> One tip: Replace whatever cheesy blade that comes with the saw with a
> good made-in-USA model. I got a nice replacement Lenox blade from
> www.toolcenter.com. The saw took an oddball-length blade, but they
> made custom lengths. If you are cutting small stuff like 1/8" think
> plywood, you will certainly need a finer-tooth blade than the one that
> came with the saw.
Seconded on the Lenox blades. I have a Lennox Diemaster2 on my saw
and for the price, it's hard to beat.
To the original poster (sorry, I've since deleted that message):
Sears tools are hit or miss. They've used several OEMs over the years. Used
to be their small bandsaws (the ones with three wheels) were pretty much crap.
But recently they introduced some models with Rikon-style frames that were
better quality. Their 12" model in particular is/was pretty well-regarded.
Go much smaller than that and I think you'll be better off with a high quality
jigsaw (check out the Bosch 1591...it's spendy but it's the best jigsaw I've
ever used) or maybe even a scroll saw depending on the type of cuts you're
planning to make.
JM
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