I've got a 9" Craftsman bandsaw. Apparently Sears was phasing it
out or something, not sure just what.and it was priced at about $35,
new, in the box. Few days later they had the shelves stocked with an
almost identical model, going for about $175.

For various reasons I don't use it much, altho it runs well enough,
and the blade cuts smooth. However, I'm not having a lot of luck with
cutting, can't make a straight cut for mor than about 3 inches, then it
starts wandering. It's a 1/4" blade.

I'm thinking I'll do a bit better with a wider blade. The specs
say it'll take up to a 3/8" wide blade.

I'm wondering if I could move up to a 1/2" blade, rather than a
3/8", with no problems, or should I just stick with the 3/8"? The
tires are wider than 1/2', and I can't seen anyplace it didn't look like
a 1/2" blade wouldn't work.

I'm not interested in making any curved cuts, intentionally or not,
I'd rather use my Craftsman scroll saw for it. (Same type of price, and
situation, with the scroll saw. Around $35, for a nice 16" variable
speed, new in the box. The Woodworking Gods look out for me at times).
All I'd probably use the bandsaw for is crosscuts, maybe up to a foot,
max, at this time, maybe make a jig and try a bit of resawing later on.

Thanks.



JOAT
Measure twice, cut once, swear repeatedly.