Sears vs Jet 14" Bandsaw

[Pez]

Going to get a bandsaw and cant decide between the two. Generally when I see Sears vs any other brand the other brand is always recommended. Whether there is bias against Craftmans or its real world experience I do not know. However it seems the Craftsman Pro 14" band saw has very good reviews and I saw an article from a woodworking magazine calling it a top value (although I think the issue was several years old). Some factors to consider:

1 - Trying to keep cost down as I need to get a root canal tomorrow and will have a fair amount of out-of-pocket expenses (my dental is so-so). Also have to repair the chimney so money is flying out the door it seems. Right now I can get the Craftsman for total cost of approx $498 and Jet for $565. The Jet (closed stand model) does not come with rails and fence but the Craftsman does so the Jet will require additional funds.

2 - I am very new to woodworking and want soemthing that will be easy to use and will last me awhile. I also dont need to get the best possible band saw out there as I am not making things for a living, just a hobby. Otherwise I would just get a laguna.

3 - The Jet will be shipped directly from the factory whereas I can get the Craftsman local. This could be a factor if the saw ever needs service and I have to send back for repairs. I dont have a vehicle where I can transport it (a friend would pick up the Craftsman with me in his truck) but Sears is minutes from my house, the nearst Jet dealer is not that close.

Its tough because I have read many good reviews from people that bought the Craftsman but dont see many for the Jet. Both have thier advantages and disadvantages. Is one far and away a better machine, I doubt it but any input would be gladly welcome.

If the Ridgid didnt get knocked so often I would put that at the top of my list just because its much cheaper. I looked at Grizzly but shipping will be an issue as I wont have anyone to help unload it. Plus I would like a closed stand saw.

[jbergstrom]

I think the Sears bandsaws are being made by Rikon... (http://www.rikontools.com/products_bandsaws.htm)

Rikon (http://www.rikontools.com/products_bandsaws.htm) has pretty positive reviews as does the Jet... (http://woodworking.jettools.com/Products.aspx?ByCat&cat=333152)

If I were just starting out like you I would save some money and go with the Sears (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00922401000P?cat=Bench+Power+Tools&pid=00922401000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Band+Saws)saw in this instance...

The Sears (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00922401000P?cat=Bench+Power+Tools&pid=00922401000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Band+Saws)saw has some nice features such as balanced cast iron wheels instead of the cheaper aluminum ones most often seen in this price category :cool:

Use the extra money for some nice wood or more tools :cool:

My 2¢

[garager]

I own a Jet BS and I am very pleased with it. Thats about all I can tell you. Never had a problem, works just fine....

[hewood]

It hasn't always been the case, and you need to pick and choose carefully to avoid their lesser tools, but IMO Sears does have some nice machines these days. Rikon makes this one and a couple of others for Sears. They're all getting really good comments and good reviews. I've got the 12" and am really pleased with it. You might want to replace the roller bearings with some $10 ABEC 5 roller blade bearings.

I'm sure either will be fine but I don't think the typical "Craftsman" jitters apply to this one. :lmao:

I'd consider the Grizzly too...

[Pez]

Thanks guys.

I think part of me wants the Jet just because its a Jet and also like Hewood said the craftsman jitters.

I did look at the Grizzly but shipping is an issue - you have to unload the tool yourself from the truck. If I knew for a fact I could get help unloading I would most likely get a Grizzly. Oh well, green is not my color anyways.

I placed an order for the Sears today. I am sure both saws are fine and have thier own positivies and negatives and either will suit me fine.

[Bob D.]

The Sears/Craftsman bandsaws are not made by Rikon...at least that's what I was told when I was talking to the area rep on the phone a year ago.

[jbergstrom]

Hmmmm.... found out after a quick search that this seems to be a controversial topic...

I've also heard that Yukon (http://www.yukontool.com/) makes them and I've also heard that Palmgren (http://www.palmgren.com/) makes them...

Whoever makes them seems to do a pretty good job as there's not too many negative reviews but rather tons of positive ones...:cool:

Was sure that I read about Rikon making them in a woodworking tool review somewhere...:confused:

[Pez]

Hmmmm.... found out after a quick search that this seems to be a controversial topic...

I've also heard that Yukon (http://www.yukontool.com/) makes them and I've also heard that Palmgren (http://www.palmgren.com/) makes them...

