Visitor Reviews

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High quality..but not worth *retail* price

Review by: Mark Kepke from Raleigh, NC

I have had the CF75B for several years and have used it for typical curve cutting and resawing up to its 12" maximum. Here are my observations: 1) Build quality is excellent (and durability - my saw is pushing 10+ years old). 2) Cut quality is very good if the saw is set up properly. 3) Dust collection is adequate. 4) The 3" wide bandsaw blades are pricey and unnecessary. Better performing (and cheaper) bands can be sourced from any number of 3rd party suppliers..just like any other bandsaw. 5) This is not a "tool free" design because the blade guide adjustments and trunnion adjustment requires you to use a crescent wrench. 6) The saw is under-powered given that the saw is marketed as a resaw bandsaw. It is powered by a 15A, 120V universal motor. Hitachi Support has told me the saw can handle a 3HP motor. Frankly, it should ship *with* a 3HP, 240V motor. The net-net is that at current retail pricing, there are better choices for the money, if only for the under-sized motor issue. However these saws are often available on the used market at steeply discounted prices, which makes them worthy of consideration for the small pro shop.

Well Built But Underpowered

Review by: Dennis L. Pollet from Redondo Beach, CA

I have had my Hitachi bandsaw for about 4 years and have used it extensively to make bookmatched panels in addition to ripping boards in the rough. When properly set up and adjusted, it has performed well but I have found it to be frustratingly slow in its cut rate when resawing 8" to 10" wide walnut or hard maple boards. It does provide adequate tension for the 3 inch blade, being approximately 16000 psi when the adjustment is against the stop (blade manufacturers recommend a minimum of 15000 psi). Note, many bandsaws cannot attain proper tension with a resaw blade of even 1.0 inch width. The pluses of the saw is that it is well made and easy to setup and adjust (provided that you know what you're doing). The minuses are its price and the fact that it is underpowered (the motor should be a 240 volt unit of at least 3 hp).

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