I have a Wilton - 14" METAL variable speed vertical band saw... it's really a wimpy band saw at best - but for "home" it will make cuts. I find myself using just about anything else unless there's just no other way to cut something.
The two handiest metal cutters I have -- a #2 Beverly shear.... and my Italian cold cut saw (about a grand). The cold cut saw came from Trick Tools.
If I was to do it over again - I'd buy a larger more powerful bandsaw -- maybe one from Grizzly Tools.... but I SO HATE to buy Chinese stuff of ANY KIND... and that's what keeps me from getting one of those. I agree with you on the Dake etc... that is just so overkill for a "home" shop... but trust me on wimping out and getting a low end version. You'll be sorry you did. Buy "up" if at all possible!
I think ENCO makes a horizontal version that can also be "switched" to a vertical position... now that would be pretty handy!
This is the one ENCO makes -- and even though it might be fairly wimpy -- it has versatility - which my Wilton does NOT have.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=573&PMCTLG=00
This is the WILTON version I own - and I can tell you it was a waste of money!
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?P...MITEM=505-1372