edward Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 Harbor Freight has a Bandsaw for $169 has anyone had experience with one and is it worth looking into, thanks for any thoughts. My Craftman 10 " band saws sucks and doesn't cur straight it is an older one. Thanks for any info. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 I speak from some experience here as I had one of the cheap band saws at one time. But, with that said, I don't see any reason to run out and spend a fortune on a new one either. In my area, I see quite a few used saws of good quality. Delta is my favorite. I bought a Delta about 10 years ago for about $300 if I recall. I don't see that they have gone up much since then. I also see a lot of restored saws that sell for as much of more than a new one. So, my advice is, if you aren't in a rush, keep an eye open for a good deal on a use saw. Craigslist and Marketplace are your friends. I have a complete workshop full of used tools. I just picked up a 12 inch disk sander a couple of days ago for $50. It weighs a ton and runs as smooth as butter. Good luck, and be patient. MarieC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wichman Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 I have the HF 9" saw and it's a little workhorse. But about your Craftsman 10". Have you tuned it up using the Snodgrass video? New blade? More about the HF saw in the next message. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wichman Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 With the HF ( or other small band saws ), remember that these are light duty tools. Yes the specs say that it will cut 3 5/8" ( a 2 x 4 on end ) but it will be slow, and you'd better have the right blade ( 1/4" or less and 3 to 4 tpi ). I was trying to cut 2" Elm and I kept stalling the motor; 1/2" Elm and it was fine ( I was ripping 6' live edge boards inteded for non scroll saw project wood ). Before I cut a single thing I went through the saw and adjusted everything to the specs in the manual. I also bought a couple of blades from other than HF sources. I have had the saw for about 5 years now, and although it doesn't get much use, it has stayed in adjustment the whole time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sycamore67 Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 I have two bandsaws...A 15" Jet for mainly resaw/ripping and a10" Rikon for small stuff. Bandsaws can be one of the most frustrating tools in a shop. While Alex Snodgrass makes it sound easy, sometimes not so easy. A used saw could be great or require new rubber wheels, alignment, guides, etc. If you have some experience with a bandsaw and are handy with machines, then used is great. Personally, I am at a point where I want to use a machine and not spend a lot of time fixing it. Dave Monk and Wichman 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 If you go used, consider seeing if replacement parts available. I bought a yard sale ancient Craftsman some time back and discovered parts were no longer to be had. Managed to sell if at our yard sale later, taking only a small loss. Did a couple side hustle deck jobs and last summer got a 14" Jet bandsaw, primarily for resawing. No regrets and leaning towards getting another smaller one as I am not fond of changing the bandsaw blades back and forth. Good luck on your quest. jimmyG 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarieC Posted February 22 Report Share Posted February 22 7 hours ago, OCtoolguy said: I speak from some experience here as I had one of the cheap band saws at one time. But, with that said, I don't see any reason to run out and spend a fortune on a new one either. In my area, I see quite a few used saws of good quality. Delta is my favorite. I bought a Delta about 10 years ago for about $300 if I recall. I don't see that they have gone up much since then. I also see a lot of restored saws that sell for as much of more than a new one. So, my advice is, if you aren't in a rush, keep an eye open for a good deal on a use saw. Craigslist and Marketplace are your friends. I have a complete workshop full of used tools. I just picked up a 12 inch disk sander a couple of days ago for $50. It weighs a ton and runs as smooth as butter. Good luck, and be patient. Ray, lucky you for finding a 12 inch disk sander for that price....Great find! danny and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted February 22 Report Share Posted February 22 15 hours ago, MarieC said: Ray, lucky you for finding a 12 inch disk sander for tha12-inch....Great find! Thanks. It popped up on Marketplace. I couldn't believe the price but responded immediately that I'd take it. I figured that even if it didn't work I could salvage the bones and make something out of it. She just wanted it gone to make room for something else. MarieC and danny 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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