Rikon 10-305 10" bandsaw

Roger Pozzi

Member
Messages
75
Location
Mount Vernon, Ohio
After much research and decision making about actual needs I bought the Rikon 10-305 10” band saw from my local(?) Woodcraft store. I will admit that Lori, the salesperson there did help my decision quite a lot by answering my concerns about the Craftsman 21400 which, by all indications is the same saw. But, with a 5 year warranty, and the reputation Rikon appears to have, this seems to be the right choice.
It was packaged very well in form-fitted Styrofoam inside an extra heavy cardboard box. But, even with that, the plastic indicator on the table trunnion was broken. Rikon customer service is sending a replacement though so all’s well. :)
While setting it up by following what I considered to be adequate instructions, I followed the tune-up procedures gotten from this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU&feature=player_embeddedBandsaw Alex Snodgrass definitely knows how to set up a saw. :thumb::bow:
I had bought an Olsen 4 tpi ½”hook blade at Woodcraft at the same time so I installed it knowing that I would need that blade for my use.
After making sure everything was just right I tried to re-saw a 8”X3 ½”X¾” piece of Bubinga and was amazed. It was almost ready to use as is. Then, as I was wanting this saw for in the first place, I brought out a piece of 5/4 Zebrawood, 5” wide and 23” long. After jointing one edge, I discovered that the re-saw capacity was 4 15/16” not the 4 5/8” listed in the specifications. I proceeded to saw at 15/32” so I would end up with 2 pieces planed to 3/8” when I finished. By following the above mentioned video, I accomplished just that. One piece measured just .oo8” thicker at the tail end of the cut and the other piece was less than that. I was a very happy camper. :bounce:
My only complaint about this saw is the fact that the miter slot is only 5/8”. So, my featherboards that clamp into a “standard” miter slot won’t work. I don’t think I would ever need a miter gauge for this saw and I might have to buy the Mag-switch featherboard attachments sincs I don’t care for clamping a home made one to the table.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Rikon 10-305 to anyone needing a small bandsaw. Yes, it is slower than bigger units, but, not enough so that a hobbyist should mind.
 
Congrats on the new saw. I know other folks who've been very happy with their Rikon bandsaws.

When it comes time to replace the blade, I highly recommend Ellis blades. Equal or better quality to Olsen (or any of the other blades I've bought through retail establishments) for about 1/3 to 1/2 the price.
 
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