I have been looking at a mini bandsaw, mini table saw, and a mini drill press, for a new rod shop I'm building.

I will be using these tools for rod building, pen making, and other small projects. I have a mini lathe.

I would appreciate any post showing make and model number of any of the above three tools that you are happy with their performance. I have a mini Delta bandsaw and have not had much success in using. I don't like the 3/8th blade or the way the adjustments are made.

I have looked at a new Roybi model bandsaw that has ball bearing adjustments and a 1/2 blade. It also can cut up to 10 inches (I think most are 9 inch), But I have never owned a Roybi tool and not sure of their performence.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Frankly, I don't find any of the small hobby type machines to be very accurate or very high on the quality scale. For the most part, the larger machines will still perform well on smaller projects, but not the other way around. Thus, I'm always tempted to buy full size machines and good ones at that.

You've got the room and can afford good tools, so I'd skip the hobby tools and buy the best around.

The long time industry standard Delta 14" bandsaw is a good all around unit. I haven't kept up, the Jet or others may be as good now. All the drill presses are shoddy, from Delta right on down the line. Get the old style General - it's the last home shop press that is truly high quality. If I was going to buy a table saw right now, I'd look at either the DeWalt or Jet cabinet type with the sliding table. Very handy and they appear to be pretty decent for the money.

I know these tools are expensive and may seem like overkill. I also know you and know why you bought a OneWay lathe. You're going to end up replacing all the hobby type machines you buy anyway, so you might as well go ahead and get really good stuff the first time around.

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I to have ro agree with Tom. You will be more happy with the bigger equipment. I use a 14" bandsaw for taking off reel seats, eva, cork grips. I use a chop saw cutting blanks. I use a floor drill press for all other things that arise. My shop were I do all this is an inclosed back patio. So these items don't take up as much room as you think they would.

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Neal Cissel
Neal's Fishing Products

I subscribe to a couple of woodworking mags. They review tools from time to time and for the most part Ryobi doesn't make to the top. You might check out the current issue of American Woodworker as it has a review of bandsaws.

Don't forget a variable speed Dremel tool with an assortment of accessories.

I am missing something here. You have a mini lathe or a Oneway lathe?

For what you are doing, it sounds like you would be better served with a good bandsaw rather than a poor band saw and a poor table saw. At least the Delta 14". I do not think the close imitations are as good, personally. I bought a 18" Jet for the shop and it looks nice until you start making the adjustments, etc. It works, but there is always some micky mouse stuff to save 20 bucks on them. I do not like any bandsaw with small wheels including the 3 wheel ones because they require the use of a thin blade that does not cut well.

Toms is certainly a good suggestion for a drill press, but then any drill press is more accurate than drilling by hand. But I am not sure you need a press right away with what you mentioned you want to do.

Table saw only if building shelves, cabinets, etc. And then get a solid one. The Contractors saw with a belt driven induction motor at least. Better a Unisaw.


Personally I would suggest shopping for a good bandsaw first and the reevaluating the needs after you work with it for a while.

Oneway makes mini lathes too. The 1018 and 1224. But I can't afford neither.