Bobj3 That saw is really far out of my price range. I would like to use the oak and walnut for small projects, boxes, frames, decorative bric-a-brac, just for practice mainly to learn some of the finer points of woodworking. But I would like to make useful things. I also want to try some small panel glue ups with it to make slightly larger projects. I really want to learn about taking wood from rough to finished. Hand planing and resawing are a couple of things I would like to master. But I am working in a hobby shop on a hobby budget.
Most things I will "build" will be out of necessity for home improvement or renovation. Down the road I hope to make small furniture and do some furniture refinishing as well. I have really enjoyed what I have learned in the last while and I love this forum for it's support and all the great ideas you guys and gals have.
So yes I am looking for "budget" tools for the moment. Right now I have a 9" bench top bandsaw which is good for very small soft wood but that's about it.
I got him down to 180.00 with a new fence, new rubbers, new bearings, the extension kit, a miter guage, and a detachable rolling base and an extra blade. He has been using the saw to cut curly maple and other hardwoods he uses for bowl turning on a lathe. I actually watched him cut a 3" thick piece of maple. It does only have a 3/4 HP motor he said but has 3 pulley speed adjustments. I asked him to hold the saw till Monday if he could so I have to call him tomorrow with my decision if he hasn't sold it yet. I was working all weekend and couldn't pick it up anyway. I was hoping to hear back from you folks first. Like I said I am in no hurry, just looking for a good deal.