Thread: Upgrading the basic bandsaw

Thanks for the help everyone! I think I'm going to just order replacement wheels from RIDGID and do the work myself.

It'll cost me a few bucks, I'm sure. But in the end I think I'll feel less frustrated than dealing with my warranty.

-figgs
Kalamazoo, MI - USA

Derek,
Sounds very good.
Do you attribute the improved cutting to the riser kit itself or to the higher quality UK sawblade?

Bob

I am sure that the improvement is due to the new blade. The riser kit only increases the versatility of the bandsaw as a unit. In addition to a better grind, I suspect that the steel used is a whole order of magnitude better. Why else do I require less tensioning (at the screw mechanism) to get the same blade tension? It can only be that the new blade is stretching less.

Now I'm about to try out another blade, one that is better suited to resawing (3 tpi instead of 6 tpi). I will let you know how this goes.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek and others

I have ordered the BS1400 on special from Carba-tec and will pick it up in 2-3 weeks.

Do you think the proffessional rip fence is worth the $$ over the one that comes with it and what blades (1 or 2) should I get to start with. It will mostly be used for ripping and curved cuts in both soft and hardwoods.

Same question for the roller guides.

David

The roller guides are a must have.

The Professional Fence? To be frank, it is nice to look at, it is probably better than the original, but it is still a little finicky for precision work. I never did use the original, and I really should to get a more objective view. So I suggest that you try the bandsaw with the original fence and only change it out if it is not working satisfactorally.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi all,

Just a quick question to those of you who have installed the riser kit- the Carbatec cattledog mentions that it is recommended for softwood only. Has anyone had any problems with strength/stability or extra vibrations when using their BS with riser on more challenging timbers?

Thanks,

Pete

Pete

I haven't noticed any particular difference on hardwoods. I work a lot in Jarrah.

Regards from Perth

Derek