Band Saw

[MikeJhn]

Hi all

I have access to a lot of seasoned oak logs and wonder what would be the cheapest option for sawing them with a band saw, the logs are not over 150mm in dia and I want to cut them so they will go into my Planner surfacer and be regularised.

Thanks in anticipation.
Mike

 

[Alexam]

Hi Mike,
What do you call 'a lot' of seaoned logs? If there are a huge quantity, you could perhaps ask a sawmill to cut them for you if it's a one off job. If you are going to be continuing, then a bandsaw would do the job, but do you have a budget? Also, just wondering how long the logs have been under cover and their dryness?

Malcolm

 

[MikeJhn]

Hi Malcolm, thanks for the response.

The logs are very well seasoned, I have about four M3 (and access to more) they have been under cover for at least four years, I have cut a few already on a table saw, but its hard work as its only a 225mm and means double cutting which isn't ideal, I thought a Bandsaw would just make the work easier in one pass, budget is a moot point as I don't envisage doing this for ever, so the equipment only needs to last a few years, hence the first post of what is the cheapest I can get away with, any advice would be welcome.

Mike

EDIT : to add link to one I thought may do the job: http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/s ... tHpPZOLS9g

 

[Alexam]

The BS300 series of Record bandsaws are good and will carry a 5 year guarantee. Even cheaper if you buy when there is a demonstration sale that Record have across the country at various times with different distributers. A good blade from Tuffsaw Blades would do the job nicely and resale of the saw in a few years should be good. You may even be able to buy a second hand one as they do come up from time to time.

 

[MikeJhn]

Malcolm

Thank you for your invaluable advise, will have a scan on e-bay to see what's available, but I am an impatient old man and may just buy new, just because I wont wait, once again thank you for your help.

Mike

 

[Alexam]

Mike, this week end http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/toolshow

Possibly Record may be there. Give them a ring and if you cannot make the show, you may be able to get the discount deal, plus free shipping, but do it now as it probably finishes soon.

Malcolm
woodworking-show-event-dates-2011-t38294.html
PS on this forums General Woodworking for events.

Malcolm

 

[MikeJhn]

Got to the FFX show and all they had there that was close was a Scheppach Bassa 3 for £499.00, I did not buy as I don't know anything about that particular bandsaw.

Mike

 

[woodpig]

Whatever BS you get have a word with Tuffsaws for the correct blade.

 

[MikeJhn]

I have gleaned from the many post's on UK Workshop and as recommended by Malcolm, Tuffsaw are the only blades to use.

Mike

 

[MikeJhn]

Can anyone shed light on the difference between the Record Power BS300 and the BS300E ?

Mike

 

[MikeJhn]

Anyone know anything about Leman Bandsaw's : http://www.probois-machinoutils.com/sci ... ru355.html

Mike

 

[Alexam]

Hi Mike.
those are not very well known, so no idea how reliable or the quality of service or guarantee which is very important. Regarding the 300 and 300E, (surprised that owners have not responded so far) this was probably only slight changes as the 300 series were improved. The latest 300 series is a good machine and has the 5 year guarantee.

Malcolm

 

[MikeJhn]

Malcolm thanks for the response, I know everyone seems to like the Record Bandsaws, but I can't quantify the rubbing discs they use as blade guides, surely a three unit ball bearing guide at the right angle would be better? I think if I remember correctly you have upgraded your BS400 to this specification? This puts the price of the Record up by over £100.00 which means it is not a very good buy.

Mike

 

[Alexam]

Hi Mike, I did not change the original guides of the BS400 as they work well, but I did buy an additional single guide from USA called a Carter SWtabilizer, as seen on Alex Snodgrass video, which is specifically for blades of 1/4" or less and I use a 1/8" blade regularly. Nothing at all wrong with the original guides, they work well and as long as the blade and guides are set up correctly, you will not get any problems at all - no need to change. Changing to the all bearing guides may be an improvement, but in either case, the blade will touch the guldes, which will rotate when touched, they are not like the old metal, malignum or wooden guides that actually wore down on the blade, so don't worry about the present set up. The Record BS400 is an excellent buy with a show discount and free delivery and even the 3090 series is excellent. The 250's are a not so good in my opinion, but something good the start on and then improve from.

 

[MikeJhn]

OK still investigating, anyone have an opinion on the Charnwood B300? It is much lighter than the equivalent Record 300E, I assume it does not have cast iron blade wheels.

The problem I am having with the Record 300E is that everyone says its available at a discount, but I can not find any price other than £499.99 I have contacted Record about shows and they have put me in touch with a distributor who is selling at £499.99 and then wants £35.00 for delivery, does anyone know where these special price's are?

Mike

 

[Alexam]

Hi Mike,

Have you phoned R S Paskin at Kidderminster as they have a show on yesterday and today? If not, phone today and ask to speak with the Record man that will be there during the show time.

Malcolm

 

[Harbo]

DM Tools are showing the £499 price as a £100 discount but they offer free delivery.

Rod

 

[Stevebod]

Went to show yesterday, BS300Ewas £479.999 (- £20), BS350S £599 (-£100) BS 400 £899.99 (-£100)...BS 250 £219.99 (-£40..but I think they had run out)..interesting to compare with Charnwood that were probably about £40.cheaper, but did not appear to be quite as good quality.

.bit gutted really as have just ordered the record12" sander and about to pay £200, but this was £30 discount at show, so would have been a really good buy..

 

[Alexam]

Having been to the show, you should phone them and plavce the order to claim the discount. You don't have to do it on the day as I understand.

 

[Stevebod]

..problem is I ordered it from Pen tools a couple of weeks ago..(before I was aware of the show...), so obliged to honour my agreement really.

..live and learn. Show was really good, and a chance to compare suppliers. I did buy the Charnwood W380 drill as seems to be a good discount. Not bad for the money, although I seem to be able to get some sort of discounts on normal Charnwood purchases anyway, I think I will stick to Record stuff in the future, it just seems to have the edge on quality..