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Band Saw – Rikon model 10-345

Shortly after I made my purchase, Rikon replaced this model with a new model – model 10-345. This is not exactly the same saw anymore, so some explanation of the differences are warranted.

There are two differences that I am aware of. There may be more, but these are the only two that have come to my attention.

First, the trunion is improved. Instead of the stamped steel like on mine, the new saws have a cast iron trunion. The angle adjust knob also appears to have an extension on it so you don’t have to reach so far under the table to get to it. These pics show the comparison:

Model 10-340 (old)	Model 10-345 (new)

Second, there has been a significant re-design of the blade tension release lever. Based on real-world experience, this new design causes problems with tracking adjustments on the upper wheel assembly. These pics hopefully clarify the differences between the old and the new design:

Model 10-340 (old)	Model 10-345 (new)
Vertical lever (above the pivot point of the upper wheel).	Horizontal lever (below pivot point).
Cam-operated design: turning the lever PULLS the upper wheel up to tighten the band.	No cam.
Simple screw/bushing at bottom.	Re-designed mechanism: turning the lever changes tension by PUSHING the upper wheel up against the band.

This new design has been reported to cause problems. Adding a point of friction below the pivot point of the upper wheel assembly just seems like a bad idea, and in fact it causes the tracking adjustment to be difficult and unreliable. See this thread on NCWoodworker.net for more details on this. The photos of the new 10-345 model were provided by cpowell from NCWoodworker.net.

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