Official Luthiers Forum!

Hey guys,
I'm in the market for a bigger bandsaw to do some resawing. Right now I have a Jet 14" with a riser. Which I think is a great saw, but I want I want something a little more suited for resawing. I have about $1400 to spend which I know isn't allot when your talking Big band saws. I'm looking for a bandsaw that I won't out grow. What specs do you guys look for in a good resaw? I was trying to buy one of the Grizzly's that were discontinued and on sale (G0511 20" 5hp $1195 and Grizzly G0507 20" 3hp $1195), but I missed the boat. Any and all feedback would be highly appreciated. Thanks for your time----Snick

I don't know if you saw my post on the Hitachi on Ebay. If you're anywhere near NJ, it would be worth considering.

hitachi bandsaw

There's a picture there of the resaw blade. It looks tiny but it's 3 inches wide! Hate to even think what that costs.

My guess is that 3" blade would cost about the same as shipping to Tampa from Jersey ha ha ha. What a monster saw that is. Thanks-----Snick

Snick,
Woodcraft is having a sale on april 9Th 10% off on all Jet tools. I'm getting the 18" BS for $900 plus $100 rebate coupon toward the 1100 dust collector I need. http://www.woodcraft.com/tab/m001.aspx?mscssid=&source=ayc_t ab

I have the Hitachi saw that is one step bigger than that one and it is very nice for resawing.

The 3" stellite tipped blade cost about 130.00 - 165.00 depending on where you get them. Stellite is similar to carbide but less brittle. I touch up mine with a diamond hone and get alot of life out of it. I resaw everything from 10" ebony and rosewood to spruce billets and it cust very even.

Having said that, the wheels are not crowned as most smaller bandsaws are so it really is best suited for resawing. I have run smaller blades on it but mostly use a 14" Delta bandsaw with the height adapter for general cutting. Before I bought the Hitachi, I had always used the Delta for everything but wanted a dedicated resaw so I bought the Hitachi.

Since very few have the luxury of having a resaw and another bandsaw, If I were to go with just one and the price was not the issue, the Laguna is a beautiful machine and can do it all very nicely.

I have not used alot of other saws so I cant speak for the larger jet or grizzly saws as to their ability to resaw and do general sawing.

I went for a MiniMax a few months ago and it does a good job. I was torn between it and a Laguna. They both are willing to give some concessions on the price and throw in some extras. One of the guys at the local Woodcraft sold his Jet and bought the new Rikon model. He does a lot of resawing and said he's happy with it.

Joe Volin