Shopping for a bandsaw

[bellyup]

Hello All,
I'm travelling down to Adelaide this week as the little fella needs to see the ENT specialist, so while we're down there I thought I might look to buy a bandsaw and I need some advice. ( really, really need a bandsaw!!!)
Carbatec have two 14" models, the basic SW-1401 for $560 or the heavy duty CTJ-3501 for $900 - the CTJ has prof. fence, u-beaut blade guides etc.
Anyway, what do you think of these 2? and is there anything else worth looking at. I dont really want to spend more than $800 - less if I can. Ebay is not an option due to distance.
Also, I need some more chisels and stuff, is there a good store in town to check out?
(and I thought fly-fishing was a collectors sport - yish!!)

Many thanks guys,
Bruce.

[corbs]

I have one of the generic versions of the 1401 and its high on my list to upgrade. The throat isn't very big and the table is tiny. Its ok for small bowl blanks but it gets pretty restrictive quickly. If you can afford bigger then go for it, if not... they are good bandsaws and as everyone sells their own version of them parts are easy to come by.

Corbs

[HandyAndrea]

for a bandsaw. My must-haves are (so far).... 350 mm throat, steel deck, good solid fence (or the ability to fit one), 2 X (approx) 300mm wheels, good blade guides, single phase, .75 - 1 HP motor. Stand is optional, because I can build one if I have to. As far as I can see, they all seem to be clones of each other, but is brand important? (I don't wear branded clothing, so likewise, don't have problems with brands, apart from wanting good quality)

Anything else I should be looking for?

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I also have the SW-1401, which I bought during a clearance sale, so got roller guides and a decent fence thrown in for the same price. They're "must haves!" - although the friction guides are still needed for the small blades.

Once tuned, it's a nice little machine... and although on the small end of the scale it's one of my most often used stationary tools, after the lathe and grinder.

Personally, I'm content with mine and see no sense in upgrading. It hasn't given me any grief apart from that I brought on myself and I rarely try to cut pieces that would use it's full capacity - or just don't fit. I'd rather attack those pieces with a chainsaw than try lifting 'em onto the BS table anyway. :D I occasionally rip small billets & old railway sleepers on the 1401, but 'tis a seriously laborious chore.

I'd say the 1401 has the same footprint as a drill-press, which makes it ideal for your average small shed with restricted space. Good for a turner of small bowls or maker of bandsawn boxes.

If, on the other hand, you want it primarily for ripping down logs or other large pieces, then you're better off looking at something correspondingly larger. :wink:

[Tankstand]

G'day Bruce,

Not familiar with the models you have to choose between, I see this one on offer at Carba-Tec BAS-350 (http://www.carbatec.com.au/machinery-for-wood-and-metal-working/bandsaws/14-variable-speed/carba-tec-14-bandsaw)


Also, I need some more chisels and stuff, is there a good store in town to check out? You have Carba-Tec and Macwood (http://www.macwood.com.au/) on Magil Rd.

Also Leda (http://www.ledamachinery.com.au/) on Richmond Rd.

Good Luck, hope all goes well at the ENT.

I'd ring ahead if you want a Carba-Tec and put your name on one. Leda usually have stock on hand.

[Sawdust Maker]

I've got a 14"
sometimes wish I'd bought something bigger, but the 14 is ok within its capabilities

[rsser]

Yeah, it's horses for courses.

Big bowls = big bandsaw.

I have a Woodfast BS350 and would never buy another one. GJ has recently acquired a Scheppach which he's very happy with.

[Robomanic]

Yeah, it's horses for courses.

Big bowls = big bandsaw.

I have a Woodfast BS350 and would never buy another one. GJ has recently acquired a Scheppach which he's very happy with.

Meaning you would not buy it again?

I have the TTI variant of the BAS-350 and found it a pain to tune because tension interferes with tracking a lot, but I have the process sorted now and have ripped quite a bit of dry Jarrah with it recently. Depth of cut 100mm-130mm and it had no trouble with it. It has no tension indicator but from what I hear some are strain indicators so unless the blade is perfect length the dial reads incorrectly.

I waited for a few months and got mine half price second hand. It meant that I could buy a lot better saw for my $500 price limit.

[rsser]

Yeah, I meant that I wouldn't buy another one. Not 'It's so good it'll last forever'. Nor would I touch anything with a similar design and there appear to be a few.

