I am in the "I need a new toy" mode and am looking at a bandsaw. Right now, I see the saw as being able to handle basic cutting and some resawing. The resawing I can't see as ever being more than 12", most in the 6-8" range at most. This is for a hobby, no production work, so saw will probably be used only few times a month.
Given this, I have been focussing on the Rikon 325 and the Rikon 345. The 345 has a 10 degree tilt to the left, which would allow me to use it for doing dovetails if need be (watched David Marks do this with the tool chest he made). I do have a 220v circuit I put in past year "just in case" I ever needed it. Being the additional cost of a mobile base and blades, I definately can't go more than the $1000 mark total of the saw. The rikon 325 is $750, but will get (10% off next month for their sale day). The Rikon 345 is $1250, but on sale for $999 right now.
Any thoughts to these two or recommendation for other bandsaws? I would like to get the most flexibility and power versus the cost as I can. While many recommend larger saws such as the Laguna, those are towards the $2000 range and far too much out of my price range or need.
Any recommendations and/or comments greatly appreciated.
- Clayton