Band saws are great tools for home workshops, if you know what to look for. These recommendations will simplify your choices.
There are many brands, sizes, and blades to consider when you're looking at band saws. Craftsman, Delta, and Lenox are among the most popular names for home workshops. It's not necessary to look beyond these "big three."
The first thing to consider when buying a band saw may be your budget. The good news is, you can probably find a sturdy and reliable saw in your price range.
DELTA
Delta's prices are among the lowest for basic, durable band saws. Their designs change very little from year to year; it can be difficult to tell a 1950s Delta saw from a more recent model.
For clean, simple cuts, Delta saws get rave reviews from many owners. From assembly to set up, Delta is a good starter saw, and a solid choice for professional use on a budget.
There are some shortcomings with Delta products. They're not as easy to clean as Craftsman saws, and Deltas are known for generating a lot of sawdust. Other brands offer good dust collection systems, but with most Delta saws, you'll need to keep a broom and dustpan handy for regular clean-ups.
Many pros recommend immediately replacing Delta blades. But, not all band saw blades are interchangeable. In fact, not all Delta blades will fit Delta saws. Be sure to consult your Delta manual. It's even better to ask at the hardware store, describing the specific kinds of projects you have in mind.
Smaller Delta band saws, such as the 9-inch, do not earn the favorable reviews of the larger, more expensive models. Especially if you're using the saw for 45-degree cuts for frames or other home projects requiring a miter gauge, be sure that your saw comes with this attachment. Smaller Deltas such as the 9-inch--and a few larger ones--won't always fit attachments from other companies.
If you want to make complex cuts with hard woods such as oak, walnut, or mahogany, the 14-inch Delta is a smart choice. But, for simple cuts and if you're a soft wood such as pine, the 9-inch may be all that you need.
In professional shops where the saw will be in use four or more hours every day, the motors in the smaller Deltas may not be rugged enough for hard, daily use. But, for most hobbyists, the Delta motor is more than adequate.
Otherwise, Deltas earn generally high marks for being rugged, accurate band saws, regardless of price. Their more expensive saws--above $800--are likely to exceed your expectations. But, even at the $100 level, many hobbyists are happy with Delta products.
If you're buying a Delta band saw from an advertisement, be sure that the items shown in the ad come with your saw. In some cases, those are optional attachments, not included.
Also, many of the larger Delta saws offer an optional wheel set. This is a smart investment if you may be working with big pieces of wood that need extra support or more elbow room when you're working.
In general, Delta band saws are a fine choice if you're a beginning woodworker or have a limited budget.
CRAFTSMAN
If you're able to spend a little more than the price of most Delta band saws, Craftsman is an ideal choice. In fact, during a sale and with your Craftsman Club card, you can find Craftsman band saws for the same price as their Delta counterparts.
You can join the Craftsman Club at no charge at any Sears store that carries their Craftsman tools. In addition to a free newsletter, Craftsman Club members qualify for special sale days, and other members-only offers. If you're shopping for a band saw, the savings can be significant.
Craftsman tools, including band saws, come with Sears' unbeatable guarantee, "Satisfaction or your money back." Likewise, Craftsman tools are made in the USA; when people had complaints about Delta band saws, those saws were usually made in China.
Craftsman saws are especially safe for home and hobbyist use, when the safety guard is in place. If you're purchasing a saw for Scouting projects, this can be important.
In general, Craftsman saws meet customers' expectations. And, when you need replacement parts, Sears is generally well stocked and convenient.
For most projects at home and in the shop, Craftsman makes a dependable saw at a good price.
LENOX
Saw blades are likely to be the most often replaced part in your band saw. If your current blade isn't meeting your needs and your saw gets frequent use, a high-quality replacement may be more economical in the long run.
Lenox blades are nearly legendary among professionals and hobbyists alike. Lenox may be best known for its hand tools such as hacksaws and utility knives, but they also manufacture high-quality band saw blades.
If you're planning to use your band saw for metal cutting, Lenox blades are your best choice. In fact, if you're looking ahead to metal projects, be sure that your new saw can accommodate Lenox blades. This will vary from model to model, and it's wise to keep future needs in mind.
Whether you're cutting wood, metal, or another material, the quality of your finished project may depend upon the quality of the blade you use. Few brands of blades earn the consistent raves that Lenox does.
Buying a band saw and replacement parts can seem confusing to a beginner. If you start with reliable brands such as Delta, Craftsman, and Lenox, you are likely to be rewarded with many happy hours in the workshop, and projects that turn out well.
Written by Eibhlin MacIntosh
