Well, here is my take. I don't make anything as thick or bulky as you are doing but I do love buying tools. I don't have the budget for anything new that is worth owning so I have shopped the used market over the years. I started with a used Dewalt 788 and went from there to a used Ex21, Canadian built. Then a Hegner came along so I did my homework and bought it. It developed a speed problem that looked like it might end up costing me a bunch of money. Those German parts aren't cheap. Anyway, I sold it and found a like new Hawk 226 Ultra with less than 20 hours on it. I stole it at $225. But, it was just too big for my little shop. I did like the saw but had to let it go. Then another Hegner came along for a very good price. Cheap enough that it allowed me the extra money to upgrade the things it didn't have. I found another Ex, a 16 inch, for a super price so I bought it. I now have all 3 saws and don't plan on selling any of them. Unless of course, something comes along that I just have to have. I still would like a Hawk but the next one will be a 20 incher. Oh, and by the way, I also have a Delta 14 inch band saw that is probably the handiest tool I own for those quick cuts on something thick. The thing that I need more than anything else is space. My tiny shop has outgrown itself and I now have to keep a couple of my less used tools outdoors, covered up with barbecue covers. Best of luck to you in your search. This is the best place for info on just about any saw there is. I learned a ton about Hegners from @CharleyE and the Hawks from @Kmmcrafts (Kevin). Either of these saws requires a lot of questions to be answered if shopping used. Especially the Hawks.