Bandsaw question :Is the SIP 01444 bandsaw worth the extra?

[Steve Blackdog]

I am mulling over whether to buy a brand new band saw. I have failed to win about a dozen ebay auctions, so thought I'd have a look at new ones.

I don't have a bandsaw at all at the moment. I will use it for a range of tasks, including making larger turning blanks from hard woods, resawing for guitar body blanks and who knows what else when I get one :wink:

I fancy something with more than 200mm depth of cut and enough oomph to cut well through anything I chuck at it. I do not have a bottomless pit, so a Startrite is probably never going to get the budgetary sign off, but I want a long term addition to the workshop. Space is limited too. I can fit in something like the Record BS350/Axi White 350N etc. I have also considered the Scheppach Bestato 3h Vario and the new SIP 14". I seem to be able to find complimentary reviews on most in the main woodworking publications, which doesn't really help at all!

The new Sip
http://www.sipuk.co.uk/tools/info_SIP01548.html

has remarkably similar performance as the Pro heavy duty 14" SIP:
http://www.sipuk.co.uk/tools/info_SIP01444.html

and then there's this older model:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SIP-01548-355 ... 3070wt_925

I'm completely confused now - I know the SIP is well liked on this forum, but I'd appreciate any ideas on which model, or whether I am going up the wrong path altogether.

I'm in no rush, except that the prices seem to be going up and up :shock:

All the best

Steve

 

[RogerP]

I can't help you with the various SIP models but I do have an Axminster 350n which has given excellent service for several years and I highly recommend it. The motor is smaller that the SIP's but otherwise it's much the same. I've never had any cause to wish the motor was bigger and at times I've put some ridiculously large stuff through it. It was a lot cheaper when I bought it - as you say prices have escalated over the past couple of years.

 

[thomvic]

I have the older model with the 1.3hp motor. I ripped an 8" board (unknown species but fairly hard) yesterday with a new 3tpi Tuffsaw blade. It was hard work and slow but it did it. The newer ones have 2hp motors so should be better.

Richard

 

[Steve Blackdog]

Thanks for comments so far chaps! Keep 'em coming!

By the way this home made jobbie made me chuckle - anyone ever done this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/old-home-made ... 500wt_1173

 

[Steve Blackdog]

Thanks for comments so far chaps! Keep 'em coming!

By the way this home made jobbie made me chuckle - anyone ever done this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/old-home-made ... 500wt_1173

 

[Steve Blackdog]

Thanks for comments so far chaps! Keep 'em coming!