Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: BlackDog on June 22, 2009, 10:00:00 PM

Title: Which tools...??
Post by: BlackDog on June 22, 2009, 10:00:00 PM

What size band saw would you suggest for making t/d recurves/longbows? Done some research on here and looks as though many people prefer a 14" Grizzly. Would a 10" Craftsman get me by for a first timer? What size blade do you recommend?
   Going to start collecting what I need and would like to spend the money only once. What else do you consider standard equipment?

Thanks

Title: Re: Which tools...??
Post by: bjansen on June 22, 2009, 10:36:00 PM

I bought the 14" grizzly, never looked back. I searched for a long time before I got that.  Sometimes you can find deals on the Delta 14" at lowes for under $400, which is a good deal.  Also, I have never used one, but HD has decent deals on Rigid bandsaws now and again.  

A friend of mine bought a 10" craftsman on sale for $100 last year, probably the one you are talking about ...and I think it would work, but I would not prefer to cut glass and risers with it.  I think at a minimum I would get a 12" Jet..but if you cant find any good local deals, the Grizzly 14" is great buy in my opinion.  

As for  blades I built about 20-25 glass bows and I primarily use a 1/2" 4-6 tpi $10 delta or vermont blade.  I went through about 4 or 5 of them so far building those.

Title: Re: Which tools...??
Post by: Dmaxshawn on June 22, 2009, 10:45:00 PM

Luckily I inherited a 12inch craftsman and it has worked very well for me.  If I had a choice I would get the 14 inch instead of the 10.  Just my two cents

Shawn

Title: Re: Which tools...??
Post by: Pat B on June 22, 2009, 11:34:00 PM

14" Grizzly with a 1hp motor.

Title: Re: Which tools...??
Post by: BlackDog on June 22, 2009, 11:49:00 PM

Thanks for the replys, sounds like the 14" is the way to go.

Title: Re: Which tools...??
Post by: Bjorn on June 23, 2009, 02:16:00 AM

I bought the 14" Grizzly with a 1 HP motor and it is a joy to use. How they can make such good quality at a modest price is a positive surprise!

Title: Re: Which tools...??
Post by: Teke on June 23, 2009, 06:10:00 AM

be very cautious with craftsman, I have an old 10" and have a heck of a time finding blades for it. they are an odd ball size.

Title: Re: Which tools...??
Post by: Robertfishes on June 23, 2009, 11:32:00 AM

Teke, bandsaw blades inc will make you any size blades you want. I bought several blades from them, but have only used the carbide tiped blade I got from them. I cut out a dymond wood riser last night and the blade cut smooth and easy. run a search on bandsaw blades and you will see that several bowyers on Tradgang are using them to cut fiberglass bows. Mr Krewson told me about putting some cool blocks on my saw, I did and am happy with my old/new saw so far.

Title: Re: Which tools...??
Post by: bjhaug on June 23, 2009, 10:40:00 PM

Also, there is a tool - I dont know what its called - that is sold that you can make your own bandsaw blades.  I dont know what it's called or where to get it, but that's how my dad does it.  He cuts the blade to the length, touches the ends, and this machine spot welds it in a flash (Literally!)

Title: Re: Which tools...??
Post by: Steve Kendrot on June 25, 2009, 12:50:00 AM

I got a 12" Delta that has been a nice little saw. Check Craig's list, I've gotten some nice tools through it. My band saw looked like it had never been used. I'm surer if I tried a 14" I'd want one, but don't pass up a good deal on a smaller one. They'll get the job done.