I've read through many of the bandsaw threads here but still would like opinions on the best all around bandsaw under $3k. I'm setting up a shop in half of a 2 car garage and would like to get a nice bandsaw to complement hand tools. I may get some kind of track saw, but no tablesaw, chop saw, jointer or planer so I was thinking about splurging on a really nice bandsaw. Projects would include acoustic guitars, wooden kayaks, and furniture. It would be used mostly for ripping followed by curves followed by resaw. Priorities are on cut quality, ease of blade changes, throat depth, table size.
Options I'm considering:
- pm1500: kinda expensive but seems to be pretty nice for my needs. Does not require guard changes going from 1/8 to 1" blades
- mm16: doesn't take smaller blades without changing guides and many have described these as more dedicated resaw machines
- felder510/hammer n4400: does not seem to take blades smaller than 3/8" - according to the specs
- laguna 14suv: could save some money but doesn't really excite me too much - would rather go with the Powermatic
- Scrounging up more $$ and going for a laguna lt16 or 18. Probably overkill and awfully expensive.
Most threads here seem to focus on resaw capabilities, but that is my lowest priority so I'm curious to hear what people think?