Choosing a Bandsaw

[jacko]

There has been numerous posting on this subject, but there seems to be very little choice at the top end of saws. If you (any one of you) had a budget of up to $4,500 for a saw that
* was primarily to be used for resawing ( 300 mm throat),
* required good extension tables to support fitches up to 3.5 m long,
* hopefully not too tall as although 1.83 m tall I find exerting any feed pressure on a large peice of wood difficult when the table is so much highr than a good workbench height,
*need a good fence with an adjustable offset,
* should be able to cut veneers of uniform thickness in hard woods like jarrah, never smoke or stall,

What would you buy and from whom???

[journeyman Mick]

Hitachi make a bandsaw specifically for resawing that probably meets most of your criteria, it is lower than most bandsaws and equipped with stellite tipped blades. I know that Carba tec sell it but I'm sure others do as well.

Mick

[kenmil]

Go to the Carbatec site and search for "CB75F". Catalogue lists it @ $4,899. 2HP motor, 3Phase 415Volts.

[jacko]

Thanks for the comments guys . I have looked at the Hitachi, but this is really a dedicated resaw machine. I was looking for the perfect amalgam of resaw performance and other bandsaw tasks. The hitachi only has a wide blade. It's table is not big (long) and there are no extensions available for it. Height is good if you build a support table for it. Can't remember about the fence (can it be offset?) but maybe it doesn't need it.
Jacko

[journeyman Mick]

Don't know if any of the bandsaws have extension tables, but it wouldn't be too hard to whip up an infeed and ann outfeed table. I would suggest looking at a saw that has a seperate base/legs as you would need to lower the machine if you were doing a lot of ripping. I'd think about making a new base that's lower - the right height for ripping and then maybe setting up a block and tackle above the saw so you can lift it and slip another frame under the shortened legs for non-ripping use. Other than that look for the sturdiest guide roller assemblies, dust port, and plenty of HP.

Mick

[DavidG]

Have a look at the Carba-tec SBW-5300CE
2 Hp 300mm depth of cut, good fence.
Takes up to a 1.25" blade.

Build in and out tables to suit,
add a box (raised deck) to stand on.

I have the smaller model (4300) and am quite happy.

[journeyman Mick]

I tried working on a raised platform when ripping on my bandsaw but found that you cover a suprising amount of ground when your'e working. I had a few sheets of structafloor sitting on besser blocks but I found I was walking off the edge. If you don't fancy building (and storing) a couple of large decks complete with handrails then a dual height saw base might be more convenient. A block and tackle isn't strictly speaking neccesary but might make life easier. At my old place (dirt floor shed) I ended up digging a hole for the bandsaw to sit in. I think I will end up making a dual height base for my bandsaw as the new workshop has a concrete floor.

Mick

[Wayne Davy]

Jacko,

I was in Carbatec Brisbane today (I know - a long way away) but I noticed they had a special on the big Delta 20" Bandsaw - $1000 OFF! Normal price is $3995 - on sale for $2995. Don't know if it is what you are after but thought I'd mention it.

Details here but still has the normal price.
http://svc010.bne011i.server-web.com/catalogue/carbatec2/cache/header-703public__0-0.html?cache=no

[jacko]

Re Delta 20" Thanks for the tip I'll see if C'tek Sydney is offering the same deal. As to raised floor, see the problem, don't yet see a good solution. Perhaps i could wear stilts!
Jacko