<b>9" to 10" Bandsaws</b> Gary, the downside of most of the smaller 9" and 10" variety bandsaws (2 or 3 wheel) is that the guide systems are pretty poor and the blade wanders. I have rarely heard anything good about the Ryobi's 9". The 10" Silent Vac one I showed in the pic is a whole other story. The larger 12"-14" bandsaws either have better guide blocks or rollers that improve the tracking of the blade. Another downside to smaller bandsaws is lack of power. They bog down very easily. Many wooodworkers who are suprized at the usefulness of their bandsaw (like me) end up upgrading thier bandsaws with riser kits to give them more resaw capacity and or upgrading the guides with cool blocks or rollers that improve the tracking.
<b>How much bandsaw do you need?</b>
That is subject to what you want to use it for now, and what do you anticipate using it for in the future. In my case I do everything from resawing my own pen blanks (what fun!) to cutting venners and sawing curves like adirondack chairs.
For a bandsaw that will be for multi use, by the best one you can afford, even if it means saving up for it or even buying used. You won't regret it.
