Startrite 301 Bandsaw

[lucky9cat]

Hi folks

I've seen one of the above on ebay and wondered where I could get a full spec of the machine. The fact that it's local got me thinking.

I've currently got a Electra Beckam 316G about 3 years old but I've never been really happy with it despite changing blades. Is this likely to be a step backwards? I know it all depends on how the Startrite has been treated so it's a bit of a stupid question :?

Thanks in advance for any help. Cheers, Ted

 

[beech1948]

Hi,
Startrite 301 is light years better than your EB. Startrite provide industrial strength bandsaws which will last for a long time. Its also hard to abuse them to the point where they develop weaknesses.

Usually they have "block" type blade guides which can be a bit tricky to set up but patientce will provide a good set up which will hold for many uses.

Buy and enjoy.

 

[lucky9cat]

Hi Beech

Thanks for replying. The price has started to run away now (as it always does on ebay!) so I'll probably give this one a miss and perhaps await another.

Cheers, Ted

 

[beech1948]

Hi,
I bought mine from ebay. It cost me £425 for a 7 yr old Startrite 352 in very good nick. Thats maybe a few pounds cheaper than one from a dealer in second hand tools but I thought not too bad for a good bandsaw which cost better than £1100 when new.

 

[Russell]

Check on the age of the machine spares are expensive for the early 301's especially new blade guides nearly £50.00 per set and on some early models you had different sets for different sized blades. I dont rate the fence on the old 301's but retrofitting a Kreg precision fence is worth it.