If you cut a lot of thick stock, or if you resaw stock in the 9-in.-wide to 12-in.-wide range, an 18-in. bandsaw is worth considering. Not only does it offer extra capacity, but most 18-in. saws also have more horsepower to cut faster. I looked at 11 models ranging in price from $900 to almost $3,000, evaluating cutting ability, machine sturdiness, and blade-changing ease. The Bridgewood had the fastest resaw cutting speed, did well in the curve-cutting test, and ranked best in the frame-deflection test. The cast-iron trunnion support and trunnions are a plus. It has a very good rip fence but the lowest rip capacity, and the fussy-to-adjust guides made blade changing a chore.

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