Which bandsaw

[wooden top]

Hi everyone newbie here so please be kind.. I know this question has been asked before but I have to ask for your expert advice...... (hammer)

Draper 10 inch or

Record Power 10 inch

I have reviewed a lot of bandsaws recently and I am becoming cross eyed. I am an average diy'er unafraid to take on a challenge around the home, have built some nice kitchens in my time, however, I am stuck with this question. If you can give me any pearls of wisdom I would be grateful.

Many thanks Peter

 

[marcros]

record power, as long as it has the 5 year guarantee on the motor that record power generally does.

what are you wanting to do with it?

 

[wooden top]

Thanks Marcros the reviews have led me that way and so does the 5 year guarantee.
I thought I wood try my hand at making intricate shapes and toys for the grandchildren and of course it will come in handy when making repetitive tenons. I haven't used one for a very long time and I want a tool that is reliable I have considered flee bay but they are a bit out of my price range and mostly a long way away from where I live to have to go to collect it.

 

[marcros]

i am sure that will do the job for you. Have you looked at scrollsaws too?

 

[wooden top]

Yes I have but I do not have the space unless I put it in a corner But none are free, my workshop is my garage so an up n over door take centre stage leaving only 3 walls (I keep my motorcycle in the garage too). I have reorganised the space to accommodate my home made router table and I have added a workbench alongside one wall where my drill, saw etc are. Given the dimensions of the bandsaw I have enough room to fit this in.

 

[DTR]

Forgive me if I'm stating the obvious, but have you thought about putting some of your machines on casters? Putting my bandsaw on wheels made my life in the workshop a lot simpler.

 

[RogerP]

In my opinion definitely the Record but don't bother with the blade it will come with rather get some decent ones from Ian at Tuffsaws. (01443 819261) There really is a huge difference. Tell Ian what you want to do and he will sort out what is best for you.

 

[wooden top]

Thank you everyone for taking the time and trouble to help/advise me. I have ordered the record which should be delivered early next week (undamaged I hope) and I will call Ian at Tuffsaws and get a replacement blade. Thanks for the tip about using casters I will look into that hmmm I could use the drive as an extension workshop gr8 idea.

 

[jonn]

Bought a Metabo Bas 260 Swift a year ago, but had the first use of it a couple of days ago. One thing I quickly learnt about these small ones: they are gutless!
Had earlier a 14" Chinese job with a 500W motor, which cut beautifully, but also was underpowered. Especially when cutting Aussie timbers.
The Metabo cuts well, but I realised that with bandsaws, small ain't good, so I looked at a Record Power BS 400. But, when looking to order one the machinery supplier told me they stopped selling them, and suggested a Jet JWBS-16X instead. A more expensive saw, but he had them on special with a container load coming in, landing at the same price as the BS 400. So come July . . .
Anyway, my advice is simply to get a saw at least a couple of sizes bigger than what you think you need. Them small ones are just toys, sadly!

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Agreed...but with the caveat it depends on what you want it for. If it's very small work then the smaller ones can be good enough. If you want to cut log material to produce 12"bowl blanks then clearly they're not fit for purpose. Horses for courses. A pal of mine has only a modest bandsaw but he uses it for all sorts of detail, fine stuff...puzzle making, components for jigs. Its as much to do with the quality of the blade and who's in front of the machine as the machine itself.

 

[woodpig]

It's seems that many can't cut to capacity, yes, you may be able to get say 10" under the blade but the motor prefers something rather less!

 

[Projman]

Hi guys,
Another Newbie here I'm afraid
. I've settled on a budget of about £400 for a bandsaw purchase to replace my vintage Burgess BBS that has done me proud for about 25 years. My dilemma is do I go for a new Metabo BAS 317 professional or a second hand Record Power BS300E.
Any thoughts.?

 

[memzey]

Second hand Startrite 352. You should just about be able to pick one up within your budget.

 

[JJ1]

Thank you everyone for taking the time and trouble to help/advise me. I have ordered the record which should be delivered early next week (undamaged I hope) and I will call Ian at Tuffsaws and get a replacement blade.

.

Enjoy your new band saw when it arrives. I too bought the Record BS250 last week along with a couple of blades from Tuffsaws. I'm very pleased with it and the blades and service from Tuffsaws was superb.

 

[wooden top]

A very interesting debate. Thanks again for all your advice still waiting for delivery I hope it comes soon

 

[Alexam]

A good tuning is always a help. This video has helped quite a few bandsaw owners, including myself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU