What band saw for an aspiring cue maker?

[boogieman]

I don't know much about band saws and I don't know what I don't know. I don't need "the best" to start with but I'd like one with some room to grow. In other words I'd rather not buy a bad one and have to replace it in a year.

I would like to use one to take the corners off of square blanks so they will be easier to turn round and maybe save some scrap for small ring work and inlays.

I'd also like one capable of doing splices at some point.

Do any cuemakers have suggestions or advice on what I should be looking for? Any considerations that should be considered?

Thanks!

 

[GoldCrown]

Fully understand it before operating it. Safety first. Take corners off…. A router or disc sander ?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I am not a cue maker either but I do a lot of woodworking. I bought a used Jet 14” bandsaw for $800 and it does everything I have asked of it. It was in good shape but I replaced the tires and upgraded the blade guide and it was as good as new. Saved about $1500 buying used.

 

[GoldCrown]

I am not a cue maker either but I do a lot of woodworking. I bought a used Jet 14” bandsaw for $800 and it does everything I have asked of it. It was in good shape but I replaced the tires and upgraded the blade guide and it was as good as new. Saved about $1500 buying used.

Jet equipment is excellent. Parts are usually available. Customer service is good.

 

[cueman]

I have a 16 inch Grizzly that I have had for years. It is a good saw. I got a Jet and it seems to be a little better.

 

[Tom1234]

I’ll give you the same advice I always give about purchasing a power saw like this. Buy your last bandsaw first. Look at what you need it for now, then anything you may want to do in the future. You’ll save a lot of money in the long run.

 

[Ssonerai]

I'd also like one capable of doing splices at some point.

It's nice to have a table larger than a 14" saw for that.
Plus, 16" seems to be a baseline where manufacturers decide the purchaser is a serious user, and make them a little heavier and a little "nicer" in terms of ease of use, alignments, etc.

If you can get one of the Euro saws in 20" or larger, there are a lot of strengths & refinements.

Here's an acquaintance talking about his herd of bandsaws from tiny, to large. Not sure what all might be relevant to your interests, but it's informative from odd angles. Just FF through the slow parts.

Google Search

I've got a 30" American i use every day, including occasionally for FS 4 & 6 point cues, as well as a project 36" Tannewitz like the one Ken is working on in the video.