Band saw choice

One of our sons asked me this question:

Got any info on how to choose a good band saw, wondering what rpm, blade, size would be good for ripping oak branches up to 4" in diameter?

He makes rustic furniture from oak branches he recycles when he sees a tree being cut down. I DAGS but wasn't able to sort through everything to get him a succinct answer.

Thanks.

Lionel

Thanks.

Lionel

Up to 4" logs, most of the "home workshop" grade 14" (wheel diameter) bandsaws will happily saw them.

IMHO, go for a welded steel frame, not cast iron. Lagunas and MiniMax are nice. If you've got the money, go for an 18" - you'll not regret investing in a serious bandsaw.

One thing you will definitely need is a log-sawing sled. JOAT posted this link recently, which is the sort of thing you need (but maybe bigger).

-- Smert' spamionam

Hmmm, I would have guessed the opposite (for any tool). Why do you think the steel is better? Ed

Thanks. I'll pass this on . . . and maybe use it myself when I save up a few more dollars.

Lionel

Better ability to deliver tension, for a given frame size.

Maybe this isn't an issue on large machines (although a steel 18" is also easier to move around than a CI one). On a 14" machine though, you can tension a wide resaw blade on a good steel frame that you can't on an iron frame.

-- Smert' spamionam

Delta is considered better than average. I found my 14" Delta to be excellent and well-built. Nothing replaces a good chain saw for his application.