Bandsaw choice

[Charles Derrickson]

I’m looking to upgrade my bandsaw. I have a rikon 10”. It works for very small stuff. I need something larger for general use purposes. I’m trying to decide between the 14” Rikon 10-326 deluxe and the 17” grizzly G0513.
The Rikon costs about $1600.
The grizzly is $1300.
Does anyone have any experience with either of these.

 

[Ron Solfest]

No experience with those, but I’d consider a Laguna as well

 

[John Grace]

Is this intended for re-sawing?

 

[Charles Derrickson]

I might re-saw every once in a while. I intend on using it on projects as an all around go to bandsaw. I would like something more universal. If that makes sense. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea or not.

 

[Joel Daniels]

I just purchased the Harvey Ambassador C14Pro 14” this morning. It’s on sale with 50% off shipping. It was down to the Laguna 14BX and the Harvey. Just too many extra details on the Harvey to pass up. What ever one you end up getting, I’m sure you will be happy.

 

[Paul Vechart]

I have the Rikon 10-326 on order. I will be using it mainly for prepping logs for turning blanks.

 

[Steven Borruso]

Have had the Grizzly G0513X2BF for about 3yrs ... love it. From resaw, to veneer, to cookies, to large circles and smaller intricate work has performed flawlessly. Blades change easily, really like the brake that stops the blade within a sec. Other things I like ... 2HP, 220V, 12" cut height, 16 1/4" left of blade, cast table, resaw fence, quick tension release, table tilt, 1/8" - 1" blades. Shipping/packaging was great. Has a big eye hook at the top of the machine to hoist onto a mobile base. Sometimes wish it had 2 miter slots.

Just took a peek online at the Harvey machine ... pretty impressive looking .

Decisions, decisions ... good luck with your choice !

 

[John K Jordan]

I’m looking to upgrade my bandsaw. I have a rikon 10”. It works for very small stuff. I need something larger for general use purposes. I’m trying to decide between the 14” Rikon 10-326 deluxe and the 17” grizzly G0513.
The Rikon costs about $1600.
The grizzly is $1300.
Does anyone have any experience with either of these.

When you say you want a bandsaw "for general use", what does that mean? Maybe note anything specific you want to do with it.

I don't have experience with those models, but my good experience with Rikon would steer me that way. Looks like it has a 13" cutting capacity, would be great to prep small logs into turning blanks, something I do a lot. The tall rip fence looks nice. I like cast iron wheels instead of aluminum on the cheaper Grizzly.

However, the Grizzly specs look better - more horsepower, wider cut. My 18" Rikon has a pretty wide cut and I use it a lot more than I thought I would. I also like what appears to be a dust pickup just below the lower guides, similar to my Rikon. With that, plus a port in the lower cabinet I get almost no dust in the cabinet (using a cyclone DC). It has only a 12" cutting height like my 18" Rikon but I find that sufficient for my use.

Either of these might run better on 220v if you have it in your shop.

JKJ

 

[Wally Crawford]

I have the 10-326 and am looking at upgrading to the PM 1800B. My only complaint with the Rikon has been that it is underpowered for my use. I primarily use my BS for cutting bowl blanks and the Rikon is just not up to the task. My lathe can do blanks up to 25" and I often cut logs that are 8"+ thick and have to wait for the Rikon to catch up.

My usage differs from yours and you may find the saw great for your use. On a positive note, Rikon customer service has been fantastic any time I have called for parts or advise. Check out Laguna CS before you lock in there. I took a hard look at the Harvey 18" saw, but decided to go all out. Buy once, cry once.

 

[Charles Derrickson]

When you say you want a bandsaw "for general use", what does that mean? Maybe note anything specific you want to do with it.

I don't have experience with those models, but my good experience with Rikon would steer me that way. Looks like it has a 13" cutting capacity, would be great to prep small logs into turning blanks, something I do a lot. The tall rip fence looks nice. I like cast iron wheels instead of aluminum on the cheaper Grizzly.

However, the Grizzly specs look better - more horsepower, wider cut. My 18" Rikon has a pretty wide cut and I use it a lot more than I thought I would. I also like what appears to be a dust pickup just below the lower guides, similar to my Rikon. With that, plus a port in the lower cabinet I get almost no dust in the cabinet (using a cyclone DC). It has only a 12" cutting height like my 18" Rikon but I find that sufficient for my use.

Either of these might run better on 220v if you have it in your shop.

JKJ

When I say general use. I’m talking about bowl blanks, cutting logs down, cutting small projects, Bandsaw boxes, minimal re-saw right now. I don’t have a dedicated shop. I have part of our garage. My table saw and miter saw are on portable stands, they are stowed away. So my 10” tends to get used for most things unless i have to set those up.

 

[Cary Hulse]

Have had the Grizzly G0513X2BF for about 3yrs ... love it. From resaw, to veneer, to cookies, to large circles and smaller intricate work has performed flawlessly. Blades change easily, really like the brake that stops the blade within a sec. Other things I like ... 2HP, 220V, 12" cut height, 16 1/4" left of blade, cast table, resaw fence, quick tension release, table tilt, 1/8" - 1" blades. Shipping/packaging was great. Has a big eye hook at the top of the machine to hoist onto a mobile base. Sometimes wish it had 2 miter slots.

Just took a peek online at the Harvey machine ... pretty impressive looking .

Decisions, decisions ... good luck with your choice !

I have the slightly cheaper version of this saw without the foot brake. It’s been a great saw for me so far. About 2 years now. Just occasional use but no complaints for the price. Does what I need - bowl blanks, some resawing, breaking down logs, general use.

Grizzly G0513Z - 17" 2 HP​

 

[Rip Littig]

I have the Rikon 10-326 and recently purchased their 18 inch model 10-347. The 10-326 is a very good saw, I just wanted more power and greater resaw capacity to routinely process large blanks. The 10-326 will process large blanks though patience and extra safety precautions are required.