I'm considering adding a bandsaw to my workshop and have been trying to figure out the major differences between older style 20" bandsaws such as the Delta 28-350 or the General 390 and the newer welded frame models offered by Laguna and MiniMax. It seems the old style have a much larger footprint, but aside from that, I can't really distinguish where I'd find benefits on either the new or the old style.

Obviously cutting capacity varies greatly depending on size, but I guess I'm just trying to figure out if there are any major performance differences between these two varieties of saws. In particular do the new style bandsaws have any improvements (aside from guides, or other upgrades that are interchangeable amongst bandsaws) that would justify the extra cost of purchasing them new versus seeking out a used 20" bandsaw?

Thanks,

Aaron