Whoever makes them seems to do a pretty good job as there's not too many negative reviews but rather tons of positive ones...:cool:

Was sure that I read about Rikon making them in a woodworking tool review somewhere...:confused:

They look like the Rikon and because of that I thought the same. I have also heard Orion. Its crazy how many products are made by only a handful of companies and then some other company slaps thier label on it and possibly adds a few features.

[hewood]

The Sears/Craftsman bandsaws are not made by Rikon...at least that's what I was told when I was talking to the area rep on the phone a year ago.

AFAIK, more specifically, Richen Enterprises owns Rikon and makes the Rikon and Craftsman. A quick check of the owners manuals reveals nearly identical manuals and many shared part numbers...

[mapdude]

I got a Ridgid 14" about a month ago. Not a dang thing wrong with it. Runs great and smooth as a baby's bottom.

I am a weekender garage shop guy, not using my tools to make a living. Not making junk either. My saw does everything I need.

Your mileage may vary, but I took the difference between an Ridgid BS and a Jet and bought a dedicated mortiser....

[amcnerl]

I have the 14" Pro Craftsman and wouldn't trade it for any other in it's price range. If you read the descriptions you'll see the Craftsman has an 8" re-saw capability. No other 14" saw does, that I'm aware of with out adding riser blocks. If you do go with the Craftsman I would recommend a new blade after you play around and get the feel of the machine. It comes with a 1/4" blade which is good for some scrolling and light resawing. I put a 1/2" on for resawing and it's a dream. Best of luck in your decision.. Keep us informed once you decide.

[Pez]

I have the Craftsman pro on order, should be in the 18th.

[amcnerl]

What do you intend on using it for the most? I use mine mostly for re-sawing. I have a scroll saw for scrolling. I have cut tennons with it too. Let me know how you like it when you have it up and running.

[Pez]

What do you intend on using it for the most? I use mine mostly for re-sawing. I have a scroll saw for scrolling. I have cut tennons with it too. Let me know how you like it when you have it up and running.

It will mostly get used for curve cutting and tenons in the beginning. As I get more experienced with woodworking and aim for bigger projects I will do some re-sawing. The first project is a set of adirondack chairs. I could use a jigsaw but to be honest the jigsaw is my least favorite tool.

The Craftsan pro just got a whole lot more attractive - as low as $399 for craftsman club members.

Once its set up and running I will post back - less than two weeks to go.

[KenM]

The Sears/Craftsman bandsaws are not made by Rikon...at least that's what I was told when I was talking to the area rep on the phone a year ago.
Ditto here, Bob. I asked Rikon about this and had a reply from a Rikon 'VP'. He was emphatic that this is not true. here is part of his reply;
'RIKON does not manufacture the Sears Bandsaws. The factory which we work closely with manufactures for several companies throughout the world.'

Of note is that Rikon has specs and tolerances that the manufactuer must adhere to, any other brands that may be made by the factory are not subject to these specs and tolerances.

Having spent over 3 decades in manufacturing I have constantly witnessed side-by-side production lines with one producing the highest quality product available, and the next line producing cheaper less expensive products.

[Pez]

Bandsaw arrived yesterday - a week early! Once its assembled and running I will post back.

[jbergstrom]

Bandsaw arrived yesterday - a week early!....

You've got to love that... :cool:


Once its assembled and running I will post back...

Can't wait... 2534

[artmann]

I have owned the Sears 22401 for over a year and have enjoyed it thoroughly. By coincidence, the first project I completed using it was a set of Adirondack chairs. I would like to advise you about one issue that I guarantee you will eventually encounter. The guide bearings on the blade will fail and seize up. You need to watch for this to avoid bigger problems. When this happens go to a sporting goods store or look on e-bay and buy a set of in line skate bearings. They cost about $20 for 16. These bearings are the same size and are of higher quality than the originals and will last longer. I would replace all 6 at the same time. It takes all of 10 minutes.

Just for your information, I bought a 3/4" by 0.025" thick 3 tpi Timberwolf resaw blade from Suffolk Machinery. I have been resawing 2 X 6 hard white oak I salvaged from an old barn. The lumber is beautiful. The saw works well considering it is only 1 hp, but you will need to make or buy a tall fence. The one that comes with the saw is next to worthless.

[Bob D.]

