bandsaw question

[Pack]

I know this is not a bow building question, but it seemed more appropriate for this forum.  I would like to cut my own billets for making footed shafts.  Do I need an expensive, higher powered bandsaw, or could I get away with one of the bench models that are under $200?  I have been told that the small ones may not cut the really dense hardwoods like purpleheart very well.

[Crimson mist]

A bench model will do if you tune it well and get a very high quality blade. My 179.00 10 inch craftsman cuts just about anything I wish to cut as long as I go slow

[Dano]

I'm not a big fan of the benchtops, but I suppose with a good sharp blade they will cut small stock. My first saw was a 10" delta, nice saw but I out grew it very quickly. I would go the extra case and get at least a 14". Grizzly makes a nice one.

[Bjorn]

Pack, if I may say so if you are cutting billets for footings you may want to consider a table saw, JMHO. You can get a used table top model for a pretty good price these days.

[Colt]

I agree with Dano.

In the long run, you'll be happier.

[Aeronut]

Like Dano, I started out with a 10" bandsaw and quickly out grew it.  I use a 14" model now and after a day of cutting Hickory I sometimes wish it was a bit bigger and more powerful.

I have a 10" Sears contractor model tablesaw that usually sits idle unless it is a big piece of wood to cut down to a manageable size.  You have less waste with a bandsaw and for me, it is a bit safer.

Dennis

[Pat B]

I started with a Grizzly 9" bandsaw and it is a good saw. I build bows mostly and the 9" just didn't get it for what I was doing. I went to a 14" Grizzly and am pleased with it. If you are doing limited big work(bow building, etc) go with the 14" saw. If you are doing primarily arrow work, the 9" or 10" should work out fine for you.

[Bjorn]

I just go the Grizzly 14" bandsaw about a month ago. Really good investment.

[bigcountry]

I have a 12" craftsman, and it works good for most things with a 1/2" blade, but hickory really makes it strain.  I have cut osage, black locust, even IPE boards, and nothing seems as tough to cut as a big hickory stave.

[LarsonArchery]

My personal opinion is that a bandsaw is so important to your shop that it is one of the few tools that you need to get a good quality machine. I started out with a 10" benchtop and after 2 bows and a lesson learned I immediately bought a full sized industrial strength model and am much happier ever since

[John Scifres]

go to craigslist.com.  You can get some great deals on power tools there.

[rbbhunt]

I also started with a benchtop and went to a Grizzley 14", it's like night and day the difference!  Go for the 14" and you won't regret it.

[Colt]

Originally posted by bigcountry:
I have a 12" craftsman, and it works good for most things with a 1/2" blade, but hickory really makes it strain.  I have cut osage, black locust, even IPE boards, and nothing seems as tough to cut as a big hickory stave.

It seems to me that hickory will dull a blade as fast or faster as any other wood I have used, including purpleheart.