Which saw... BandSaw?

[Tsuki]

Hi, I am looking for some advice on a possible saw/bandsaw? I make jewellery and sculptural pieces from often 70+ 3-4mm thick wooden slats that I clamp together, carve, and join (rivet) I am exploring the potential of carving a block of wood and then cutting it into the slats (currently done with a handsaw). I have tried this on a small Proxxon table saw but had issues with the kerf, and when I reduce this, I lose the depth of cut. So, I thought of a band saw? I am unlikely to need a cut deeper than about 3-4” (sycamore, walnut, cherry, hawthorn, beech...) so I don't feel I need a big machine, but given the fine tolerance I work to, I need a very reliable fence/mitre fence which seems to come on bigger machines. I have looked at Record, BS300, Sabre300, and even Sabre 250 (I heard the fence is not good?). Ultimately, I need an accurate, reliable saw for relatively small work. I am not set on Record, and any advice would be gratefully received. Thank you, Patricia

 

[Doug B]

My only experience of a small bandsaw is my old Elu bandsaw which I find excellent, sadly they are no longer available new but do come up for sale second hand quite regularly & usually at reasonable prices.

Also you are not limited to the fence the saw you buy comes with as it is not difficult to upgrade the fence.

Which ever saw you end up with I would recommend a meat & bone bandsaw blade, they have little or no set so leave a smoother finish than wood bandsaw blades & remove less material as the kerf is narrower, which from the sounds of what you are doing would be beneficial.

 

[Tsuki]

My only experience of a small bandsaw is my old Elu bandsaw which I find excellent, sadly they are no longer available new but do come up for sale second hand quite regularly & usually at reasonable prices.

Also you are not limited to the fence the saw you buy comes with as it is not difficult to upgrade the fence.

Which ever saw you end up with I would recommend a meat & bone bandsaw blade, they have little or no set so leave a smoother finish than wood bandsaw blades & remove less material as the kerf is narrower, which from the sounds of what you are doing would be beneficial.

Thank you, that is really helpful advice regarding the blade. Would these be from a specialist (catering) stockist?
Thankyou P

 

[Doug B]

Thank you, that is really helpful advice regarding the blade. Would these be from a specialist (catering) stockist?
Thankyou P

Most good bandsaw blade suppliers will carry meat & bone blades

 

[HamsterJam]

Maybe one of these if you can find a late (direct drive) model with with the fence and mitre gauge…

https://machineatlas.com/machines/inca-euro-260/

 

[Tsuki]

Maybe one of these if you can find a late (direct drive) model with with the fence and mitre gauge…

https://machineatlas.com/machines/inca-euro-260/

That looks like a lovely little machincine and perfect for what I probably need, small and acurate, especially if I can get the micro adjust fence). Would spare parts (if needed) be an issue? Now I just need to find one. Thankyou

 

[Chubber]

My new Axminster two wheel 10" from the 'Workshop' range is delight to use, re-sawed 1/2" x 4" stuff virtually straight out of the box. Seems to answer your needs, I bought their excellent mitre fence and two Axcaliber blades at the same time, with the bonus that the fence fits my Dewalt table saw perfectly.

 

[HamsterJam]

That looks like a lovely little machincine and perfect for what I probably need, small and acurate, especially if I can get the micro adjust fence). Would spare parts (if needed) be an issue? Now I just need to find one. Thankyou

Spare parts are an issue but I haven’t needed any and I’m not convinced getting hold of spares for modern saws is that much easier.
Consumables like tyres and blades are available and apparently guide blocks are easy to make yourself. 3D printed table inserts are available too. However so far, I’ve only needed blades.
The mitre fence is perhaps the hardest part to source and in all honesty, it might be easier to buy a standard item and fit a custom slide to fit the slot in the Inca’s table.

 

[Doug B]

Maybe one of these if you can find a late (direct drive) model with with the fence and mitre gauge…

https://machineatlas.com/machines/inca-euro-260/

That looks so much like an Elu it makes me wonder if they were made in the same factory

 

[HamsterJam]

Hi @Tsuki
Maybe a bit far for you but just saw this Euro 260 for sale at a keen price in Devon…….
https://www.facebook.com/share/cc53BHkxN6198gCF/?mibextid=79PoIi

No evidence of rip fence but appears to have the coveted original mitre fence (probably worth £50 for that alone).
Obviously you’ll need to confirm it’s genuine (sadly loads of scams on FB marketplace at the moment) but could be a steal if it’s genuine.

 

[dickm]

That looks so much like an Elu it makes me wonder if they were made in the same factory

Not like the deWalt I had years ago, which had been an Elu before the takeover. That had the "normal" column on the left. Good saw, but it was replaced by the inevitable Startrite 352 in my workshop.

 

[scooby]

Ive previously owned a 250 and still have a sabre 250. The fence on the sabre is way better and Ive never had any problems with it. Im pretty sure Axminster sell a decent replacement fence which fits the 250.
Both are decent machines.

 

[Tsuki]

Thank you for all the advice. It is much appreciated. If I am honest, as it is my first band saw I am a bit worried about going down the second-hand route as I am unsure what I would be looking for (the Inca Euro 260 looks great, though). I like the sabre range due to its build quality and ease of use (tool-free adjustments and belt tensioning cam in particular), so I suppose I am just weighing up now whether it is the 250, which seems adequate for the work I do, or whether I look at the possibility of future-proofing with the 300.
Many thanks
Px