looking for a bandsaw

[hammer n nails]

hi all i am looking to change my ageing bandsaw i have seen the fox f28-186 its in my price range does anyone have any comments about this saw i would have liked a start-right but out of my price bracket is the fox a good saw

 

[alan895]

Hi H & N,

I have this model and have done for almost a year now, initially I didn't see myself doing much bandsaw work and was more geared towards having something to hand when needed. It isn't exactly a low-end entry model with a cast iron table but it ticked the boxes so rather than spend more money when I didn't need to (at that time at least) I took the plunge.

Although its only got a 10" throat capacity it suits my needs pretty well I'd say, I've only really used it to do a some bandsaw boxes, cut circles, the odd curve and resaw a few small boards (the latter s-l-o-w-l-y as the motor will sometimes struggle - wish it had some more power). You wont get a fence or a mitre gauge of premium quality but they're adequate within reason, the dust extraction isn't the best it could be however what I do like is that the build quality is quite solid and the overall maintenance and setup is easy to do.

I'm not sure what your intentions are but I will say that if you combine it with a few blades from Tuffsaws it should give you very good service and great results.


Hope this is of help!

Alan

 

[hammer n nails]

thank you Alan for your reply very helpful, any one else know about this saw please

 

[baldpate]

I don't have this model, but another user on this forum (Katchin) did, and replaced it with an Axminster, commenting that the Fox was "awful":

I am looking for a bandsaw right now too, think I will get the AWHBS400N too, I had a Fox one that was awful, wouldn't cut 3/4" pine, so having a big 2hp saw will be great. I could probably easily get away with the model below to be fair, but after that Fox, I just want to be sure.

This is the post: https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/post576114.html#p576114

I know it's the same model , because Katchin asked in an earlier thread (https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/fox-f28-186-bandsaw-help-please-t49268.html) for help on setting up his new F28-186.

BTW there is a review of this model on Amazon. and the reviewer makes essentially the same comment - it is underpowered.

 

[marcros]

I just had a quick look online. The forst place i clicked on the saw was £204 inc VAT. When you break down the price and take off the dealers margin, the importers margin and the manufacturers margin, there is no wonder it is underpowered- there is nothing left to buy a decent motor from.

Personally, in your situation, I would spend the £200 on something secondhand. I would start by looking for a Kity 613 or an Inca , possibly look at the EB/Metabo 315/6/7 (i cant remember what the variants mean). etc etc