Bandsaw selection

[ploppy]

I am looking to purchase a mid size bandsaw, and would like some feedback on my shortlist.
Could you let me know your thoughts on any of the following?

Record BS300X
Metabo/Electra Beckum BAS317
Dewalt 876
Axminster AWESBS

 

[Rich]

Well, I bought my record 300x 3 years ago, it came with 4 spare blades and an Alan holtham dvd (most helpful and instructive) the wheelkit is espescially helpful if you have a small workshop/shed like mine, however, I won't be using their blades again, rubbish imoh.
regards,

Rich.

 

[Richard Findley]

Hi Ploppy,

I bought this one recently http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axminster-AWEFSBB-Bandsaw-580417.htm

That is the Axminster AWEFSBB for those who can't be bothered to look :wink: I've put it up on blocks as it's a little low for me but very impressed, esspecially for the price. This one has a bit more power than the one you're looking at, but it's only about £60 more!! To get the same power but slightly more size capacity than mine you have to spend almost double :shock:

Hope this helps,

Richard

 

[gasmansteve]

Hi Ploppy
I have the Record 300X and well pleased with it, I was recommended to get some `Dragon` blades from folk off this forum and have been very pleased with. I`ve just cut some bits of oak worktop to size for some segmented bowls I`m planning and must have cut 1/16" thick slices off them clean as a whistle. Would buy same model again no probs.
Cheers
Steve

 

[frugal]

The two common pieces of advise seem to be:

- throw the blades away and get new ones.

- Figure out what you need and then buy the next model up or you will be kicking yourself in 6 months time.

 

[kityuser]

- Figure out what you need and then buy the next model up or you will be kicking yourself in 6 months time.

good advice this.........you need to look closely at what you want it for.

I know of somebody with the record, being used for cutting turning blanks, as far as I can tell he is very impressed.

Steve

 

[mr]

Another vote for the Record, and no complaints about the Record own blade, it does what I would expect of a blade of its spec.

Cheers Mike

 

[Anonymous]

I've got an old elektra beckum 315. It's fairly cheap and nasty in terms of the fence and the table adjustment. Despite this it cuts very straight with a new dure edge blade. The only reason I'd change it is for a bandsaw with greated depth of cut.

Dave

 

[OPJ]

Another point to consider with Record Power kit is that it all comes with a five-year guarrentee - nobody else comes even close to that!

 

[gasmansteve]

Hi Mike
Did you sort that table adjustment out on your Record bandsaw?. I think it was the table you wondered about??. The memory`s not what it was :lol: :lol:
Cheers
Steve

 

[mr]

Hi Steve
The table was just a bit stiff in the end, it has eased up through use and over time.

Cheers Mike

 

[Chainsaw Nut]

Another plus for Record, they know about and understand customer service.

I must also echo the other comments, buy a bigger one than you think you need, I didn't first time! a costly mistake.

 

[ploppy]

Thanks guys for all the advice, it seems as though the record machine is top of the list at the moment! Shame that I haven't heard from anybody with the dewalt or the electra beckum 317 as it would have been nice to have a full span of objective comments. However, it seems as though the blades are different things to different people. I think I will just have to try the blade that comes with the machine and see how it copes. I did change the blades on my last machine, a delta benchtop to the axminster blades and they worked a treat.

Cheers

Ploppy

 

[salvage]

Thanks guys for all the advice, it seems as though the record machine is top of the list at the moment! Shame that I haven't heard from anybody with the dewalt or the electra beckum 317 as it would have been nice to have a full span of objective comments. However, it seems as though the blades are different things to different people. I think I will just have to try the blade that comes with the machine and see how it copes. I did change the blades on my last machine, a delta benchtop to the axminster blades and they worked a treat.

Cheers

Ploppy

I'm currently using a 317 and will be changing it out for a machine with larger capacity

I have used this machine for cutting bowl blanks in allsorts - oak - tulip -
sycamore - the list go's on , with no probs

It's also been used for re-sawing various boards, again no probs

All done with Elektra beckum blades

Cam type release for blade change , easy guide adjusters

Decent little machine , it may look a little plasticy but it certainly does the job

If you haven't committed yet check metabo for deals on this machine -

METABO BAS317 BANDSAW PACKAGE WITH KS210 MITRE SAW @ £339

Salvage

 

[ploppy]

Thanks for that! I haven't commited as yet as I am one of those who like all the facts and to see the whole picture. I am torn between the 317 and the record 300 whilst virtually eliminating the axminster and the de walt.

Regards

Ploppy