I went ahead and bought this lil' jewel. Love it! The 5/8" miter slot has not been a problem for me. I found a guy on Etsy that prints out bars that fit perfectly. Just fyi. Also, would you mind sharing with us the particulars of the stand you made for it? Is it stable? That would be so appreciated!
looking at this saw, will it do a 1/8 blade, does it re-saw with a better brand 1/2 blade , will it cut metal decent on low gear ok, hows the 1/2 hp motor power and what compares now if you were to buy today. thanks that will help me decide.
Are you still liking the 3061? I bought the 306 2 years ago and had to return it because of the tracking issues. Honestly the saw was dangerous and not usable. I am back in the market again and considering the 3061 hoping that the issues have been corrected.
Hey Bill, aside from occasionally wishing I had a little more resaw capacity, I have no complaints with this saw. Blade tracking is fine, blade changes are quick and easy, the table and fence are accurate, and it cuts everything I throw at it. I have heard about the issues with the previous model, but I believe they fixed them with the 3061. I personally can confidently recommend it you - for what that's worth anyway! Let me know if I can help further, I happy to do it.
I have the 306 and just had to play around with the bottom wheel on the back to get it perfect. Admittedly I was just dealing with it for a long while because even with youtube videos I had no clue how to adjust it and didn't use it enough to bother. But I eventually figured it out on my own when I finally decided to toy around with it for about 15 minutes and now I can dice wood in thin, straight slices on 1/8" plywood and even 4x6 beams no problem.
Do you think you could actually measure the restock capacity and give me the exact value of clearance? 5" is the finish width of my boards and that's annoying if it's exactly 5 in
Thank you Jon.............I want to buy one and wanted to ask how you feel about it a year after this video? Have you solved your miter slot issue? Great video Jon, I like your laid back style!!
Thanks for kind words Steven! This saw works just as good today as it did then - I've had no issues with it. I do wish for more resaw capacity, but for its size it's great. The miter slot of small, and that's also a bummer. I ended up making my own rudimentary miter gauge, which works fine. It's not a deal breaker problem for me. Let me know if you have any more questions, or what you end up getting. Thanks again!
Thanks for the kind words - it means a lot! Being that I've had such good experiences with the other Wen Tools I have I did consider a Wen Bandsaw. I just got a good deal on this Rikon that I couldn't pass up.
Haha that's one of the few negatives about this saw. And I'm not sure if anyone makes a miter gauge that fits a 5/8" miter slot? I used an old miter gauge, and made my own runner for the miter slot. If you find one you can purchase, please share with us.
I have heard the 305 is a fine saw. There were a few upgrades made to the 3061, but I think the 305 would serve you well. I do think you should steer clear of the 306. I know it had problems, hence the creation of the 3061. Let me know what you end up going with!
I can't remember what it came with, but I get my bandsaw blades from Highland Woodworking. They have all the different types in the correct size for this saw.
Hey Frank, aside from occasionally wishing I had a little more resaw capacity - I have no complaints with this bandsaw. Everything about it is just nice, well built, easy to adjust, and great power. I hope it works out as well for you. You'll have to keep me posted. And yes, my daughter would definitely agree with you (I do too)! Thanks so much man!
Awesome review!!! I’m new to woodworking...just hobby level. Anyway I’m really interested in getting this saw. My work area isn’t very big so probably have to stay bench top like this saw. Anyway how would this saw be for making bandsaw boxes. I know it’s got some limitations for the sizes of boxes it can make but for the majority is it a good saw to make them?
Hey Mike, thanks for checking out the video! With the exception of its re-saw capacity, I have no complaints about this saw. It's easy to adjust and work with, and has cut everything I've thrown at it (some pretty dense woods too) and not flinched. The re-saw max is 5 inches, but I think that's fairly standard for most benchtop bandsaws. There may be some out there with a 6 inch re-saw capacity? If 5 inches is enough for you though, it's a great saw. Let me know if I can help further - always glad to!
@@JonFordWoodworks sounds great to me!!! Sounds like a good starting point at least to make most size boxes! Don’t plan on making a foot locker sized one lol!!! At least not yet!
@@JonFordWoodworks I know but it sounds like something isn't right, like it's binding. Doesn't sound normal. Hopefully not all models sound that way could be just yours.
@@JonFordWoodworks Sweet thanks for the clarification. I'm looking into this model, seems solid! Still worth the 500+ price tag on it and was it tedious trying to align the blade?
