Trad Gang

Do any of you guys have a recommendation? I've used a few bench top models that were pathetic. So I'm leaning towards something a little heavier than the bench top models. What works for you guys that use them?

I like my Grizzly 550 14 inch. Grizzly products are made overseas but they have good quality and good service.
Ron

The only thing that isn't "made overseas" these days is the BS coming out of Washington... And on second thought, that may be true in Washington too.  :)

My dad just got a 10" Craftsman bench top at sears for around 200. It has a cast iron table and some good heft to it.  Cut out five bow blanks that weekend and loved it.  No drift in the blade at all.

I have a Grizzly 14", 1hp and have cut lots ofbow wood with it. If you plan to use it for bows be sure you get at least 1hp.

I got a 12" Craftsman at a yardsale and it has cut everything I have asked of it.. all the way up to 7" tall.. I was making large veneers.

I have a 14" Jet that I picked up on craigslist - works great.  I agree with Pat - whatever brand you get, get at least 1 hp.

I use a Craftsman 12" from craigslist.  Along with the advice for the minimum 1 hp, I would go with at least a 12" model.

I'm new to all this, but my only advice is to make sure it takes a common blade size! I know it sounds dumb, but it's nice to be able to run and grab a blade at the hardware 3 minutes before they close. I learned this the hard way by borrowing my buddys 9" Ryobi (yeah its really an oddball) and having to order a welded blade and wait a week to get it because Ryobi doesn't make the saw, and of course, the blades anymore.    

I've got a 14" Porter-Cable. I'm no bandsaw expert, but it seems to be more than adequate, especially for the price (~$400).  It has a 1.5 hp motor and cuts just fine for me.  The experts may disagree, but at my skill level I don't think a $3k saw would make any difference...

14" Grizzly.  Don't even bother with anything else.

I have a craftsman which does most everything decent.... if you are careful. Been looking at the grizzly, they come with a good roller guide system which is a hundred dollar aftermarket item on most saws, and they have decent reviews. If you look there better quality stuff comes from Taiwan, there catalog makes that distinction.

Best thing I have found to make most bandsaws livable, is learning how to sharpen the blade correctly. A good sharp blade makes up for a lot. Plus it will save you some bucks.