Popular Woodworking 2000-11 № 118, страница 19
the sharper turns in the blade caused by the three wheels can sometimes mean reduced blade life and it can be harder to get the blade to track properly. Also, though the capacity is increased, the power is still that of a benchtop model. Features to compare in benchtop saws include the type of guide bearings, resaw capacity, (though most benchtop saws don't have much power for this), and added features such as a rip fence, miter gauge, work light and wheel brushes. Floor Model Band Saws Floor model band saws are the model of choice for most home shops. While not as affordable as benchtop models, the additional resaw capacity, motor performance and features outweigh the price. Ranging from 10" up to 24", most floor model band saws cost between $300 and $3,000, with those over $700 designed for use in commercial shops. Floor model band saws are made of steel or cast iron, with the extra weight proving useful to reduce vibration. The most common and versatile models are the 14" versions, offering good value for their performance. Most 14" saws offer a standard resaw capacity of about 6", and many 14" models offer an optional riser kit to increase the resaw capacity to 12". Floor-model band saws range in motor power from V2 hp in a 10" or 12" model, to a 3/4- or 1 hp in the 14" range. As with many power tools, whenever possible compare amps rather than horsepower for the most accurate power assessment. The variety of floor model band saws is large, so you should be able to find a saw that meets your needs and your budget. Features to look at are the type of blade guides included, the option of adding a riser block, resaw and depth capacities, and features such as fences, wheel brushes, rack-and-pinion blade guards and brakes on larger models. By spending a little more, you'll get better fit and finish, more power, brand name reliability and other features worth considering. Riser Kits Some two-wheel band saws (mostly 14" models) let you add an optional riser kit to increase the resawing capacity. Riser kits cost from $60 to $100 and include a cast piece to extend the neck of the saw, extended blade guards and usually a longer blade. (Extending the depth of cut adds a dozen inches or so to the blade length.) If you think you may someday want to resaw a piece of wood wider than 6", check to see that the saw you are considering has this option. Guides The blade guides on a band saw are like railroad tracks for a train. If they don't perform correctly, the train may still run but it won't be very efficient and you're probably headed for an accident. Most band saws guides have a rear thrust bearing (to support the blade from the back side) and a set of metal blocks to keep the blade from moving side-to-side during a cut. There is a set of these guides above the table, and a similar set below. While these guides are usually adequate to the task, an upgrade will improve the precision and performance of your saw. One such upgrade is to a synthetic-guide In Europe, many home woodshops are based around the band saw, instead of the table saw. As a result, many European band saws are of excellent quality. PW OmmenKo: The following band saws have been tested or used by the editors of Popular Woodworking and have earned their recommendation. Occasional User Benchtop: Delta's 28-150 two-wheel saw offers hp motor, 9" throat capacity and a 33/4" resaw capacity for $165. Or the Grizzly G8976 three-wheel model offers a 3/4 hp motor with 12" throat capacity 45/8" resaw capacity for only $139. Floor model: Grizzly G1019 band saw offers a 3/4 hp motor, 14" throat capacity and a 6/4" resaw capacity rip fence, circle cutting guide, miter gauge and enclosed base for $295.Add a 6" riser block kit for another $40. Serious Home Woodworker Benchtop:We don't really recommend a benchtop model for serious home woodworkers. But if space forces you into a benchtop, the Inca model 205 offers a 3/8 hp motor, 8" throat capacity 5 i/2" resaw capacity and a quality rip fence for $365. Floor model: JET's JWBS-C14CS with a I hp motor 14" throat capacity 6" resaw capacity rip fence and enclosed stand can be found on sale for $580.Add a 6" riser block for $65 and you've got a heck of a machine. Advanced Woodworker or Professional If your I4" band saw doesn't cut it anymore and you're ready for the next step, look to Laguna's LT 18 with a 3 hp motor, a I8" throat capacity and a I2" resaw capacity, foot brake, fence and more. It's a very well-made machine for the pro, selling for $2,095.We recently added a Laguna saw to our shop and have been most impressed. Or if the capacity interests you, but your wallet won't quite take it, check out Grizzly's G1258 3 hp band saw with a 20" throat capacity I3 /t" resaw capacity and foot brake for $I,295. |
