Coiling a Bandsaw Blade
March 30, 2006
I’m glad the internet is around. This way I can easily find info like this: Coiling a Bandsaw Blade
Oh, I’m returning the $99 Ryobi bandsaw I purchased last weekend. Turns out it’s rather crappy and it vibrates while it is running. Bandsaws aren’t supposed to do that.
Instead I will go buy the Rikon 10-300 from a woodworking store over in Sterling Heights for $50 more.
Have you had any other not-so-good experiences with Ryobi stuff before?
Yeah. I have one of their routers and it’s depth adjustment just broke one day. And I also have one of their cheaper drill presses and it’s not so great. Their tools just aren’t that good…
I bought a drill of theirs, while it handles the jobs I’ve used it for (barely), I wouldnt reccomend their stuff first. Sounds like you probably wouldnt either. Hope you get it all sorted out right quick.
Actually, I do have both a Ryobi cordless and corded drill which I’ve had really good luck with… Those have been fine.
I just need to find saw blades and I’ll be fine.
Hrm, perhaps their drills are alright then? Weird.
Ryobi for the most part are a joke.
my buddy had a Ryobi router for precisely 4 hours before it felt like it was on fire. He really didnt want to buy another P-C 690 since he had one in storage. Needless to say, he bought another 690.
I have never heard of Rikon tools. I would say you should stay closer to a recognizable brand, and spend a few bucks on it. Cheap tools are usually just that.
I have a small Delta, and it is pretty ok. Nothing ill about it in particular, its just that bigger (and more expensive) saws are much nicer, but I didnt have a permanent shop set up at the time. I needed portable, and I can use the small Delta anywhere and then put it away. I guess the benchtop Rigid aint so bad either.
Good luck :)
Actually, interestingly, the Rikon is really well made. It’s a very nice bandsaw for a reasonable price. I just can’t find the blade I need. :\
It’s ridiculously quiet, no vibration to speak of, solid metal chassis, etc. It’s just the blades…
Maybe I can find one of a similar size and the tensioner will adjust for it. I think there is generally around a 2″ range in blades with each saw, anyway.
I hope you find the blades you are looking for.
I will be very interested in hearing about your long term evalation of this unit :)
Ugh. typo city. Ryobi TOOLS for the most part …
I forgot one other aside… I bought a Milwaukee body grip router. That thing is directly from the goDs. So very very very nice.
My other problem is that I only need a small bandsaw. I’m only cutting smaller pieces of metal, PCB, and maybe some occasional wood which won’t be especially thick.
I was in the same place when I bought mine, actually. Small was important because I didnt have a fixed shop, and my usage is actually very small as well.
I was using mine for model airplane building, so most of what I was cutting was balsa and small wood. I understand the limitations of the unit I have, and I plan accordingly. I cant wait ot have a larger fixed shop :)
FWIW, I did some research a while back on benchtop band saws, and came to the same conclusion as you. The Rikon is a nice compact unit that uses actual steel for various parts, and the 14″ and 18″ models have been very highly rated by Fine Woodworker magazine.
Actually, the only plastic bits I know of on it are knobs, the wheels which ride against the belts, a couple of dust guard bits, and things like that. The whole enclosure is steel.
I’m real happy with it, as it’s especially quiet and runs very smoothly. The only problem I’m having is finding blades for it, but a friend pointed me to DETROIT BAND SAW earlier today, so I’ll try giving them a call later.
Also, this 10″ version only cost $150. Not bad at all.