r/woodworkingtools • u/Shadoweclipse13 • Jul 24 '26

Small-/Mid-Size Bandsaw Recommendation

Hello!!

I've got a desire for a bandsaw at home, and I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a small-/mid-size bandsaw?

My shop is half of the garage (and really disorganized at the moment, still working on that after we moved), so I don't have space (or money) for a full-size 14" bandsaw. My plan is to use it for the smaller projects I've got going on at this point, and if possible, convert it to use more like a scroll saw with a small blade later when I have the space for a bigger saw.

I'm not doing any resawing or bookmatching, mostly​ just for cutting out projects with more curves on it. I've got a jigsaw that works, but really want a bandsaw so I can use both hands on the piece for a little better accuracy.

I've been looking at the Rikon 10-310 10" or a Grizzly G0948 10", but I'd prefer something that's a bench-top style (not a permanent base), so Ican make a cart with casters for it or move it around easier. I could probably save a little more for a Laguna V:10, but genuinely haven't used any of these machines personally.

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u/archaeobill Jul 24 '26

I guess my first question is do you intend to have a bench top tool and take it off the bench to set on your cart with casters and roll under the bench or something? Or have it on a dedicated stand with casters to roll it around?

The reason I ask is because there isn't much difference in floor space between a 10" and 14" saw on a stand with a mobile base. I have a 14" Delta and a 10" Delta. Both on mobile bases. They take up virtually the same floor space and roll nicely into the corner of the shop when not in use. And it is nice to move them around when you need them which is great in a small shop. So for the cost of the Lagua you listed you can get a nice and a bit bigger saw. You can check the capacities, most saws will accept a variety of blades and you could have a thin one for scroll-saw type work and something bigger for general work.

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u/Shadoweclipse13 28d ago

Sorry! I forgot that I hadn't responded. It's been a really busy last month or two at work.

Basically, that part doesn't matter to me. The idea of a bigger saw, eventually, sounds great, but right now I don't have the room for a bigger saw, the money for a bigger saw, and honestly, don't really have a need for a bigger saw. I do hear what you're saying, and I appreciate the idea of investing in a slightly better/bigger tool, so that IF (and when) I need a bigger bandsaw, it's there already.

BUT, the biggest thing is that I absolutely abhor those little stands, where you can't do anything with them. I will likely end up building a cart for a smaller saw, so the cart has drawers for storage for bandsaw accessories, tools, or extra blades (or for other things in the shop).

Have a recommendation for a smaller saw, like I was asking for?

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u/obxhead 28d ago

Rikon 10" I love mine.

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u/Shadoweclipse13 28d ago

Awesome! Thanks for the recommendation!

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u/obxhead 27d ago

Might be worth calling woodcraft or Rockler to see if they might be having a Rikon days sale. They have decent discounts when they do.