Bandsaw advice

[kyuzumaki]

Wanting to get some advice on buying a bandsaw thats suitable for my needs. I was all set to buy a table saw but after researching it a bit and seeing some of the injures they can cause even to experienced users I wanted a safer option. I do have a jigsaw already so was hopeing the combination of bandsaw and jigsaw would let me do the same kind of work. My main concern is possible difficulty with neat 45degree angled cuts because the table tilts and instead of the saw.

I want to use the saw for general DIY work, i'm planning to build a few bits of furniture, make a fireplace surround shelves etc. Probably out of a combination of MDF and soft wood.

I found two potential saws in my price range a 10" Charnwood W715 (£199) and a 230mm Titan TTB705BDS (£99.99)

Anyone got any input as to which I should get if any? The screw fix one is alot cheaper and on paper seems very similar but I do wonder why its so much less.

 

[RobinBHM]

I wonder if the 45 degree cuts you describe are end cuts, in which case a chop saw would be more accurate. If you are thinking of a long side 45 degree cut in say sheet material or timber, then that would be best done with a table saw or track saw.

Bandsaws dont produce accurate cuts, they are more suited to cuts that require further processing by a surface planer. You cant glue a bandsawn cut edge for example

I have to say my experience with the screwfix branded titan range is that they perform extremely well, so dont assume low price means its carp. I have both a titan chainsaw and a sds breaker and they are both great.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Avoid Charnwood if testament on this forum is anything to go by

 

[dynax]

don't rule out a tablesaw for the type of work you want to do, most accidents are caused by carelessness, a poorly set up machine, and using the wrong blade for the material being cut,

 

[kyuzumaki]

Yes the 45 degree cuts i'm speaking of are in sheet material for the exact purpose of joining. Sadly as much as I want the utility of a table saw I cant have such a dangerous tool in my garage.

Is there any other way of getting decent angled cuts in sheet material other than a table saw?

Would you recommend against the Charnwood? From the pictures I thought it was quite well built but cant really tell alot from the photos. The titan one looks very similar in spec and size but the tables aluminium and the mitre pusher is plastic not metal.

 

[dynax]

some may disagree but imho using a tool to do a task it is not specifically designed to do is more dangerous than using the right tool irrespective of how dangerous that tool may be, i can understand how you feel towards using a tablesaw, they can be very intimidating machines and many people are uncomfortable using them, a jigsaw or circular saw would work but you might not get the best cut possible, same with a bandsaw having a tilting table it's giving you an inadvertant distraction from doing what you should be doing, ie having to hold the workpiece and support it at the same time as watching the blade and trying to keep everything square and parallel, not easy at the best of times even harder when the table is tilted and gravity want to put your workpiece on the floor, only other suggestion is get a good handsaw and practice,

 

[MattRoberts]

I'd suggest looking at a track saw (plunge saw) as Robin suggests - that's going to do many of the things that a table saw will do, and arguable be a lot safer

 

[Alexfn]

Consider a track saw?

On a side note any machine is dangerous in untrained hands. Consider getting some training or at least reading up on the bad practices that are likely to lead to accidents.

 

[kyuzumaki]

I know many people here use these saws every day and are probably very careful with few mistakes. But from what I've read even in skilled and careful hands kickback can happen with smaller bits of wood (and no matter what training I get I will be a beginner for quite a while)

You make a good point dynax I would agree that using a tool incorrectly is more dangerous than using a dangerous one properly. I read that alot of large shops switched to band saws from table saws because of employee injury, so thought that may mean the band saw could do almost equal quality work.

Thanks for the input so far

 

[dynax]

another option depending on where you get your materials from, you could have your sheets cut down into more manageable sizes, then as your skill and confidence grows move onto doing your own sizing, also proper timber merchants will cut to exact dimensions if you give them a cutting list, they do charge extra but if you get the sheets dimensioned to the right size it could save you some time in the short term,

 

[RogerP]

A table saw will do so many jobs it's a shame to be frightened of them.
Get Steve Maskery's DVDs ...
http://www.workshopessentials.com/shop/ ... duct_id=71

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I would have a bandsaw before a tablesaw any day ... except if I wanted to cut sheet stuff. A bandsaw is as much use as a chocolate kettle for serious sheet work.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I agree, if you're seriously contemplating using a bandsaw for bevel cuts in sheet goods that are standard thicknesses ie circa 3/4" it's wholly inappropriate.

Personally, I think you're attributing way too much risk to the notion of a table saw, you've got it out of proportion to the reality. However, it's not my decision and it's you who needs to feel comfortable and for the job you describe with the least risk I also would be hedging towards a track saw with a decent clamping table with a sacrificial top (like an MFT by festool only less expensive).

The blade guarding should make a big difference to your perception of the safety and the clamping environment adds to that as well as giving greater precision. It is of course also more mobile. The downside is it's nowhere near as versatile as a table saw.

I would also seriously recommend you consider buying Workshop Essentials by Steve Maskery. Steve is a competent and experienced woodworker with a particular eye for safety and those ideologies are baked into his published works (DVD collection on all major workshop tools). The added advantage is he's a regular contributor here so could personally respond to any queries you may have.

Your post avatar doesn't mention where you live. Another idea would be to ask a forum member to invite you to their workshop (we do it all the time) to walk you through the procedure for safely using a table saw. That might help overcome any irrational fears that "reading around" the subject can have a tendency to create. Nothing like a bit of reality to dispel the myths that the mind builds up.

 

[woodfarmer]

Yes the 45 degree cuts i'm speaking of are in sheet material for the exact purpose of joining. Sadly as much as I want the utility of a table saw I cant have such a dangerous tool in my garage.

It has been my experience over the last 40 odd years that bandsaws can find more ways to hurt you than a circular table saw.

Keep blades sharp
use light steady pressure for a light steady cut
use push bars and a face mask.

 

[Alexam]

When you have obtaind enough information and are sure of your needs, take yourself to a professional firm like Axminster. They have a variety of equipment and you can then explain what is wanted and ask for their guidance.

If you have time, the DVD's by Steve Maskery should be studied before you purchase as they will give you a great deal of information that you presently do not have. Good luck

Malcolm

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Yes the 45 degree cuts i'm speaking of are in sheet material for the exact purpose of joining. Sadly as much as I want the utility of a table saw I cant have such a dangerous tool in my garage.

It has been my experience over the last 40 odd years that bandsaws can find more ways to hurt you than a circular table saw.

I bet a circular saw can do it better, though.

 

[lurker]

Avoid Charnwood if testament on this forum is anything to go by

Bobbly, we have had this conversation before.
Substantiate that statement.

I have only bought a cheap one table saw from Charnwood but it exceeds expectations and Charnwood tech folks are very helpful.

 

[lurker]

OP if you give us a clue were you live maybe a nearby member will let you look at his(or her) kit to help you decide.

 

[kyuzumaki]

So I got the titan saw which so far seems like a decent tool. My only gripes are they have used plastic for the upper blade guide mechanism and the mitre gauge is a bit flimsy and wobbles in the slide slightly.

The provided blade works but produces a very rough cut. I bought a 3/8 1575mm 10 TPI blade which fits perfectly now cutting mice smooth edges with ease.

 

[Alexam]

kyuzumaki where in the UK are you located?

Malcolm