Bandsaw grades?

[Mike Putnam]

I am trying to decide on a bandsaw, right now looks like the frontrunner is the Bridgewood® Model BW-17WBS 17". after looking (online) at the various saws and pricepoints 17-18" saws mainly is it a safe bet to compare the differencce between lets say the Bridgewood® Model BW-17WBS 17" and the bridgwood BS-440 to the difference betwwen a contractor TS and a cabinet saw? or is there something one just wont do? I know theres alot of upgrdes on the big saws , Fences, foot brakes more blade tension more HP etc. but do I need those things? TS still will be primary saw at least as far as I can tell. never had a BS before so maybe that will change.

[Jim Becker]

Differences are source of manufacturer and features. If I'm not mistaken, the more expensive machine is OEMed from a well-known Euro manufacturer of band saws. The other machine is source in Asia...it's still a fine machine, but your analogy isn't horrible. Weight, stiffness, etc., are going to be higher on the larger investment.