CRAFTSMAN OR RIKON 10" BAND SAW

[Michael Coughlin]

I am looking for a bench top band saw. I am down to the Rikon or Craftsman. Looking at them I see no difference. The only difference seems to be the warranty. I can get the Craftsman for $169.99 or the Rikon for $249.99. Any help would be appreciated.

[Ken Darga]

Mike,

Compare the saw specs and their capabilities and limitations.

What size blades and blade teeth are available for each saw?

Is the saw capable of using 1/8" blades, so as to make small radius?

Can the saw be used for ripping wide stock?

Wider blades will perform better---is the saw capable of  using a 1/2" blade?

Also, check the band-saw blades availability, and where you can obtain replacement or additional blades.

Does your local hardware store handle the blades and sizes you'll need?

Are replacement or service parts readily available?

Can you service the unit yourself or do you need to send it in?

Can service be performed locally or do you need to ship it?

The Craftsman will do the job.

If you plan to do lots of cutting on a band-saw, then I'd go with the Rikon.

Tuning of an "out-of-the-box band-saw" needs to be done, no matter what saw you get.

Check your community, perhaps you can find a used band-saw, that will suffice for your needs.

PS---I have a Craftsman 10" saw that is several years old, and it still performs well, but is limited to smaller work-pieces and uses 1/4" blades.

It has limitations, but is usefull for many band-saw cutting tasks.