Looking for a 7x12 Horizontal / Vertical Bandsaw... Recommendations?

[PhoenixMetal]

I am in the market for a 7"x12" capacity (or similar) combo horizontal / vertical bandsaw and was looking for recommendations on brand.

Right now I am leaning towards Enco's model (http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?P...TEM=AY137-3175) which is on sale for $732 including shipping. It has coolant and hydraulic downfeed, which are both features I need. The price certainly seems reasonable, however it is obviously a no-name import so I worry about its build quality and the ability to get replacement parts.

Its not going to be a production machine that will be used all day, but it does need to hold up to many years of reasonable use (a few cuts / day of hardened steel).

Does anybody have experience with this product or other machines from Enco?

Thanks in advance for your input!

[Geof]

I had one that looked like that many years ago. It worked fine after the blade guides had been tweaked a bit to get the blade cutting vertical. After about 8 years of light to medium use the worm gear drive for the blade wheel died and upon opening it up I found it had never been greased!

[John Crawford]

I have the Turn-Pro saw that is listed directly below the Enco brand saw. I've had it for maybe 5 years. It cuts straight and works okay. It's approximately 749 times better than the crappy 4X6 saw that it replaced.

The Enco brand saw you asked about is on sale right now for $732.95 with free shipping. With the 10% off code WEBJ99 that is good through Friday, June 12 the total cost delivered to a local freight depot would be $659.66. Not a bad price for a saw like this.

[PhoenixMetal]

Oh wow, I knew it was on sale but didn't know about the 10% discount. I think that makes it an extremely attractive deal then.

Once I verify with Enco tomorrow that replacement parts are available, I think I'll be making my purchase!

[John Crawford]

Enco also has free UPS shipping on $99 orders that can be used with the with the 10% off code. The UPS shipping code is ESP689. If you get on their email list they'll send you discount codes like this every so often. About a month ago they had 20% off with free shipping, which is about as good a deal as they have ever offered.

If you get on the mailing list for their monthly Hot Deals publication they sometimes print a discount code near your name and address. 6 months ago they printed a 20% off code that I put to good use.

I've had pretty good luck with Enco. Good customer service and quick shipping of whatever I've ordered. For certain items they are very good. I especially like their casters with polyurethane tires. A nice item for a good price if you get them with free UPS shipping.