Record BS250 versus DeWalt - any opinions?

[graduate_owner]

Hi everyone
I have an Elu bandsaw 3401, a precursor of the DeWalt 3401, which has a totally crap fence. I have the opportunity to buy a second hand Record BS250 which actually looks sturdier, although it's less powerful and cheaper when new than the DeWalt. Does anyone have experience of both of these and so be able to offer a comparison. I don't want to get another bandsaw unless it offers a real improvement on the Elu, I'd rather save up for something worthwhile. On the other hand if the Record is a good machine then I'll go for it - it looks like new.

Any opinions?

K

 

[stevebuk]

i have the BS250 bandsaw and its a great machine, i cut thick oak and beech on it no problem at all, but it also helps to have a good blade too..

 

[Frank S]

i have the BS250 bandsaw and its a great machine, i cut thick oak and beech on it no problem at all, but it also helps to have a good blade too..

+1 for the BS250 and a good blade from Tuff saws.

 

[Andrewf]

Another for BS250. I cut right to its limits all the time. No problems.

 

[graduate_owner]

Does anyone have any idea of what a second hand one is worth? I have been offered one for £100. It seems in really good condition although needs a new blade - apparently the original one broke and it hasn't been used since. I've been looking on ebay to see if there are any s/h ones going, just to give me an idea, but haven't seen any recently, so some guideline would be helpful.

K

 

[loz]

I have the bigger 350S - but i have used to 250

get one - bin the record provided blade. most on here will recommend tuff,

i use starrett in mine,

 

[loz]

Does anyone have any idea of what a second hand one is worth?

K

grab it !

 

[Calgach]

- apparently the original one broke and it hasn't been used since.

:lol: then it should be in almost new condition cuz i wouldn't imagine the Record fitted blade would see it through much action!

 

[Graham Orm]

I have the larger floor standing (350?) Well made quality kit love it to bits. Any band saw is only as good as it's blade. Whatever you buy second hand or new, change the blade straight away.

 

[bodge]

What they all said! ^^^

I bought a BS250 just over a year ago and as yet I have been unable to fault it, despite pushing it to it's limits on occasion. £100 sounds like a bargain to me as long as it is in usable condition.