I'm wanting to buy a Bandsaw and only want to spend about $500 +
accessories.
I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.
(I like the Jet the best)
I read the stuff over at Woodcraft about setting one up properly.
So my question is, what features should I be looking at to make a
determination on what to buy?
I'm pretty much a long term novice at this stuff and my interest is in
making lawn furniture and miscellaneous woodworking, home repair and hobby
projects.
Thanks.

I have the Jet 14" closed base saw with a riser block. As I recall the
open base Jet has a slightly smaller HP motor. If you plan to do heavy
duty resawing you may not be able to do it with the smaller motor.
Mine can handle up to 12" of oak but it struggles at times. The saw
has to be set up perfectly with a sharp blade to handle it. If
resawing thick pieces is not a concern, the saws you are looking at
will do a good job.

I'm not a real expert because the Jet is the only band saw I've ever
used. I wish it had the mechanism for relieving the tension on the
blade with a lever rather than the tension setting knob, but this
feature (it can be added on--$150 at Woodcraft) is expensive. Look at
the ease of adjusting the upper and lower guides first. I spend most
of my time fiddling with those adjustments. Also look at the method
for tensioning the blade. On the Jet, probably the Delta too, the knob
is at the top of the saw and not terribly handy but I can live with it.
The size of the table is important, the bigger the better. The fence
is also important. I bought the Fasttrack and love it.

BTW, trash the guide blocks that come with the saw and get Cool Blocks
or something similar. They're cheap and much better for the blades and
operation of the saw. Good luck.

"Don" wrote in message
nk.net...
I'm wanting to buy a Bandsaw and only want to spend about $500 +
accessories.
I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.
(I like the Jet the best)
I read the stuff over at Woodcraft about setting one up properly.
So my question is, what features should I be looking at to make a
determination on what to buy?
I'm pretty much a long term novice at this stuff and my interest is in
making lawn furniture and miscellaneous woodworking, home repair and hobby
projects.
Thanks.

Both are pretty good saws for the money. More money, better quality. For
most cutting and a little re-sawing, the open base is a fine machine. If
you want to add a riser block and re-saw 12" material, go with the closed
base as, IIRC, it has a 1/4 HP more. If they are setup properly either one
will do what you ask of it.

On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 19:21:06 GMT, "Don"
wrote:

I'm wanting to buy a Bandsaw and only want to spend about $500 +
accessories.
I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.
(I like the Jet the best)
I read the stuff over at Woodcraft about setting one up properly.
So my question is, what features should I be looking at to make a
determination on what to buy?
I'm pretty much a long term novice at this stuff and my interest is in
making lawn furniture and miscellaneous woodworking, home repair and hobby
projects.
Thanks.

=====================
Sounds like both will work for you expected usage.... You may also
check Grizley and look over their saws....

Avoid any bench top Bandsaws or 3 wheeled band saws ..

I also am finally in the market for another Bandsaw...my original (a
Crapsman purchased in the late 60's) still is working fine but after
all these years I now find myself needing to do some re-sawing that
is more then my old trusty Crapsman can not handle...

Just be mindful that the blade that comes with the saw is most likely
not going to be much so pick up a "good" blade asap...

Major things to look for IMHO...is the ease of adjusting the guide
blocks./wheels/ etc..

I have been into serious woodworking for over 40 years and did not
need a good fence nor a large re-sawing compacity for years just
realize that you may need those things much sooner then I did...

I build mostly cabinets, desks and tables,...your projects may take
you in different directions...

Lots of luck...
Bob Griffiths

My dad was looking at a band saw and went to a local place here in columbus.
They have a special on the Jet 18" for $899.00.
It comes with a fence, bearing guides and miter guage standard. After you
buy these for a 14" you will be close to the $899.00 anyway.
I bought a Rigid 14" last year and hated it until I bought some decent
blades now I think its decent.. I would much prefer the 18".
I get to play with it tomorrow, I cant wait.

"Don" writes:

I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.

Get the Iturra bandsaw catalog. It is HUGE, valuable and free. It's
filled with essays, reviews, tune-ups, etc for bandsaws... Get
informed. They review the Delta vs Jet. They also review a new Delta to
an old Delta.

No web site. You have to call Iturra.

There is no clear winner. Both are good. A quick release is useful to
save bandsaw tension, which helps the tires and blades last longer.
The Jet 14" deluxe has a imitation Carter Release. ($699). You also
get a heftier motor.

For $200 more ($899) the Powermatic adds a lot more.
Carter Quick Release, Rip Fence, Miter Fence, light, blower, etc.
I looked at that saw with envy.

The Jet has a special deal (until April) where you can save $50 when
you buy an accessory. You have to buy it from the same dealer. I got
the Riser block with mine last year. Check if the open stand one
qualifies for the rebate.



