The standard bandsaw that experienced woodworkers use is the 14" Delta or a Taiwanese copy thereof. The Delta goes for $800+ so by stopping at $250 you are giving up a bunch.
The best saws have a cast iron backbone that allows high blade tension. Tight blades help make for straight cuts. The rollers and guides
on the better saws also help contol blade wander. The big boys go so far as to spend a hundred additional dollars on accessory blade guides that make for better contol yet.
The Delta 14" has a two-piece backbone that accepts a 6" spacer so the saw will be capable of ripping up to a 12" depth.
I have an old aluminum framed 12" that I bought for $100. I have to check it out before every use because it gets out of trim so easily. If I was a serious wood butcher I'd have a Delta, new or used.
Charlie

: I went shopping for a band saw over the weekend and was appalled at the crap
: available at the big Orange or Blue stores and Sears.

: Floppy tables, belt tensioners incapable of actually developing tension, etc.

: Anyone aware of a decent 10 or 12 inch band say for around $250? I haven't
: seen anything used in the local classifieds.