Advise or insight on bandsaws

W

Wyatt32

Joined
Jun 19, 2007
Messages
78
I would like to purchase a 4x6 bandsaw. I am looking at grizzly or harbor
freight. I would like some feedback on either. I read some posts that say
they are the same except for paint and others that say grizzly might be
held to closer assembly tolerances. I don't know so any help would be
appreciated. Please don't turn this into any mine is better than yours
arguement. There is also a few points for HF because there is a store
that just opened 1 1/2 hours away and the initial price is a little lower,
but if there is an appreciable quality difference I'd like to hear about it.
Thanks in advance for your responses.

P.S. I know that the new can and probably will differ from older models,
just try to find a sears 1hp 2x42 (3wheel grinder).


Wyatt
 
Look close they are probably the same machine painted a different color..when I was looking for a bandsaw I looked at HF, MSC, ENCO, Grizzly, Jet etc. All of them were the same machine with company paint on them. I picked up a 7x12 from HF. It came down to the shipping. HF delivered to my door for $35. Everyone else wanted $200 plus. I have cut thousands of part with it and it still cuts straight. New blade of course but works great.

Chuck
 
Go with the HF, especially if it's still on sale for $160. No shipping since the store is close, you can't beat the deal.
 
Thanks for the responces. Does anyone have any good sites or tutorials
on setting one up with details on adjustments? I have read it makes a big
difference on how they perform, but the post didn't really explain anything.
 
I have a grizzly and an enco model and I don't see any difference. However, one thing is common to all theses machines; they come with crappy belts, as soon as you get your machine take off the belt and go to your favorite auto parts store and get one of the green belts to replace it. You won't regret it and the green belts last for years of heavy use.
Thanks,
Del
 
Our local Harbor Freight (Johnson City TN) sent out a sale catalog with the red 4x6 band saw priced at $149. I think this is the lowest price I have seen for this saw. Sale ends Nov.12

Take Care
Charles
 
Hi Wyatt, I don't know any websites, but I know that the biggest thing for me is the table. Either replace the table or line it with something on the back side (like micarta). The flimsy table that comes with the saw makes a terrible racket and will inevitably flex the one time you don't want it to. Some folks like to cut them down a bit too, I don't care much either way, but I don't care for the channels that it comes with.
 
I agree about the table too. I have one that I use wit the table and made one out of a 6 inch square pice of 1/2" aluminium. It warks great and it took me about 10 min to put the holes in and start using it.
Thanks,
Del
 
I just purchased the 4" X 6" from Harborfreight and although the stand seems a bit flimsy, the bandsaw is pretty darn good for $149. Once the individual flimsy stand parts are assembled together, it's actually quite sturdy. Assembly was quite easy, except that cotter pins for the wheels and handle were missing -but it was easily remedied with some nails.

I just cut some 1/4" 5160 with the factory blade on the medium speed setting, it works like a charm.

P.S. Make sure you use the support bracket with the table, then there shouldn't be any problems with it.
 
I cut over 10,000 lbs of W2 stock, 11'' long with my newer Grizzly. Went through 5 or 6 bi metal blades but the saw worked fine.
 
My experience is if you buy the HF get the replacement warrenty, I think it is $20. They will replace it once within 2 years after mfg warrenty. You will most likely need it. I have sworn off HF. I love the tools I have had all my life but I cannot get more than 1-2 years out of the HF stuff.
 
Thanks for all the repies guys, I appreciate it.
And a big thankyou to Charles for the heads up on the sale!

Wyatt
 
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