The time has come to replace my 12" craftsman bandsaw with something a little bit bigger.
Since Jet and Woodcraft/Powermatic are having sales of 15% off this coming week (today thru next Friday). I looked at the budget and decided that I could afford around $1,200, maybe a little bit more.
Mostly, I am looking for resaw capacity. I need at least 12". I would like a quick tension level. I would like a clean saw kerf, so I don’t have to do a lot of sanding.
I do a lot of resawing of 8/4 inch oak, maple, walnut and hopeful I will start on the exocits. I resaw to 1/8" and 1/4" for scroll saw projects and 1/2" for boxes. Actually, those would be finished sanded thicknesses.
In the future I may start doing bandsawn boxes and need the ability to replace the top and bottom barring guides with one of the carter free style (top only) guides.
I talked to the Carter people at the Woodworkers Show and the guy that does the bandsaw clinic and bandsaw box demonstrations said to get the Powermatic. I have done some research on the Internet and Powermatic seems to be the most expensive brand.
I plan on purchasing new. I don't want to get involved in restoring a old machine or hoping I am not getting someone else's lemon.
What would you suggest?
Brand?
Do I need to retrofit it to use the Carter Guide System?
Thanks in Advance, Jesse