Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw Review

Rikon 10-305 product image

Editor Rating: 4.9/5

Great

Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Published on: February 18, 2018

Last modified:

February 16, 2018 @ 5:39 pm

 

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Rikon 10-305 Review Summary:

Contrary to popular belief, a high-quality benchtop bandsaw doesn’t necessarily have to come from a well-known brand. In fact, there are several brands on the market that aren’t as well known but still produce quality machines. Rikon is one of those brands.

If you’re on a limited budget and in need of a great machine, the 10-305 model might be the solution. It’s a versatile machine with a few well-designed features that come in handy both for avid professionals and occasional users. 

Specifications:

  • Power – 1/3HP motor
  • Blade speed – 2780 FPM
  • Cutting capacity – 4-5/8 x 9-5/8 inches
  • Blade length – 70-1/2 inches
  • Blade width – From 1/8 to 1/2-inches
  • Weight – 68 pounds

Rikon 10-305 – The Basics


Even though the cutting capacity and power aren’t as good as in some larger models, they do offer enough room for hobbyists to tackle a small to mid-sized project without too many issues. The 10-305 model is essentially a scaled-down version of the vastly popular 10-345 and 10-325 models. 

The main advantage of the Rikon 10-305 is its size. It’s significantly smaller than other units in this category meaning it’s a great solution for people who have limited space. On top of that, it’s also quite easy to store it when not in use. 

The Features


The Design


As we already mentioned, the biggest advantage regarding the design is the small size and light weight. Because the 10-305 weighs only around 68 pounds, one doesn’t have to worry about transport or storage. The unit also comes with a rip fence included which is not a rarity per se, but it’s certainly worth mentioning. The cast iron table is surprisingly big and it offers more than enough room for smooth operation.

As far as the motor power goes, it’s sufficient for some applications, but it doesn’t hold well when it comes to large pieces. However, the unit is not foreseen for massive projects; therefore, the underpowered motor doesn’t come as a surprise. If you are after a larger bandsaw check out the Rikon 10-3061. The adjustable guidepost is a neat addition, especially because it allows you to adjust and fine-tune the height within seconds thanks to the conveniently positioned handle.

The frame is sturdy and reliable, but it does lack stability due to the lack of weight. However, the base can be screwed into some kind of a support piece which does mitigate the stability problems significantly. The table can tilt from 0 up to 45 degrees which allows you to cut at a certain angle without having to hassle with wrenches.

Usability


This model is designed for woodworkers and it doesn’t do well with other materials. Therefore, if you’re looking for something that’s particularly versatile in terms of material choice check out our bandsaw categories

Rikon 10-305 what is in the box

Pros:

N

Compact

N

Lightweight

N

Affordable

Cons:

N

Underpowered

N

Stability issues

R

Things we liked about it

Its simplicity and ease of use are definitely two main selling points. The rip fence is also a neat addition and it’s somewhat rare in this price category. Most other brands sell these additional components separately.

The size of the worktable is one of the most pleasant surprises. A unit that is a scaled down version of its predecessor isn’t expected to have such a large work surface.

The controls are also easily accessible and all knobs and levers are positioned conveniently and within reach. In other words, you don’t have to worry about downtime if the machine suddenly requires additional adjustments.

Q

Things we didn’t like

This bandsaw lacks power. While it is pointed out by the manufacturer that it’s not foreseen for demanding projects, we still feel it could use a bit more power regardless.

Also, the included blade is low quality. Therefore, you should probably we buy a few additional ones to make sure you don’t end up without a blade in the middle of a project.

While the frame can be screwed in and secured, it can feel unstable. When the machine reaches high FPM values, it can wobble. It is a bearable downside.

What Users Say About The Rickon 10-305


It is a neat tool to have in your workspace for occasional small projects. If you’re a DIYer on a limited budget, this machine is perfectly capable of meeting your requirements.

Conclusion


Take a good look at the capabilities of this model and if you find them attractive enough, don’t hesitate to consider a purchase. On the other hand, if you’re seeking for something that will yield consistent results and won’t struggle with bigger projects, then check out some larger bandsaws.

 The Rikon 10-305 is a great bandsaw for DIYers 

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