Any Woodworkers out there? Help please

jgln · 11-29-2011, 08:00 AM

Christmas is coming up and my fiancee mentioned she would like a band saw. Well, I decided best we talk about why and what would be suitable rather than just try and make it a surprise for Christmas. She was looking at a small table mounted one for about $130. Turns out she will use it for typical applications but also wants it to cut small logs (I figured that much since she is always putting logs aside from the firewood deliveries) that she finds the grain patterns interesting, most likely rip cuts.

First off I reminded her how dangerous they can be to begin with let alone trying to use them on logs which is much more dangerous. I did some research and it looks like people do use them to cut logs lengthwise with some guides and such.

I found it cheaper to buy that $130 model and mount it to a workbench from harbor freight than to buy one on a stand...with the same throat size.

So what do you recommend? Spend more money on a better one or but her a blender instead so she still has 2 hands come this time next year?

jgln · 11-29-2011, 12:28 PM

**Homercidal** · 11-29-2011, 12:38 PM

If you are going to rip logs, I'd get something better than a tabletop model. They are fine for small pieces, but ripping takes a lot more oomph and can really add to the wear and tear.

Go slow and make sure you have the correct blade. A larger machine will probably cost upwards of $400...

The stand doesn't matter at all. It's the material put into supporting the blades and motor, and the size of the motor. And of course the blade itself too.

I can't see a difference between a cheap table top unit bolted down and a cheap unit on a cheap stand...

And don't worry, it's easy to get cut on a bandsaw, but it doesn't happen often with some basic safety practices. LOTS of people rip boards on a bandsaw.

**IrregularPulse** · 11-29-2011, 12:42 PM

If your wife wants a band saw, I'd recommend not buying her the blender

jgln · 11-29-2011, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homercidal

If you are going to rip logs, I'd get something better than a tabletop model. They are fine for small pieces, but ripping takes a lot more oomph and can really add to the wear and tear.

Go slow and make sure you have the correct blade. A larger machine will probably cost upwards of $400...

The stand doesn't matter at all. It's the material put into supporting the blades and motor, and the size of the motor. And of course the blade itself too.

I can't see a difference between a cheap table top unit bolted down and a cheap unit on a cheap stand...

And don't worry, it's easy to get cut on a bandsaw, but it doesn't happen often with some basic safety practices. LOTS of people rip boards on a bandsaw.

Yeah, I saw (ha,aha) saws in that upper range and thought probably the better saw, stands can't cost that much so value must be in the saw? I read, as you say, the motor takes a beating when you try and do thick wood so I agree there. Glad to hear it can be done. She rarely drinks and knows not to mess with a saw when she does so that is good. I had shop in JRHS and remember that if you force the band it can snap, so I was wondering about her intentions. See next post lol.

jgln · 11-29-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IrregularPulse

If your wife wants a band saw, I'd recommend not buying her the blender

Because it is cheaper? If because of her intentions with the saw...a blender might just take longer.

**android** · 11-29-2011, 07:02 PM

not sure what your upper limit is on cost, but the porter cable one at lowe's right now doesn't look half bad and it's got decent reviews online. if you're gonna rip logs, there's a good chance it will burn out a tabletop model. the one at lowe's not runs about $399, which is significantly less than most that are that size.

**passedpawn** · 11-29-2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgln

Christmas is coming up and my fiancee mentioned she would like a band saw. Well, I decided best we talk about why and what would be suitable rather than just try and make it a surprise for Christmas. She was looking at a small table mounted one for about $130. Turns out she will use it for typical applications but also wants it to cut small logs (I figured that much since she is always putting logs aside from the firewood deliveries) that she finds the grain patterns interesting, most likely rip cuts.

First off I reminded her how dangerous they can be to begin with let alone trying to use them on logs which is much more dangerous. I did some research and it looks like people do use them to cut logs lengthwise with some guides and such.

I found it cheaper to buy that $130 model and mount it to a workbench from harbor freight than to buy one on a stand...with the same throat size.

So what do you recommend? Spend more money on a better one or but her a blender instead so she still has 2 hands come this time next year?

You can't go wrong with anything sold at a Woodcraft store. I have one near me and it's a joy to walk around there. They give lessons on equipment, too. $$$ though. Good luck.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 11-29-2011, 07:12 PM

If she wants a saw DO NOT get her a blender if you ever expect her to let you put your dowel into her tenon again.

And if you get her a saw, get a good one. A months salary should be equivalent.

**passedpawn** · 11-29-2011, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GilaMinumBeer

A months salary should be equivalent.