Changing blades is a PITA.

Re your tension problem .. there's the blade pluck test to get a clear mid pitch; also read recently (and failed to BM) a visual test something like this:

loosen off blade
run the bandy and tighten tension until there's no more side to side movement visible
back off a bit

That's relying on memory and so goes best with a grain of salt.

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

loosen off blade
remove clearance insert
back off the upper & lower guides/rollers
raise upper guides to top of travel


run the bandy and tighten tension until there's no more side to side movement visible
back off a bit

The idea is to have the blade running loosely between the wheels with no other interference from guides, etc. and tension until the side-wobble goes.

Never tried it for myself, I haven't needed to. :p

:D

[rsser]

Thanks for the correction Skew.

Another comment on the WF ... don't bother with the mobile base. It rocks ( and that's not hyperbole!). Spend your money on a Jet base.

[rsser]

Actually to be fair, the thing is now tuned and does what I want it to. I fitted a bimetal blade so I don't have to fr*g around so often realigning the guides on blade changes.

For a history of this machine see my blog.

[Grumpy John]

Yeah, it's horses for courses.

Big bowls = big bandsaw.

I have a Woodfast BS350 and would never buy another one. GJ has recently acquired a Scheppach which he's very happy with.

Yes, very happy with the Scheppach Basato 4. Have had no problems with it, changing blades is very easy. Bought it from Hare & Forbes for $995.

[rsser]

While the WF BS350 was a grand RRP less 10% WWW show special. But IIRC that included free shipping from SA. Exc. mobile base.

[bellyup]

Thanks guys for the good advice and kind words.
Well, I've tried to check out the Scheppach at Hare and Forbes but there seems to be a problem with their website - sounds good though - maybe the Minister of War and Finance will allow a slight overspend??:rolleyes:
What blades/TPI would you recommend for hard inland timber?
Thanks again,
Bruce.

[Sawdust Maker]

Try Henry Bros Saws
(02) 9627 5088
they are very helpful

[Pat]

Another vote for Scheppach, I have got the Basato 3 and it does everything I need it to do.

[Grumpy John]

Thanks guys for the good advice and kind words.
Well, I've tried to check out the Scheppach at Hare and Forbes but there seems to be a problem with their website - sounds good though - maybe the Minister of War and Finance will allow a slight overspend??:rolleyes:
What blades/TPI would you recommend for hard inland timber?
Thanks again,
Bruce.

Hi Bruce, I noticed the problem with the Hare & Forbes site yesterday when I posted my reply (tried to include a link), maybe give them a call and see if they've got a new website address. After the last Turnfest at 's, where cut some reasonably large pieces with ease just about anyone with a bandsaw is now using a 3/8" - 3 skip tooth blade. The narrowness of the blade allows the cutting of small turning blanks without the blade binding.

Hope this helps
GJ

Added: Just tried Hare & Forbes site, it's working now. Heres the link (https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=W856) for the Basato 4, it's gone up to well over a grand now unfortunately.

[rsser]

Bruce there's lots of material on blade choice on the Bandsaw section of the forum.

Eg. if ripping was important you'd prob go for a wide blade with only 1 to 2 TPI. Of course, you'll prob end up with two blades anyway since such a ripping blade is not that good doing bowl blanks.

Like Nick, I've found Henry Bros v. helpful.

[NeilS]

Bruce - also take the opportunity to drop into Leda (down Richmond Rd not far from the city) while you are in Adelaide, they did have some bandsaw still going at the old price about a month ago.

Have had both Carba-tec and Leda bandsaws, and have been happy with both.

Started with a 14" bandsaw with 12" depth of cut but eventually found I was pushing it too hard, too often, so decided to upgrade to 17"/2HP a few years ago. Doesn't sound like much of a difference, but the bigger machine is in a different league, can handle everything I throw at it... even 'mill' slabs with it!

Only sorry I didn't keep the 14" for finer work to save blade changes. So, if you go with the 14" keep this option in mind.

Second had is also a good option.

Neil

PS - hope your little fella has gone OK with the medics.

