anybody bought the $349.00 northern bandsaw

[tennessee rockhumper]

here is the link:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=35758&R=35758

i need a bandsaw, and there are several threads that slam the cheap HF bandsaw, (won't cut straight, burns down, gets clogged) this one is a little bigger, geared different, and cost about twice as much. is it worth a dang? i have not seen to much posted on it.


* Capacity Rectangular: 4in. x 6in.
* Capacity Round Stock: 4.5in.
* Motor Size: 1/3 HP
* Input Volts/Amps: 115 / 6
* Angle Cuts: 45° to 90°
* Horizontal/Vertical: Horizontal / Vertical
* Blade Speeds (fpm): 65 / 95 / 165
* Blade Size: 64.5in. x 1/2in.
* Overall Size: 40in. x 18in. x 18in.
* Stand: Steel Stand
* Included Accessories: Miter Gauge Vise
* Model: 15507
* U.S.A.


or should i just get the HF one with an extra warranty and run it till it ingites!!!!!!!!:evil:

[jon84cj]

I am in the same boat (about to buy the HF one). Read a lot on the HF one so curious about this as well.

How about this bender, doesn't mention TUBE so I am assuming its junk. The price with the dies doesn't seems bad to bend up some bumpers, tube fenders and rocker guards though.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=7826&R=7826

[cebby]

I am in the same boat (about to buy the HF one). Read a lot on the HF one so curious about this as well.

How about this bender, doesn't mention TUBE so I am assuming its junk. The price with the dies doesn't seems bad to bend up some bumpers, tube fenders and rocker guards though.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=7826&R=7826

Good for brackets, that's about it.

Look at JD2 and Protools for benders. Look in the Vendors section here.

Start your own thread. :shaking:


As far as the band saw - I thought all of the China saws were the same. You just have to tweak them to get them to cut OK, you need to beef up the stand and buy a new blade and then they are OK.

[TheBandit]

I personally would want a bandsaw that incorporates a coolant system.

[CrustyJeep]

I personally would want a bandsaw that incorporates a coolant system.Agreed, but that'll put you at $600~$700 mimimum, and a size bigger.

There are plenty of write-ups around the web though on how to add cooling to the smaller units.

I'd miss the hydraulic feed, too.

[TheBandit]

I thought all of the China saws were the same.

The specs say "U.S.A."

I don't know if that means it's actually made in the USA or if it's assembled here or what.

[tennessee rockhumper]

yeah, i kind of thought they were all the same, but this one has different speeds than the HF and other small china made ones. i was wondering if it has a different gear box. the stand for it looks better too.

has anybody actually bought/used the one i posted above? northern has the HF look-alike too but this one is different looking.

edit:
it is geared lower, weighes 6 lbs more, is slightly longer and has what looks to be a better table/vise and stand. the head swivels too - it also says made in the USA on it twice in the webpage.

[401ton]

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=35758&R=35758

I just got that band saw for X-mas. Works great! Buy a replacement blade though, the one that came with it only lasted 2 weeks.

The swivel feature is nice for cutting different angles. Just turn lock handle 1/2 turn and readjust. You also don't have to constantly move bandsaw for different cuts, just adjust head instead. I think it should be cheaper though.

[Adam F]

What about the Homier one for $200

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?SessionKey=WYx5a1ajtis0LKXOVUhXQVyqNRK6 1%2fyrYZs20DA0Ywp6wmg0lluj%2buhNZPIdkV%2bYfftLRgzd zmbf&dpt=9&cat=119&sku=03111


http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9186/homier6hz.jpg

[tennessee rockhumper]

i went to northen today. the box it comes in has made in china wrote all over it. says made in USA on the website. what the hell??? for the money i bet the homier is the better bargain.

[Mobydick]

I would consider a Wilton or a Jet. (Wilton owns Jet.) There is this Wilton one here (http://www.mile-x.com/WoodMetal/Bandsaws/3130.htm) that is $579.00, maybe less. The cool thing is it can be upgraded to a wet saw. There is a Jet one in the $360 range but it is less of a saw than the Wilton. Also, no upgrade to a wet saw. I found it here (http://www.southern-tool.com/store/light_duty_horizontal_vertical_bandsaws.html) with free shipping. For what its worth you might want to check with the first company, Mile-X, on a price for the Jet. I have done business with them before and they seem to be willing to match prices or offer free shipping.
Myself, I am saving up for this (http://www.mile-x.com/WoodMetal/Bandsaws/3410.htm) Wilton.
In case you want to see their entire line, Wilton/Jets site is here (http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/).

[Grayguy]

My friend bought that exact saw this summer. The first blade lasted 2 cuts with 1inch thin wall tubing. The better blades last a decent amout of cuts. For the most part, if your not doing heavy fab, I'd say it's pretty decent.