Right Bob, i've almost had enough of this logic business, which, quite frankly, isn't helping, i've a good mind to flag this for the mod's to sort out
I'm a newbie, but have done enough to realise a BS's versatility and importance in a small workshop, and as such, i'd like to buy once and get a good machine that will last and be of sufficient quality and accuracy to take an essential and pivotal role as I learn, and for future use, which may well be low-volume artisanal as we intend to buy a small farm with wood in the next couple of years. However, if resawing reaches a certain volume/size of timber, a horizontal BS will be used too...
One thing before I answer your question, I was looking at (before the RP BS400 spanner got lobbed) Jet JWBS-18Q, Startrite 502E, Minimax S45N, and the Hammer N4400, which aren't all entry level, but your points are still as valid as ever
So it comes down to a simple choice one which is practical and measurable, one which is social and psychological (what I call bandsaw snobbery). No 1, do you need that continuous use rating? No 2, do you feel more "comfortable" with a higher status machine like a Hammer or Startrite that is European made.
1. No, it would never be used in an industrial capacity where someone was stationed on the machine continually BS'n 8hrs a day, 5 days a week...although there may be times when i have/want to do a lot of max depth accurate resawing. BTW, does the RP's motor have thermo-protection on the motor please ? Is it a soft-start like the Startrite ?
2. Yes, yes I do ! Ideally i'd like an old Wadkin, but investing in 3-phase, moving it in a few years, and having little space at the moment conspires against this ! Even though we don't have a lot of money to fund this, i'd rather (intuitively) buy an industrial model that was accurate and reliable, future-proof regarding usage, and was capable of taking what it's claimed to be capable of, and enjoys itself whilst doing it!
Yes, it looks like the RP ticks most of my boxes and is less expensive, hence i'm currently resisting what seems like such a good deal, although Mrs orchard thinks you're ace !
As an aside, disregarding the motors, how would you rate the chassis strength/build quality of the five models above please ?
Many thanks for your help and time
Random Orbital Bob":37umjbn8 said:
orchard":37umjbn8 said:
You're really not helping Bob, nor is the lack of Jet/Hammer/Startrite contributors...
Irrationally, I really don't want to opt for a RP machine, however it's 2/3rd the cost of any other i've been looking at and possibly better...
Thanks for all your hard work on both threads.
*ps please don't ban me if i end up with a hammer N4400
Random Orbital Bob":37umjbn8 said:
Just as an update. 7 months on and I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever about buying the BS400. It has performed flawlessly. I've had the 1" 1.3tpi ripper blade from Tuffsaw's installed almost constantly since the start and its just a total and utter animal for slicing and dicing green timber off the log. I also really like the jockey wheel kit. Very simple to move around whereas the smaller bandsaw's tend to have the pedal arrangement integrated with the stand. The wheels on those kits are not man enough to hold the weight of the machines and eventually buckle after being used for a while.
LOL......I wont ban you....you're safe
Can I just ask one question which should cut straight to the nub of this:
Are you a hobbyist (which includes extreme enthusiasm and is in no way demeaning on any level) or do you expect industrial level use? The reason for that question is that the specification differences between the BS400 and either the Felder or Startrite kit is almost entirely down to how much use is intended. I think anyone arguing that the BS400 is "better" then either a Felder or Startrite is possibly a bit of a looney because those machines are industrial grade bandsaws. However, and its a big however, the BS400 has the same IF NOT MORE capacity than the Hammer/Startrite entry level saw's and yet it's significantly less expensive.
At the very end of my machinations on this (which were VERY thorough I promise you) I realised one universal truism which is there was no way on God's green earth I would use a bandsaw to the extent that it needed to be industrially rated. Peter runs a furniture school where students are using his plant on a daily basis, year in year out. He NEEDS a Hammer because its going to last. All of these machines cut well, if you don't believe that take a real close look at the review I did and double click the images of the sawn timber. The Record cuts absolutely flawlessly every time as along a you have a decent quality blade installed etc. But the Hammer and Startrite are more likely to last longer given a heavier and more frequent workload and that's why they cost a dam site more.
So it comes down to a simple choice one which is practical and measurable, one which is social and psychological (what I call bandsaw snobbery). No 1, do you need that continuous use rating? No 2, do you feel more "comfortable" with a higher status machine like a Hammer or Startrite that is European made.
Once I'd overcome the status mental wrestle I went through the choice for me was crystal clear because I do want the capacity (16" and 12" under the guides), I do want a 1" blade, I do want 13amp and I don't want continuous rated motor, hence the BS400 hit the spot. Once it arrived and I used it and it completely destroyed any doubts I had by its outstanding performance, the sort of regret eddy current of not buying a Hammer evaporated. In other words I half expected buyers remorse but in fact didn't experience any.
That "exorcising of the European made demon" makes me objectively narrow the basis of decision down to the specs and price only because I now trust the brand completely.
