I got some HD gift cards and I saw this unit for $299 at HD. Just wondered if anyone had any practical experience with this particular saw. And yeah... I know that there are better saws :). Who actually makes this saw for Rigid?
I played with one. It was OK. A bit light and loud. More vibration that I like. It has only a 3/4hp motor, which is pretty small for a real 14" saw. Cutting smaller stuff would be fine. Resawing 8" maple would be possible, I imagine, but slow.
tzipple responds:
I haven't played with this particular saw, but given that the Delta 14" is the standard for that size saw, consider the fact that offer it in a 3/4 HP version, AND in a 1/2 HP version.
Charlie Self "They want the federal government controlling Social Security like it's some kind of federal program." George W. Bush, St. Charles, Missouri, November 2,
2000I wanted to use up my $150 in HD credit and figured it migt be worth a shot. I don't see myself doing much in the way of resawing, and frankly, I could probably get by with a 12" unit. I just don't want something with an aluminum table and _no_ power, so I figured stay away from those smaller bench-top units from Ryobi, Craftsman, or even Delta.
Probably better off waiting for a used saw to come along.
I was considering this bandsaw until I found an old used Craftsman at a garage sale. Also, they seemed to have disappeared from my local HD, probably can be special ordered. The last one on the floor was marked down to $349 from $399. Now you say they're down to $299? I was going to put it on my HD card so no payments for 6 months. I did this with the Ridgid 6" jointer, which BTW has worked great for me. I also have the Ridgid 3650 table saw and am happy with it also. My only concern with buying Ridgid tools is the availability of buying accessories for them. With the bandsaw I was considering the addition of riser blocks at some point and read here on this NG that they want some outrageous amount of $ for them. Then I also read that someone tried out the Grizzly blocks and they bolt right on, just a different color- who cares? I wasn't too concerned about the 3/4 hp vs. 1 hp as I wasn't planning on resawing for eight hours a day, only an occasional use. As for buying used, it can be the way to go if you happen to find the right tool. The Craftsman I bought is a 12" model that was mounted on a rolling cart. The motor is only rated at 1/4 hp but it has done everything I've asked of it so far. It was only $25 buy I had to replace the tires, blade, and added cool blocks which added about $70 to the price. It then required a couple hours of tinkering and tuning to get it to an acceptable working condition. Only complaint is only about 5" of resawing capability. Again, if you buy used make sure you can find parts in case you need to replace something.
Dale
I have had one for a couple of years. I am satisfied for what I have used it for. That includes cutting some small bowl blanks and cutting 3 inch thick oak. I have not used it yet for any resawing and I did not get the riser kit. I have had no problems with tracking and like the cool blocks it came with. I have a set of band rollers (the Harbor Freight $5 knock offs) but have not tried them yet. Dust collection is so so but I am not sure if that isn't the case with most saws in this class without modification. At the time I looked at various other models at Woodworkers Supply when they still existed. The Delta and Jet were more expensive, were not in stock and were packaged in a way that would not fit into my car. They also had a Reliant (sp?) - thought it was junk. The Rigid was in stock (although I had to go to a second HD) and packaged differently. Basically having the open stand to assemble was actually a plus for me because the Delta closed base box was too big for the car. I think the stand is adequately rigid and you can put a shelf on it. John
I have one with the 6" riser block, and it is a pretty decent saw. Blade changes are a little bit of a pain, but I don't do that very often. Blade tracking is good. I have been going to get a set of Carter Guides for it and that will improve it even more. (I just found out they make guides for Ridgid.) I sawed 1/8"x 6" cocobolo veneers with it consistantly. I built a larger table for it from some plans I got at
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