Yeah man, I'm always happy to help. It has been very solid, and changing blades is simple and easy - no alignment issues. The only shortcoming is resaw capacity.
There's definitely a valid argument to be made there - agreed. I do think if space is limited, but you want a really well built piece of equipment, and can live with the limited re-saw capacity this is a nice saw. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it!
I paid $500 for my Rigid 14” band saw. And that was 15 years ago. It is just like all the other 14” bandsaws out there. Even though it has a six inch re-saw capacity it is terrible for re-sawing. I even bought special re-saw blades. So I think if it will do a decent job with five inch stock you didn’t waste your money. I might do a “crappy 14” video some day.
Hi Jon, I finally bought one of these. Glad to come back to this video to view and prepare. Cheers
Awesome man! You've been making some beautiful stuff.
@@JonFordWoodworks appreciate you
Nice review. Rikon does have a 5/8" miter for it. Also, many of the bench-top sanders come with the same 5/8 miter slot.
Great review! Clean and tidy shop is amazing!
I went ahead and bought this lil' jewel. Love it!
The 5/8" miter slot has not been a problem for me. I found a guy on Etsy that prints out bars that fit perfectly. Just fyi.
Also, would you mind sharing with us the particulars of the stand you made for it? Is it stable? That would be so appreciated!
Thank you. I was torn between that one and the 10-305. I'm not anymore. It's the 3061 for me. 👍🏆
Nice review, I will be purchasing a band saw in the future. Please keep making videos. Thanks...
Thanks so much!
Great review for a great saw. Cuts way bigger than it is. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
Thanks Mark - it really is an impressive saw for the size.
How good is the fence? Can you square it up with the table easily?
have you cut hard wood w/ it? Now that you have had it a while , any complaints? issues?
Great review, thanks. How high is the stand you built, and has that height worked out well for you?
looking at this saw, will it do a 1/8 blade, does it re-saw with a better brand 1/2 blade , will it cut metal decent on low gear ok, hows the 1/2 hp motor power and what compares now if you were to buy today. thanks that will help me decide.
I noticed the fence doesn't lock to the end of the table, like other fences, does it stay true to the blade during use?
I think the post it note adds to the value
good video Jon . I seriously looked at that saw when I was in the market , the only reason I didn't go with it was resaw and blade width
Thanks man! Yeah, the resaw limitations are the only real downside to this saw.
What saw did you end up going with?
@@JonFordWoodworks I got a 12" king industrial the seller was the 3/4 blade capacity
Gotcha, thanks again. That was actually a spec. I forgot to mention. This saw can accommodate 1/8" to 1/2".
Are you still liking the 3061? I bought the 306 2 years ago and had to return it because of the tracking issues. Honestly the saw was dangerous and not usable. I am back in the market again and considering the 3061 hoping that the issues have been corrected.
Hey Bill, aside from occasionally wishing I had a little more resaw capacity, I have no complaints with this saw.
Blade tracking is fine, blade changes are quick and easy, the table and fence are accurate, and it cuts everything I throw at it.
I have heard about the issues with the previous model, but I believe they fixed them with the 3061. I personally can confidently recommend it you - for what that's worth anyway!
Let me know if I can help further, I happy to do it.
I have the 306 and just had to play around with the bottom wheel on the back to get it perfect.
Admittedly I was just dealing with it for a long while because even with youtube videos I had no clue how to adjust it and didn't use it enough to bother.
But I eventually figured it out on my own when I finally decided to toy around with it for about 15 minutes and now I can dice wood in thin, straight slices on 1/8" plywood and even 4x6 beams no problem.
Thy, I'm saving to get me one.
thanks for the informative video!
Yeah, thank you too Sandra! I'm glad you found it helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions - I'm happy to help!
Do you think you could actually measure the restock capacity and give me the exact value of clearance? 5" is the finish width of my boards and that's annoying if it's exactly 5 in
Man I'm 23 days late on this video, but very helpful review Jon. Pretty sure I'll be getting this one
Haha right on - better late than never! I've definitely been impressed. Let me know if I can answer any questions you may have. Thanks again!
Thank you Jon.............I want to buy one and wanted to ask how you feel about it a year after this video? Have you solved your miter slot issue? Great video Jon, I like your laid back style!!
Thanks for kind words Steven! This saw works just as good today as it did then - I've had no issues with it. I do wish for more resaw capacity, but for its size it's great.
The miter slot of small, and that's also a bummer. I ended up making my own rudimentary miter gauge, which works fine. It's not a deal breaker problem for me.
