I went out and bought a ridgid BS1400. I assumed since all my other ridgid tools are of decent quality that this would be too. Boy was I wrong! It shakes washing machine with a blanket in it. I taped pennies to the wheel and it helped some. Readjusted everything and it helped some more. Still won't pass the nickel test. I will be returning it on monday.
So my question is - What band saw should I buy?
I have researched the Jet 708113A and the Delta 28-276. These, much like the Ridgid are manufactured in Taiwan and all three saws seem to be clones of eachother. I looked at the Grizzly G0555 and the Rikon 10-320, 10-325, and 10-345. I can't really afford Laguna or PM. I like the Griz and the Rikon 10-320 because they have ball bearing guides and a full one HP. Both are in the $450 range. The Rikon I can get locally. I'm leaning toward the Rikon in the 1 HP/$450 range. Now if I step up to the Rikon 10-325 I get 1.5HP plus 13" resaw AND it come with a fence and work light. The saw costs $750. If I really loose my mind there is always the Rikon 10-345 with 18" cut 12" resaw and 2HP, which the guy said he would sell me for $999. But that a little more than I want to spend.
If I decide to step out of the $450 range I will probably get the Rikon 10-325.
Am I going down the right path? What other options have I missed. (American made Delta?)
Please give me some advice before I make another mistake. Fortunately my first mistake can be remedied by returning the BS1400.
Nice to meet everyone -
John