a bicycle made of anarchy Posted June 30, 2004 Report Share Posted June 30, 2004 hi everyone, I'm looking to buy a bandsaw... in today's classifieds I have seen this: BANDSAW, 10" Craftsman. 3 wheel, 45 degree tilt, like new. $120 (Canadian). I realize that not knowing the model/actual condition of the saw will prevent anyone from a final ruling.. but since I am new to the world of tools I thought I'd ask.. is $120 a good price for this type of thing? If it is in "like new" condition, will this be a useful tool for guitarmaking? Thanks for your speedy replies (i kinda wanna call this guy if it is good..) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGM Guitars Posted June 30, 2004 Report Share Posted June 30, 2004 That sounds like the same bandsaw I used to have. It's pretty much useless for guitar making. It would slow down cutting 1/4" thick ebony, trying to cut through a 2" body blank wasn't even possible. The 10" size is really small too if you are trying to cut a body. I would save your $120 and add to it until you can afford a 14" model. Take a look at the IMC line of bandsaws, they are pretty good, especially for the money. You can get them at pro tool city. They have a 14" model for around $350 I believe, and the one with ball bearing guides and a 1 1/2hp motor is around $550 Canadian. Where in Canada are you located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a bicycle made of anarchy Posted June 30, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2004 I go to school in Kingston, but I am in Brantford for the summer.. trying to get some sort of tools for cheap (still a student).. crap, so 10" is too small eh.. i figured 8" would be, but was hopeful for 10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGM Guitars Posted July 1, 2004 Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 10" would be so so, the biggest problem you'll have with the crapsman bandsaw is the motor just doesn't have the power to cut through really thick hardwoods. If you go super slow you'll do it, but you'll burn things out pretty quick too. I think you'll be further ahead saving that $120 and putting it towards a bigger saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krazyderek Posted July 1, 2004 Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 agreed, from what i've seen at sears craftsman isn't really "la creame de la creame" of economically priced band saws.... save up a bit and hunt for a real deal.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a bicycle made of anarchy Posted July 1, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 ok great, thanks for the answers guys! saved me from making a bad purchase... i know that craftsman isn't always the best, but figured there might be an exception now and then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGM Guitars Posted July 1, 2004 Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 There is an exception, craftsman hand tools, they're awesome, good quality and warranty. Every craftsman wrench, screwdriver, chisel, etc that I've ever bought is as good as snap on or Mac. Craftsman power tools are not very good though. When compared to say a porter cable, or delta, or something of similar price, the craftsman falls short almost every time. When I was looking at bandsaws and edge sanders, I looked at craftsman as well, but the price was the same or higher on the craftsman stuff, and the quality lower, or if not the quality, the size, power, etc. I am a huge fan of their handtools, but will never buy another craftsman power tool again. Oh, if you use them at all, they do make nice air tools as well, but expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jehle Posted July 5, 2004 Report Share Posted July 5, 2004 This may be a simple question, but what does the measurement of a band saw mean? I've seen them as small at 9" and 10" and then as big as 14" and 18". Is that the length of the band? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devon Headen Posted July 5, 2004 Report Share Posted July 5, 2004 it's the distance from the blade to the back of the frame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jehle Posted July 6, 2004 Report Share Posted July 6, 2004 it's the distance from the blade to the back of the frame. Ok, thanks. That makes more sense now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar_ed Posted July 6, 2004 Report Share Posted July 6, 2004 Hi BMA, I have a 10" Delta band saw that I cut 2" ash on with no problems. While I don't zip through the wood like butter, I don't have to crawl through it either. The Delta unit is about US$100. Take care, Guitar Ed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a bicycle made of anarchy Posted July 7, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 Hi guitar Ed, thanks so much for the tip! I'll start looking around... man.. just what i needed to add to my GAS.. a bit of TAS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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