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

On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 21:28:19 GMT, "Rick Cox" wrote:

My dad was looking at a band saw and went to a local place here in columbus.
They have a special on the Jet 18" for $899.00.
It comes with a fence, bearing guides and miter guage standard. After you
buy these for a 14" you will be close to the $899.00 anyway.
I bought a Rigid 14" last year and hated it until I bought some decent
blades now I think its decent.. I would much prefer the 18".
I get to play with it tomorrow, I cant wait.

==================
After you play with that 18 inch JET post a trythful reply on what you
really think of it... ....PLEASE
And please state if Dad still has the stock OEM Blade on it.. LOL


I am looking to replace my 30-40 year old Bandsaw and I love my 15 yo
Jet Cabinet saw...so Jet has been good to me so far..it is on my list
of saws to look at....

Bob Griffiths

Thanks all for the comments.
I'm gonna check out the Jet bandsaws in person on Monday.
I googled Iturra and came up with this:
Iturra Design; 888-722-7078;


Don't know if the info is valid but I'm sending him an email request for a
catalog tonight.
Thanks again.



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

I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.

Get the Iturra bandsaw catalog. It is HUGE, valuable and free. It's
filled with essays, reviews, tune-ups, etc for bandsaws... Get
informed. They review the Delta vs Jet. They also review a new Delta to
an old Delta.

No web site. You have to call Iturra.

There is no clear winner. Both are good. A quick release is useful to
save bandsaw tension, which helps the tires and blades last longer.
The Jet 14" deluxe has a imitation Carter Release. ($699). You also
get a heftier motor.

For $200 more ($899) the Powermatic adds a lot more.
Carter Quick Release, Rip Fence, Miter Fence, light, blower, etc.
I looked at that saw with envy.

The Jet has a special deal (until April) where you can save $50 when
you buy an accessory. You have to buy it from the same dealer. I got
the Riser block with mine last year. Check if the open stand one
qualifies for the rebate.



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

Have you checked out the Grizzly G0444 yet? I'm going to buy one in the
next month or so. I'm also going to get the riser kit with it. There have
been some pretty good comments on this news group about the bandsaw, and
it's under 500 bucks.

"Don" wrote in message
ink.net...
Thanks all for the comments.
I'm gonna check out the Jet bandsaws in person on Monday.
I googled Iturra and came up with this:
Iturra Design; 888-722-7078;


Don't know if the info is valid but I'm sending him an email request for a
catalog tonight.
Thanks again.



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

I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like
both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.

Get the Iturra bandsaw catalog. It is HUGE, valuable and free. It's
filled with essays, reviews, tune-ups, etc for bandsaws... Get
informed. They review the Delta vs Jet. They also review a new Delta to
an old Delta.

No web site. You have to call Iturra.

There is no clear winner. Both are good. A quick release is useful to
save bandsaw tension, which helps the tires and blades last longer.
The Jet 14" deluxe has a imitation Carter Release. ($699). You also
get a heftier motor.

For $200 more ($899) the Powermatic adds a lot more.
Carter Quick Release, Rip Fence, Miter Fence, light, blower, etc.
I looked at that saw with envy.

The Jet has a special deal (until April) where you can save $50 when
you buy an accessory. You have to buy it from the same dealer. I got
the Riser block with mine last year. Check if the open stand one
qualifies for the rebate.



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

Don...

With a budget maximum of $500.00, you've got to forget some of the
bigger, dressed out machines being mentioned here. If money is no
object and you simply want the 14" size, sure the Powermatic could be
the choice.

I'm in the same boat, but I'd be willing to spend $500 on a local
machine provided it was a name brand, like Delta or Jet. At the local
woodcraft store they have the 14" Rikon which is a welded steel frame
as opposed to cast iron. It can't be fitted with a riser block, but
if your projects don't require 12" resaw capabilities, then you might
want to check it out because it's $499.00 brand-new. I has a huge
table, full base cabinet, hest-sinked motor and more. Don't forget
most 14" bandsaws can do a 6" resaw if you need some veneer.

Another somewhat lesser known brand is Bridgewood, and I think their
14" is $599.00 and it's a Euro-style like the Rikon and bigger Jets,
Deltas, and Lagunas.

For $549.00 I think you can still get the Delta with a closed base and
quick-release lever. Basically the machine all others are judged by.
Lowes has a basic Delta open-stand version for $399.00.

Then there's General, and their 14" saw which is a sort of Delta clone
and it sells for $499.00 also, but comes with a rip fence and miter
gauge. I could be wrong but I think it also has a flex-neck blower
and a tension bar. Woodcraft is just starting to get the General line
in stock, so I'm waiting for them to get a 14" bandsaw so I can
compare it to the Delta, Jet, Rikon and Powermatic.

Delta dealers are all over the place and you can readily get parts and
tons of accessories for a 35 year-old Delta bandsaw. That's something
to consider too.

MIke

On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 19:21:06 GMT, "Don"
wrote:

I'm wanting to buy a Bandsaw and only want to spend about $500 +
accessories.
I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.
(I like the Jet the best)
I read the stuff over at Woodcraft about setting one up properly.
So my question is, what features should I be looking at to make a
determination on what to buy?
I'm pretty much a long term novice at this stuff and my interest is in
making lawn furniture and miscellaneous woodworking, home repair and hobby
projects.
Thanks.

