[Shop-talk] small band saw?

[Douglas Braun]

A few years ago I decided to buy a small bandsaw.  I took home a
Ryobi model from HD, but returned it because it was just too flimsy
and wobbly.  (Ryobi specialized in die-casting using the least
possible amount of material...)

Then I checked out everything that was available locally.  I ended up
getting a Sears "Companion" 8" saw.  It was quite inexpensive, but it
was actually the sturdiest of anything I could find in the 8-9" size
range.

One tip:  Replace whatever cheesy blade that comes with the saw with a
good made-in-USA model. I got a nice replacement Lenox blade from
www.toolcenter.com.  The saw took an oddball-length blade, but they
made custom lengths.  If you are cutting small stuff like 1/8" think
plywood, you will certainly need a finer-tooth blade than the one that
came with the saw.

Doug

>> > I used a friend's band saw for a small hobby project recently and I
>> > decided that I would like to have one for my own use. I see 10" and
>> > larger models for sale, they cost more than what I would want to spend
>> > and most of these require mounting on a floor stand. I also see 9"
>> > models that sit on a table and are less expensive. Skill and Delta make
>> > one model (appears to be the same unit with different names), Ryobi
>> > makes one, Sears makes on and Harbor Freight sells one. The Sears unit
>> > gets real low ratings, the Skill/Delta not much better, the Ryobi gets
>> > medium ratings, and the HF model gets good ratings.