Quote Originally Posted by billster View Post
I decided late last year to sell equipment that was being under-utilized, and taking up space. I've been unhappy with (just for my shop and available floor space) with some purchased accessories and have built replacements for most of them. The next project - actually two - which are fighting over priority inside my cranium are a copy carver (manual, just short of CNC) and a three-wheel benchtop bandsaw that will use a common size blade I already use on my 14" bandsaw. They are battling it out, but since I have already gathered most of the copy carver parts, it may win. I think, though, I need the bandsaw more. I build guitars, ukuleles, and wooden toys, and the smaller saw will be used a lot more then the copy carver - at least, that's what I keep telling myself.
You're way more ambitious than me, I wouldn't consider taking something like this on, maybe if I was retired and had time and a machine shop on hand. As it is, my workhorse General Mfg 15" and little Sears 10" handle anything my full time business demands. It's a shame General Mfg. no longer exists. If I needed to replace mine I'd try to source an old one and refurbish it. I am working on a manual brake for my General but that's not your question. My 36+ years and thousands of serious work hours on bandsaws tell me investing in a top quality tool equals superior stability, adjustments and longevity. Life's too short to deal with aggravating problems and unless you're a precision woodworker and a tenacious problem solver I think this will be a difficult project. But others have built their own, so I'm sure it's possible. Good luck!