Well, I was gonna get a 18" bandsaw but due to financial issues decided not to, instead used the money to get a bunch of other tools, like a jig saw for bigger pieces like plywood or jigs (now I know why they're called a jigsaw, used for making jigs). For straight cuts I was going to get a table saw but then I thought a table saw has very very limited use in luthiery, except for making kerfings or slotting fretboards, both of which can be done by hand. So decided to get a small 10" bandsaw for the straight cuts.
I had a lot of trouble setting the thing up, like tensioning the blade, not knowing what is the right tension, etc. and tracking problems like the blade coming off of the wheels. At first I tried to cut a piece of mahogany heel block (which is about 2.5" square) and the cut was rough so I thought I tension the blade really tight. Then the saw either wouldn't run (the blade hung up on something, after all this is a 1/5 hp motor we're talking about), or the blade just came right off which was kinda scary.
I spent like several hours setting up the thing, according to the instruction that came with the saw. After letting go on the tension (like I said, I didn't know what is the correct tension and the instruction did warn that too much tension can cause the blade to break) I started cutting that same piece of mahogany. Now the cut is smoother, maybe not as smooth as a properly set up table saw or chop saw, but it's smooth enough to finish with hand planes.
Shown here is the bandsaw with the cleats I've cut to make the repair with... I don't think I would be able to do this with a jigsaw.
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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.
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