An email came today from Tormach announcing a soon to be released AF50 bandsaw with auto stock feeding. Coincidentally I have been considering replacing my current saw (Ramco RS-90P) so seeing this today was of great interest. No Pricing yet that I could find but the auto stock feed part caught my attention. That is a very cool feature. Most saws have some sort if controlled descent cylinder on the cutting head but to actually feed the stock- that I haven't seen on small home shop size machines. We have an Amada HA-250 auto feeder at work that feeds stock but that is in a completely different league both size and price.
My short list of possible replacement saws so far are
Kama EV-996 manual down feed.
$3,400
Kama EV-97 hydraulic power down feed.
$4,500
We have an EV-97 at work about 15 years now and it's been an awesome little machine. Very compact foot print and wheels around as needed. The power down feed is really nice too but $1k more makes it a tough add.
Ellis 1600 manual down feed.
$3,000. Nice looking and good reviews but my issue with the Ellis is its a bit bulky- primarily why I want to sell the Ramco.
All of these are about $1,000 too rich for my budget. At least in my mind at the moment
Will be curious to learn more about the Tormach saw and where it comes in price wise.