Posts: 306
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Joined: Jul 2007
I have the older model (C-Man) with the 7" resaw and it does everything I ask of it. I did upgrade to Carter guides, since the bearings on mine gummed up quick. Many just replace with sealed bearings and get the same results as the Carter Kit. I know they have done some upgrades to the newer ones. Others consider the Laguna, around the regular price point. Dan
Posts: 16,676
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Joined: Oct 1999
I have the original Rikon 18 incher, model 10-340. Bought it over ten years ago from Woodcraft when they first came out - it also has the 2 HP motor. It is a very good larger bandsaw IMHO, and I haven't needed any more power in a home shop environment. The couple of times I've called their CS with questions, the rep I spoke with, "Rod" was both patient and helpful.
From a price/performance perspective it is hard to beat. Grizzly also has a pretty complete line of 18" saws, probably more now than when I was in the market. You might want to take a look at their offerings just for comparison. If you step up to Laguna (has taken some CS hits on this forum) or Minimax (the gold standard to many) you will spend considerable more dough - whether it's worth it is always "in the eye of the beholder."
Good luck,
Doug