What would be your choice if buying a new bandsaw? I have some experience and now that I am retired want to become more active in woodworking. I don't have large projects in mind at this time. The only specifications I can think of is the larger the motor the better & find one
that will accept a one inch blade. Thank you for any suggestions
Gillette, WY
- John
Our Expert
If buying a new bandsaw I would consider a 16" or 18" machine. When considering the purchase of a new bandsaw conventional wisdom implies that "bigger is better". And to an extent it's true; large bandsaws (20" or greater) have several advantages over their mid-sized competition: a larger throat (the distance from the blade to the column), greater horsepower (which can be a real advantage when resawing), a larger table for better support of the work, and an ability to accept wider blades.
However, large bandsaws (those over 18") can be quite expensive and a 16" or 18" saw may suit your needs just as well. Some of the 16" or 18" bandsaws will accept a 1" wide blade and perform extremely well when resawing. In fact, when equipped with a thin-kerf bandsaw blade some smaller saws will resaw as well as a much larger machine.
