I’ve searched the archives and haven’t found bandsaws so here is my question. In everyone’s opinion, what is the best 16″ bandsaw on the market today. Thank you in advance for all answers. Steve
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post this over at knots as well.
A lot of folks make 14-inchers. Jet, Delta, Powermatic, Grizzly, Woodtek, etc.
You said 16. That starts to limit things.
This 15-incher by Woodtek, from Woodworkers Supply, is a good one. With multiple speeds, it will be good for your metal cutting needs, plus of course wood.
$899.
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If you are willing to spend a little more, Laguna makes great saws. For a little less, Bridgewood or Jet. I've got a Jet 18" and am happy for the price. Bought a woodslicer brand blade recently and it resaws like a dream.
Oh yeah. Laguna. We recently got one at the shop (18" I think) and it is unreal. I think it was over $2500, though.
I bought a Grizzly G1073 16" bandsaw about 7 years ago. I have used many bandsaws,from little 12" delta to a 36" bandsaw that was made in Philadelphia in the late 1800's. Never could find a nameplate on that big saw.The Grizzly is the only 16" saw that I recall using. I can truthfully say that this is the best bandsaw I have used outside of the big one I described.Never used Laguana or some of the other well known quality saws.
You can get a deal on the Grizzly open stand 16" saw,Grizzly stopped making them. I imagine the average woodworkerprefers a 14" saw, or possibly a 18" saw for resawing capability.The saw I have has plenty of power, I routinely resaw hardwood logs. The resaw height is limited to about 7 1/2", no riser block can be added as this saw is solid cast iron along the height.Not a big problem for me, I resaw as wide as I can, glue flitch's up for extra width if needed.Most of my work is with boards 6" wide or less.
As far as the best? Try a google search for 16" bandsaw reviews, you'll find something I'm sure.
mike
What is best depends on what you want to do.
I like my 14" Delta with a riser block. I would like to have another 12" between the blade and the frame but that would require a 36" saw and I don't need something that "heavy" or "big".
You said the best, money not an issue right? Check out Mini Max
http://www.minimax-usa.com/bandsaws/mm16.html
I got a harbor freight bandsaw, its a direct copy of a delta that sears sell. direct copy. dont buy it, I rather have a jet