Band Saw and Planer Recommendation, please

[NickM]

Hello Friends,

I am in the market for a bench top band saw and a planer. Nothing industrial. They are for my-side-of-the-garage woodworking shop.

Now, put down that adult beverage and get to it. 

Be well,

Nick

[Don Foley]

Nick,

I have an older model Delta 12" planer.  I am happy with the performance it has provided.  Newer models have dust (chip) collection built in whereas mine has a home-built modification to reduce the mess from planing.  As for band saw, I still own an old black and Decker 3 wheel model (no longer manufactured).  I would not recommend it if it was still in production.  The blade tracking system is terrible (the blade routinely comes off the wheels) and no matter how I adjust it the blade wanders terribly if I'm trying to resaw hardwoods.  It was probably built for hobby work using either pine or balsa wood.  What do you plan to use the band saw for the most; cutting curves, resawing wood or some other task?  That may help others in suggesting some desired features.

Don

[NickM]

Hello Don,

Thanks for your input.

I am searching Craig's List for a decent planer. Price will be a factor, but I want a decent planer.

As for my band saw use I see myself cutting curves mainly. 

Again, I appreciate your reply.

Thanks,

Nick

[Keith Baker Sr]

 Hey Nick..Check Craigslist,the bench top band saws are always on there for cheap.  You can buy a Craftsman for 20 - 50 dollars and the parts are always available.

[Ken Darga]

The three-wheeled band saws, when properly tuned and setup, perform very well.

My Craftsman 10", made by Delta, has been in use for over 15 years, and it performs well.

I have no complaints with it.

This saw is limited to light to medium duty use, cutting wood, plastics and light metal.

Smaller size band saws are equipped with a small motor, and not intended for continuous-duty use.

When  the motor gets warm, shut it off, allow it to cool down, before returning to continued use.

Allow the blade to do the work---don't force the cutting. 

If you try to twist the blade, or make too tight of curved cuts, it'll bind, jump out of the guide blocks and jump off the wheel.

Proper blade tension is a MUST.

Over-tension will be cause for blade breakage.

Keep the upper guide set to 1/8 - 1/4" above the work-piece, as with any band saw.

Use sharp blades.  

Band saw blades can be sharpened, with the proper tools and skills.

Keep the tracking wheels clean---remove access dust buildup from the bands on the wheel.  

Open the unit, inspect for excess dust build-up and vac it out.

A suitable dust port can be fitted onto older machines, that were not equipped with such a feature.

With proper maintenance and servicing, these machines will perform well.

[Ken Darga]

For making sharp bends and curves, in little pieces, I'd recommend a scroll saw.

[Ken Darga]

Most service parts for discontinued craftsman tools, are NLA.

[Joe Van De wiel]

The sears12 inch band saw works great its made by Rikon but at a lower price same features looks the Same except a different color very pleased with mine

[Ken Darga]

Joe,

What's the model number for the Sears 12" band saw?

I couldn't find a current one listed.

Thanks

Joe Van De wiel said:

The sears12 inch band saw works great its made by Rikon but at a lower price same features looks the Same except a different color very pleased with mine