Looking To Buy 18" Bandsaw

[Bob Waddell]

Hi Fellow woodworkers, I am new to this forum and am in the market for a new or used 18" bandsaw in the Tidewater area. I have read the forum comments as well as others and think I would prefer the Bridgewood. Any owners out there? Would love to hear your comments. Bob

[Jim Becker]

Bob, the Bridgewood really isn't available anymore as new...Wilke stopped importing them a number of months ago. You'll want to look at comparable machines from Grizzly, Jet, Delta or a step up from MiniMax, Laguna and Agazzani.

[Bruce Shiverdecker]

If I may, also look at the Rikon.

Bruce

[Bob Waddell]

Thanks Guys, really appreciate the response. Bob

[Dick Strauss]

Bob,
The Jet 18"/1.75hp BS is on sale through the end of the year for $1199.99 with a $100 gift card according to the flyer I got.

[Bob Aquino]

Bob
Have you been over to Woodcraft in Norfolk? Usually you can see the Delta, Rikon and Jet saws there. I think they have the Steel City now as well. I have the Delta 18", but mine is not stock, it has a custom set of Carter guides on it.

If I were to buy today, I would be looking at one of the Grizzly offerings, either the 17 or 19" model. I think they offer the most bang for the buck, but of course you cant see it before you buy unless you make a road trip.

[Mike Skees]

I would suggest that you take a close look at the Steel City 18". I have one and am really pleased with it.

[glenn bradley]

Lot's of good responses here. Steel City is having a sale to prepare for their riving knife and marble topped tools. The 18" is still a little pricey but folks seem to like it (I am very happy with my Griz G0513X).

http://www.steelcitytoolworks.com/homepage/Announcements_a.pdf

[John Bush]

Hi Bob,
I have the Rikon 18 and am very pleased with it. While shopping, I'd suggest you look at models with a foot switch/brake. The Rikon does all(and likely much more) that I need, but it is a bit spooky stabilizing my off-cuts for the 45+ seconds it takes the CI wheels to stop turning. In retrospect, the step up to a BS with a brake would definitely be worth the extra cost. I have seen the Griz versions and they seem like great machines and a good value. Good luck, John.

[Dave MacArthur]

some pertinent and similar threads here that you'll want to read:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=684386
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=66119