Need some guidance on bandsaws.

**section1** · 24th January 2024, 01:14 PM

I've shopped around and I've decided to one from hare & forbes only because I know how good quality bandsaws they are.
Having owned one before and sold it. I'm looking at two models BP-355 and BP-430A Compare - Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

The BP-355 first off the bat has a smaller throat capacity of 245mm and a small resaw fence.
The BP-430A has a larger throat capacity of 310 and a decent size resaw fence, everything else is identical except for the price.
The first one costs $1,419 and the second costs $2,585 plus delivery on both. On my previous bandsaw I had a large throat capacity, I can't remember
how large it was, but I only utilised that total opening a handful of times. I feel that money spent on this extra would prove fruitless however, the resaw
fence on BP-430A is awesome and I would love to switch them over. having spoken to a salesman at Hare&Forbes that was totally disinterented in speaking to me I didn't really get anywhere
with my phone call other than "you can't do it" and then is "that all" and hangs up. Yeah I'm pretty about his attitude it ruins the whole experience.
So, I'm asking you guys is it possible to swap the fence or buy an after market fence for the BP-355. Or do I have to spend the extra $1000 because it really can't be done.
The fence that is on the BP-355 I've worked with it for years and always swore to upgrade it, but never did.
I would prefer a proper aluminium high resaw fence over a homemade one if you wanted to suggest it.

Many thanks to everyone in advance

**aldav** · 24th January 2024, 01:49 PM

When you say throat capacity you're talking about height capacity. If the only thing that matters to you is the extra height of the fence buy the BP355 as the fence on the BP430 is not really that much higher, it's not a fence suitable for resawing wide boards so you'd have to improvise something better anyway.

Those machines are not comparable IMO. The BP430 is a much more substantial machine, it weighs 50% more than the BP355

and is bigger and better in every way. If you are planning on doing some resawing a TCT blade is the way to go, I doubt the BP355 could tension a 3/4" Resaw King blade, but suspect it would be well within the capacity of the BP430.

Just my opinion and not what you wanted to hear, but some things to think about.

**aldav** · 24th January 2024, 02:30 PM

Have you considered second hand? This Jet 18" saw (made in Taiwan) appears to be in pretty good order - 登录 Facebook - the seller has already reduced his price by $200 so may be open to reasonable offers from a serious buyer. You'd have to make a higher resaw fence, but you pretty much have to do that for any saws in your price bracket.

**section1** · 24th January 2024, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by aldav

Have you considered second hand? This Jet 18" saw (made in Taiwan) appears to be in pretty good order - 登录 Facebook - the seller has already reduced his price by $200 so may be open to reasonable offers from a serious buyer. You'd have to make a higher resaw fence, but you pretty much have to do that for any saws in your price bracket.

Your opinion is good and the link to the JET is brilliant. That's a really good bandsaw and its priced below what one would expect to pay for a JET. It is well looked after as well. Looking at it looks almost identical to the BP430 and what Carba tec used to sell. I used to own the 19inch model. I sold it to Bushmiller. He was right that I would regret selling it. Pity about the fence though.

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