Bandsaw upgrade

[CNX]

Hi all,

I wonder if I can get some help from experienced woodworkers about bandsaw upgrade.
I have a 14-inch Griz bandsaw. I guess I have been using it for almost 10 years. This has served my woodworking well but, this $350 bandsaw is not a precision tool in many respect with loose fits, vibration, and power-challenged. So, I decided to upgrade it (I'll keep it for light scroll works).

Here are my thoughts;

> Because my J/P are limited to 12 inch, I can't imagine resawing anything wider than that.
> I'm not considering Taiwanese/Chinese clones.
> I use a bandsaw mostly for rip and resaw ( For bandsaws, in general, the bigger the better or unnecessary capacity would be waste of $ and space?
> Compared to Minimax and Laguna, the Hammer/Felder bandsaws are significantly lighter (and cheaper). The Felder FB510 is especially compact and lighter with the larger capacity. Is it a good or bad news?

I think we can't go wrong with Hammer/Felder products. Although there are not many, reviews I can find in Internet are all positive, but I would appreciate any comments from N4400/FB510 users. General suggestions from other bandsaw users would also be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

There is nothing quite like running a big old cast iron band saw.  My daily driver is an early 20s 36" built in drive oliver.  Big table, tilts smooth as butta, runs quite, no vibration. I love big old saws. 

I have a 30" 117e oliver that I am getting rid of, real nice saw, fits through a 7 foot tall garage door. 

 

[CNX]

Thanks "Warner Remodeling".

So, it sounds there is noting to lose (except for the space) by going bigger.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Thanks "Warner Remodeling".

So, it sounds there is noting to lose (except for the space) by going bigger.

I progressed from a 24" saw, to a 32" saw to my 36" and have also bought and sold a couple 30" machines and the floor space they take up were all very similar. 

My bandsaw is probably my most used machine. 

 

[jacko9]

I have a 20" Powermatic vintage 1980's and I can kick myself for not getting the Oliver 36" at that time both were used machines but I didn't have a truck big enough to transport the Oliver!  The Powermatic works well and I don't have any issues resawing 10" stock.

Jack