: Been using the Delta 14" bandsaw at work and thinking it would be really
: nice to have a full size one at home. Saw an ad for a Dayton 14"
: bandsaw at a really good price. These list over $500 and for sale under
: $200. Anyone got experience with one?

The same saw is sold under a bunch of different brands. It's a low-end saw and may well suffer from the same problems that most of them do. I've owned 4 inexpensive band saws (still have three of them) and the most common problem is that the guide post is not perfectly perpendicular to the table. What happens is that when you raise of lower the guides, they move forward/backward, left right or both. This is really annoying, as you have to readjust the guides for every material thickness you work with. The problem is typically compounded by the fact that the guide systems and clunky, imprecise to adjust and often hard to access, at least on the lower guide.

My advice would be not to buy such a saw unless you can check it out first. First, set the tension on the blade, as this affects the alignment of the saw. Next. set the guides with the post fully extended, then raise it and see what happens. If they're still in adjustment with the post raised, the frame is at least straight and unless there are any other issues, it should be a good saw. If the guides are out by much, you have to decide if the price is worth the aggravation you're going to deal with.

FWIW, I have a similar 14" saw that I bought used for $75. At that price, I can live with it, but I wouldn't for $200.

Check out online tool reviews and spring for the Fine Woodworking Tool Issue. They always review band saws. From what I've seen, it appears that Rikon makes some of the best low-end band saws. Like many high-end European saws, they use welded steel frames instead of cast iron. I have one of their 10" saws for light work and it's surprisingly well made. I've looked at their larger tools and they're even better.

Someday, I'm gonna' own a Laguna band saw!