Recommend a good quality bandsaw?

[TAftonomos]

Powermatic 20" bandsaw.  Can slow it down as far as you want, comes with a blade welder as well.  Never failed me yet, but you arn't going to find an off the shelf saw capable of slowing down like you want in 110v.  Mine is 240v 3 phase.

If you don't know what a VFD is, check them out.  I use one with my lathe, and can slow it down as much as I want electronically without messing with belts or gears.  You should be able to get a small VFD for around a hundred bucks or so, and would be perfect.

[Langanobob]

I have an old 1950's Walker-Turner that a previous owner geared down with a jackshaft to cut metal.  It works perfectly and is a joy to use.  If you're  not in a real hurry and don't have an objection to applying some TLC to an old machine I suggest keeping an eye on Craigslist for older machines as they are absolutely superior to most made today.  The exceptions being new saws like DoAll that go for many thousands of dollars. 

As previously mentioned you can slow down the speed of a wood cutting saw with a VFD, but I think only on three-phase motors.  But, you can use a three-phase motor with single phase power since many VFD's will take single phase input and act as a phase converter.  But you will have to slow it down by a factor of 20 or so and if used continuously the motor may overheat because the fan isn't turning fast enough to cool it.  But I think it will work OK for intermittent use.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I know it's always the last thought, but you could always try finding the local Jet distributor and supporting them.

They have margin to work with (or at least they should work with you unless they're ass faces)

There ain't one within a hundred miles of me, according to their website.


I did not try the 150 mile range search. So, there's that.

[Cicero]

There is a Jet tool guy that sells a lot on eBay.

He's in Fresno or Visalia - He usually has a lathe or two for sale - haven't seen bandsaws, tho

Central Valley Tool Supply?

I know he carries Jet.

Check out the Jet website, if you catch em during their annual "Heavy Metal" sale everything is like 500 off and free shipping.

[Cicero]

http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/s7ondemand/brochure/flash_brochure.jsp?company=WMHToolGroup&sku=2t09_ind&config=2t09_ind

[Monsterlover]

There ain't one within a hundred miles of me, according to their website.


I did not try the 150 mile range search. So, there's that.

Mail order it is!

[Vindingo]

http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=561

These guys carry Jet and they are near your house. 

Take a look at MiniMax.