Thanks Bob.
I'm still researching, I'll look at the Grizzly's.
By next Sat I'm hoping to have made a committment.


"Bob" wrote in message
news:KWaWd.33258$r55.12684@attbi_s52...
Have you checked out the Grizzly G0444 yet? I'm going to buy one in the
next month or so. I'm also going to get the riser kit with it. There have
been some pretty good comments on this news group about the bandsaw, and
it's under 500 bucks.

"Don" wrote in message
ink.net...
Thanks all for the comments.
I'm gonna check out the Jet bandsaws in person on Monday.
I googled Iturra and came up with this:
Iturra Design; 888-722-7078;


Don't know if the info is valid but I'm sending him an email request for
a
catalog tonight.
Thanks again.



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

I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like
both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.

Get the Iturra bandsaw catalog. It is HUGE, valuable and free. It's
filled with essays, reviews, tune-ups, etc for bandsaws... Get
informed. They review the Delta vs Jet. They also review a new Delta to
an old Delta.

No web site. You have to call Iturra.

There is no clear winner. Both are good. A quick release is useful to
save bandsaw tension, which helps the tires and blades last longer.
The Jet 14" deluxe has a imitation Carter Release. ($699). You also
get a heftier motor.

For $200 more ($899) the Powermatic adds a lot more.
Carter Quick Release, Rip Fence, Miter Fence, light, blower, etc.
I looked at that saw with envy.

The Jet has a special deal (until April) where you can save $50 when
you buy an accessory. You have to buy it from the same dealer. I got
the Riser block with mine last year. Check if the open stand one
qualifies for the rebate.



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

I believe the G0444 is a table saw model #. Grizzly's 14" bandsaws
under $500 are the G0580 and G0555.

Good points Mike, thanks.
This week I will be putting my hands all over the local models that interest
me, and researching on the web.
I can't wait to get this thing in the shop.
Coincedently I was reading a FWW mag from last year (#169) last night, and
they did a test on the major bandsaw blades, so I now have the skinny on
that stuff.

wrote in message
...
Don...

With a budget maximum of $500.00, you've got to forget some of the
bigger, dressed out machines being mentioned here. If money is no
object and you simply want the 14" size, sure the Powermatic could be
the choice.

I'm in the same boat, but I'd be willing to spend $500 on a local
machine provided it was a name brand, like Delta or Jet. At the local
woodcraft store they have the 14" Rikon which is a welded steel frame
as opposed to cast iron. It can't be fitted with a riser block, but
if your projects don't require 12" resaw capabilities, then you might
want to check it out because it's $499.00 brand-new. I has a huge
table, full base cabinet, hest-sinked motor and more. Don't forget
most 14" bandsaws can do a 6" resaw if you need some veneer.

Another somewhat lesser known brand is Bridgewood, and I think their
14" is $599.00 and it's a Euro-style like the Rikon and bigger Jets,
Deltas, and Lagunas.

For $549.00 I think you can still get the Delta with a closed base and
quick-release lever. Basically the machine all others are judged by.
Lowes has a basic Delta open-stand version for $399.00.

Then there's General, and their 14" saw which is a sort of Delta clone
and it sells for $499.00 also, but comes with a rip fence and miter
gauge. I could be wrong but I think it also has a flex-neck blower
and a tension bar. Woodcraft is just starting to get the General line
in stock, so I'm waiting for them to get a 14" bandsaw so I can
compare it to the Delta, Jet, Rikon and Powermatic.

Delta dealers are all over the place and you can readily get parts and
tons of accessories for a 35 year-old Delta bandsaw. That's something
to consider too.

MIke

On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 19:21:06 GMT, "Don"
wrote:

I'm wanting to buy a Bandsaw and only want to spend about $500 +
accessories.
I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.
(I like the Jet the best)
I read the stuff over at Woodcraft about setting one up properly.
So my question is, what features should I be looking at to make a
determination on what to buy?
I'm pretty much a long term novice at this stuff and my interest is in
making lawn furniture and miscellaneous woodworking, home repair and hobby
projects.
Thanks.

The October 2004 and November 2004 issues of "American Woodworker" magazine
have a good review of bandsaws. Lots of good info on key features,
convenience of use, performance, etc. They review about 30 models and do a
lot
of evaluating. I got a lot from reading it. You can order reprints of the
articles from their web site www.americanwoodworker.com.


"Don" wrote in message
nk.net...
I'm wanting to buy a Bandsaw and only want to spend about $500 +
accessories.
I've looked at the Jet & Delta 14" models with open stands and like both,
but I don't really know what I'm looking at.
(I like the Jet the best)
I read the stuff over at Woodcraft about setting one up properly.
So my question is, what features should I be looking at to make a
determination on what to buy?
I'm pretty much a long term novice at this stuff and my interest is in
making lawn furniture and miscellaneous woodworking, home repair and hobby
projects.
Thanks.