Which bandsaw?

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stuartpaul

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Time for a new bandsaw and the choice seems to be clear to me:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ax ... ricing=inc

But I'm wondering why this one is more expensive yet apparently a lower spec:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ax ... ricing=inc

I have had the opportunity to play with the second one and the main advantage I can see is that the bearings have neat hand adjustable bearings whereas the first one needs tools.

Haven't seen the first one 'in the flesh' yet and it is currently out of stock (but I'm not in a hurry).

Am I missing something obvious? Anyone have experience with either?

The £100 difference will buy a couple of M42 blades (or a new Jet pillar drill)!

This one has to last me a loooong time so want to make sure I get the best I can.
 
I guess it's going to depend on the type of cutting that you want to do as to which will be better for you - the 400 has a more powerful motor and deeper depth of cut which would be more useful if you are doing a lot of ripping/re-sawing.
Don't know if you're set on an Axminster machine, but this machine seems very popular at the moment judging by the amount of blades that I sell in that size:

http://www.recordpower.co.uk/index.php? ... %20BANDSAW

The Record machine has a decent size motor and two speeds which can be ideal if you ever want to cut plastic or non ferrous metal.

If you are going to be looking at M42 blades, then don't go for anything wider than 1/2" on these machines as M42 blades need more tension than other blades. 1/2" M42 blades run a treat on these machines but 3/4" ones can cause some problems.

Ian
 
No particular need for it to be an Axi, - just that they're not that far down the road and I can go and have a fondle :shock: before I buy.

Nearly all my work is ripping and resawing which is why the 400 caught my eye.

Thanks for the pointer to the Record, - good spec but still nearly £100 more than the Axi. I've never cut plastic or metal so single speed should be fine for me.

I'll bear in mind the advice regarding M42's (how much for a 1/2 inch 3050mm blade? :D ).
 
My saw is a Startrite 301S and I have had it for about 14 years now and it is a wonderful machine. Mind you I am not a pro, but it does get quite a lot of use. Everything from the full 8" deep cut down to window glazing bars for dolls houses.

I only ever use 1/4" 6 skip for all of those cuts and have had no problems apart from the odd occasion when I've been a bit enthusiastic with thick cuts and have had slight bowing of the blade through the centre of the wood.

As far as I know now, Record now product what used to be the Startrite saws? Is that correct? If they do and the saws are made to the same spec then I would recommend them to anyone.
 
hi,
I am in a fortunate position to be able to use bandsaws on a daily basis in the college where I am employed as a technology technician. We have two types at two campus, startrite and wadkin, I find both are excellent machines with the wadkin being a slightly larger machine. We use a variety of blades in both machines for cutting large pieces of hard wood through to 3mm acrylics, i would however favour the startrite for ease of use and set up and reliability as it tend to hold blade tensions and settings better than the others.
 
stuartpaul":1swv88rm said:
I'll bear in mind the advice regarding M42's (how much for a 1/2 inch 3050mm blade? :D ).

3050mm x 1/2" M42 blades are £24.00 each plus postage which would be £2.85 for 2 blades or £3.85 for 3 or more blades.
Don't be fooled by the price and how cheap they are compared to other places - these are top quality M42 blades and if you are cutting thick stock then I have a great 1/2" x 3tpi in stock :D

Ian
 
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