Best Small Bandsaw part 2

[John Hale]

After what ByronBlack posted I'm still undecided if I did go for Axminster the vids convinced me to got the next size up, but when I was looking on ebay I found a Scheppach bandsaw almost identical to Axminsters AWHBS310N but with a larger motor 1hp instead of 3/4hp would I notice the difference?

I've never heard of Scheppach before or MTS Power Tools so am a little skeptical about buying from them. I'll link both saws and see what the opinion here is.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axmi ... 804564.htm

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... IF:GB:1123

Thanks Guys

 

[Blister]

I was under the impression Woodstar were a cheaper saw , cant see Scheppach on the saw ????????????

 

[wizer]

Sheppach is a very well known brand, known for good quality products. Woodstar is their budget range. I have not seen this saw up close, but I imagine it's going to be 'cheap'. I'd strongly advise you either get the Axminster or a good second hand one. MikeC was selling an EB BAS315 recently, if that's still for sale, I'd bite his hand off! I own that saw and it's very nice3 for it's size. Seeing as you're just down the road, you're welcome to come and have a look at it if you like.

 

[OPJ]

Woodstar is basically Scheppach's "budget" range. I've not used anything from this kit but, I wouldn't expect this bandsaw to be much different to the Axminster-branded one your are looking at.

Without looking too closely at the specifications, I think I would still go for the Axminster saw. The rip fence looks like it might hold better than on the Woodstar and there is a base cabinet for storage - or, as Byron did; fill it with extra weight to give the machine a stronger footing and lessen the vibration. :wink: You'd possibly end up removing the frame stand in time, anyway. Also, the bearings on the Axminster saw look like they may be rubber-sealed? These are better than standard one as they prevent the ingress of dust.

I can't imagine any extra 200w would benefit you on a saw of this size. With a thin-kerf Supertuff blade from Tuff Saws and the right amount of tension, you should be able to resaw 4in+ with relative ease on either saw.

With Axminster, you'll always have the after sales service, should something go wrong. NMA also seem have a good reputation.

 

[wizer]

Saying that, the Woodstar looks very similar to my BAS315, it's probably a clone of it. But that doesn't mean the same quality is there. You could pick something like the BAS315 up on eBay for much less than £300

 

[Londoner100]

I have the same one from axminser the 310, I have been really impressed with it over the last couple of months. Make sure you get some decent blades and its great, over the weekend I have been resawing 180mm of ash without a problem.

Ian

 

[ByronBlack]

I looked closely at the woodstar at a D&M show - its proper rubbish. Looked and felt like it was made by fisher price. I'd avoid like the plague.

I'd still recommend the axi - but under the caveat that you set it up and double check it on collection. Otherwise, look at the record machines, they have a decent spec these days and have been upgraded in certain areas (wheels and fence).

 

[John Hale]

Look like axminster it is then

 

[wizer]

John, Axminster is only 45mins in the car. Go and have a look, just to be sure. But don't take your wallet

 

[SammyP64]

Hi John,

Is it specificaly a small bandsaw you would like? and whats your sorta budget range, as i would recommend startrite but i don't have a clue what there start price is, you can buy a really good 20" bs of them for about £1000 though mind which is pretty damn good



Sammy

 

[big soft moose]

theres a guy on the other side whos selling off all his gear - hes got an EB250 for 80 quid and an EB315 for 110

unfortunately hes in bedford which isnt ideal from kent , but he might ship it if you ask nicely

http://www.woodworkuk.co.uk/forum/viewt ... =16&t=4655

(btw tom he's got lots of other tool porn for you to waste your money on ... sorry invest wisely in .. )