Replies

1. 
   rich4242 | May 30, 2019 03:31pm | #1

   "What should I be looking for in a potential saw?"

   One with at least 8" resaw capacity.

   Whatever you get, this FWW article by Michael Fortune is the best advice I have ever seen about setting up a bandsaw. Particularly about resawing and the myth of blade drift. And you don't need a big machine:

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/2004/11/01/five-tips-for-better-bandsawing

   Your task could be handled by a 14" inch saw with a 1/2" blade. But a 17" model might be more comfortable. He quotes a source for blades in that article that no longer exists that he sets up with a very minimum of tension.

   I use Timberwolf blades the same way because they are meant to be set up with just enough tension to tune out "flutter." That's much less tension than other makers advise. And it's part of the secret.

   Rich

2. 
   john_c2 | May 30, 2019 05:18pm | #2

   I tried to get a 14 inch Delta clone to resaw forever. Both with and without a riser block. It just resawed for crap. I finally got a Laguna 14/12 bandsaw, and I could resaw 3/32 veneer from 10 inch cherry boards with no problem. And 1/2" 3 tooth blades work great. Mostly I use Starrett, being least expensive, and results are just as good as more expensive blades.

   I've kicked myself for fussing over thgat other saw. It just wasnt worth it.

1. 
   rich4242 | May 30, 2019 05:36pm | #3

   I have a Grizzly G0513X2 17" saw. (Don't know if this model is current any longer). Very nice saw. Its only shortcoming is no wheel brake. No problem getting 1/16" veneer from any number of hardwoods, or resawing very even boards without problems. My most used blade is a 1/2" 3 TPI skip tooth blade.

   Good to know that Starrett blades are inexpensive. I'll have to look them up. Timberwolfs are pricey.

   Rich

3. 
   rob_ss | May 31, 2019 05:08am | #4

   I use an Ascent 14" BS350 bandsaw - basically a re-badged bit of Chinese Cr*p which was at the higher end of cheap 14" saws.
   However, it is powerful - 1.5HP and with a 1/2" 3TPI blade it cuts beautifully - I have no trouble resawing 8" Oak and Mahogany. It also does the biz on wet treated pine which I use for my outdoor projects.
   It has a nominal 10" resaw capacity but I've not used it beyond 8" so cannot say it would be useful.
   I have also used it to cut 10mm aluminium bar with a bimetal blade, and (accidentally) 6mm steel nails with the 3TPI - 4 inches of solid pine with nails -the saw did not even notice. The blade is still good too...
   It was very cheap but took a lot of setting up - the fence was not square and it needed a new NVR switch but once going it really works well.
   So on a budget, consider a powerful saw over a better brand, but expect to pay in time to set up what you save in cash.