Thread: Has Anyone bought a Bandsaw That Was Too Big

NO bandsaw can be too big, as long as it fits in your shed. No re-sawing? Not today but who knows next week, year etc.

With a big one you have options (as the actress said to etc etc) whereas I bet you'll outgrow a small one.

I made this mistake and bitterly regret it. You loose a bit selling 2nd hand tools, and that's what I'm faced with plus the cost of another, bigger and better, one.

Yes and no. As Bodgy put it, so long as it fits your shed. I found one that was a beauty but it couldn't fit in the shed. Sold it next day for twice as much, I'm still sorry I did that, I should have extended the shed - sigh.

I have a 17" at the moment and think the size is right, what's missing is the quality I'd like to have (Hammer or better, but that's just me). So long as you can safely run a 1/8" blade up to a 1" blade you can't go too far wrong. Any smaller or bigger and I'd be looking for a specialist machine.

Gidday

I've got a Hammer 440 on order n went through much the same dilemmas as you. I went for

"You get what you pay for"

and wanted as many options as possible as my Bandsaw will be the heart of my Shed. You'll never know what direction woodworking will end up taking you

................ so having as much versatility with as little compramise as possible can be a godsend particularly when that inevitable day comes when you say to yourself:

I wish my Bandsaw could do that!!!

As previously suggested go for as much quality and size as room and coin can provide

REgards LOu

I have the same make/model of bandsaw that Groggy bought/sold. A 24" saw is great for resawing, but not quite so cute for detail work. The smallest blade that I'm comfortable running is 1/4". Even then I think it's touch and go, but that could be inexperience talking. I read elsewhere that people like conventional blade guides for anything smaller than 1/4"...the wheel guides don't give much support to a narrow blade at all, and are tricky to set.

I think that an 18" or 20" saw would suit most users for most applications, all things being equal.

I am still (half-heartedly) searching for a nice old 14" saw for detail work.

Greg

Originally Posted by NewLou

I've got a Hammer 440 on order n went through much the same dilemmas as you.

Lou, I'll be wanting a detailed report on the 4400 within 24hrs of delivery!

Yup

Once I get a hang of it too easy....................can't wait. I've just about got it paid off n was lucky enough to get in before the price rises. Went through Felder who have been great to deal with

REGards Lou

I - nearly - bought a too-big bandsaw. As Bodgy and other said, it would not have fitted in the door standing up, and the ceiling is just over 7ft (2.1m) and concrete, so I could not have stood it up if I had brought it in on its side

I bought a Delta 14" and a 6" riser kit. I can also buy a heap of 'after market' accessories such as special extra narrow blade bearings (Carter) and 'stuff'.

Christopha.
What about the Jolly Green Giant?

I would go with , get as big as the budget and shed size can afford, I have a 18" Jet, which has been great, but it has its limitations. (as will any machine I guess). If I was in the market again, I would probably go up a bit in size, and while a Hammer would be very nice, the Jet range certainly is not to be sneezed at

I have a 14" Delta with the riser kit.
If I had have had more money, I would have got the 18" Jet.
The quality of the Delta is poor Ive put alot of hours in tuning it, (mostly trying to reduce vibration, wheel alignment etc etc) the list is endless. Still not perfect, but getting it there
My advise, (this goes with all tools) get the very best you can afford. 18" seems like a nice size. Bigger table, more weight, better finish etc, and wont take the whole shed up.

my dad has a 36"
Seems the be big enough