When shopping for a new bandsaw, you’ll want to consider the features of the different models. Some of these features may be important for you, but they aren’t necessarily required. Look for things like a 2 HP motor, 25mm blade width, and similar frame construction. In addition, make sure you check the shipping rates.
2 HP motor
If you’re looking for a band saw with a powerful motor but don’t want to spend a lot of money, you should consider the 2 HP motor found in the Harvey bandsaw. This type of motor is ideal for amateur woodworkers, and is good enough to handle small and medium wood projects. However, if you’re planning to do commercial work with your bandsaw, you should consider investing in a 3 HP model. This type of bandsaw requires a much higher voltage to run, but the results will be consistent.
In addition to its 2-HP motor, the Harvey bandsaw has a thick steel cabinet for added durability. Its computer-balanced cast-iron wheels minimize vibration during resaw operations. Another advantage of this model is its 1-year warranty. It comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, and is pre-wired for 220V power supply.
Both the Laguna and Harvey brands make good band saws, but if you’re on a budget, you may want to go for a Laguna model. While the Laguna is an affordable choice for a beginner, it won’t perform as well for heavier woodworking tasks.
25 mm blade width
The 25 mm blade width on the Harvey bandsaw provides excellent cutting performance, especially for deep edge ripping. It can cut through medium-hardwood and thick materials. It is a bit heavier than the Laguna bandsaw, but it provides precision cutting. Laguna bandsaws weigh 117 kilograms, whereas the Harvey HW614E is 180 kilograms.
The Destroyer blades feature a 75cr alloy steel with 3% cobalt and submicron particle grain. The blades are sharpenable up to 20 times and feature a low noise gullet. This makes it ideal for quiet woodshops. The Destroyer also features a safety lock and a tilting table.
If you plan to use your bandsaw for woodworking, you may want to select a saw with a wider blade width. This will allow you to cut larger timber with fewer cuts. However, this will increase the horsepower required by the blade and waste more wood. Ideally, you should use a saw with a blade width of at least 25 mm.
Similar frame construction
Most band saws come equipped with an electric motor that controls the speed of the blade. A 3 HP motor from Harvey will offer consistent performance in commercial settings. However, a 2 HP motor is sufficient for home use. If you need a band saw for occasional cutting and DIY purposes, you can find a smaller model that has a larger capacity.
The width of the bandsaw blade is another factor to consider when choosing a bandsaw. The Laguna band saw has a maximum blade width of 19 mm, which is usually sufficient for normal cutting tasks. However, a 25 mm blade width from Harvey will give you better results when ripping hardwood. While both models are excellent for regular cuts of wood, experts recommend a heavier band saw to get more consistent results.
Both Laguna and Harvey band saws have solid steel frames. Solid steel is superior to cast iron for vibration absorption and heavy-duty cuts. Moreover, the resaw capacity will determine how large a wood section you can cut.
