Pianotech

May I suggest you go to a Woodcraft or Rockler retail store talk to the gurus there and try out some saws and blades . Bring some chunks of pinblock material to find out the right blade for the job and spend the money that needs to be spent. The cheapest tool is the most expensive in the long run. As far as machine size/hp you need something that will not stall out. you are cutting through some pretty hard wood that is very thick. making jigs using pushsticks having good lighting is essential/ The most dangerous saw in a shop is the band saw because too many users make curved cuts and get careless with safety. A heavy duty stand on a dolly along with a laser showing the cut line is a good feature . 

I would suggest Grizzly for new and Exfactory or other auction sources for 20 or 24 inch or larger used bandsaws.  I picked up a 36"  Northfield at an Exfactory auction. Belt drive 5 hp. Weighs 2600 lb and stands almost 8 ft tall. A chore to move though.

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Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-21-2026 12:38
From: James Kelly
Subject: Bandsaw options for small shop

May I suggest you go to a Woodcraft or Rockler retail store talk to the gurus there and try out some saws and blades . Bring some chunks of pinblock material to find out the right blade for the job and spend the money that needs to be spent. The cheapest tool is the most expensive in the long run. As far as machine size/hp you need something that will not stall out. you are cutting through some pretty hard wood that is very thick. making jigs using pushsticks having good lighting is essential/ The most dangerous saw in a shop is the band saw because too many users make curved cuts and get careless with safety. A heavy duty stand on a dolly along with a laser showing the cut line is a good feature . 

------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
------------------------------

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

Chris, this is incredibly helpful, if you are willing, I would love to see some photos. Thanks!

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

Chris, this is incredibly helpful, if you are willing, I would love to see some photos. Thanks!

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

Of Course, Chris is probably one of those guys who builds a chainsaw powered by a 500 hp Chevy engine to cut logs (like you see on the internet).  🤡

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

Better yet a McDonaugh 54 Resaw with 150 hp or a McDonaugh Bandmill with 8 foot wheels and 500 hp.

Of Course, Chris is probably one of those guys who builds a chainsaw powered by a 500 hp Chevy engine to cut logs (like you see on the internet).  🤡

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

Thanks everyone for your help, I just ordered the  Carter guides, a bi-metal blade, a 1/2" 4 TPI wood blade and watched the tune-up video. I will see how my current horsepower holds up with the improvements and upgrade the motor if I need more HP. 

Better yet a McDonaugh 54 Resaw with 150 hp or a McDonaugh Bandmill with 8 foot wheels and 500 hp.

Of Course, Chris is probably one of those guys who builds a chainsaw powered by a 500 hp Chevy engine to cut logs (like you see on the internet).  🤡

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

Don't forget Carter bandsaw tires and a quick release for blade tension. And a blade brush

Thanks everyone for your help, I just ordered the  Carter guides, a bi-metal blade, a 1/2" 4 TPI wood blade and watched the tune-up video. I will see how my current horsepower holds up with the improvements and upgrade the motor if I need more HP. 

Better yet a McDonaugh 54 Resaw with 150 hp or a McDonaugh Bandmill with 8 foot wheels and 500 hp.

Of Course, Chris is probably one of those guys who builds a chainsaw powered by a 500 hp Chevy engine to cut logs (like you see on the internet).  🤡

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

Parker, how do you add a quick release on an old band saw?

Don't forget Carter bandsaw tires and a quick release for blade tension. And a blade brush

Thanks everyone for your help, I just ordered the  Carter guides, a bi-metal blade, a 1/2" 4 TPI wood blade and watched the tune-up video. I will see how my current horsepower holds up with the improvements and upgrade the motor if I need more HP. 

Better yet a McDonaugh 54 Resaw with 150 hp or a McDonaugh Bandmill with 8 foot wheels and 500 hp.

Of Course, Chris is probably one of those guys who builds a chainsaw powered by a 500 hp Chevy engine to cut logs (like you see on the internet).  🤡

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Upgrades to Delta are:

Hp to 2hp or better yet variable speed power unit

Cast iron wheels or new carter tires and wheel brush

Height increase from 6 to 12 inches

Kreg or similar fence

Carter wheel guides - allow blades from 1/8 to 1 inch

Sturdy mobile base

Steven:

I have seen retrofits for Delta/Rockwell 14 bandsaws from Woodcraft, Highland Hardware and other vendors. Some Grizzly models

have this feature as well. Unreleased tension will over time damage the tires. You might try Carter as well.

