First, I imagine most of you know or can figure out what a quest machine is but just in case, a quest machine is one you really want and have been searching for. Generally it would be a used machine since if you can buy it new it is just a quest for the money, since the machine can be easily found.

So what is your quest machine? What machine is the center of your Craig's List universe.

Many of you might think mine is a bandsaw and you would be correct, however it is doubtful you would guess it. It isn't a Yates American Y36 Snowflake, nor a Tannewitz GH, not even an Oliver 115. My quest machine is an aluminum framed Canadian "mini" saw that weighs in at a healthy 125#! It is the Beaver 3300. It has machine turned aluminum wheel which are smooth in the center and the upper and lower doors have a cut out where you can see the wheels spin. The saw has many nice little details even some small ones left over from the Art Deco machine days. They aren't extremely rare (in Canada and the Northern parts of the US, though I rarely see them in the South) and don't command a premium but I want one! When I actually get around to the true serach, hopefully later this year, I doubt I will have much problem finding one and they can be easily transported in a car trunk so distance isn't a big issue.

If I had the room and money there are probably a dozen bandsaws I would like to have besides the ones I own now but when I get my Beaver I will feel complete on the bandsaw front.


Below are examples of the little Beaver 3300 14" saw:

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/phot....aspx?id=12072

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/phot....aspx?id=13443


I often wonder when I get the 3300 if I will feel compelled to get its little brother the 12" 2300

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/phot...l.aspx?id=8553


So what machine is your quest? For those that don't have a quest machine do you have a quest tool?