I have the 14" Pro Craftsman and wouldn't trade it for any other in it's price range. If you read the descriptions you'll see the Craftsman has an 8" re-saw capability. No other 14" saw does, that I'm aware of with out adding riser blocks. If you do go with the Craftsman I would recommend a new blade after you play around and get the feel of the machine. It comes with a 1/4" blade which is good for some scrolling and light resawing. I put a 1/2" on for resawing and it's a dream. Best of luck in your decision.. Keep us informed once you decide.

The Rikon 14" model 10-325 BS (http://www.rikontools.com/productpage_10-325.htm) has a 13" resaw capacity out of the box and does not use a riser block, but it's a couple hundred bucks more. Still, by the time you get done tweaking a $400 BS you will be close to the price of the 10-325 and still not have surpassed its resaw capacity or the other std features on this bandsaw.

http://www.rikontools.com/images/productphoto_10-325.jpg

[amcnerl]

The Rikon 14" model 10-325 BS (http://www.rikontools.com/productpage_10-325.htm) has a 13" resaw capacity out of the box and does not use a riser block, but it's a couple hundred bucks more. Still, by the time you get done tweaking a $400 BS you will be close to the price of the 10-325 and still not have surpassed its resaw capacity or the other std features on this bandsaw.

http://www.rikontools.com/images/productphoto_10-325.jpg

Right after I posted that I thought I remembered reading about a saw that has a larger re-saw capability. Now that you mention it I do remember. Isn't this the 14" Ultimate saw they advertise? I did consider this when I bought but I was in a hurry and there are no Rikon dealers near me. Thanks for the reminder..

[Bob D.]

Woodcraft sells the Rikon line.

[Pez]

I finsihed assembling the bandsaw but havent turned it on yet. Work has been so busy I havent had time to play around with it. Assembly was a lot easier than I expected, much more so than the TS 3650 thats for sure. Still need to fine tune and calibrate everything.

My inital impressions are very good. Everything seems well laid out and is a solid machine. Bear in mind this is my first bandsaw so I cant compare it to anything. And the last time I used one was in high school 15+ years ago.

[tidewalker]

I am very anxious to hear what you think. I am in the same boat as you. Not sure what to buy and am on a budget as well. Around here the rigid seems to be the cheapest but Sears is a nice looking saw for not that much more.

[Pez]

I am very anxious to hear what you think. I am in the same boat as you. Not sure what to buy and am on a budget as well. Around here the rigid seems to be the cheapest but Sears is a nice looking saw for not that much more.

Originally I planned to get the Ridgid as I am one that likes to have everything the same brand (first got the ridgid table saw and then planer). But after reading so many reviews of 14" bandsaws the sears seemed to be the best value. The Jet closed stand was also high on my list but when I was able to get the sears for $422 plus tax during the craftsman club sale is was a no brainer. The rikon would have been nice as well but twice the price. Plus green is not my favorite color.

Its probably going to be a week or two before I get to give the saw a good workout, this weekend is all about preparing for my superbowl party (Giants fan), lots to cook. Hopefully today I can post some pics at least - the sears where I live had the saw on display but without the table, certainly gives it an incomplete look.

[Pez]

I FINALLY fired up the bandsaw today (craftsman pro 14"). Its much quieter than I expected. So far I am very impressed, cuts well and fine tuning went smoothly. Initailly I tried to cut some 4/4 cherry and the bandsaw didnt like that one bit. It cut into the piece about an inch and then wouldnt cut anymore (blade was still moving though). This was using the included blade and set for softer materials (it has two speeds). I then tried some 3/4" pine with no problems. Next was some 1/2" MDF and got through that like butter.

Soon I am going to be cutting some 4/4 cypress, was wondering what type of blade would be best for this? I dont know much about bandsaw blades yet other than I need to get something a little better than the one that came with the saw (from what I hear).

[hewood]

I FINALLY fired up the bandsaw today (craftsman pro 14"). Its much quieter than I expected. So far I am very impressed, cuts well and fine tuning went smoothly. Initailly I tried to cut some 4/4 cherry and the bandsaw didnt like that one bit. It cut into the piece about an inch and then wouldnt cut anymore (blade was still moving though). This was using the included blade and set for softer materials (it has two speeds). I then tried some 3/4" pine with no problems. Next was some 1/2" MDF and got through that like butter.

Soon I am going to be cutting some 4/4 cypress, was wondering what type of blade would be best for this? I dont know much about bandsaw blades yet other than I need to get something a little better than the one that came with the saw (from what I hear).

Call Suffolk Machinery, tell them what you've got and what you tend to cut, and they'll set you up.