Your thoughts on Craftsman Prof 14" Bandsaw

[CherokeeKC]

A guy down the street has a 14" craftsman professional bandsaw with 14" draw.  I wanted to see if any of you have experience with this bandsaw and what you think of it.  Here is the listing:   http://norfolk.craigslist.org/tls/4290624781.html.   Any feedback is appreciated.  Thanks

[osage outlaw]

I've never had any of their professional equipment.  I know I have not been impressed with the quality of their newer 12" band saw.  As soon as I replace the broken shaft on mine I'm selling it and buying a better brand.

[bubby]

for that price it aint a bad deal but like OO i'm not impressed with their stuff but it depends on how heavy you will use it, Grizzly makes good stuff but if I had the money I would go with a jet

[CherokeeKC]

I have a smaller model 10" craftsman table top bandsaw and its a piece of crap.  I was hoping this model was better.  I might bring some wood and see if the guy will let me cut some stuff on it first.  I just want one to rough out bows really.  I would use it on various other odd projects but it wouldnt see alot of use.  Thanks for the input guys.

[Danzn Bar]

HP and Blade manufacture is the key to band saws IMHO..................
DBar

[Danzn Bar]

Opps......I forgot ....along with the roller guides and adjustment..

[Renacs]

 I started out with a cheap bandsaw, but in the longrun It ended up costing me more$ in ruined staves and time. I would wait and save for the right one. Dont forget to check local auctions,

[YosemiteBen]

@ CherokeeKC - there was some discussion on band saws on s couple of the other threads. Essentially they had pretty much decided that once craftsman got into the DIY phase their equipment went to crap. Some prefer Grizzlies and others have other preference all budget based of course. Check out your local craigs list or auction sites. On of the threads even had a home made one. Good luck in your search.

[Dharma]

It pays to know most power tool repair shops will not touch Craftsman power tools. And parts are not always available for them. No one knows who made the tool for them and so parts interchangability with other brands is not usually possible.

[CherokeeKC]

Ok thanks guys.  I think ill keep saving

[CherokeeKC]

I found a delta for same price.  http://norfolk.craigslist.org/tls/4302573682.html. What do you all think?

[mwosborn]

Looks to me like you got a good deal!

[osage outlaw]

I would buy the delta instead of the Craftsman.  Just my opinion.

[Ink]

i have the craftsman 14" professional band saw. its a little sensitive on the alignment. but once you get it adjusted properly its cuts like a beast. i put a timber wolf 3/4" 3 teeth per inch blade on it and it easily glides thru 6" plus thick pieces of wood. a lot of times the tension of the blade has a lot to do with how well it cuts as well. I use a low tension blade and have the belt on the lower RPM setting. I give it a good thumbs up for the price. I had a craftsman 12" before and thought i needed a bigger one. I talked to a friend who turns out to do a lot of resawing and he said my blade was wrong for what i was doing on the 12". 6 teeth per inch blades are not good for resawing, which is what you'll find at most large hardware stores. Sears usually caries the 3 or 4 teeth per inch blades