What bandsaw?

[disco_monkey79]

Hello,

Any recommendations for a decent bandsaw, bearing in mind I'm on a fairly limited budget (up to £150ish), and even with the finest machines in the world, my work will still be poor!

I see Clarke and Axminster have some nice-looking ones, anyone had any experience, or can suggest any alternatives?

I appreciate you should always buy the best you can afford, but if there are any good 'uns out there for less, that would be great.

Thanks!

 

[LocalOak]

Hi Disco-Monkey

I'd suggest two things. Firstly a quick search on the forums will turn up lots of similar threads and similar discussions, well worth a read.

Secondly, that is a tight budget. Not only do you need the saw but some new blades as well. I have the baby Axminster and love it, though if I had the space (which I don't) something bigger would be more versatile. My guess is that you need to spend some time on the bay or looking for a second hand one. Again its what I'd have done had I the space to put a bigger model!

Hope this helps, at least a bit.

Toby

 

[pren]

Hey.

I've recently aquired my first bandsaw. I didn't really think I'd use it that much but I was offered one as a birthday gift.

I really don't know how I got by without it now!

The Axminster machine is very good considering the price. I've not used one before now so I dont know how it stacks up next to a higher spec one but I'm really happy with it.

What you need to figure out before you invest is what do you want from it? I use mine for cutting straight lines and curves in various timbers up to 18mm thick. For this, its more than powerful enough and has more than enough clearance under the blade guard, although ripping with a fence is limited to 14cm which can be a bit limiting. I suppose I could have gone for the next model down but this one was within budget.

If you're looking to resaw large lumps of ex-tree then you'll need something with a tad more grunt. Likewise if you're looking to make things like guitar bodies, you may need a larger 'throat'/width of cut.

Whatever you choose, make sure you replace the stock blade with something else asap. I go with the Axcalibur ones from Axminster and have been perfectly happy with them (as well as Axminsters bar-setting customer service.)

HTH.

 

[disco_monkey79]

Many thanks for the feedback, I'll have a closer look at the Axminster range! I've ben quite spoiled 'cos I've had access to my Dad's bandsaw, but I'm shortly to move away quite a distance, so am gonna have to get my own (bye bye also to his radial arm saw, morticer etc etc etc).