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[StillRockinPdX]

I know it's a bit late to reply as you've no doubt already made your decision on a saw but thought I'd have a say also. I have a few saws now and my workhorse saw has the most incredible blade I'll probably ever have the pleasure to use as it leaves no saw marks on the slabs I cut. No marks. None. The saw is a 16" made in Portland, OR by a long gone manufacturer whose name is escaping me.  Love the saw. I also have a Lortone 12" saw that has had the heck beat out of it but I've fiddled with it some and it does better now. (A pulley collection is something I'd love to acquire as they come in handy and can be expensive). I recently scored a nice running gravity feed 14" Covington that is very quiet and has a straight blade that could be made by the manufacture of the blade my 16" saw has. Also have  a Lortone 10" saw and I use or will use them all. Still need a larger saw or two and a trim saw would be nice to have as well. I'd get all three saws you found if I were you and could afford them as you'll need them. Can always sell one to someone in your local rock club as there is usually someone needing what you no longer need or want. 

[Steve Ramsdell]

Slab saws are always a hard choice.  But I'll break it down to something simple.  Can you fix it if it breaks?  If not (which is by no means an insult), buy new and have the warranty. Some can buy the cheapest and reconstruct (or resurrect) to a good saw.  I figure I can too if needed, but I'd rather put the time into cutting rocks.  The new HP is not the old HP, but neither was my last chevy truck anything like my first.  If you need more info on them there are several videos on YouTube and when I had a question they were quick with the response.  I have no connection with the company, but I too was looking at the same saw.
Steve

[Rockoteer]

Here's my .02...

I'd buy the 10" Lortone for $250. That's a smokin' good deal and will whet your taste for stone cutting. Then, as the affliction grips you'll want to cut bigger rocks, say along the lines of an 18" to 20" saw. With the money originally saved you purchase the bigger HP unit and have two saws. Let's face it, the difference in what you can cut between a 10" and 12" is minimal, and IMHO, a 10-12 inch saw is required shop equipment anyway.

From personal experience, I paid 350 for an old LS-12 (Lortone) basket case. After some re-assembly/furbishing it has become a real workhorse. I have no regrets and it will probably continue to be used even after I eventually procure an 18" (or bigger) saw.

You hit the nail directly dead center.  nwbeachrocker ... this is very sound advice.
I have experience with 'made in china' motors .... mostly trash .... they don't compare with a good Made in America motor.
jmho