Parker, how do you add a quick release on an old band saw?

Don't forget Carter bandsaw tires and a quick release for blade tension. And a blade brush

Thanks everyone for your help, I just ordered the  Carter guides, a bi-metal blade, a 1/2" 4 TPI wood blade and watched the tune-up video. I will see how my current horsepower holds up with the improvements and upgrade the motor if I need more HP. 

Better yet a McDonaugh 54 Resaw with 150 hp or a McDonaugh Bandmill with 8 foot wheels and 500 hp.

Of Course, Chris is probably one of those guys who builds a chainsaw powered by a 500 hp Chevy engine to cut logs (like you see on the internet).  🤡

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Steven:

I have seen retrofits for Delta/Rockwell 14 bandsaws from Woodcraft, Highland Hardware and other vendors. Some Grizzly models

have this feature as well. Unreleased tension will over time damage the tires. You might try Carter as well.

Parker, how do you add a quick release on an old band saw?

Don't forget Carter bandsaw tires and a quick release for blade tension. And a blade brush

Thanks everyone for your help, I just ordered the  Carter guides, a bi-metal blade, a 1/2" 4 TPI wood blade and watched the tune-up video. I will see how my current horsepower holds up with the improvements and upgrade the motor if I need more HP. 

Better yet a McDonaugh 54 Resaw with 150 hp or a McDonaugh Bandmill with 8 foot wheels and 500 hp.

Of Course, Chris is probably one of those guys who builds a chainsaw powered by a 500 hp Chevy engine to cut logs (like you see on the internet).  🤡

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Leaving the tension on will damage the tires and bearings. A well designed machine will maintain alignment after tension is released and when it

is restored. Rikon has a new small bandsaw that has this feature. Carter has products for a great many bandsaws.

Steven:

I have seen retrofits for Delta/Rockwell 14 bandsaws from Woodcraft, Highland Hardware and other vendors. Some Grizzly models

have this feature as well. Unreleased tension will over time damage the tires. You might try Carter as well.

Parker, how do you add a quick release on an old band saw?

Don't forget Carter bandsaw tires and a quick release for blade tension. And a blade brush

Thanks everyone for your help, I just ordered the  Carter guides, a bi-metal blade, a 1/2" 4 TPI wood blade and watched the tune-up video. I will see how my current horsepower holds up with the improvements and upgrade the motor if I need more HP. 

Better yet a McDonaugh 54 Resaw with 150 hp or a McDonaugh Bandmill with 8 foot wheels and 500 hp.

Of Course, Chris is probably one of those guys who builds a chainsaw powered by a 500 hp Chevy engine to cut logs (like you see on the internet).  🤡

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Parker, how do you add a quick release on an old band saw?

Don't forget Carter bandsaw tires and a quick release for blade tension. And a blade brush

Thanks everyone for your help, I just ordered the  Carter guides, a bi-metal blade, a 1/2" 4 TPI wood blade and watched the tune-up video. I will see how my current horsepower holds up with the improvements and upgrade the motor if I need more HP. 

Better yet a McDonaugh 54 Resaw with 150 hp or a McDonaugh Bandmill with 8 foot wheels and 500 hp.

Of Course, Chris is probably one of those guys who builds a chainsaw powered by a 500 hp Chevy engine to cut logs (like you see on the internet).  🤡

I've used a bandsaw my entire career, and never needed a tablesaw. I go through a lot of wood and i needed a bandsaw that can do the job easily. Here's what i ended up doing. I converted my Grizzle 14" into a heavy duty monster. I switched the laughable 1hp motor out for a 7 hp 220 motor. All i did was make a wooden deck that hinges, so just the weight of the motor keeps the belt tight. Horsepower solved. I used 1/2" 4 tpi wood blades. Cheap, cuts through anything easily. I usually by a dozen at a time and can barely remember how long ago i purchased them with 6 still in the box. Also, grizzly has terrible guides so i upgraded to carter a while back and I wouldn't trade or sell my bandsaw for nothing. I cut through pinblock, spruce, Osage, Jatoba, maple, hickory, oak, ash, no problems at all.

-chris

Those Carter guides are seriously good. I've been thinking about making that upgrade for my little Craftsman 12" bandsaw. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor