So What Size Bandsaw for Rough Out?

[karaterick]

Last week I proposed the question as to whether I would be better off with a band saw or table saw for roughing out board bows and it seemed to be unanimous for the band saw.

As I am on a real tight budget, spending wisely is paramount.

That being said, what is the minimum size band saw and what is the minimum power that I need to efficiently and accurately cut down 3/4" - 1 1 /2" thick red oak and hickory boards?
Will the same saw also work for cutting backing and laminate (something that I don't have a clue on yet)?

Thanks for you help!

[osage outlaw]

My 12" 1 hp bandsaw works fine for roughing out staves, but I would love to have a 14" grizzly with a little more power.  Keep an eye out on your local craigslist site.  You can find some great deals on good used saws. 

[Roy]

You buy a decent band saw and it will last you a lifetime. You buy junk and that's what you get, and you will be kicking yourself in the butt for years. I would put some money away every pay till you have $700.00 saved up and that will get you a great saw. I would hold out for a 14 inch, 1 1/2 hp band saw. You can get a used saw for $300.00 or less.

[Pat B]

14", 1hp.  Grizzly

[ScottN]

how much space do you have for it? i bought a 10"craftsman bandsaw brand new from sears for $180. not to big, but it is great for making bows(with an upgraded blade). if i had the room in my garage for anything bigger, i would have gotten it. But this 10" one fits perfect on top of my workbench! it also doesnt weight to much and i could easily pick it up and move it if i need the space back on my bench.

someone else i know builds takedown lam-bows w/ bolt-on limbs using a 9" craftsman bandsaw. granted, he has some other tools he uses but the bandsaw does most of the roughing out!

if you goto a local sear's, sometimes they will be selling last years model or slightly used ones for quite cheaper.

[hatcha]

Started work on one of my ash staves yesterday (after about 3 years curing).  De-barked it, marked out the bow, then brought in the sides with drawknife and Surform.  My drawknife is crap - they just don't make tools like they used to a hundred years ago - and I have a lot of meat to remove from the "belly" of the stave so I was thinking about bandsaws and was gonna post a question about them so I'm glad I saw this thread

14 inch, 1 - 1.5hp saw seems to be the most recommended style, would that be the best place to start from?

Steve.

[chamookman]

Steve - If You have the money and space, go for it. There is no such thing as having too much saw when it comes to roughing out staves. Bob

[karaterick]

 I have a decent amount of room. Money is my biggest obstacle. I could swing a new 9" or 10" band saw or possibly used 12", but would have to find a great deal on that.

[H Rhodes]

I would save my money till I found a deal on the 14" saw.  I have a couple band saws and I use them regularly.  One is a craftsman 10" and I put the widest blade that would fit on it and it really isn't enough saw for roughing out staves, in my opinion.  If you are cutting laminations it would do,  I guess.  I use mine for string nocks and arrow nocks and small detail work.  I have a 14" saw that is my "go to" saw for roughing out a bow.  I don't think a table saw is a bad investment either.  I use the table saw a lot.   

[karaterick]

I would save my money till I found a deal on the 14" saw.  I have a couple band saws and I use them regularly.  One is a craftsman 10" and I put the widest blade that would fit on it and it really isn't enough saw for roughing out staves, in my opinion.  If you are cutting laminations it would do,  I guess.  I use mine for string nocks and arrow nocks and small detail work.  I have a 14" saw that is my "go to" saw for roughing out a bow.  I don't think a table saw is a bad investment either.  I use the table saw a lot.

Am I in the same position if I bought a table saw - that I'd have to get a larger more expensive one anyway? Or with a table saw can I do more with less?

[Roy]

I wouldn't rush into this too fast, keep watching the paper or craigs list. Grizzly tools has a pay me later deal, you have 6 months interest free if the total amount is paid off within the 6 months. This saw is $624.00 delivered. In my opinion you are better off buying a good saw that will last you for years and do any job you need done, than spending less and getting less of a tool.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-Deluxe-Bandsaw/G0555LX

[H Rhodes]

I wouldn't rush into this too fast, keep watching the paper or craigs list. Grizzly tools has a pay me later deal, you have 6 months interest free if the total amount is paid off within the 6 months. This saw is $624.00 delivered. In my opinion you are better off buying a good saw that will last you for years and do any job you need done, than spending less and getting less of a tool.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-Deluxe-Bandsaw/G0555LX

Yep, I agree.  Get what you need the first time, otherwise you will still be looking for a saw. 

[karaterick]

Good advice! Thanks everyone!

[rps3]

I just bought a new 14" 1hp shop fox with cast iron wheels for 500 bucks. This saw is awesome. I have had a few used ones. My older 12" 1 1/8 hp craftsman was good enough, but I dont see it lasting too long as cheaply as it is made. If I were to do it again, I would have stuck with a hatchet until I could have bought a new one.

[hatcha]

I wouldn't rush into this too fast, keep watching the paper or craigs list. Grizzly tools has a pay me later deal, you have 6 months interest free if the total amount is paid off within the 6 months. This saw is $624.00 delivered. In my opinion you are better off buying a good saw that will last you for years and do any job you need done, than spending less and getting less of a tool.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-Deluxe-Bandsaw/G0555LX

Nice saw!!  You think Grizzly would ship to Ireland?