Record BS250 or Axminster AWHBS250N Bandsaw ??

[Downfall]

Hi,

Was looking a bit of advice on which bandsaw I should get. I have been looking at the Record power BS250 and the Axminster AWHBS250N, I would like to know which one would be best and the advantages and disadvantages.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

 

[UTMonkey]

I have the Administer 250 and have no complaints. I haven't seen the record but looking at the website the specs look very similar, with some minor flourishes.

If there was one thing lacking in my research for a bandsaw was the size of blades, both models you mention have quarter inch minimum, not a biggie but it means that your cutting radius will be around 16mm.

Depends on what you want it for.

HTH

 

[GuyL]

I've had the Record version for over 5 years now and use it on a daily basis cutting mainly ebony and rosewood.

Once set up (fiddly), with a good blade and within its capacities its very good.

The Axminster's fence is better though so I bought the APTC upgrade which works well.

Over the years I've had to replace the guide bearings maybe 4 times; not a big deal.

On balance I think the Axminster one has the edge due to a better fence and a cabinet stand included .... although Record have a 5 year guarantee.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Most bandsaws will state 6mm min blade width. But that is just if you use the supplied blade guides. It's quite possible to use blades as narrow as 1/16". you just have to be creative as to how you giude them. I stick MDF faces to my guides for this purpose and all is very well indeed.
S

 

[david123]

Hi Steve
Can you explain The MDF faces to me? It is my first band saw, and I am new to woodworking.

Dave

 

[Steve Maskery]

On my saw, the blade guides are bearings. They have to be set so they support the blade without damaging the teeth. That is difficult to do on very narrow blades, so I stick a bit of backing board to the faces of the bearings. That way they can touch the teeth and get chewed up, without damaging the teeth.
I use this technique when setting mine up to cut dovetails.
S

 

[david123]

Thanks for the quick reply Steve
Much appreciated

 

[Steve Maskery]

You are welcome. I believe you have my DVDs. Watch the Dovetail segment on WE5, you'll see it detailed there.
S

 

[david123]

Hi Steve

Yes I have your set of videos “ the complete Bandsaw” and have set my machine following your instructions on the first of your disks, and boy am I glad that I bought it."

Excellent, even a complete novice like me found it easy to follow. You show each step of the way, and explain why it is done. I only got them yesterday and have only watched the one explaining how to set up my bandsaw, but am looking forward to viewing the other two of the set.
When I get on to using my router I will no doubt be buying the next set.

Thank you

Dvae