Rikon 10-326 Review

[prov163]

I bought a Rikon 10-326 bandsaw to replace my Ridgid 14” reconditioned bandsaw. I started assembly tonight. So far, so good. 

Well packaged. Big table. Push stick is a nice “toss in.”

Got the base assembled. Everything for perfectly. The instructions are okay, but you need to know that the hardware terminology can be confusing. It says there are 16 “flanges” which I assumed were the washers of which there were 16. However, upon further inspection I realized there are also 16 lock washers but they aren’t mentioned anywhere. So I figured they must be a unit so I used them as such and this base is solid. Everything fit together well and all of the holes lined up. Hardware is all metric. I recommend using a 1/4” drive set and an open/box end wrench for final tightening. The door fits snugly on the hinges which I like because the door won’t fly open when you pull too hard. 

There’s a lot of space inside and a fixed shelf so storing blades and tools in here will save space somewhere else. So far I’m very pleased. 

Here’s the rest of the new member of the family. I hope to get it assembled Sunday evening. 

[RichardA]

Now, don't that be purty!

[prov163]

Saw mounted to the stand. WooHoo!  My only complaint is that lining up the screws could have been easier if they only increase the bottom of the saw about an inch so the narrow lip would “cap” the base. 

Table is big and beefy. Cleaned the coating off and waxed it. More progress tonight I hope. 

[Chet]

I think you will be real happy wit your new saw.

[prov163]

Chet, I’m already happy and I haven’t plugged it up yet - LOL. Driving me nuts just sitting there but I am convinced that taking time to set it up right from the get go saves a world of headaches down the road. If you aren’t meticulous here you’ll spend too much time fiddling with it instead of cutting wood with it. 

[bleedinblue]

I have zero regrets with mine thus far.  It'll be a huge step up from the Ridgid.

The fence will need to be shimmed for square, but it's my understanding that that's standard for all saws and manufacturers haven't figured out how to keep you from having to use masking tape to square their equipment up

[Coop]

Plug it in, turn it on. Life Is A Highway. Congrats man! 

[Chet]

1 hour ago, bleedinblue said:

manufacturers haven't figured out how to keep you from having to use masking tape to square their equipment up

Frank I know you are not happy with Laguna because of your drum sander fiasco, but on my 1412 bandsaw there is a small set screw at the base of the fence that allows you to adjust for square.

[bleedinblue]

1 minute ago, Chet said:

Frank I know you are not happy with Laguna because of your drum sander fiasco, but on my 1412 bandsaw there is a small set screw at the base of the fence that allows you to adjust for square.

lol.  I assumed all fences were without a set screw since Eric did his review/rant about his Minimax's fence being out of square and needing shimmed.  The set screw would be a fantastic, dead simple solution to the problem.

[Chet]

Well here is the funny thing, Eric's 1412, which is older then mine, doesn't have the set screw.  You can imagine his reaction when told the newer models had a set screw.

[mat60]

Congrats on the new saw. The price of that saw doesn't seem that bad for what you get.

[bushwacked]

9 hours ago, bleedinblue said:

lol.  I assumed all fences were without a set screw since Eric did his review/rant about his Minimax's fence being out of square and needing shimmed.  The set screw would be a fantastic, dead simple solution to the problem.

where did he run off to?

My cheapo grizzly had some screws to help square it up ... 

[bushwacked]

30 minutes ago, I B said:

 

He moved away.

oh ok ... he planning on coming back once he gets settled wherever he moved to?

[Chet]

41 minutes ago, I B said:

He moved away.

From the forum.

[prov163]

2 hours ago, Chet said:

From the forum.

I’m sorry to hear that. I always appreciated Eric’s input. Maybe he’ll come back. 

[bleedinblue]

Not likely, lol.

[bushwacked]

3 hours ago, Chet said:

From the forum.

 

1 hour ago, prov163 said:

I’m sorry to hear that. I always appreciated Eric’s input. Maybe he’ll come back. 

 

35 minutes ago, bleedinblue said:

Not likely, lol.

 

 

well dang ... I always enjoyed his straight to the point honest opinion, whether you agreed or not. 

[prov163]

I put the table on tonight. It’s solid. Not terribly hard to install but tightening the back bolts was a bit of a feat. Table is dead square to blade. I’ll check flatness tomorrow. 

[bleedinblue]

I don't remember why, but I remember installing the table to be quite a pain.  I think I put it in place once, then realized I forgot washers, so I had to take it completely off...then re-installed it and had to take it back off at least once more if not twice.  All truly my fault I believe.  I hate setting up and maintaining machines.  Hate hate hate it.

[prov163]

bleedinblue, I actually enjoy putting a new piece of equipment together, and I don't mind maintaining, though I do hate waxing the cast iron tables on anything.

[prov163]

I finished assembly tonight. It was pretty straightforward. Table is flat and was easy to get square and level - it’s also big. Fence system is nice enough with an engraved rule and aluminum fence that offers multiple options for position. BTW, who makes a good miter gauge for the bandsaw?  Incra?

Here it is. Still waiting for the mobile base which is on backorder

I checked all of the settings and everything was spot on. I really like the blade tension bar. I always wanted one but I wasn’t going to spend that much on my previous saw. A real handy chart on the inside of the door. I keep all of my manuals close at hand but this will suffice for daily operations. 

Still need to adjust the blade guides. It’s supposed to be a very easy process. I’ll let you know. 

[Jfitz]

Looking good!

I upgraded my older saw with the new guides.  They're OK - a definite upgrade from what I had, and not dealing with tools is a major bonus.  I think you'll like them.

[chashint]

Have you turned it on and cut something yet ??

[prov163]

So, I finally got the bandsaw set up last night. Still some tweaking to do but I couldn’t help myself - I needed to cut a piece of wood with it. I hooked it up to the new DC with a short piece of flex pipe so I could have both of them running at 5he same time. WOW what a difference!  Quieter, more powerful. 

I’ll try resawing and some other cuts tonight and post my initial reactions but I’m stoked about these upgrades. 

[bushwacked]

Very nice!!!

What blade are you putting on it?




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