SHOP FOX W1715 3/4 HP Metal Cutting Bandsaw

Comment: I purchased the Shop Fox bandsaw as a replacement for an old Sears' unit I sold at auction 10-years ago. I had to replace the Sears' motor (it was not powerful enough) and I am now replacing the Shop Fox motor (the Shop Fox-provided motor does not have enough torque to drive the blade through steel angle iron). I am replacing the SF low-powered motor with a farm-rated, heavy-duty 3/4HP with a higher-amp rating). I also did not like the somewhat flimsy legs provided by SF. I have mounted my new Shop Fox on a separate, heavy-duty, rolling table. I also had to jump too many hoops to locate replacement blades (this information should have been listed in the instruction sheets). I had to spcial-order a new 4-section step pulley for my new, more-powerful motor (larger shaft diameter required a different pulley). I will also need to replace the v-belt.

If I had not had years of prior experience with my old Sears' unit, I would have had some difficulty understanding the written SF instructions.

Further, SF should provide the customer with various motor options (a regular-duty motor, or, a heavy-duty motor for additional money) at the time of origional purchase.
JM

Comment: Ok, this is my first bandsaw so i have nothing to use for a comparison. I bought the Shop Fox because it had a 3/4 hp motor and most other brands had a 1/2 hp motor. Amazon was also shipping this for free. I'm still convinced that all of these types of bandsaws are made in the same factory in China and just painted different colors but who knows. I have used this machine to build a welding cart and it works well. I only wish you could adjust the angle of the material you are cutting without the use of tools every time. Also be aware that to change the speed of the blade you must move the belt to one of 3 different sized pulleys. I had hoped for a 3 speed switch or something but it was unclear from the listing how the speed adjustment was made. I also had to adjust the blade a little to get it to cut square but it was no big deal. Overall i am happy with this saw. It is easily one of the most useful tools in the garage.