Hi, I'm a little new to this forum but I have done some metal work in the past.
For that kind of money I would think you could get a multi-speed saw that would cover all ranges. If not look for one that is fairly easy to swap out the pulleys. If you only need to change it infrequently, 15 or 20 minutes to swap pulleys may not be to bad.

 

Keep an eye on craigslist. I found a 14" Delta for $400 that way. I put a riser on it, a few blades, and for $600 I have a heck of a saw.
There are some who would never use their wood BS for any kind of metal work. But if you do, make sure you get all the chips off the tires before you put a wood blade on it.

 

Check this out before you buy...
Podcast #22: Buying & Getting the Most Out of Your Band Saw

I cut aluminum, brass, copper and most any soft, fairly thin, non-ferrous metals with my variable speed band saw all the time. It doesn't hurt anything as long as you make sure to clean the metal shavings off the wheels (and everywhere else) when finished. You don't have to change to a metal cutting blade either. Actually, wood dulls the blade quicker than the metals, believe it or not.

 

frootloops,

You've been given some good advice above. As for brands, different people will have different opinions but in the 14" size (which most people won't regret buying), many brands have "cloned" the Delta. To compete most have offered them less expensively but to accomplish it they've cut corners or had inferior fit and finish.

Getting a 14" Delta on craigslist is a great idea. Out of the box it will cut 6" thick and with a riser kit it will cut 12" thick. That's handy if you are resawing (cutting a piece of wood in sections through the thin side). Resawn wood has not only saves money but it also gives you two pieces with mirror-image grain. Very attractive if used appropriately (door fronts, trim pieces, etc.).

Jim

 

Awesome, awesome, awesome!

Thanks for the info, definitely helped me out.