David wrote:
Yet another "what to buy question". I've read the bandsaw posts, and
appreciate all I've learned. Rather than asking "what's the best 14
inch BS" or "What's the best 17 inch BS", I'd rather ask "what's the
best saw I can get with a $1000 budget.


I bought the Rikon 18" bandsaw back in February after Fine Woodworking Magazine
rated it as a best buy. It certainly falls into your budget although I'd wait
for the next 10% off sale before I'd buy if I were buying one now (it's
currently $999.99 at Woodcraft).

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5220

It's 2 speed, 2 HP, 220V horse of a machine; takes a 142" 1/4" to 1 1/2" blade,
and can resaw up to 12". Cast iron wheels, tension quick release... about the
only thing it seems to lack is a brake.

One of the things that really attracted me to it was it was one of two bandsaws
that FWW felt was easy to make blade changes... and the other was three times
the money (the Laguna... if I recall).

Would I buy one again? Hell, yes. I love the thing....



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

VE