Let me know if you have any more questions, or what you end up getting. Thanks again!
@@JonFordWoodworks You continue to talk about resaw capability. Can you please tell me where I can buy a blade suitable for resaw?
Hey Mark, aside from the resaw height limitations I've had great success resawing with this saw. I get my bandsaw blades from Highland Woodworking.
Thank you.
Thank you as well!
First time on your channel. Very good. Did you thought of the Wen bandsaw?
Thanks for the kind words - it means a lot! Being that I've had such good experiences with the other Wen Tools I have I did consider a Wen Bandsaw. I just got a good deal on this Rikon that I couldn't pass up.
Is this much of an upgrade from a Harbor Freight 9 inch "band saw"?
is it only one speed?
Hey Fred, this particular model has two blade speeds.
Those Blade Speeds are: 1,515 and 3,280 ft/min.
I hope this helps!
Where do you get 5/8 miter stock for this saw?
Haha that's one of the few negatives about this saw. And I'm not sure if anyone makes a miter gauge that fits a 5/8" miter slot?
I used an old miter gauge, and made my own runner for the miter slot. If you find one you can purchase, please share with us.
How about 10-305 is it s good saw?
I have heard the 305 is a fine saw. There were a few upgrades made to the 3061, but I think the 305 would serve you well.
I do think you should steer clear of the 306. I know it had problems, hence the creation of the 3061. Let me know what you end up going with!
what blades come with the saw?
You can only get a 28tpi blade for this saw.
I can't remember what it came with, but I get my bandsaw blades from Highland Woodworking. They have all the different types in the correct size for this saw.
Hey Mark, check out Highland Woodworking they have all the different type blades.
Just ordered my 3061. The best sticker on your saw is the one from your daughter.... The others have to go. 😁👍
Hey Frank, aside from occasionally wishing I had a little more resaw capacity - I have no complaints with this bandsaw. Everything about it is just nice, well built, easy to adjust, and great power. I hope it works out as well for you. You'll have to keep me posted.
And yes, my daughter would definitely agree with you (I do too)! Thanks so much man!
Awesome review!!! I’m new to woodworking...just hobby level. Anyway I’m really interested in getting this saw. My work area isn’t very big so probably have to stay bench top like this saw. Anyway how would this saw be for making bandsaw boxes. I know it’s got some limitations for the sizes of boxes it can make but for the majority is it a good saw to make them?
Hey Mike, thanks for checking out the video! With the exception of its re-saw capacity, I have no complaints about this saw. It's easy to adjust and work with, and has cut everything I've thrown at it (some pretty dense woods too) and not flinched.
The re-saw max is 5 inches, but I think that's fairly standard for most benchtop bandsaws. There may be some out there with a 6 inch re-saw capacity? If 5 inches is enough for you though, it's a great saw.
Let me know if I can help further - always glad to!
@@JonFordWoodworks sounds great to me!!! Sounds like a good starting point at least to make most size boxes! Don’t plan on making a foot locker sized one lol!!! At least not yet!
I think this saw would definitely serve you well.
why did it make that sound at 6:21?
Hey Jehan, that is the sound it makes when it is turned off.
@@JonFordWoodworks I know but it sounds like something isn't right, like it's binding. Doesn't sound normal. Hopefully not all models sound that way could be just yours.
It could have been that particular blade. I was just listening to it now and it doesn't make any sounds.
@@JonFordWoodworks Sweet thanks for the clarification. I'm looking into this model, seems solid! Still worth the 500+ price tag on it and was it tedious trying to align the blade?
Yeah man, I'm always happy to help. It has been very solid, and changing blades is simple and easy - no alignment issues. The only shortcoming is resaw capacity.
As a reward for being subscriber #1,000, do I get a post-it note?
This would be an incredible saw IF you could get blades. There is absolutely no resaw capacity if you can’t get a blade suitable for resawing.
Hey man, check out Highland Woodworking they have many different types/size blades that fit this saw.
$400. + is way to much for a 5 inch re-saw machine.
There's definitely a valid argument to be made there - agreed. I do think if space is limited, but you want a really well built piece of equipment, and can live with the limited re-saw capacity this is a nice saw. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it!
I paid $500 for my Rigid 14” band saw. And that was 15 years ago. It is just like all the other 14” bandsaws out there. Even though it has a six inch re-saw capacity it is terrible for re-sawing. I even bought special re-saw blades. So I think if it will do a decent job with five inch stock you didn’t waste your money. I might do a “crappy 14” video some day.