Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stevesteve on January 22, 2014 at 12:55pm

Hi David,

I have the Screwfix small bandsaw. It is OK but I would check what blades are generally available before you buy (it is a slightly awkward 'length').

That being said it has a permanent place on my bench at the opposite end to my drill press and I find both invaluable.

What ever you buy make sure that you learn how to set up the blade guides and bearings. It is not as complicated as it sounds but makes all the difference. I also had problems with it wandering off course. I read a review that suggested that the blade that came with it was made of cheese and should be replaced. I did so and it has worked better ever since!

I also find that although the Screwfix machine is only supplied with a 5mm (1/4") blade replacing it with a 13mm (1/2") blade is much better for long straight cuts.
Cheers,
Steve

Permalink Reply by David Bowes on January 24, 2014 at 9:39am

Steve

I have ordered a new wider blade as a stop gap.

David

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on January 22, 2014 at 1:07pm

Don't buy a bench mounted one - it won't be big or powerful enough for serious work. I know you said you wanted it bench mounted, but that will limit you straight away. You want something like this. Cast iron table, induction motor. 

http://www.recordpower.co.uk/product/premium-12-bandsaw#.UuBaQCg4lco

Maybe I'm biased, but this is what I've got, and if I'd have had the money I'd have bought a bigger one. I bought mine secondhand off eBay, it had hardly seen any use and was lot cheaper than new. A decent quality secondhand saw will be a much better investment than a cheap new one. Avoid the DIY store junk at all costs. You won't go far wrong if you go for something that's bigger and more powerful than you think you need. Axminster have got a decent range of stuff as well:  I've got one of their thicknessers and a table saw -their "hobby" range of stuff is far superior to a lot of other gear.

Permalink Reply by David Bowes on February 2, 2014 at 6:17am

CBJ

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

Thanks

Permalink Reply by Doghouse Dave on January 23, 2014 at 3:27am

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

Permalink Reply by David Bowes on January 24, 2014 at 9:38am

Doghouse

Thanks, I am  doing some more research.

David

Permalink Reply by David Bowes on January 23, 2014 at 10:33am

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.

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on January 23, 2014 at 8:52pm

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. 

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on January 23, 2014 at 11:10pm

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!!!

Permalink Reply by David Bowes on January 24, 2014 at 9:36am

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

Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on January 23, 2014 at 9:43pm

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. (-:

Permalink Reply by David Bowes on January 24, 2014 at 9:37am

Slopaw

Thanks I will have  a closer look.

David

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