Choosing a bandsaw! advice wanted

[Dissolve]

Hello

After buying my first bandsaw and overestimating my needs quite a bit I've ended up with a bandsaw far bigger than I require. I'm looking to eventually swap it out for something easier to shift around the workshop that still covers my needs.

I've got a record power bs500 and aside from the obvious smaller record models 300 and 350 I've also had my eye on the following:

Kity 613
Metabo bas315
Elektra Beckum 315
Startrite 352

Anyone have experience with these models and think either would be more suited our less suitable for my needs which are basically rip and cross cuts in maximum 4" hardwood? As well as some fairly tight curves?

Thanks

 

[Dissolve]

I have found a kity 613 on sale fairly close to me for £250 does that seem like a fair price for one? I'm really struggling with which make to go for.. this record is built like a tank because due to the heavy duty nature of it so I'm not sure how the smaller league of bandsaw compare. I've heard good things about the kity 613 and the Elektra beckum 315. Tempted by this kity 613 though.

 

[fluffflinger]

I like many on this site (I would imagine) would fight Mike Tyson in a dark ally rather than give up their Startrite 352. I love mine and if you can find one for the right price you will struggle to do better, simple but stoutly engineered good capacity and thoroughly reliable reliable.

 

[Dissolve]

I like many on this site (I would imagine) would fight Mike Tyson in a dark ally rather than give up their Startrite 352. I love mine and if you can find one for the right price you will struggle to do better, simple but stoutly engineered good capacity and thoroughly reliable reliable.

Haha sounds like one hell of a machine :wink:

what are the differences between the 351 and 352?

the best price I've found on a 352 is £700 so far!!

 

[fluffflinger]

As far as I am aware the only difference is that the 351 is a single speed machine and the 352 is two speed.

£700 is a bit rich, if time is on your side I'm sure you will do far better than that.