Happy New year all. Im in the market for a bandsaw for my small workshop; the Axi AW230SB looks like a good fit, Anyone know of a suitable alternative ? I could live with a used unit but dont wanna spend alot of time/money on replacement rollers/bearings ect. The ELU 3401 looks like a contender. Any advice ?
Axminster AW230SB Bandsaw alternative
- Thread starter Mel769
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Jameshow
Established Member
https://www.lumberjacktools.co.uk/b...CcgKc1xgap8Wvb1G2SZ0jczGirn9TzgBoCyZQQAvD_BwE
How about going bigger for the same money much more capable machine!
Or second hand.
How about going bigger for the same money much more capable machine!
Or second hand.
Unfortunately I do not have enough room for a bigger saw, a 10" is the limit. The Record Sabre 250 looks a good offering, im leaning towards the RP now; although its 350w compared to the Axi 500w. Can anyone offer any advice ?
Im not sure if the 500w is the no load wattage or full load wattage, similarly for the 350w. I doubt the 350w is no load, but it might be. Othewise all things being equal they might be very similar engines. I would go for the next size up if it was bench mountable and not so heavy to lug about. Im having visions of getting a bandsaw soon, Ive convinced myself that such a machine will make my life easier on multiple fronts !
Jameshow
Established Member
Yea have been looking at that one but the Sabre is a better build I think for the extra £100 or so. I really would like a 12" but none I can see are bench mountable; I suppose if the stands were removed they could be but would end up too high from the floor, and be too heavy probably. I really need a bench mounted for manoeuvrability. My workshop has benchtops all round so a stand on wheels wont tit, even if I cut an opening in a worktop.
Thanks James yep thats way too heavy. Anyhow after some serious googling I will be getting the Axminster machine, that will do me until I get a bigger workshop.
As far as I can tell the RP Sabre just has the roller bearing guides as opposed to the rubbing blocks on the standard RP bandsaw, if you do a search on here you will find a thread on replacing the rubbing blocks with an Axi roller bearing replacement, very easy and not near £100.00 or it wasn't when I did it, but with the way price's are going you never know.
The Sabre also has "improved" heavier iron wheels. I did watch a yt vid of someone with a RP BS52 and it was loud with a bit of screeching; not sure if thats due to not having the belt tensioned properly or not but it sounded a bit tinny.
Richard_C
Established Member
I have a smaller Axi - the 1950 - which is fine for what I bought it for but needs careful set up. Recently I saw a few RP Sabre ones on display - I think they have been improved - and I was generally impressed by the build quality and features. I wasn't looking seriously but if I were in the market for one now I think RP might be the winner.
What has been improved?
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