Which Mid Range Bandsaw?

[Random Orbital Bob]

Advice would be appreciated please:

I'm upgrading my bandsaw to a tool with greater capacities that will perform better with larger logs for bowl blanks. Currently with the Record BS300 its just not man enough for larger logs as the depth of cut isn't high enough. (190mm) I'm looking at the mid range machines with a 16" type throat. The Axy ones and Record are coming in at around the £1100 ish mark. These generally have a depth of cut of around a foot which is a big improvement on my current model and also double the HP motors. Jet are very expensive for the same capacities. Is there any other well known and robust manufacturer that I'm not considering that perhaps I should?

Many thanks

 

[gregmcateer]

I haven't yet braved the purchase of a bandsaw, partly as I have a similar dilemma to your good self.

Though the good people of UKW have also mentioned the Minimax S45, Startrite 352, Holzmann, ACM Star

HTH
Greg

Just remembered - iTECH and Hammer, as well - I think I have a link to the Hammer discussion;
https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/topic67283.html

 

[deema]

There is a Startrite 14S5 on eBay at the moment that us very cheap £200 at the moment. I have one, and although I cannot remember the throat size /cutting depth, it cuts seasoned oak 6" thick all day long with the right blade. Spares are available and with 5 speeds most materials can be cut with it

 

[marcros]

I have the axminster plus 4300. Brilliant bit of kit. I had plans to get a startrite 352 when that one cropped up secondhand. I am not sure about how the other axi bandsaws are built, but I can't fault that model.

 

[Steve Maskery]

I have a Basato 5 and have been very happy with it. It's a big beggar, but might be worth considering if one comes up. There is a review of it on the Reviews forum, somewhere.
S

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks chaps. I did look at the startrite models but oddly enough the RP BS400 which has a 16" throat is better specified than the entry level startrite machines. They begin with a 14" throat and associated cut depth which is my key issue. I appreciate the startrite will have a moderately better build quality but frankly that's not my issue. My little BS300 has fabulous build quality...its been unshakable for 4 years now...but for the capacity.

I'll check out the other models folks have mentioned. My thanks.

 

[paulm]

I think Yandles have the Startrite range, and maybe the Record range, on show if you wanted to check them over. It's their woodworking show today and tomorrow, but I think they have the bandsaws there all the time, but best check in case I have mis-remembered !

Don't know how they compare price and spec wise with other alternatives though, but I do recall being quite taken with the larger Startrites when browsing a while back.

My own Startrite 351 does something like 11" under the guides but struggled to cut wet timber at that depth, so I upgraded the motor to a 3hp monster and now it happily munches through anything I can manage to lift onto the table !

Cheers, Paul

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks Paul.