Choosing between four large vertical band saws

[tikka308]

I'm a home hobbyist who has the need, space and budget for a large vertical bandsaw.

Need: to cut 1/4" pieces of 6061 into 12" strips with a clean finish
Budget: ~$3,000.
Space: No practical limitations, have grade-level access, 240V power single phase; could use 3 phase rotary converter if necessary.

I've never owned a large metalworking bandsaw like this. Given the nature of my first project, I would think a fence would be crucial to the cut quality. However, only one of the saw's below includes a fence (The G0640x, which is a wood/metal hybrid).

Here are the four I've been researching:
1) G0640x - $1,600, includes fence, 3 phase motor with single phase inverter, blade speed of 100-3600 FPM. http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-M...r-Motor/G0640X

2) G8145Z - $2,600, no fence, 3 phase motor with single phase inverter, blade speed of 108-1800 FPM. http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-1...nverter/G8145Z

3) SB1021 - Grizzly's "new" Southbend remakes - $3,500, no fence, single phase. http://www.grizzly.com/products/Sout...aw-1-PH/SB1021

4) A used do-all via eBay, craigslist, etc. (such as http://cgi.ebay.com/doall-do-all-16-...item483a83e772)

I've held off on comparing the obvious things like throat capacity. Any advice on features, brands, etc is much appreciated. If I end up with one which does not have a fence, I don't see any reason I can't fabricate my own...

[keebler303]

If you need a bandsaw I would recommend a used do-all or similar, they are quality units and will last forever.

Just for cutting aluminum, I would recommend a table saw with a high tooth count carbide tipped blade. The tablesaw will cut aluminum with no trouble and will give you a much nicer finish than a bandsaw will. Just use a little WD-40 or similar to keep the chips from sticking to the blade.

Matt

[ss_again]

I recently was in the same boat as you except I was deciding between used machines. I ended up getting a Grob 4v-18 off Ebay at a reasonable price and I couldn't be more happier with it. I had an issue with the blade welder when the machine arrived. I called and emailed with a Grob rep and they couldn't have helped me anymore and even send me a free manual, and assembly drawings. They even paid the postage. My machine was built in 1979 and they acted like I purchased it from them new just last week.
To sum it up, my recommendation would be to get a nice used USA made saw that has been well proven and probably hasn't changed designs in 50+ years i.e. Doall, Grob...etc.

I think I learned my lesson when I purchased a Taiwanese Bridgeport knee mill knock-off rather than and actual Bridgeport. Parts are triple the price if you can find them and no customer service to speak of.