you don't need 5 HP!
So I'm in the market for a band saw. I will need a pretty powerful one as the main reason I'm getting it is to resaw about 400-500 linear feet of 5/4x6" mahogany into 1/2x6". I was reading about guys only getting a foot a minute making birch veneers out of 8/4x6". That's really slow. I have a power feed and would be thrilled if i could get it running nicely on a band saw. So what size ? I'm thinking at least a 14"- 5 H.P. Any input ?
Any motor over 1 1/2 HP will require 220 V.
My 18" Mini Max has a 3 HP motor and has never even slowed down when I've resawn 8" Oak.
It's all about the blade for resawing, a minimum of 3 TPI and when you go with fewer teeth it's hard to find those in a narrow blade, like 1/2" ...so, you need the larger machine for the wider blades.
The blade width capacity of most 14" saws is 3/4", if I recall. But then because of the small wheel diameter, you need a thinner blade like 0.025" to avoid weld fatigue. Then you need more tension on a wider blade to maintain stiffness. You solve one issue and create another.
Looking into the future, my advice is to get a 17" with 2HP minimum, OR a 19" with 3 HP or if you are on a "power trip', a 24" with 5 HP.
I have a 19" Grizzly with 3HP and it's a great resaw machine, nice blade guides also. It will take up to a 1 1/4" blade. This one:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/19-3-HP-Extreme-Series-Bandsaw-with-Motor-Brake/G0514X2B
Unless your power feeder has variable speed, it will be a challange to get the feed rate exactly spot on. Wood densities and hardness varies, even within the same plank.
Some clever guy could rig up a 4" belt sander, laying on it's side with a 36 grit belt and a variable speed controller for a power feeder.... given enough time..... and the right tools .....
and a real need for one... it could happen .... I donno?