Thread: 14in bandsaw advice

Originally Posted by spicko

I am thinking of acquiring a 14in bandsaw (cant fit a bigger machine in my shop).

This has come up before and was also the case when I purchased my BS some 13 years ago.

Most folks buying bandsaws for the first time don't realise that the footprint of bandsaws doesn't vary that much between the sizes.
Often this is because smaller BSs are usually lighter so tend to incorporate a splayed base to improve the stability.

Just looking again at the Hare & Forbes models, 2 of their 14" BS have foot prints of 920 x 800 mm (88kg), and 920 x 760 mm (121)
Their 17" model is only 850 x 830 mm (181kg) and their 19" (similar to what I have) is 960 x 850mm (174kg)

Of course if it comes down to 10's of mm then the smaller ones might be the only way out.
A bigger saw is usually able to run a much wider blade which is really useful when resawing.

I have the Laguna 14-12 and can't fault it. It's on the higher end for 14" bandsaws but I think it's worth it. Before purchasing I checked out similar Carbatec, Sherwood, Woodfast and some other model and I felt the fence and general overall quality felt better on the Laguna.

I ended up removing the base and placing it on a mobile cabinet with storage.

IMG_20200531_143356.jpg IMG_20200720_154201.jpg IMG_20200720_154219.jpg

thanks for the advice.
Unfortunately i am in a tiny workshop and even the 14in bandsaw is a push.

I have also considered the Laguna and saw it at the Carbatec shop, it looks solid, however i heard that service is not great. However, i think it comes down to 2 choices: the Laguna 1412 or the Hammer N3800. Both look great.

Hi,
I had a conversation on this forum with one of the committee members for a men's shed in Queensland (Maroochy Mens Shed - the chap's woodwork forum's user name is: GEEVESMAC)
They had bought a Hammer N3800 and been very disapointed with it as the pillar holding the top guides tended to twist around - they did not feel it was value for money.

Check out the Rikon 10-353, I had one it was excellent, very good value for money, and has the best blade guide system I’ve ever used. I rate it highly for home hobby use it is great.

I did like Samo for my 14”. It isn’t pretty, but the results have been stellar for me. This is an older phot, I have replaced the ladder and wall rack with a mobile outfeed table.

Originally Posted by spicko

thanks for the advice.
Unfortunately i am in a tiny workshop and even the 14in bandsaw is a push.

I have also considered the Laguna and saw it at the Carbatec shop, it looks solid, however i heard that service is not great. However, i think it comes down to 2 choices: the Laguna 1412 or the Hammer N3800. Both look great.

Don’t overlook Rikon if available.

If you're stuck with 14" or smaller - I've got a Laguna 14BX and it is fantastic. Super rigid and I've resawn 200mm wide spotted gum boards with a 3/4" blade into 2mm veneers with excellent results. It's not perfect - the dust collection is good but not great and a larger bandsaw would be able to run 1" blades. But I when I'm using it, I'm happy to be using it and for me, that's a mark of a good tool.

Originally Posted by Don Burch

If you don't need to tilt your bandsaw table, this is a very clever way of saving floor space, whilst getting a larger bandsaw table.

Originally Posted by LanceC

If you don't need to tilt your bandsaw table, this is a very clever way of saving floor space, whilst getting a larger bandsaw table.

It would be a right PITA to change the bandsaw blade.

Originally Posted by doug3030

It would be a right PITA to change the bandsaw blade.

i'd wager the wooden top is just sitting in place and lifts out?

Thanks for all your answers.
Just a question for those who have a laguna or a rikon or a hammer. How are your experiences with dust collection. My shop is tiny and dust control almost controls my woodworking which is why i tend to buy tools that assure a good level of collection. I know bandsaws are messy, however I would be keen to know how bad these are.

Originally Posted by spicko

Thanks for all your answers.
Just a question for those who have a laguna or a rikon or a hammer. How are your experiences with dust collection. My shop is tiny and dust control almost controls my woodworking which is why i tend to buy tools that assure a good level of collection. I know bandsaws are messy, however I would be keen to know how bad these are.

I went all over the rikon with some self adhesive 15 mm x 5 mm rubber seal strip, you can buy it in 10 metre rolls. All round the door and elsewhere, it solved it almost completely. A rubber boot from under the table to the frame would work well but restricts access to the bottom guides for adjustment, easily solved though.

Originally Posted by riverbuilder

I went all over the rikon with some self adhesive 15 mm x 5 mm rubber seal strip, you can buy it in 10 metre rolls. All round the door and elsewhere, it solved it almost completely. A rubber boot from under the table to the frame would work well but restricts access to the bottom guides for adjustment, easily solved though.

If your dust extractor is pulling enough air out of the machine I would think you would be better off NOT sealing around the door. The seals would restrict the clean air being pulled into the saw to replace the dusty air being extracted. If you don't have ir coming in then it severely limits the airflow out and then nothing happens.