Thread: 5300CE v N4400

Awww, com'on no takers?!

i had a look at both, and following rave reviews here on the forum decided to spend my 'hard earned' on a N4400. It will be arriving in Aus in February. Build quality on the N4400 looked superb and design made for easy access to all adjustable guides etc (particularly the ones directly under the table which are notorious for being difficult to get to on most taiwanese bandsaws).

I don't know what the delivery time on the Carbatec one is, but I ordered the Hammer at the start of November and have to wait till Feb at least for delivery. Perhaps something to consider if you are in a hurry - me, I'd rather wait, and get a machine I'm sure will satisfy me for a long time.

I haven't used the 5300CE, but after my test & review of the N4400 I bought one, and have absolutely no regrets. I've cut 1mm veneers in hardwood, and today ripped 225mm myrtle like it was butter, and accurate enough to clean up with one light pass through the thicknesser.

Alex, that is one thing i was hoping (and expecting) the N4400 to be accurate enough to do. 1mm veneers huh? what sort of blade are you using??

Hei Fatty, we have had a earlier and smaller model of the 5300 at the Woodturners of the Hunter for a few years and I personally have found it to be a shocker to use. But as you say it also has some fans. I bought a N4400 a couple of months ago and I'm punched, bored and countersunk about it's performance, power, ease and accuracy of adjustment, solid over engineered guide post (fully adjustable). It's just in a different class. The boys at Felder NSW are great to deal with too.(no interest!!)
That's my two penneth worth!

Originally Posted by TimberNut

Alex, that is one thing i was hoping (and expecting) the N4400 to be accurate enough to do. 1mm veneers huh? what sort of blade are you using??

I've done it using the 1/2" 3TPI that came with it,and also with the bimetal blade (same size) that I bought from Henry Bros.
I like the bimetal, they say it should give 3 times the life, but I reckon it's exceeded that and showing no signs of wear.

salty, what problems did you have with the carba tec saw ,ive just ordered the 21 inch model .they have them in stock and there $400 off atm . i want it purely for ripping as ive got a jet 18 inch but have blown it once allready. the 5300 has a 3 hp motor against the jet one an a half so ill prolly keep the jet for scroll work or sell it ,that was the plan anyway .

That's interesting.
I would've thought that bigger was better for bandsaws, but evidently, many users would/will go for more quality and accept the smaller size, (at least in the 2.5k price range).