Thread: 14" bandsaw recommendations

It very much depends on what you want to achieve. These are light duty saws. If you have the space for these you are not going to need much more room for a 16" which will be capable of a 300mm cut and able to take a wider range of blades.
I have two 16" saws at the moment and only need one. I can offer you an Electra Beckum BAS500. The saw is in as new condition, on wheels and dust extractor if you are interested.

Have you specific need for a wee curve cutting machine?
Might as well mention, there hasn't been a fully adjustable bandsaw (bar one older 450kg Taiwanese offering)
made since 1996, a long running scam going on.

That is, if you intend to get a machine for something like ripping or resawing, which won't be troublesome down the road, or even brand new for that matter, there's no guarantee of that.
Might not be as important for a curve cutting machine, which likely has jelly tires to mask issues,
but if you were to be looking for something for the above use, then you'll be looking at a much better used machine for the same money as that.

It might likely be three phase, so factor in a hundred quid for a VFD. (soft start is lovely)
oh, and factoring in 20 quid for a tin of paint, should you stumble across "a bargain", and make that motor adjustable, as the likelyhood of the motor actually being in line with the upper wheel (non adjustable concerning east/west on all) is very slim.
You'd obviously be checking that before cutting a big ol hole in the chassis, in order to pass the motor through.
Could use a pen style laser instead of the scribing beam, if you were to make a tool which mounts onto the upper wheel shaft,
either way, you'd be laying down the masking tape.
SAM_6918.jpgScribing beam.jpegDatum scribed.jpegSAM_7229.jpg

This is the reason you can find decent old machines for as cheap as a curve cutter.
(just make sure those bearings are tight in those wheel journals)

Safe to bet to assume this all seems like too much bother,
so I'll suggest you get a good look at those wheels, and make sure they are cast iron, and not some kind of alloy,
and make sure there is a hub for lower wheel adjustment at the back should things not seem right.

Just mentioning that, as there's some unscrupulous designs of newer machines out there, which don't feature such,
as whatever chance of getting something what's not a lemon, as per the ubiquitous design up until now,
you'd have yer work cut out for yourself, if such adjustability weren't possible.

One last note if buying off a dealer, I wouldn't be paying the money until you see the actual machine run, (with a non curve cutting blade, that is)
and not one the same what's sight unseen hidden in a box,
cuz they might indeed, have cherry picked the best from a bad bunch.

A lot to be said for something used in that regard, nothing stopping you from walking away, compared to being stuck with something not right,
and the only way you'll be able to prove the machine isn't acceptable is by laying down the tape.
The retailers won't have a leg to stand on, compared to fobbing you off if you don't put the effort in.
BTDT, not easy to get a refund, since there so used to the scam.

Can't say I'd like to be a retailer of bandsaws, look how many folks have issues with new machines, it surely takes a brass neck,
or indeed necks, if you happen to find out when the brand rep is around, and also get them involved too!

Hopefully, you've got a sense of the bitter taste by now, for preparation... as that's all part of the game.
Can ya blame'em, they need to eat too, just remember so do you!

All the best
Tom

Mr2shiny,

Can't comment on those exact models but we have a Timbecon/Sherwood 14 inch heavy duty bandsaw in our Men's Shed. It gets used and abused a lot and hasn't let us down. We've had it for around 6 years. If you decide to go with the Sherwood I'd recommend saving up until you could get the heavy duty version.

That said, there are usually a few older second hand bandsaws on FB marketplace and some of these are more solidly built than many new machines. Cheaper, too!

Regards,

Brian

The Electra Beckum BAS500 that Rustynail has is a trade quality product rather than a consumer model aimed at hobbyists. Wellworth exploring.

If you have 3-phase power, then it is also worth looking at second hand industrial machines - can be very good value for money.

Despite what Timbecon say in the specs. there is no way that standard 14" saw could tension a 25mm blade. It may not even be able to tension a 3/4" TCT blade. So if you're thinking of doing any resaw work look for something heavier with a more substantial column. As others have said you may be better off looking at the used market.