Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Rotolo
As for getting a band saw, if budget isn't a huge issue, go for a name-brand tool in the 12-14 inch range. If budget is an issue, then a used tool can be had for a fraction of the new price, either saving several hundred dollars, or getting you a far superior machine for the same price.
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It really doesn't sound like he's in the price range to be buying anything name brand.
It'll set you back over $2000-4000 for anything by Kalamazoo, Wells, Dake, HydMech, etc.
I think Dake is the only one that even sells a 7x12 model, and it's identical to the one that JET, Grizzly, KBC Tools, MSC, etc all sell under different brand names.
To put it this way, in the price range he's looking at, he can't afford American iron. It's all going to come out of some Taiwanese or Chinese factory, so which nameplate gets stuck on it from that point on is pretty irrelevant.
If they do happen to find a bigger, name brand used bandsaw, then there are awesome deals to be had and you would notice a world of difference in performance compared to the JET or Grizzly.
For light duty stuff, it really shouldnt make a difference though.