Quote Originally Posted by Rich Engelhardt View Post
If you can find it, Michael Fortune wrote an excellent tutorial on how to tune up the Ridgid bandsaw. I recall reading it a few years ago. It's just a few simple steps/things that eliminate most, if not all, the things that cause the negative comments about the 14" Ridgid. Since you have to assemble the saw, it might be wise to go do any modifications now.
FWIW - in the article I read, he (Michael Fortune) said the 14" Ridgid is his "go to" saw for 90% of his work.

Another FWIW - I feel you made the wise choice by getting what you need now to get going. Making sawdust is a whole lot more fun than scanning the web for endless hours searching for that elusive used machine.
that was in october, 2006 issue of wood magazine. i didn't believe the article and emailed michael fortune. his reply is here:

"I absolutely stand by my opinion on the Rigid band saw. It is hard to tell if it is running it is so quiet and vibration free (if there is a radio playing). I can stand a nickel on edge.

Don't over tension it, use the blades suggested and beef up the platform. I have six bandsaws. I run an very well equipped workshop. Look at my web site www.michaelfortune.com , the most frequently used machine to make that furniture is the lowly bandsaw."