Hi,
I have been reading a lot about different bandsaws and I made my decision to 2 bandsaws.
First let me tell you my guides for decision.
1. No old iron. I don't want and I won't spend time fixing a machine. this is my hobby (woodworking) not metal working. It is in a garage so I don't want a huge machine.
2. I would like a Italian bandsaw for their quality, but I don't have the money.
3. I will use it more for curve cuts and compound angles, etc. I will have the occasional resaw, but that won't happen every time. I work most of my weekends so even if I resaw often it will be between weekends.
4. I have settle to Asian bandsaws for the following brands: Laguna and Hammer.
Ok, The bandsaws that I have look out there are:
1412 from Laguna
LT14 SUV from Laguna
Hammer N3800
Hammer N4400.
I have discarded the Lagunas, because there are so many good bandsaw out there. There are also many bad experiences ouot there and they have common occurrences. One the table not being flat and you have to mess with it to make it flat. It is like buying Lottery, you don't know if you will get the prize or not. I don't want to spend more money to make it work right, it should work right from the beginning.
Ok, back to the choices.
The Hammer are made in Asia and assembled in Europe. The bad reviews are pretty low to almost none. I know there are more Lagunas in the market so that makes more of the reviews.
My problem is which one to pick.
The main difference is Flywheel 17 ⅜ to 15, Motor 3.5 and 2.0 and cutting height is the same.
The price difference is about $500 placed on my garage, so there are between $2000 and $2500. There will be a price increase January 1, 2015.
Based on my use I am thinking on N3800, smaller saw. This is just a hobby, so It is not for massive furniture production. I like to build tables, chairs, etc.
Would I regret not getting the N4400 largest saw. I am afraid one day I will say I wish I had more power, but if that happens only once or twice during the life time and I am ok with that.
Any suggestions?
I have seen the MM16, but it is out of my budget. I won't wait for a used one either.