Band Saw and Stave questions

[Pat B]

If you are planning to continue building wood bows you will not regret buying a bandsaw. Buy one that you can afford but if possible get one with at least a 1hp motor on it. Working with hardwoods you can overwork a smaller saw with lots of bow building.
 My first bandsaw was a 10" grizzly(1/2hp maybe). I got it so both my wife and I could use it for each of our projects. It didn't take me long to realize I was overworking the saw and creating a dangerous situation for myself trying to do stuff it wasn't meant to do.

[Badger]

 I use a 14" delta with out the extension so I am limited to about 4" thick cuts. which is fine 90% of the time. Since I have learned how to properly set it up I found I can use the cheap blades and they last forever. I use my bandsaw a lot and maybe go through about 12 blades a year at about 15.00 each. This year I am only on my second blade.

[Piddler]

Thanks for the replies fellas. I bit the bullet and one came home with me. A little expensive but has good reviews and a 5 year warranty. I do plan on working on wood bows for lots more years so I figure I will get lots and lots of use out of it. I agree some of the old US products are hard to beat if in good shape and or repairable. This one should last a really long time as it appears well made.
Piddler