Bandsaw?

Posted by David Bowes on January 22, 2014 at 5:14pm

I am looking to buy a bandsaw, does any one have any recommendations on what to, or what not to buy? It will need to be bench mounted.

Thanks

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Replies

  • David Bowes February 2, 2014 at 12:17pm

    I ordered a new band-saw blade from the supplier CBJ suggested, fitted it today and it  has made a huge difference.

    • ChickenboneJohn > David Bowes February 4, 2014 at 2:01am

      Glad to know that info. was of some help. The blade and set-up really makes a difference, and sometimes you don't really notice the steady drop-off in performance as the blade wears out.

  • Slowpaw Steve T January 24, 2014 at 3:43am

    I bought a Sealey bandsaw new last year and it has speeded up many jobs and does them more accurately than i could do with a handsaw - like CBJ says setting up and a good new blade is critical to its operation. This is a small one but enough to work on an Oak 1 1/2" guitar neck easily enough and small pieces of wood, but watch your fingers...! a tool is provided for feeding wood past the blade, go SLOWLY  and let the blade do the work. (-:

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    • David Bowes > Slowpaw Steve T January 24, 2014 at 3:37pm

      Slopaw

      Thanks I will have  a closer look.

      David

  • David Bowes January 23, 2014 at 4:33pm

    Thanks for the feed back.

    I think I will wait until spring when I hope to build a new shed and see what space I have when finished. In the meantime I do have a small second hand band-saw,  but can not get it to cut straight,I will have another go at setting it up

    Thanks David.

    • ChickenboneJohn > David Bowes January 24, 2014 at 2:52am

      All bandsaws suffer from "drift", ie not cutting straight and they need setting up to correct or reduce this.  The first thing to do is make sure you've got a decent blade in there. If it's old and worn that can make it worse. I've had blades custom-made for my saw from these people http://www.justbandsawblades.co.uk - you can choose the length, width & teeth per inch from a range of manufacturers' bladestock and they aren't particularly expensive at about £15 each including VAT & delivery for a 93 1/4" blade. If you install a new blade, then check the guides, blade tension and the tracking of the main wheels you should be able to get it to work a lot better.

      If you do look at getting a new machine, be wary of the claims of what thickness it can saw - just because you can get a 150mm thick piece of timber through it doesn't mean the motor will have enough punch to cut it. A powerful motor is what you need for cutting hardwood. A decently long blade and ideally cast iron drive wheels also help. 

    • ChickenboneJohn > ChickenboneJohn January 24, 2014 at 5:10am

      By the way, amazingly quick service from that company..ordered 2 blades at 1.00pm yesterday, arrived this morning at 10.00am!! And they weren't off the shelf, they had to cut and weld them to my spec!!!

    • David Bowes > ChickenboneJohn January 24, 2014 at 3:36pm

      CBJ

      Thanks for the advice. I have ordered  a new blade from them, hoping it makes a difference. I will need a new saw eventually as mine is just a light weigh hobby saw.

      David

  • Doghouse Dave January 23, 2014 at 9:27am

    Hi David

    I agree with Chickenbone, the cheaper ones are not that good. Machine Mart may well have a reasonably priced one  - I have an Electa Beckham 12 inch throat which is great and I would certainly recommend that brand

    Hope you fiondsomething suitable

    Regards

    Doghouse

    • David Bowes > Doghouse Dave January 24, 2014 at 3:38pm

      Doghouse

      Thanks, I am  doing some more research.

      David

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