time for new saw... Ellis? Baileigh? or...?

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Currently I have the proverbial 4x6 horizontal/vertical bandsaw like the one in this picture:I've made thousands of cuts this saw, which means the blade has fallen off several hundred times.  Yes, I've dug through the Yahoo 4x6 bandsaw group and made all the adjustments and alignments that can possibly be made... it is what it is, it's a low budget saw.  my love/hate relationship with this saw is leaning toward hate at the moment.  Enter three contenders:   One:  7x12 horizontal/vertical bandsaw   Two:  mitering head, gear drive horizontal bandsawThree:  Ellis 1800upgrade option one:  the 7x12. ($800-$2000, depending on brand)  It's just a larger version of the 4x6.  I'm leaning toward the TurnPro offered by Enco.  There is a geared driven version (no belt) does this mean its louder?  I haven't seen very much internet-b1tching about alignment/blade falling off on this size hori/vert band saws.  In fact, there seem to be a lot of praises sung to its ability to cut straight and precise.  If you have one of these, how does it compare to the old 4x6?upgrade option two:  the geared driven, mitering head bandsaw.  ($1800 on up) These are the Cadillacs of new-age bandsaws.  DC motor, infinite variable speed, oil pressure gauge on blade tension...etc.  I'm sure these things will come with a chocolate chip cookie baking attachment before long.  Having never seen on operate in person, i am concerned about the noise.  One of the reasons i love the 4x6 bandsaw is that I can use it at 3AM and can still hear myself think.  When it comes to volume during operation, the 4x6 is very "civilized."  if you have one of these DC geared driven mitering bandsaws, are they loud?  as loud as a cold saw?upgrade option three:  Ellis 1800.  The only reason i'm considering this is because one became available for a very reasonable price.  It is an Ellis.  If you have used one of these, i'm sure you'll be wondering why I haven't bought this yet.  The reason is space.  I need to be able to justify the space an Ellis 1800 will take up.  If it's gonna blow the other options out of the water, I will definitely go with the Ellis.  Can the 1800 be used in the vertical mode?have I missed any other options?  Brand new Hyd•Mech is out of budget (can't find used ones), ditto on the Kama EV-996.  Cold saw and chop saws just won't work for me (noise).for what it's worth, the smallest things i cut is 1/4 bar, 1/16 sheet in the vertical mode.  Largest things i cut 3x3" solid cold rolled bar, 1/4" plate in vertical mode.Last edited by oxy moron; 03-13-2012 at 04:56 AM.
Reply:I'm in the same position...I've been using a Milwaukee Multi-cutter Dry saw for years and while it has it's advantages I'm finding more and more reasons to change it out for a mitering head bandsaw, noise being one of the top on the list. I'm also getting sick of sweeping up the metal chips that the dry saw covers my small shop with like a blanket of snow. Take a look at the Femi line of saws. I have been looking at the NG 120 and every review or comment on them that I can find has been outstanding. I am still hesitating to buy it as I would really like to see one in person and try it out first but everything about them seems to fit my needs especially the small amount of space they require.http://www.vansantent.com/Saws/femi_benchtop_saws.htmNow will they really compare to an Ellis or the Baileigh?? Probably not because those are some very robust saws and the Femi line is marketed as a "portable" saw....but I figured if I can get you to buy one I'll just try yours out first! http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Hi, tough choice. I really like the footprint of the Baileigh and would definitely go with swivel head. I did have a earlier model ELLIS and  it was huge. Here's my local suppliers website in Wisconsin that did have about the best price on a ellis 1600. I don't know if they have the 1800. Check it out. http://www.weldersupply.com/Search.asp
Reply:I ended up getting the Ellis 1800.  This thing takes up a lot more space, but in the end I decided that it is worth losing some space for accurate and aggravation-free cuts.  I got a new blade with it, so I swapped that in ASAP.  So far i've cut some 1/8 walled square and rectangular tubing, and 5/8 304 SS rod. Attached Images
Reply:Awesome saw !  Is this the one you got a deal on ???  I know the 1600 vary in price from 2200.00 to almost 2600.00 depending where you live.Never looked at the 1800. I know those are BIG! i was hoping you would get the Baileigh. This is one I'm dreaming about along with their TN-250 notcher. GOOD CUTTING!
Reply:Ellis 1800, $1500.  comes with one brand new Starrett blade (original one was beaten to shreads), single stock stand, stock support stand.  basically stole it.
Reply:YOU SHOULD GET 5 to 10  for that! WOW! Boy, that is awesome. Did you have to travel far ??   Don;t tell me 1/2 hour drive either. That could not be passed up. I thought I did well when I bought my MILLER 180 SD for 800.00 complete. You will be good to go for awhile . When i had my Ellis it took up a lot of space, but I stole that too. Didn't look as nice as yours. It's a great feeling spending money when you get results like that. SMART DECISION ! Although it was kinda NO BRAINER at that price !
Reply:$1500 is what I paid for my Ellis 3000...sadly, no extra blades.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:nice score, you will love that saw,  clean, no cutting fluid dripping everywhere and big enough to do heavy work.Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Reply:and you can take it with you. Attached ImagesLast edited by fdcmiami; 03-18-2012 at 11:11 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1YOU SHOULD GET 5 to 10  for that! WOW! Boy, that is awesome. Did you have to travel far ??   Don;t tell me 1/2 hour drive either. That could not be passed up. I thought I did well when I bought my MILLER 180 SD for 800.00 complete. You will be good to go for awhile . When i had my Ellis it took up a lot of space, but I stole that too. Didn't look as nice as yours. It's a great feeling spending money when you get results like that. SMART DECISION ! Although it was kinda NO BRAINER at that price !
Reply:Congrats on the Ellis! This is of topic but is that a Stronghand table in the background? If so, do you like it and how has it worked out for you.
Reply:Congrats on the new saw. It's the in feed roller table that's the space killer on my bandsaw. Anyone come up with a space saving idea for the rollers?Should we all start a 180SD club?
Reply:Originally Posted by KGIORCongrats on the Ellis! This is of topic but is that a Stronghand table in the background? If so, do you like it and how has it worked out for you.