400-500 Bandsaw: Minimax or Scheppach ?

[oldboy]

Hi all,
I am in the process of getting my first bandsaw. I have settled for as big as I can afford after reading quite a bit on the web. I also guided myself towards italian bandsaws which have excellent reputation. Eventually I came across the minimax S45N and after giving a call to the saw centre group the sales rep tried to steer me towards the new Scheppach BASA 5 instead.

I tried to find some info from happy or unhappy owners of a BASA 5 online but could not find anything so thought I'd ask on the forum if anyone has hands on experience with these machines. Note that I have read that Scheppach has its lower range made in the far east while its higher range is made in Germany so experience with other/smaller Scheppach bandsaws may not be relevant...I wish festool would make bandsaws that would simplify my task (although I could probably not afford it)

G

 

[marcros]

I think it will be basato 5.

 

[carlb40]

If you do go for the scheppach, they are in the process of a change over to new machines/ livery. So you may be able to get hold of an old colour cheaper.

 

[gregmcateer]

This may help;

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/topic54601.html

HTH

Greg

 

[oldboy]

If you do go for the scheppach, they are in the process of a change over to new machines/ livery. So you may be able to get hold of an old colour cheaper.

Yes I think the BASA 5 is the new one. White and blue vs yellow and blue before and renamed from basato to basa

 

[oldboy]

Thks Greg. Did see that post indeed. He got an old S45 and the new S45N has a redesigned footprint it seems which probably address the stability issue he mentions.

 

[RogerS]

I had one of the original Basato 5 (5-4) and couldn't get on with it ....got rid of it in the end.

 

[gregmcateer]

If it's any more help, Paul Hannaby has a Record 350 or 400, which he reviewed for WT Mag, Richard Findley hasan Axminster (4000 series, I think) and Peter Sefton uses Hammer kit.
They'll probably be able to give a view.
Greg

 

[RogerS]

Yup, I also have the Record 350 and I find myself using it much more than the Basato 5.