Thread: GMC 230mm Band Saw with Redeye

I've got one its a bit underpowered but it works ok if you work within its limitations regards Michael

Originally Posted by coffenup

I've got one its a bit underpowered but it works ok if you work within its limitations regards Michael

Hi Michael.
What are the limitations considering its 300watts? is it worth getting it for the value?
Thanks
Jack

Originally Posted by JackD

Hi Michael.
What are the limitations considering its 2000watts? is it worth getting it for the value?
Thanks
Jack

Hi
If it is the one I am thinking of it is 300watts HERE
From memory of this model ,they are a diecast frame and I didnt like the idea.
I have 2 bandsaws.A small one about this size but a steel framed model, for cutting small bits for my models.It works fine . I use it a bit like a scroll saw
It looks like this one on ebay HERE but mine is GMC .
the depth of cut is small. I need my bigger one as well.There is a place for both

mine struggles when I cut eucaliptus in 40mm thick blocks, the blade stops if you are cutting anything than a very slow cut. I adjusted my blade guides to the give minimum flex but the blade still wonders.
The fence is not solidly braced. But as I said I have worked out how to work around it. It will do me for a while till I get a bigger bandsaw
Regards Michael

I have one too and like Mike I find it underpowered but I manage as I'm only making small things. The first one I had The tensioner broke, GMC replaced the whole cadboodle (no problems, just one phone call and a fax (of the docket)) so I now have some spare parts.
Yasmin

Originally Posted by yasmin

The first one I had The tensioner broke, GMC replaced the whole cadboodle (no problems, just one phone call and a fax (of the docket)) so I now have some spare parts.
Yasmin

But don't forget that GMC is now no more, any problems and you're on your own.


Peter.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

But don't forget that GMC is now no more, any problems and you're on your own.


Peter.

Hi Sturdee,
I was told that parts are interchangable with Ryobi...??????????

Regards
Jack

Originally Posted by JackD

Hi Sturdee,
I was told that parts are interchangable with Ryobi...??????????

Regards
Jack

Never heard of that but you could be right. Worthwhile checking out before you buy.

Peter.

Originally Posted by JackD

Hi Michael.
What are the limitations considering its 300watts? is it worth getting it for the value?
Thanks
Jack

The quote was altered.It had 2000w first up. a bit high.
The ryobi on looks different in their photo and instruction manual HERE
The one in the photo looks like the crummy little one GMC and ryobi sold a few years ago with an 1/8" blade that kept breaking.
I had one for a short period of time.I complained and was sent the one I have now for an extra $50 delivered.I have the LS8B 250w 200mm Great little sawI surpost the small wheels help but it seems to have plenty of power for small things.They are not meant to cut 4 x 2's etc.Use a bigger one for big jobs.I have the little one on my bench beside my work area,and I am forever cutting small things on it got it march 88 and used only 1 blade and that was my fault.I twisted it trying to cut a sharp curve. Might be worth mentioning the models we have.What model is underpowered and cutting what size materials.Just found the same as mine on Ebays as in autobarns hey
HERE user manual HERE

Originally Posted by AUSSIE

The quote was altered.It had 2000w first up. a bit high.
The ryobi on looks different in their photo and instruction manual HERE
The one in the photo looks like the crummy little one GMC and ryobi sold a few years ago with an 1/8" blade that kept breaking.
I had one for a short period of time.I complained and was sent the one I have now for an extra $50 delivered.I have the LS8B 250w 200mm Great little sawI surpost the small wheels help but it seems to have plenty of power for small things.They are not meant to cut 4 x 2's etc.Use a bigger one for big jobs.I have the little one on my bench beside my work area,and I am forever cutting small things on it got it march 88 and used only 1 blade and that was my fault.I twisted it trying to cut a sharp curve. Might be worth mentioning the models we have.What model is underpowered and cutting what size materials.Just found the same as mine on Ebays as in autobarns hey
HERE user manual HERE

Hi AUSSIE,
The model is the 230mm GMC Band Saw with LASER LIGHT , the thickness I'm cutting is 90mmx19mm and mostly soft wood.
Thanks
Jack

Originally Posted by JackD

Hi AUSSIE,
The model is the 230mm GMC Band Saw with LASER LIGHT , the thickness I'm cutting is 90mmx19mm and mostly soft wood.
Thanks
Jack

Hi Jack The 19mm at the saw blade is fine,would be easy cutting.But,if you want the 90mm in the vertical,that is the stated as max height.2 major problems because it is at max,you wouldn't be able to see the line that you want to cut on,plus it would be struggling and may not even cut straight.The frame would be flexing I wouldnt try to resaw 90mm on it too often

In my experience, you are MUCH better saving up a little more and getting at least a good cast iron generic 14" bandsaw as sold by H&F and others etc... They are much better built, produce better cuts, have more power and cut capacity and most bandsaw add-ons and aftermarket jigs etc will fit them. And spare parts are available much more easily.

My Carbatec SW-1401 unit has a 3/4HP motor and at times I wish it had a little more, so I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to have a band saw with something even smaller than that! I note they don't sell that model anymore but H&F have a similar one to mine here - https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Pr...stockCode=W403

I wouldn't go for anything less than that. In a few months or a year you will certainly be thankful you brought a bandsaw a little more "substantial", even if it cost a few hundred more.

Originally Posted by AUSSIE

Hi Jack The 19mm at the saw blade is fine,would be easy cutting.But,if you want the 90mm in the vertical,that is the stated as max height.2 major problems because it is at max,you wouldn't be able to see the line that you want to cut on,plus it would be struggling and may not even cut straight.The frame would be flexing I wouldnt try to resaw 90mm on it too often

Hi AUSSIE,

the problem is that I do need to cut the 90mm in the vertical position, I can use my bench saw but that's to me a bit fidley when most of my stock is 19/20mm thick and plus I do not want any wastage if possible. I just thought that the GMC, cheap, would be a good starting point.
Thanks for your advice and any other suggestions
Jack

Originally Posted by Dean

In my experience, you are MUCH better saving up a little more and getting at least a good cast iron generic 14" bandsaw as sold by H&F and others etc... They are much better built, produce better cuts, have more power and cut capacity and most bandsaw add-ons and aftermarket jigs etc will fit them. And spare parts are available much more easily.

My Carbatec SW-1401 unit has a 3/4HP motor and at times I wish it had a little more, so I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to have a band saw with something even smaller than that! I note they don't sell that model anymore but H&F have a similar one to mine here - https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Pr...stockCode=W403

I wouldn't go for anything less than that. In a few months or a year you will certainly be thankful you brought a bandsaw a little more "substantial", even if it cost a few hundred more.

Hi Dean,
Yeah, point taken and I'll explore H&F and others.
Thanks
Jack