Factory-Reconditioned Skil 3385-01-RT 2.5 Amp 9-Inch Band Saw

Comment: The bandsaw (shifting around loosely inside the box) arrived in fairly decent condition, which is amazing given how poorly this heavy item was packed. However, I very quickly ran into a couple of problems. First, the bandsaw initially vibrated pretty severely. After checking wheel balance and other, this was finally resolved by replacing the provided blade with a better quality product. Also decided on a 14-tpi blade to better handle metal as well as wood.

Second, both blades (provided and new replacement) refused to track in the center of the lower wheel. After repeated adjustments and trying various suggestions found on the internet, I noticed the crown (or hump) on the lower rubber tire was off-centered, with the blade actually tracking perfectly on that crown. Since the blade is not hitting the metal wheel at this point and the saw is cutting well enough, that will have to be the way it is until a replacement tire arrives (on order).

Overall, I'm fairly satisfied with this bandsaw and suspect (once initial quirks are worked out) it will provide years of reliable service.

Comment: Sent it back all ways used and I ordered NEW and they all ways sent used and one was even broken.

Comment: The saw looks like it is brand new. Very nice. Unfortunately I can not get the blade tight enough and so the blade is to lose to cut a straight line. I have had a few proffesionals look at it and they are unable to tighten it also.

Comment: Original purchase agreement and documentation specified NEW; product delivered was reconditioned. Worked with delivered product and found it deficient in many ways - e.g. unable to make table level, noisy, unable to cut without cutting into table slot/guide. Called customer service and was promised delivery of NEW unit - it too is reconditioned and also required extensive alignment/adjustments.

Originally made decision on NEW - not reconditioned. Not a particularily bad product for light infrequent work but would not have bought knowing it was reconditioned and required repairs. Have a number of RIDGID reconditioned tools that are just fine - and great value.

Not sure what the next steps are but given my prior experience with Amazon this too will be satisfactorily resolved.

Comment: I ordered a Skil 3385 from Amazon in July, 2009. The item is advertised as "New." However, it arrived in a plain brown box, poorly packed, and marked "Factory Refurbished." The saw showed some wear and other signs of prior use. It was somewhat dirty, and the instruction manual was crumpled and had writing in it.

I returned the saw to Amazon and bought one that really was new at Lowe's for $114.

I have not used the saw very much yet, but so far I am pleased. The initial adjustments are well explained in the manual and easy to do. I tried cutting a piece of wood and a piece of FR4 printed circuit board (with a 15 TPI blade on low speed.) The cuts were straight and clean. The frame is an aluminum casting, and it has a plastic access door on front. Overall, it appears well made and a bargain for the price.

Only 3 minor negatives: 1) The 1½" dust port is nice, but it does not fit Shop-Vac 1¼" hoses. I had to cut apart an old dust brush and use some duct tape to make an adapter. 2) The fence is a bit wobbly. I think it would have to be clamped in place for critical work. 3) The work light is too dim to be very useful.

Overall, I would give the saw 4½ stars, but I have to give Amazon a low mark for inaccurately describing their offering as "New."