Sean Wright
Member
- Messages
- 902
- Location
- WNY, Buffalo Area
Well, I finally did it. I had been seriously looking at the SteelCity 14in'er, but being that this is only a hoby (with limited resources), I had to opt for the best combination of features for the best cost.
I ended up getting the Craftsman Pro 22401 14in bandsaw. Initially the Craftsman name turned me off, and I didn't pay much attention to the saw. However after some research, I had to reconsider my opinion.
Here are some of things that helped me make this decision.
-Online feedback from owners has been very good.
-Including feedback from FWW member Jeff Miller. - Thanks Jeff
-Popular Woodworking gave it a Best Value in their Nov.06 issue.
-Woodworkers Journal said "...this saw seems an exceptional buy."Aug.07
-This saw is made for Sears by Rikon, who's bandsaws are highly rated.
-Cast Iron wheels
-Large cast iron table 15 3/4in by 20 1/2in.
-8in resaw capacity
-Ball bearing guides
-2 dust collection hookups (4in and 2 1/2in)
-Blade tracking window
-Nice extras: a light and a fence
-Cost - all of that for less than $500
I felt that I made an educated decision with this purchase as I already know the things that aren't quite 100%. The fence is Ok, but not great. Eventually it will get replaced with a Kreg. They cheaped out on the guide bearings. They will evenutally spit grease and need to be replaced, but they can be replaced with standard skate bearings so this isn't a big deal. The trunion doesn't provide the best support when it is loosened for adjustment. However when it is tight it supports the big table very solidly. The blade is a non standard size 99in. Not as big of a deal as it sounds, Suffolk Machinery (make the timberwolf blades) makes all of their blades to custom length, and the cost isn't as much as you might think. Being a steel frame, it is not expandable beyond the 8in resaw. I only have a 6 in jointer (and am not planning on upgrading that anytime soon). I wanted something bigger than the standard 6in, but 12in was too much. It should work well for sawing blanks for the lathe.
I made a mobile base for it, and will post some pictures when I get a chance.
I have been pretty busy and a little sick lately so I don't have it 100% set up. I still have to allign the guides, wax the table, and a few other fine tuning items. I will update this post when I get it up and running.
I ended up getting the Craftsman Pro 22401 14in bandsaw. Initially the Craftsman name turned me off, and I didn't pay much attention to the saw. However after some research, I had to reconsider my opinion.
Here are some of things that helped me make this decision.
-Online feedback from owners has been very good.
-Including feedback from FWW member Jeff Miller. - Thanks Jeff
-Popular Woodworking gave it a Best Value in their Nov.06 issue.
-Woodworkers Journal said "...this saw seems an exceptional buy."Aug.07
-This saw is made for Sears by Rikon, who's bandsaws are highly rated.
-Cast Iron wheels
-Large cast iron table 15 3/4in by 20 1/2in.
-8in resaw capacity
-Ball bearing guides
-2 dust collection hookups (4in and 2 1/2in)
-Blade tracking window
-Nice extras: a light and a fence
-Cost - all of that for less than $500
I felt that I made an educated decision with this purchase as I already know the things that aren't quite 100%. The fence is Ok, but not great. Eventually it will get replaced with a Kreg. They cheaped out on the guide bearings. They will evenutally spit grease and need to be replaced, but they can be replaced with standard skate bearings so this isn't a big deal. The trunion doesn't provide the best support when it is loosened for adjustment. However when it is tight it supports the big table very solidly. The blade is a non standard size 99in. Not as big of a deal as it sounds, Suffolk Machinery (make the timberwolf blades) makes all of their blades to custom length, and the cost isn't as much as you might think. Being a steel frame, it is not expandable beyond the 8in resaw. I only have a 6 in jointer (and am not planning on upgrading that anytime soon). I wanted something bigger than the standard 6in, but 12in was too much. It should work well for sawing blanks for the lathe.
I made a mobile base for it, and will post some pictures when I get a chance.
I have been pretty busy and a little sick lately so I don't have it 100% set up. I still have to allign the guides, wax the table, and a few other fine tuning items. I will update this post when I get it up and running.
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