Dislikes
Just as with any tool, there are some things I don’t like about this saw. Some of them I pointed out above.
One of the biggest disadvantages in this saw is its minimum blade size. It will take blades up to 1-1/4″, but the smallest blade you can use on this saw is 1/4″. There are probably several factors involved in this, but the double-bearing guides probably is the main reason for this. I have heard rumors about a kit from Rikon to fix this, but I have yet to see one. I would like to be able to use 1/8″ blades in this saw.
Another gripe is the bearings – on my saw the upper guide bearing mount was slightly off center from the blade (pic), which made adjustment a little frustrating until I figured out what was going on. This is fixable, but probably is reflective of sub-par craftsmanship. I know of one other person on Woodnet with this complaint.
The fence is too short to be considered useful for resawing, and the resaw bar is kind of silly. I will need to make a new vertical fence face for this purpose, but otherwise the fence is just fine.
In use
Update – after working with this saw for a few months, I have to say I am still as happy with it as the day I bought it. I have done fine work with the 1/4″ blade, resawing with a 1″ blade (using a shop-built tall resaw fence), and most of my general work with a 3/8″ blade. It tensions all blades properly, and tracks nicely. No gripes at this point, except for the shortcomings I mentioned above. Note, however, that this model has been discontinued… see the note at the bottom of this page for more details!
Other links of interest:
- An excellent review of band saws from American Woodworker (Oct/Nov 2004)
- A review on Saw Mill Creek forums
Other good magazine reviews:
- Fine Woodworking #170 (May/June 2004) … (sneak peak)
- Wood Magazine #166 (November 2005) … (sneak peak)
NOTE: Rikon has replaced this saw with a new version – model number 10-345. This is not exactly the same saw anymore. See the NEXT PAGE for more details…
2 responses so far ↓
1 Mr Woodworker // Dec 18, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Awesome bandsaw, man. I have the same one and it kicks some serious booty.
2 Monty // Dec 19, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Yea, this has been a pretty good tool for the money.
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