bandsaw question

[northern fisher]

I'm in the process of setting up a shop to start making my own bows.My next purchase will likly be a bandsaw and was hoping to get some advice as to what I should be looking for.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Gary

[Bowchef]

At least 14" and not less than 1hp.  There are several good brand names.  I personally have a Jet.

[Jim Godden]

Gary, how goes?  Here in Canada you might want to check out Busy Bee Tools.  (www.busybeetools.ca) Their house brand is Craftex and they are very good quality and not as expensive as the national brands. The saws are compatible with all of the aftermarket accessories and attachments.  When I set up my shop I got all of my main power tools from them and have had no problems. As for specs go with what Doug said and you'll have no probs.
JIM

[Bodork]

Girzzly seems to be a popular choice for the serious bowyers. I have a cheap wilson or something like that. It's the small table top model because I don't have a 'shop'. Just a corner in the garage. So decent bows CAN be made with the smaller tools but it sure would be nice to have the power of the big ones at my disposal. I go through ALOT of blades but this saw handles the riser blanks just fine for me. It wouldn't work so good on bulk stock.

[Dale Hajas]

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0555

Here's the one I bought and I LOVE it! It's dang CHEAP now too. Hundert bucks less than when I bought mine.  

Get a bigger blade- they give ya a small one, I think 3/8" mebbe.... Get a 3/4" along with yer saw.

[northern fisher]

Thanks for the advice guys.I just got to read your post ,as I only get home from work every weekend or two.your advice will be a lot of help and is much appreciated.
Gary

[Bob Barnes]

anyone try the Griz Extreme and Griz Ultimate to see if one is worth so much more than the other...I'm going to buy one as soon as I decide between the 2 saws...
thanks.
Bob

[Dan Bonner]

Doug's advice is right on. I have the Grizzly GO555 and love it. I have easily cut out flared risers double stacked to 4" with hard woods like ebony and cocobola and it doesnt even break a sweat. I also split a 9" osage log that was still wet into staves without problems. Its a lot of saw for the money.

[mjlaychur]

the Griz stuff is OK  for home use where  you are the oly one to use it. If you want to go into production I would suggest an industrial grade machine like a rockwell or powermatic. they cost much more but last a lifetime.

[wislnwings]

I'll give my vote for the Grizzly as well.  I haven't used it for bow building yet but I do use it for my decoy carving.  I have a 14" with the riser block extension.