Replies

1. 
   CAGIV | May 24, 2006 09:48pm | #1

    

   post this over at knots as well.

    

   

2. 
   Gene_Davis | May 24, 2006 11:06pm | #2

   A lot of folks make 14-inchers.  Jet, Delta, Powermatic, Grizzly, Woodtek, etc.

   You said 16.  That starts to limit things.

   This 15-incher by Woodtek, from Woodworkers Supply, is a good one.  With multiple speeds, it will be good for your metal cutting needs, plus of course wood.

   $899.

   View Image

3. 
   Bish | May 25, 2006 01:24am | #3

   If you are willing to spend a little more, Laguna makes great saws. For a little less, Bridgewood or Jet. I've got a Jet 18" and am happy for the price. Bought a woodslicer brand blade recently and it resaws like a dream.

1. 
   jesse | May 25, 2006 07:51am | #6

   Oh yeah. Laguna. We recently got one at the shop (18" I think) and it is unreal. I think it was over $2500, though.

4. 
   mike4244 | May 25, 2006 02:30am | #4

   I bought a Grizzly G1073 16" bandsaw about 7 years ago. I have used many bandsaws,from little 12" delta to a 36" bandsaw that was made in Philadelphia in the late 1800's. Never could find a nameplate on that big saw.The Grizzly is the only 16" saw that I recall using. I can truthfully say that this is the best bandsaw I have used outside of the big one I described.Never used Laguana or some of the other well known quality saws.

   You can get a deal on the Grizzly open stand 16" saw,Grizzly stopped making them. I imagine the average woodworkerprefers a 14" saw, or possibly a 18" saw for resawing capability.The saw I have has plenty of power, I routinely resaw hardwood logs. The resaw height is limited to about 7 1/2", no riser block can be added as this saw is solid cast iron along the height.Not a big problem for me, I resaw as wide as I can, glue flitch's up for extra width if needed.Most of my work is with boards 6" wide or less.

   As far as the best? Try a google search for 16" bandsaw reviews, you'll find something I'm sure.

   mike

5. 
   GHR | May 25, 2006 03:14am | #5

   What is best depends on what you want to do.

   I like my 14" Delta with a riser block. I would like to have another 12" between the blade and the frame but that would require a 36" saw and I don't need something that "heavy" or "big".

6. 
   DDay | May 26, 2006 03:26am | #7

   You said the best, money not an issue right?  Check out Mini Max

   http://www.minimax-usa.com/bandsaws/mm16.html

7. 
   brownbagg | May 26, 2006 04:42am | #8

   I got a harbor freight bandsaw, its a direct copy of a delta that sears sell. direct copy. dont buy it, I rather have a jet