[scooner]

hi bellyup
i have a secondhand one for sale it is a woodfast 14'' ,i live in adelaide northern suburbs , regards ian

[bellyup]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the good advice!!
I had a good look around in Adelaide while I was down there in Leda, Carbatec and Jet for a bandsaw. The customer service was very good from all the suppliers and they walked me through all of the models and options available from 14" to 20", clearly the time to buy a bandsaw was about 6 months ago as the prices have all jumped by hundreds of dollars.
After close inspection of all the units I would have bought a Leda 17" if they had stock, the other units from all the suppliers had ,to my mind, major failings in design or manufacture - either too small a table, no fence or just rubbish fence, under powered, blade change problems etc., while I'm no expert in machinery I can't justify spending money on something that doesn't tick all the boxes.
The advice given here really helped define what I needed in a bandsaw.
I ended up buying a Scheppach Basato 4 from H&F in Syd at a negotiated price inc. freight for about $1300, far more than I had originally planned but I'm really happy with the purchase. The thing is, it's so damned hot I can't play in the shed, I've only assembled it and run 1 blank through it.
Things I like about the Scheppach Basato 4:
Great build quaility, 250mm(10") cut not 200mm(8"), swing out high quality fence for fast blade change, 2 hp motor,big table, quiet, retractable internal wheels for moving and small foot print.
Things I dont like about the Scheppach Basato 4:
The manual stated the blade size is 2895mm so I ordered 2 bi-metal blades from Henry Bros. only to find they are about 30mm too long - bugger!!
The manual and assembly instructions - why do they produce such poor printed information on A5 booklets???. the assembly instructions and photos were so small it was near impossible to see. After 2 hours in a hot shed assembling the unit the name Basato 4 was changed to Bastardo 1.

I'm a very happy camper now so thanks everyone for the the solid advice!!

P.S. The temp. is tipped to go to 47deg. this weekend - will I never get to play!
Regards, Bruce.

[Grumpy John]

Hi Bruce,
I'm very happy that you're happy. I'm always a bit nervous when I recommend machinery, because what suits my needs may not suit another persons needs. Funny you mention that you mention that the 2895 was too long as I've had 4 blades made now @ 2895 and they fitted perfectly. check that they're not 2985, this would make them ~30mm too long. Agreed the manual is rubbish, but real men don't eat quiche or read manuals :rolleyes:. Once again, glad you're happy with the Scheppach.:2tsup:

[China]

I have a Woodfast BS500, it has not missed a beat snice I unpacked it and set it up, I've used it every day for nearly two years

[bellyup]

Thanks G.J.
You might have something with the measurements - I'll check on the invoice and organise a return but I have no idea how the "fold" the blades down to such small loops for postage - I tried and ended up covered in puncture marks!:no:

[AUSSIE]

Thanks G.J.
You might have something with the measurements - I'll check on the invoice and organise a return but I have no idea how the "fold" the blades down to such small loops for postage - I tried and ended up covered in puncture marks!:no:
To fold your blades.Go to Stu's Shed Episode 36 Triton Bandsaws (http://stusshed.wordpress.com/2008/08/26/episode-36-triton-bandsaws/) He is also a supporter and I think a mod or admin on the wwf and an allround good guy:D:D.
Hope the link works

[bellyup]

Thanks Aussie,
Spot-on video, now I know!!

[bellyup]

G.J.
You were right, the blades are wrongly measured. Invoice says 2895mm but actually 2970+mm - Henry Bros. were having a bad day!
Did you find the original blade to be rubbish?
Bruce.

[Grumpy John]

G.J.
You were right, the blades are wrongly measured. Invoice says 2895mm but actually 2970+mm - Henry Bros. were having a bad day!
Did you find the original blade to be rubbish?
Bruce.

Glad you got it sorted bruce, the original blade was pretty ordinary but I wasn't expecting much anyway.

Cheers
GJ

[smalls]

I recently looked like you at all the plethora of band saws and not being experienced, I ended up looking in our weekly free ad paper in WA the "Quokka". I bought a 10" Paul Call that is quite old but fully cast iron, goes without a whimper and looks like it will outlive me. While it won't do large re-sawing, it is great for the smaller hobby tasks I have up to creating bowl blanks from fallen timber about 3" thick. It will do me while I play and when I get more time, ie get out of the workforce and can play full time, I might buy something newer and bigger.
One of the bext $50 I have spent on tools with some sheets of mdf thrown in!