Is there enough difference...

[stringstretcher]

between a 14" 1hp band saw and a 12" 3/4 hp band saw to justify about $150.00 difference to use in a bow shop?  I am looking at both, and don't want to go beyond what is needed, but want to get one that will do the job.  What have you found to be the best for self bow and making glue up's?

[Pat B]

I personally would not go under 1 hp. You might be fine with 3/4hp but I would rather have more than I need most of the time than not enough. Especially with self bows. You can wear out a smaller motor just reducing to a usable size stave. Pat

[mmgrode]

The $150 is justified. Definitely go with the 14" 1 hp bandsaw especially for selfbows. It will give you the room to make cuts and the power to cut through thick staves. You won't regret it. Cheers, Matt

[ChuckC]

In my mind....yes, without doubt.  Check the blade guides...are they roller bearing guides (not just the back , but also the sides).  That feature might sway me to the 12" if the 14" didn't have them.  Otherwise...heck yes.
ChuckC

[stringstretcher]

Yes, I do believe they are on the sides and back but will look again.  The one that I am looking at is the Craftsman 14" professional.  It looks to be a lot better made than the Rigid, or the Delta that I looked at, but at a higher cost.

[ChuckC]

Check out the blade length on that one.   I am no pro at this but I was looking at one .  maybe the same one.  Blades were not easy to get for the 14" I was looking at.  A weird length.  Might have to get them custom made.  Maybe that isn't a problem or a huge cost, I don't know, but never hurts to ask.  It was like 105" or some such length.   Do a Google search for bandsaw blades once you know the length and see if anyone carries them stock.
ChuckC

[aromakr]

Stringstretcher:
Before making your purchase, check out the Grizzly 14" saw. This is an excellent saw at a very good price. Stay away from the Rigid, its junk.
Bob

[4runr]

I won't buy another Craftsman power tool, EVER!!

[stringstretcher]

4runr.  What happend with the Craftsman power tools?  I really like the Grizzley.  I can drive 250 miles to pick it up and cost about a hundred dollars in gas to get there and back and would be able to look at it or spend 75.00 and have it shipped here sight unseen.  What a decision.

[4runr]

Every craftsman power tool I've ever owned was way over rated and couldn't hold up to every day use. I know some of there older stuff was good, but the ones I've had in the past 15 years didn't hold up. I trimmed houses for 15 years and you never saw craftsman power tools on the job. Why? They are for the guy who does something once or twice a month and then just light duty stuff. IMHO

Ther was another thread on here not long ago about the Grizzley and if I remember right it got very good reviews. You should put something about band saw in your thread heading, and I'll bet you'll get more responces.

If it were me I'd not spend the gas money or the time, have it shipped!!

[Shakes.602]

By Golly 4runr, Dont  SUGAR COAT  It!! Tell Us How You  REALLY FEEL!!!      

[Walt Francis]

As Bob suggested go with a Gizzly, they are well built and last.  Also, as ChuckC mentioned, the Craftsman uses an odd/uncommon size blade and it is hard to get "quality" repacement blades.  The one horse motor would be at the very bottom of my range for selfbows, I went with the two horse model and have been extremely satisified .  One thing, make sure you have a high enough elctrical breaker to run the motor.  If you have the capability go with 220 volts, the motor will last longer, is less expensive to run, and has more power.

[Lonehowl]

Dont want to turn this into a Craftsman bash, but I have several Craftsman power tools,( I make custom predator calls} including a couple small bandsaws and drill presses and they just dont cut it. Even bought some chucks and other accesories for my lathes from Sears and they are just junk.Couldnt get them to run even close to true.
Grizzley has some good stuff, they even repair/rebuild stuff in thier shop if it goes bad on you.
Just my opinion.
Take care
Marc

[Jim now in Kentucky]

As for motor size, I have been using a 1/2 hp on my 14" for several years, and my opinion is that if you are overworking a 1/2 hp, you're in danger of breaking the blade anyway. I cut ash and lucust all the time and have no trouble. It's evem a used motor.

If half horse won't pull it, blade is dull or something is drastically wrong. Some motors are not made to put out continously at their rated power either. That may be as much the problem as anything.