Bowyers and Bandsaws

[Interseptor]

When selecting a bandsaw for cutting hard woods, which size bandsaw do you prefer, the 1 hp, 2 hp, or 3 hp.  I have a 14 inch saw,1 hp,  and found it dificult to cut hard wood.

[madness522]

That should be fine as long as you go slow and use a sharp blade.  Of course the more horsepower the better...

[Coop]

I have an old Cummings, 14" with I think only a 3/4 hp motor. I have cut everything including Hickory, Osage, Yew, Elm etc. Go slow and make sure you have a good blade. I find 3/4" blades work best when roughing out a stave for some reason.

[Voodoofire1]

TRADE YA!! lol,lol, I've got a 1hp 12" craftsman and it barely suffices, and I mean barely. Hear the 14" grizzly is the way to go, gonna get me one in the spring.....Steve

[Eric Krewson]

If you use new a 3tpi skip tooth blade hardwood will cut easily.

[stabow]

I got the 17'' Grizzly and love it I put it on the dolly that they sell and I can move it around without to much trouble.......stabow

[wislnwings]

I've got a 14" Grizzly with the added riser block that I use for decoy carving.  I've cut all types of wod and not had a problem.  Just use a 3/4" blade and take your time.

[droptine59]

Yup Grizzly... I also hear Delta is the ticket.

[gwhunter]

Always bigger and better...Even in trad gear.  Isn't it funny.  I have a 10" 3/4HP Craftsman and I can lay out a bow, but I want a 14".  You have a 14" 1hp and want something bigger.  It is not the saw we are after, but a faster way.  If someone could bottle patience, or maybe add it to the water, like flouride, then we would all be better bowyers.  But I guess until then, a 14" bandsaw will work.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

What i would highly recomend is buying a good book on bandsaws...there are a bunch out there....i think after doing a bit of studying you'll finf a good adjustable saw is more important than horse power by far. blade selection is critical to the type of cutting you are doing, and the thickness of wood....What I want is about 3 of them 14" 1 horse saws so i don't have to keep changing my set ups....Well maybe 3 isn't realistic....But 2 would be much better.....Kirk

[kcbrown]

The right blade makes a world of difference. I am using a 4 TPI now resawing and it eats it up. Spending a few bucks more on a good high quality blade helps too.