Rikon 10-305 bandsaw review

[@ScotchAddict35]

Thanks for the review. I’ve been planning on buying this saw for quite some time. That time is Sunday! Been looking for some content on it - not much out there so thanks!

[@beretta0222]

I have newer model 10-306 and it does have two screws in the back of the frame that keep the aluminum guide attached to the body. You can loosen those two screws and square the guide with the table so it is perfectly parallel with the blade.

[@s.g.devries8557]

beretta0222 I will have to look again. I have the two screws on the side, above and below the height lock knob but those couldn’t be adjusted with enough accuracy. It hasn’t been an issue really, but I like to have things tuned right. Thanks for the info.

[@floobertuber]

Nice overview, thanks for posting. I just picked up one of these at Menards at a killer Christmas-sale price. I have zero room for it in my shop, but could not resist. At least it's not a big floor-standing behemoth like a 14" saw would be! Too bad the one thing I can't make in my shop is MORE SPACE :-)

[@Norman0624]

I have the same saw. Similar issues with the fence and guides but otherwise for the price a fairly good little saw.

[@Flam3inFrost]

Looks cool

[@Ed-lz4jv]

Max cutting height 4-5/8" deal breaker right there, get the Wen it can do 6"

[@hectorgerco2963]

Hi Im Hector from Argentina and i bought these bandsaw on my last trip to usa, and want to ask you: I can't do straight cuts every time I try the blade goes out!! I did change the blade , but is the same, what happens if I change the motor , I have a bigger one , 1/2 hp,. 220v, will it work better to do curves?? Thank you in advance

[@jodymontez693]

If all he was going to do was complain, should of got the $1000 bandsaw.

[@algorel4763]

Can anyone recommend what brand other than Rikon, to buy a 5/8” bar Mitre Gauge? Craftsman , Skill, Ryobi, etc for my 305 Rikon Thanks!

[@christophermignone2434]

The miter gauge from my old 9” Ryobi and Delta bandsaws fit very well.

[@ZRMvoice]

Omg those prices did not age well 😂😂 sounds like heaven

[@s.g.devries8557]

No kidding. Looking at todays tool prices, wish I could go back in time and buy all those things I put off.

[@jeffoldham3466]

i have got the rikon 10-305 and it is a good saw,,,,but the sliding blade guide on the front of saw is a nightmare,,,,i hate it,,,it would so so much easier to have a door that would open up to install a new blade,,for that reason,,im looking to purchase a saw that does have it

[@s.g.devries8557]

I agree with you about that sliding guide, it is a real hassle now that I've had the saw longer. Fortunately I don't change blades that often. I'm not sure if there is anything better in that price range though.

[@jeffoldham3466]

@@s.g.devries8557 i dont know,,i have looked at alot of them and thats the first thing i look for,,,i think the 9 inch models dont have it,,but i would like to have the 10 inch size

[@robertjenkins8630]

Sir may I ask where you found this saw for $210.00? Thanks and thanks for the video!!

[@s.g.devries8557]

Robert Jenkins I bought mine at Menards when it was on sale and I got their 11% discount which made my final price $210. I believe this saw usually retails around $299 but occasionally you can get a better deal.

[@robertjenkins8630]

@@s.g.devries8557 I found Menards. I had actually never heard of them. Was the 11% discount a promotional thing or first time buyers reward? Thanks!!

[@derekhem4441]

@@robertjenkins8630 They occasionally do a promotional offering of 11% off everything in the store. Only catch is that it's a rebate system so you must fill out and send in your rebate form. They make it very simple... it's just an extra step that you need to be aware of.

[@woodpecked3D]

IN CANADA - this saw costs $679+ 👎🏼 .. i still want it tho. (Model- RIKON 10-306) I have the moulah for the Laguna 14/12 ($1499+) OR the Laguna 14/BX ($2199+) BUT.. i dont have the space 😔

[@jaysontubil4681]

how to order ?

[@s.g.devries8557]

In the U.S. there are several places to get it such as Woodcraft, Menards, I think Home Depot also has it on their website. If you are outside the U.S. the first place I would look is Amazon.

[@s.g.devries8557]

Hector, I am not a professional by any means, but I will do what I can to help you out. First off, I recommend watching a video called “Band saw clinic by Alex Snodgrass”. He has a lot of great information on how to properly tension the bandsaw blade-much of which is a bit contrary to what a lot of manuals will tell you. I have followed his guidelines with great success and had many improvements to my own cuts. Most of my issues with the blade wandering have been solved by taking his advice. I use a 1/2 inch (13 mm) blade on my saw and have used it to cut 3-1/2 inch (80-90 mm) thick stock without the motor bogging down. It isn’t fast with that thick of wood but it does work if I use a moderately slow feed rate and make sure my table and blade are aligned right. As far as cutting curves, I have never had a lot of success with cutting nice curves on a bandsaw (any bandsaw, not just this one) so I tend to use the thicker blades and cut slightly off my marks and then get my final shape using various sanders. I don’t know if changing the motor as you suggested will make much difference in that regard. Most of the time when my saws are giving me trouble the issue is one of three things: -blade not tensioned right, -dull and/or poor quality blade, - or I am trying to use the saw beyond its real capabilities. A couple of questions for you. What blade are you using? What type of wood and thickness are you trying to cut? What sort of cuts are you trying to make? (Curves, resawing, cross-cut)?

[@willydodson1]

mine has a bad motor right out of the box. All I know.