Battle of the Band Saws

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I received the new issue of Popular Woodworking today and it contained a very timely article on Euro style steel body BS's. The Wilke Machinery sale is coming up this week so I thought I would pick up the Bridgewood BW-14WBS.
http://www.wilkemachinery.com/defaul...skudatarq=2087

It will be on sale for $400 for two days next week. I believe they are getting rid of this model and replacing it with what appears to be the identical Yorkcraft YC-14WBS.

http://www.wilkemachinery.com/defaul...skudatarq=2086

Well the article in Popular Woodworking really wasn't that kind to the YC in the review citing vibration throughout the machine. They believed this to be due to the base which is assembled with 5 easy pieces and is an open stand verus closed.

They really like the Craftsman zip code BS, 22401. I am wondering if price played a major part in that? It is currently on sale for $429.99 (and likely 10% off for CC or something).

What do you guys think? I am not too much of a tool snob as I have the Craftsman 22104 TS, so I can allow Craftsman brand into my shop if I have too! LOL! I am not brand loyal as my TS, jointer, planner, SCMS, router, etc are all different brands and I have a rainbow of colors. I am 99% sure tha BW and YC are the same based upon visual at Wilke website and the specs are pretty much identical.

Edit : The BW does have quick release saw blade tension.

[drumpriest]

I have the 14" craftsman euro (the current model) and really like it. The only thing that I'd chage is to put a quick tension release lever on it. It's a well built tool.

[Knottscott]

I'm sure that BW is a pretty nice saw, but considering that alot of folks picked up the 22401 for ~ $320 over Labor Day, I'd have to give the bang for the buck nod to the Craftsman.

I'm really pleased with the smaller 22400 12" version, and can only imagine that the added power, mass, and capacity of the 14" are a plus. Just today I resawed a 6' length of 4.5" QSWO with just the general purpose blade on. It was old growth oak salvaged from an old wine vat and was pretty tough stuff...not bad for a 12" $190 BS.