I have a fear of table saws, so I'm trying to do without. This involves more extensive use of a band saw, but the band saw I bought (old 12" craftsman 113) seems inadequate for a number of reasons: the blade wanders back and forth on the wheel, the table isn't flat, and the guides don't meet the blade right. Fixable problems, but I'd rather not put more money into it.
So now I'm considering my options for replacing it. Mainly, I need to be able to accurately square lumber and resaw.
I'm pretty poor (I'm hoping that woodworking will help me out of poverty), so price is a big issue, but if possible I'd rather not buy an inadequate saw and have to upgrade later.
The options I'm looking at so far:
The Porter Cable 14" saw from Lowes. It's the cheapest option at $450. No fence, but I have a Kreg fence. It has guide blocks instead of bearings, which the internet seems to be saying is better.
Shop Fox W1706. $300 more than the Porter Cable. It looks more solid, and has cast iron wheels.
Grizzly G0555LX "Deluxe Bandsaw". Looks very similar to the Shop Fox, but uglier and $100 cheaper.
Presently the Porter Cable seems the most compelling for the price.