cut big sticks to small sticks? It is a good deal. Want to make
walnut veneer? Don't even think about it. I don't know your needs so I
don't know if it will suite you.
Ed

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote...

Most saws in that size/price range are a step up from a toy.

Gee, since all tools are toys, I guess this is a good thing. g


It may have 7" capacity, but the chances of re-sawing a
piece of hard maple that is 7" wide and having it come
out accurately are slim [...] I don't know your needs so I
don't know if it will suite you.

I would not use it as a resaw tool. The 7" capacity (compared to the 3.5"
of the nine-inch saw), just might come in handy on occasion.

I would want to keep this saw fitted with a small blade (3/16 - 1/4) for
working curves. A larger saw (say an 18" Jet, which I do not have yet, BTW)
would have a larger blade (3/4 - 1") for straight stuff (including
resawing).

So I was really wondering whether the subject saw would be satisfactory as
the shop's "small saw"; or whether it is a POS and would never be pleasant
to use.

/rick.

On Sun, 29 Aug 2004 14:49:26 -0400, "RickS" rick --dot-- s --at--
comcast.net wrote:


I thought it might fit my needs for an inexpensive, small saw, but I don't
want to buy it unless it performs well for its size and price point (in
other words, a reasonable bargain). So I went to look it up.

I had an 8", which I sold to someone on this newsgroup.

My 8" worked great for cutting the thin ply, balsa, basswood, and
spruce for constructing radio control airplanes. It also cut foam
rubber very nicely, for custom carry cases and installing radio gear
in the craft.

That said, it was very underpowered and barely suitable for typical
woodworking, with a 1/3 HP motor. The blade guide and drive system
was not as accurate as larger machines and everything flexed when
cutting hardwoods and thicker plywoods. The table of the small
machine was not adequate to support typical furniture or cabinetry
parts.

I'd look for a used 14" model. I think you'd be better served with a
good hand held jig saw or the ol' standby, a coping saw for "real"
woodworking, rather than the small band saw.

Barry