HI Davey, I have a craft bandsaw and experienced some the problems you mentioned. I never expected too much performance as it was one of Axminsters cheaper models but it would be big enough for my needs. Two things over the past few months have helped. One was a you tube video " Bandsaw clinic with Alan Snodgrass". I followed his advice and my little bandsaw was buzzing along beautifully. Next was an attempt at bandsaw boxes, cuttin the curves caused stuck blades, whiffs of smoke etc and then I read a little more and found the optimum blade for curves was 4 teeth per inch 1/4" wide… Ordered one and the little machine cut through the laminated wood like a larger industrial machine. Table is held true resting on a bolt, which did need a little adjustment to bring it to square. I check it periodically. Rip fence is OK but I made my own Jig for perfect 90 degree cuts. Good luck with the bandsaw. Happy Turning
