Beginner Wood Worker. Already have a compound miter saw and table saw. Looking for a low(er) end stationary band saw to start playing with. Was encouraged with the price and size of the Porter Cable and Ryobi. Both are very similar in price ($180 range) but some of the reviews say don’t waste your money.

Links to both:

Porter Cable - Lowes

Ryobi - Home Depot

Not wanting to spend a bunch just yet as I don’t have a need but want to start playing around. On the other hand, I have always followed my Dad's advice - only buy once or don't buy at all.

Any suggestions/advice are appreciated!

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Posted by RaginCajunz

Member since Mar 2009

7044 posts

Posted on 8/19/21 at 4:59 pm to captainahab

I'd tiptoe in with the refurbed Ryobi

$99 refurb ryobi

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Posted by turkish

Member since Aug 2016

2245 posts

Posted on 8/19/21 at 5:14 pm to RaginCajunz

Maybe this is an exception, but based on my Ryobi experience, I just can’t see them being a worthwhile buy on real woodworking equipment. That’s not their wheelhouse.

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Posted by bbvdd

Memphis, TN

Member since Jun 2009

27962 posts

Posted on 8/19/21 at 8:09 pm to captainahab

I was about to recommend a Grizzly but holy cow have they gone up tremendously in price

I’d suggest you find a used one. Keep a lookout on Craigslist, etc.

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Posted by Jon A thon

Member since May 2019

2365 posts

Posted on 8/19/21 at 9:20 pm to captainahab

I bought my bandsaw when I reached the point of really milling my own wood. Because of that, I went with a saw that had a lot of re-saw capacity. Prior to that, I just used a jigsaw.....or only made projects with straight lines

Just don't think the small saws are worth it. Wouldn't buy less than a 14" personally.

This post was edited on 8/19/21 at 9:21 pm

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Posted by CJ_Tiger

Member since May 2020

18 posts

Posted on 8/20/21 at 8:37 am to captainahab

I just pulled the trigger on the Porter Cable a few months ago. I'm very pleased. Just watch some youtube videos on setting up and tuning a bandsaw. Bought the kreg rip fence for resawing as well. This saw can take the a 1/4" for small projects, although I haven't tried it.
The royobi would be fine for crafts and maybe spoons, but I can't see much more than that. Big difference in those two saws...

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Posted by Unobtanium

Baton Rouge

Member since Nov 2009

1850 posts

Posted on 8/20/21 at 9:13 am to captainahab

My first thought is to follow your dad's advice. Crappy tools are never a bargain, but sometimes even your hobbies have to be on a budget.

Second, depending on what projects you want to build, a bandsaw may or not be necessary.

All that said, surprised no one has mentioned Harbor Freight.

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Posted by captainahab

Highway Trio8

Member since Dec 2014

1651 posts

Posted on 8/20/21 at 11:10 am to Unobtanium

Thanks for all the input. Good to hear that someone has a good experience with Porter Cable and will also check out the one from Harbor Freight.

Thanks again everyone!

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