Thread: bandsaw circa $800 advise required

The BP 355. It is 2 hp as compared to 1 for the carbatec one. I checked out both 2 years ago and went with the BP 355.
I am still happy with it. Both machines look about the same quality but when you get to cutting thicker hardwood grunt is everything.
Regards
John

Bandsaws are considered the most versatile tool. A qualitY band saw will do a lot more great cuts. It is really useful
for starters or hobbyist. Small band saws, especially 14 inch band saws are ideal for any type of work in a small shop.
Or for home-based wood workers. 6-12 inch resaw capacity could be essential too. If you're not needing a heavy work
on your bandsaw, 3/4 to 1HP motor is highly suggested. Cast iron or steel table that tilts to 45 degrees should be consi
dered in choosing bandsaw. Tension gauge and rip fence can be useful when resawing and ripping. In the two band=
saws you ve mentioned , I liked more the BP-355 - Wood Band Saw though both look decent saws.

If I was buying I would go with the 355. I looked at all those Bandsaws a few weeks back for some friends. They had a biggish budget so they went with the Jet but value for money I reckon the 355 is probably equivalent.

Thanks guys.

I appreciate your advices. Couple additional questions:
- Is there anything else on the market for this price that you might recommend?
- Wheels. I’m thinking of adding the mobile base. I think it would be better if I can move it from the wall and have more space if/when I need it. Any advise/recommendation on this?

Thanks,
K

I'v read Hammer N4400 is a high quaity band saw . But it's a lot more expensive than the mentioned bandsaws. Are you gonna purchase mobile base?

When I had a 14" bandsaw, it sat in the corner on a mobile base, it was great to be able to move it out of the way when not in use and into the centre when larger stock was cut.
My new 19" is too top heavy and has to be bolted to the floor.

Originally Posted by bosox

I'v read Hammer N4400 is a high quaity band saw . But it's a lot more expensive than the mentioned bandsaws.

Yes I've read that too. But unfortunately, it’s 3 times more expensive then my budget.

Originally Posted by bosox

Are you gonna purchase mobile base?

I haven't decided yet, but looks like it's agood option.

I would get the mobile base. It makes life so much easier. That is unless you have enough space to leave all the machines sitting. I also have the table saw and thicknesser on wheels.
Regards
John

Guys,

What would you say about this one: Basato 4 - Wood Band Saw

It's on special at the moment till the end of Feb, so kind of fitting into the budget . And it has a wheels .

Also what kind of blade(s?) would you recommend?

Many thanks for your help and contribution so far.
Kirill

Originally Posted by OrangeBean

Guys,

What would you say about this one: Basato 4 - Wood Band Saw

It's on special at the moment till the end of Feb, so kind of fitting into the budget . And it has a wheels .

Some times using search does help . I found this thread: Band Saw under 1k- BP-355 v Basato 4 or ? which kind of answered my question.

The question about blades is still open though .

2 years ago I set out intending to get the basato 4 as all the write ups said it was the ducks nuts. I ended up with the BP355. All I am saying is go out and see all the saws on your short list in the flesh there may even be a few new contenders on the block by now. I am sure the basato would fulfill your requirenents I just saw some better features in the 355.
As to blades It depends what you want to do. The bandsaw is a very versitile machine many blades for many different tasks. I wont start saying what blades you need but read up a bit on bandsawing ( this site has loads and the net has more). One tip however is usually the blade supplied with any bandsaw is pretty ordinary. Replacement blades are usually in the $20 range
My last bit of info is bandsaws are a big learning curve. I spent about 2 years not getting real results from my first saw as I had no real idea of what I was doing. I expected big things and they did not happen. Help however is this site and links to other sites. A well set up bandsaw is a pleasure to use but there will be a bit of learning time.
Regards
John

Mobile base is really a good option so you can easily move your band saw. And it would be best if it has heavy duty steel tubular
frame, IMO. I found this THREAD : https://www.woodworkforums.com/f171/b...andsaw-150497/
For me, it's a good saw.

Thanks guys for all your advises.

I bought it, assemble it, set it up and already tried it on a small project (did couple compost boxes from recircle timber).

I bought mobile base too. Very handy.

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A small advice for those who will attempt to pick it up and assemble it alone. It comes in 2 boxes: small box with the base and big with the saw. The big one is heavy – 92 or 94 kg. I picked it up myself from warehouse using my Ford Falcon station wagon. No problem there. We just slide it in to the car from forklift. Unload was not too hard either. I just reverse into the garage as close to the assembly place as possible, slide one side of the box out of the boot two third, lowered this end to the ground and then grab the other end and just turn the box around the grounded end and lowered it. Hope you understand what I said.
I would recommend starting assembling it from ground up. I started with mobile base. Then I drilled holes in the mobile base to fix the saw base. Then assembled saw base fixed to mobile base. Then lifted and pulled the bottom of the saw out of the box and fixed it to the saw base. And then just put the saw up right. Voila.

The Saw came with pretty much all bolts and nuts loose. So I end up fixing almost all of them. So do not rush, spend some time to get to know your new tool.

Now I’d like to ask couple questions.

Band saw’s wheels (both of them) make clicking noise when they spin. I tried to turn them with my hand and the click happening always in one position, once per revolution. If I remove blade or simply release tension of the blade the clicking sound disappears. I think it’s some bolt or nut is loose that I overlooked.

I’m pretty sure it’s not unique and someone already had similar problem or might have an idea what could be wrong.

All advises will be appreciated.