Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: JoJoDapyro on October 02, 2014, 11:27:49 pm

Title: Decisions, decisions
Post by: JoJoDapyro on October 02, 2014, 11:27:49 pm

Should I buy a band saw, or go rock hunting? What should a guy do?
Also, what should I look for in a decent band saw?

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: Pat B on October 02, 2014, 11:37:03 pm

14" Grizzly with a 1hp motor. It will last longer than a pile of rocks.  ;)

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: Joec123able on October 02, 2014, 11:37:54 pm

Who needs a bandsaw ?  8)

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: JoJoDapyro on October 02, 2014, 11:40:51 pm

Ok  :) let me be a bit more clear. A good rock hunting trip will cost me about a hundred bucks. On an online site similar to craigs list I can get a 12 inch Craftsman for $100, or a 10 inch Delta for about $80. What size would be best? Should I just save  :-\ and buy a new one?

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: osage outlaw on October 03, 2014, 12:36:16 am

Go with whichever saw has the bigger motor.  1HP+ is good.  Although you can get by with a smaller motor. 

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: Pappy on October 03, 2014, 05:24:34 am

Buy the bigest you can afford. ;) Between the 2 you mentioned I would go with the Craftsman.  :)
 Pappy

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: chamookman on October 03, 2014, 05:28:37 am

Save a bit more and go with a 14"er - You won't regret it ! My old original had a 1/2 hp motor that lasted about a year (used mostly hogging out staves). Got a 3/4 hp two stage American made motor - with a 3/8" 3tpi blade it would rip anything if You could fit it in there  >:D! Bob

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: Knoll on October 03, 2014, 07:37:57 am

Ya only live once.  Get the saw with biggest motor ... AND ... go rock hunting!

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: JoJoDapyro on October 03, 2014, 11:22:20 pm

I ended up finding a 12 inch craftsman. It has an 80 inch blade, and a 1/3 hp motor. Picked it up for $75, new blade was $9. Tyke already cut out a board. Can't wait till tomorrow to play some more.

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: Pat B on October 03, 2014, 11:34:16 pm

Watch your fingers!  ;)

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: SeanStuart on October 04, 2014, 12:05:56 am

A quality blade will make a big difference. I like timber wolf blades they are reasonably priced, last pretty good, and cut very nicely. suffolkmachinery.com/

The ones I have bought at Lowes and Home depot were not worth .....

Have fun.

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions
Post by: JoJoDapyro on October 04, 2014, 11:25:47 am

Sean, I want to try one. A national wood working chain near me has them. They seem to have good ratings. I bought a bosch blade last night. 6TPI 1/2.