Tool conundrum - benchtop bandsaw recomendations?

jbagley · #1 01-07-2012, 01:24 PM

So, I can't be the first builder to have this problem...

I have a flying RV at the airport in a hangar where the majority of my tools are and I have an RV under construction at home. I have slowly been moving my smaller tools into individual tool boxes for easy transportation. But, I can't see dragging drill presses and band saws around...

I find myself doing some work at home and some at the hangar (where I have more space).

Would like to buy an inexpensive drill press and band saw. Any recommendations in the $100-$300 range for a bench top band saw and/or drill press? Most of the online reviews for these lower end units appear to be woodworkers.

Thanks!

Alex · #2 01-07-2012, 02:50 PM

I was able to get a Grizzly G0555 for $200 by monitoring Craigslist and waiting for a good deal. It's been great, and much nicer than a tabletop model.

fatherson · #3 01-07-2012, 02:54 PM

I have this DELTA BS100 Shopmaster, and find it works great. I replaced the cheap supplied blade with a higher quality 14-tpi metalworking blade, which cuts aluminum like butter.

--
Stephen

Craig · #4 01-07-2012, 03:13 PM

I am happy with the line of Ryobi benchtop tools that I bought at Home Depot.

Band saw, drill press, belt sander.

Each cost just over a hundred dollars.

ppilotmike · #5 01-07-2012, 03:25 PM

I think any bench-top band saw will work pretty well with a decent blade in place. I have a cheapo from the depot and it works just fine with aluminum. Take it slower with the big stuff though..

rv9aviator · #6 01-07-2012, 04:39 PM

The table top one I bought from Grizzly was awful. The blades were an odd size too. I don't think they sell that model any more which is good.

pilot2512 · #7 01-07-2012, 06:07 PM

I have bought all my power tools from CPO outlet. They sell reconditioned tools with a warranty. Haven't had any problems and they shipped quickly. I got a 9" band saw for $89 and put a metal cutting blade on it.

jpharrell · #8 01-07-2012, 06:12 PM

I have been happy with the 10-inch Craftsman I bought about two years ago. It ran about $200. Since I replaced the blade with a bi-metal 14-tpi from Haltbar Sagen it cuts aluminum very well. Just don't cut steel or the blade will dull quickly.

John Harrell
Building RV7A fuselage, finishing kit ordered
http://www.johnsrv7a.wordpress.com

blueflyer · #9 01-07-2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I am happy with the line of Ryobi benchtop tools that I bought at Home Depot.

Band saw, drill press, belt sander.

Each cost just over a hundred dollars.

Ditto for me.

WingsOnWheels · #10 01-09-2012, 05:55 AM

I received the 9" craftsman bandsaw as a gift. It has seen no use on the RV to date. It is basically useless. I think the 10" model is OK, but the 9" is just cheap. The frame flexes so bad that you can't put tension on the blade without it wondering off the reel. I don't even use it for cutting wood. Plus the blade is an odd-ball size that no one carries.