Comparing 16/18" Bandsaws

**HappyHammer** · 28th January 2005, 02:04 PM

I've put a spreadsheet together to help me make a decision on a bandsaw. I took the information from the websites and then emailed all the suppliers asking them to fill the gaps. The only one I've heard back from so far is Hare & Forbes who called me the same day and supplied the info. So far nothing from the others, as I get more info. I'll add it and re-post. The blue high-lights are good or best across the saws and red is bad or worst.

Comments welcome on elements that should be added for comparison.

HH.

**Groggy** · 28th January 2005, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by HappyHammer

Comments welcome on elements that should be added for comparison.

HH.

Some thoughts below. The ones in bold are what I would give more emphasis to if I buy again.

1. How is this thing going to be moved? Some have a hook on the top for lifting.

2. Does it have levelling feet?

3. Does the motor have one or two capacitors? Are they decent quality (I replaced three until I got some good American made cappies).

4. Can you flex the table by putting your weight on it? A good saw won't flex.

5. Are the trunnions solid?

6. I see you have warranty down - but will they come to you? These things are darn heavy to move. What might home service cost?

7. Will they deliver the thing to your address with a lift gate vehicle?

8. I see a few of them claiming a 3mm blade can be used. Ask them to demo that, under load.

9. Put in the largest blade and see if you can tension it fully.

10. Is it easy to apply clamps to the table, or are there ribs underneath that will be a PITA when you want to secure something?

11. What type of insert is there; can you make your own easily enough?

12. Is the fence easily adjusted to allow for drift?

13. Have you searched Google for comments on those models? You may ignore individual comments, trends are what you need to be alert for.

13. You do not have Leda listed there. They provide a similar machine to the SBS4300.

**HappyHammer** · 28th January 2005, 02:52 PM

Thanks Groggy I've updated the original attachment.

Couldn't find the 4300 but found a 5300 in the price range which is <$2K.

HH.

**Groggy** · 28th January 2005, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by HappyHammer

Thanks Groggy I've updated the original attachment.

Couldn't find the 4300 but found a 5300 in the price range which is <$2K.

HH.

SBW4300 is shown as $1386 on their site.

http://www.ledamachinery.com.au/cgi-...dc54a276a8361e

**HappyHammer** · 28th January 2005, 03:18 PM

Thanks again Groggy I've added the 4800.

HH.

**HappyHammer** · 28th January 2005, 03:42 PM

Updated with response from Carba-tec.

HH.

**HappyHammer** · 28th January 2005, 04:35 PM

Updated with response from Timbecon. Good sized table and a 20 degree table movement to the left on BAS-470 Sherwood saw.

HH.

**vsquizz** · 28th January 2005, 04:46 PM

HH The Jet 18" is now standard with 300 mm cutting height...or so I read somewhere..hang.....yep Ad in AWR 45 JWBS-18X $1,930.00

Cheers

**paul.cleary** · 30th January 2005, 08:21 PM

Hi,
another thing you can do is check the engineering construction by downloading the manuals which usually have pictures of the bits and exploded parts diagrams.
Search www.jettools.com for the Jet manuals.

All the SBW-nnnn bandsaws come out of the same Taiwanese factory (www.oavequipment.com is the website for this factory) and just have variations in motors, wheels, etc according to what options the importer selects. For the construction details, go to www.grizzly.com, look up Wood Bandsaws and download the G0513 Parts List PDF to see a nice exploded diagram.

Hope this helps in your selection,
Paul
PS Can you copy this thread into the Bandsaw forcum as it's a useful guide to purchasers

**HappyHammer** · 31st January 2005, 04:08 PM

Updated to include Levelling feet, Lifting Hook and Motor Rating. Also updated JET 18" max cut which is actually 300mm.

Couldn't edit original post so re-attached.
HH.

**gmcginty** · 7th February 2005, 01:50 AM

Hi HH,
How about posting the completed spreadsheet as I'm in the market for a bandsaw. I'm leaning towards the jet 18x. Could you email it to [email protected]
Many thanks
Greg

**paul.cleary** · 24th February 2005, 03:54 PM

Hi HH,
so what bandsaw did you buy in the end and what's it like?
Cheers
Paul

**HappyHammer** · 28th February 2005, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by gmcginty

Hi HH,
How about posting the completed spreadsheet as I'm in the market for a bandsaw. I'm leaning towards the jet 18x. Could you email it to [email protected]
Many thanks
Greg

Here you go Greg.

**HappyHammer** · 28th February 2005, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by paul.cleary

Hi HH,
so what bandsaw did you buy in the end and what's it like?
Cheers
Paul

Leaning towards JET 18" will buy in next couple of months.

HH.

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