Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 26, 2012 09:56am | #1

   Used, old, and really-old

   Your 18" spec probably removes most of the hobbiest saws you might find on Craig's List and similar sites, since the majority of hobbiests go for traditional 14" models. So, you'll probably need to look for used machines from cabinet shops and the like.Sorry, I don't have any references for places that resell used commercial equipment.

   "Best" is always a problematic term. Among more-recent manufacturers in the U.S., I'd look for Delta, Powermatic and Laguna. There might be others, as well, but those are the makers who immediately come to mind for me. I have an 18" (Swedish-made) Inca "three-wheeler" that I bought in the '70s. The relatively small diameter of the space-saving third wheel limits the Inca to a maximum blade width of about 3/4", though. So, if you like wide blades for resawing, that would be a no-go on the Incas you might find.

   For "really-old" machines, made around the turn of the last century, also affectionately known as "old iron", take a look at the http://vintagemachinery.org/home.aspx site. There were litterally dozens of small manufacturers making excellent woodworking machines toward the end of the 1800s and early 1900s, if you are up for refurbishing one. Finding one can be problematic, however. The folks who post on the forum there might be able help.

2. 
   PeteBradley | Nov 23, 2012 08:37am | #2

   Consider moving up to 20"

   If you're willing to go the old iron route, consider 20" machines as well.  The Delta/Crescent 28-350 (I have one), Delta/Rockwell 20", and if you can handle the weight the old Crescent cast iron macines are all good choices.  The Deltaas have 13" under the guide.  Any of these are likely to need bearings or some kind of repair but can be well worth it.

   Checking for play in the wheels has limited usefulness, many good bandsaws will have some play in the upper wheel carrier if the band's not on, and many machines with trashed bearings have no discernable play.  You can turn each wheel slowly and listen for noise, but in general I assume any machine over 20 years old needs new bearings.

   Bring a flashlight, look all over and inside the machine for cracks, breaks, and missing parts.  I'd take the table off or at least take a very close look at the trunnions since they're easy to break and costly/impossible to replace.  A machine that's been sitting for a while will tend to bang and make other belt noises, but make sure you know where any odd noises are coming from.  With the band off, you can turn each wheel slowly

   Overall condition is important too -- did the previous owner use the table as an anvil or for glue-ups?  Are there poor repairs, such as wrong hardware (check if it's at least the right thread), etc?  These aren't necessarily showstoppers but they should give you pause.

   Good luck!