Buying a first bandsaw

[AJBaker]

I'm still a fairly new woodworker, but I've got reasonably proficient at making things with hand tools. I have a nice bench with decent planes, and so far I've made do with hand saws, even for long rip cuts. I can follow a line, and then plane it straight and square.

That being said, I think it's time I added at least one power tool beyond my electric drill. For Christmas my wife bought me a small 100£ bandsaw, but it was hopeless, I couldn't get the blade to stay on the wheel and there was rubbing inside the top that didn't seem right. I returned it, I could tell it would be more hassle than it was worth. I now want to replace it with something halfway decent in the budget price range.
I have very little space, so I reckon it'll need to be a 10" (or max 12") model.
It'll mostly be for rips in 20-50mm wood, plus some scroll work. If I could resaw boards for bookmatched panels that would also be great, but that might be asking for too much.

Looking around on forums, it seems that Record Power is the consensus for a reliable cheap bandsaw. If I go for their 250 model, will that be a smart choice? Or splurge on the Sabre version? Or am I on the wrong track and I should be looking at something completely different?

I'm not worried if it isn't the very best, but I do want something that'll work for years and won't cost me more time fixing it than it saves in sawing.

Thanks!

 

[robgul]

I upgraded from the small Axminster bandsaw to the Record BS250 in May last year (I couldn't see any advantages with the Sabre version at more money for my needs, which seem similar to yours) - very pleased with it. I bought mine from Yandles, next day delivery on a pallet - tail-lift wagon, pallet truck and delivered into my workshop.

 

[Agent_zed]

I have a Sheppach Basa 1.0 which has been good. It's only a small machine and light enough to move by picking up. It's only a small machine though so don't expect to be ripping huge bits of wood. It's great for small jobs though

I have recently upgraded to a recordpower rpbs12 but that is a much larger machine and is super heavy. I'm not going to get rid of the basa though as I think the small machine will still be great for finer work.

 

[Orraloon]

I would see the record 12'' as a starting point if you want to resaw boards over a couple of inches wide. Horsepower is required and the more the better. I nursed along an underpowered saw for a few years and that was a lesson in frustration. One of the good points about bandsaws is the bigger saws do not take up a lot more floor space. A 14'' will not need much more room than a 12''. Just remember wharever the saw you do need room to push the bit of wood through. My bandsaw is near the garage door so long bits of wood feed out the door.
Regards
John