Thread: Which Bandsaw?

I can't comment, but I believe that people are happy with the Basato 4, which is in the price range, and may be slightly higher specs (without comparing all the numbers). It was what i had on my wishlist until I was offered a 2nd hand jobbie at the right price.

I think the BP 355 is the best bang for buck in the sub $1000 range. 2hp of grunt will cut to the max depth in hard wood.
Yes I would like a huge 18'' or larger machine with 3 plus hp but I had to be realistic with the budget.
http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W4224

Regards
John

What I can tell you about bandsaws is that they will become the go to machine in your workshop and you will be so glad you have one. Get the best you can afford because it will be more useful than you can imagine and your be sorry you went cheap. The Laguna is a very good bandsaw for the money and when I move I will be selling my 19" Carbatec and buying a Laguna 18". I know there are even better bandsaws available but at a higher cost. A Jet might suit you also. Get a Woodpecker saw blade from Peacock saws in Brisbane (they post) they are tops and don't cost the earth.

SB

Both the BP 355 and Basato 4 saws do look like good saws.

It definitely makes it a little harder as the 2HP motor seems like a decent amount of power. Both with 250 height and 345 to throat for the Hafco and 275 for the basato 4.

I guess then is just comes down to reliability and smoothness in operation. Any more comments from those who may own a Basato 4 and BP 355? Ill be sure to have a look for some reviews on each. Ill also give h and F a call and speak to a sales rep ( as relaibl as they are) and see what comes recommended...

Its so tempting to wait until I can afford the Laguna 14 but I feel I will probably get one in the future. Need to start somewhere and I feel it might be a bit excessive to begin with. Really the biggest function I think I will miss is the ability to resaw to 355mm...

Thanks for the advice guys

Also curious can you fit any aftermarket riser block and blade guides to any bandsaw? I.e. could I add a riser block down the track/ ceramin blade guide to this saw? BP355 Cheers

Riser blocks are only for the old style cast iron frame saws and take a 6'' deep cut saw up to 12''. I looked at that option for my first saw but would have also had to get a more powerfull motor. Deep cuts take more power. The sums did not add up.
Regards
John

Originally Posted by hellofellow

Its so tempting to wait until I can afford the Laguna 14 but I feel I will probably get one in the future. Need to start somewhere and I feel it might be a bit excessive to begin with. Really the biggest function I think I will miss is the ability to resaw to 355mm...

Thanks for the advice guys

I have an SUV, and am very pleased with it. I kept my old Trade Tools machine to do curves and small work so the SUV could be left permanently set up for veneer cutting. Its a good set-up.

So, perhaps you might like to consider going even cheaper for now, and buying a second hand machine. They are not expensive and if you can buy well, you could keep it for small work when you eventually get the saw you want.

Just a thought. The more you pay now, the longer you are likely to wait for the saw you really want.

Have fun!

John

Hi! I have a Basato 4 bought several years ago.

Main issue is keeping the guides properly aligned. The Basato 4 does not have roller bearing guides, just plain bearing wide face guides, they seem to work fine if kept in good alignment. First mod I did was to replace all the grub screws with metric set screws of a suitable length. Being an engineer I have a good set of T handled Allen keys, most important as the guide adjustments are well burried even with the door open.

The saw frame although welded sheet steel is very stiff and has a pedal operated pair of retractable steel wheels at one end and a retractable "shaft" handle at the other, so moving the machine is as quick and easy as moving a wheel barrow! The lower cabinet section is quite large with a latched door - great to stow spare blades, tool kit etc.

The adjustable fence is solid, works very well. The measurement scale is easy to read. The Mitre protractor is sloppy in the guide slot - like many other saws. Both mitre adjustment and table tilt is easy & lockable - the tilt has a retractable "level" stop, so you can return to "zero degrees" on the blade first time every time.

Mods & extras. It could do with a independantly switched work surface light. Does need a dust extractor port below the table to keep the lower guides clear.

This saw should not be expected to do heavy hardwood sawing, but a TCT blade is a wise investment for general purpose sawing.

I have fitted a piece of "U" alloy extrusion at head height to help make it easy to push the pedal down to retract/extend the wheels - the "U" section also acts as a stowage for the power cord. I have hangers fitted to the back of the saw frame (for the fence) and on the lower door (for mitre, dust pan & brush).

I paid about $780 on special 3 years ago (I note it is now just over a grand), so other options may now be more suitable for a 15 inch gerenal purpose bandsaw.

Cheers,

David