Best buy- Record Power bandsaw - Premium 10" or Standard 12"

[Maverick81]

Can i pose this one to the woodworking thinktank please? (title says it all pretty much)

In the market for a small scale bandsaw (yet quality and accuracy are an important factor). I am swaying toward Record Power at the moment....though this is not yet set in stone pending any solid reccomendations otherwise.
So at the moment my question to you is......Would buying the PREMIUM 10" bandsaw @ £240 be a better buy than the STANDARD 12" model @ £370 ?

From this you get the idea what i require and the budget im working with. There is also a Metabo BAS317 in Screwfix for £430 which as a member of staff I could get for £345. And there is also an Axminster "hobby" model at my top top end of £399.

Regards,
Chris.

 

[marcros]

personally, I would probably look for a kity 613 (Or an inca euro 260 or whatever numbers they use), used, in preference to any of the others. That will cost you IRO £200, then a few quid on decent blades from Tuffsaws and away you go.

The new stuff will probably do what you expect of it, but dont forget to leave a few quid in the budget to replace the blade with a tuffsaw one.

 

[Maverick81]

what should i be looking for in a replacement blade?

 

[marcros]

suitability for what you plan to cut- give Ian a ring and he will advise. I am no expert, I would also do that!

 

[custard]

Another vote for Tuffsaws. Don't agonise too much about the bandsaw, because it's the bandsaw blade that's the most important component.

 

[Maverick81]

That said, Ive just come asross the Charnwood 10" which may have just launched itself into contention at £190. Looks well made enough going by their website/video demo.

 

[Maverick81]

....though it seem to only have a regular 12 month warenty. Where Record Power offer 5 years - Thats says "out stuff works" to me, and my be worth the extra bunce.

 

[stevenw1963]

I got the Axminster hobby series one at £399 - v nice machine & cut up some serious logs & it's only been my inexperience with ''bigger'' bandsaws that bu@@ered up 2 blades etc!
Oh, & I ordered a tuffsaw blade too - excellent service.