Bandsaw, what to look for and why?

[msweig]

One other thing to be aware of is there is a ton of variation in the length needed for the blade.  Some sizes are rather common and can be easily picked up at most stores, others require special ordering.  The oddball ones don't cost particularly more, but when you need to replace the blade it'll take some time.

Also, remember to tighten the blade.  I ended up making a sign so I didn't forget.  It sits right on top of the switch and is held in place with magnets.  In the photo I have it slightly offset to one side to show the switch.

 

[Cheese]

Well that's a bit to mull over, thanks guys, that's some good info on what to look for. If I can afford it, a 14" model sounds like it would do what I need. There's a few tool shops around and I will visit in the coming month and see what machines they have and sounds like blade guides are something to enquire about. I hadn't given it any thought on what types of blades, just assumed they would come with one or two general blades so will ask about those too.

Just to make your life a little easier: [big grin]
For the blade guides check out these folks, they have guides to fit everything. Don't even consider "Cool Blocks", they're junk.
http://www.carterproducts.com/band-saw-products/band-saw-conversion-kits

Some people like to remove the blade tension from their saw between uses and some of the newer saws incorporate this feature. If that's what you want and it's not included on the saw you choose, the Carter folk offer this.
http://www.carterproducts.com/band-saw-products/band-saw-tension/quick-releaser

For general woodworking I use this blade. Very long life and on occasion I've cut aluminum with it.
http://timberwolfblades.com/proddetail.php?prod=1204PC

For resawing many people rave about this blade, never tried it myself.
http://www.lagunatools.com/accessories/3-4-Resaw-King/3-4-X-2-3-Variable-TPI-X-93-1-2

For lighting these people offer a lot of options, good quality and made in USA. I have them over my lathe, band saw & drill press.
http://www.electrixtask.com/machine_tool_main.htm

 

[Billedis]

I'm with [member=44099]Cheese[/member] on Carter products and TimberWolf blades.  Check out Carter's site on you tube for some very good information on bandsaws.  Bill

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I never detension the band on my saw, time waster, not really important.

I despise carter guides, I usually toss them or pawn, er sell them to some poor sap.

Wright guides are the best guides you can have for woodcutting.

I have had the same bimetal band on my saw for almost two years, its about due to be changed.

My bands comd from my saw sharpener, he welds up my 19 footers for me.

 

[Lbob131]

When you look at  a band saw  hold the table  from the front  with both hands  and see  if you  can  move it  from side to side.

Some have movement  and some don't. The better quality  machines  obviously  will be  quite solid.
It can be a source for  vibration.