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  1. #1
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    Default Please recommend a bandsaw

    I bought the tiny Aldi BS as a test to see if I'm actually going to use a bandsaw and it quickly became one of my favourite tools in the shed.
    It's been great, pretty much set and forget, and will happily deal with anything I throw at it (within the limitations of its horsepower and blade).
    Of course those limitations are huge so it looks like it might be time to upgrade.

    The main thing I'd like to do and I can't with the Aldi is resaw some hardwood boards I have for small projects like boxes and things around the house.
    I don't think I will ever do veneers or processing massive logs or anything like that, 14" seems about right for what I do and the available space in my shed.
    Also keep in mind I don't have a jointer or thicknesser, this is done by hand, so ideally I'd like the pieces to come out the BS as straight and clean as possible.
    Other important things are good controls, a good table and solid fence.

    I'd like to stay within $1k.

    Thanks in advance
    SP

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    Towradgi
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    Default

    The 1K counts my suggestion out, Hammer N4400 or even it's little brother the N3800.

    Jet 14" bandsaws are reliable, as with all bandsaws,when set up correctly before use.

    Carbatec Melbourne and Hare and Forbes are close to your suburb, go and kick some tires.

    $1K is at the hobbiest level, so some machine may not be reliable to maintain set up, DAMHIKT!
    Pat
    Work is a necessary evil to be avoided. Mark Twain

  4. #3
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    Mar 2018
    Location
    Sydney
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    Default

    I'd contemplate 2nd hand then.
    https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/a...andsaw/472940/ for example, they are around, just got to wait it out

  5. #4
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    Default

    Footprint is important though, I dont think I need 16"

  6. #5
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    Feb 2018
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    Shepparton
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    Default

    Hi Spyro I have the carbatech 14 inch bandsaw and can't fault it, cuts up all the logs I want with restrictions and the finish depends on the blade selection. I would recommend McDivens on Koroit rd Williamstown.

  7. #6
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    blue mountains
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    Default

    The best buy for about a thousand would be this one.
    https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W4224
    I have had mine for about 8 years now and it has served me well.
    Regards
    John

  8. #7
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by orraloon View Post
    The best buy for about a thousand would be this one.
    https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W4224
    I have had mine for about 8 years now and it has served me well.
    Regards
    John
    Yes I was looking at this last night, wow it does look like a lot of saw for the money.

  9. #8
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    Jun 2016
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    Perth
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    Default

    Timbecon has a new range of bandsaws that might be worth looking at as well. For some reason the website is not showing all the saws yet. But might be worth the trip to Reservoir to have a look



    Regards

    Dane

  10. #9
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    Sep 2016
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    Bentleigh East
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    Talking

    After a lot of thinking and looking at various machines up close, and after a lot of drooling, I realised that I'm just not there yet. I don't do enough to justify even a 14" machine, my floor space is really at a premium, and realistically my woodworking budget would be better spent on timber and other little things I need around the shed.

    So I humbled myself and went for a 10" Sherwood from Timbecon for $460. I'm pretty sure I could find cheaper for 10", but the thing that made the diff for me was that this Sherwood seems easily adjustable. I counted about 25 knobs and dials, and because I still suck at tuning bandsaws any little thing that makes it easier is important to me.



    One weird thing, straight out of the box and the guts of the machine were covered with a thin layer of sawdust. It looked like it had been used but probably not more than once, so I don't really care, it still looks brand new in every other way. Still strange though, maybe a test cut at the factory, who knows.



    To the test: I put a 3 TPI blade on and tried it on a 10X10 fencepost piece





    No problems, went through it like it was fresh bread. It felt like there was a bit more power if I needed it, and about another 5cm of resawing capacity. I don't think I need anything else, at least not for the next 100 projects I have in mind. And that was with the lower speed settings and (I believe) the blade could do with a bit more tensioning.

    Next my 7 year old daughter decided she needed a hammer for reasons unknown to everybody (including herself ), and I needed to try some curve cuts, so I made her this from some left over huon pine and camphor:



    The blade was cutting curves surprisingly easily, so although I bought it mainly for resawing I think I might just leave it on for a while.

    Overall it was a bit of an anticlimactic experience because there are so many awesome machines out there and I wanted them all
    It felt a bit like when you're looking at monster SUVs but then you realise all you really need is a Suzuki Alto. I guess 10" bandsaws also have a reason that they exist, and if I'm honest to myself I'm probably part of that reason.

    With all that said, I really like what I got
    Thanks everyone for your help and recommendations
    Cheers
    SP

  11. #10
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    Jul 2004
    Location
    Adelaide
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    Default

    Spyro, why not ask Timbecon for an explanation for the sawdust. As you said it does not matter, but it would be nice to know.

    Regards
    Keith

  12. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by pedro66 View Post
    Spyro, why not ask Timbecon for an explanation for the sawdust. As you said it does not matter, but it would be nice to know.

    Regards
    Keith
    Ok I gave them a call just then, they also said the same: "probably a test cut at the factory".

  13. #12
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    Default

    Hmmmm. that's interesting.

    Regards
    Keith

  14. #13
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pedro66 View Post
    Hmmmm. that's interesting.

    Regards
    Keith
    What's the worse case scenario... that they used it as a demo somewhere? Maybe someone bought it and returned it? Either way it's essentially new, it works, I'm not worried at all.

  15. #14
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    Default

    I completely agree with you Spyro. I was just interested in the explanation from Timbecon.

    Regards
    Keith

  16. #15
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    Apr 2016
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    Mooroopna, Victoria, Australia
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    Default

    Hi Spyro, I'm looking at getting a bandsaw soon myself.
    How have you found the Sherwood?
    Does the fence lock solid, or is there a bit of slop?

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