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Thread: Bandsaw reviews

  1. #1
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    Default Bandsaw reviews

    I've been thinking a lot about buying a bandsaw
    These 3 are in the ball park : W955 - BP-360 Wood Band Saw | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse
    Metabo Precision Band Saw 900w - BAS318
    Carbatec 14" (345mm) Two Speed Bandsaw | Carbatec

    I'm aware that serious bucks can be spent on these and I may be starting near the bottom of the pile
    I'd like to be able to resaw smaller bits of timber and various other tasks associated with box making and similar projects

    I'm interested in any opinions on these and their pros and cons
    I had metabo tools years ago and they were good quality then but they're probably not made in germany anymore


    cheers
    Hodgo

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  3. #2
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    I have a Rikon one about that size and it’s brilliant, have resawn 250 mm ng rosewood no problems at all. I know it might be a bit more expensive,but well worth a look.

  4. #3
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    I used to have that small carbatec bandsaw and found it to be underpowered for resaw. You are also limited in blade choices for those smaller bandsaws. There's a Laguna 1412 on gumtree at the moment it will be three times the bandsaw of the ones you linked to. Yes, it's more money but it would be more useful IMO. A good bandsaw that is well set up is such a breeze to use.

  5. #4
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    In my experience, the 14” saws at the $1000 price point suffer in frame stiffness, which is critical for re-sawing.

    It’s not that they are unable to adequately tension a 10 mm blade, but that the frame moves enough under tension that the alignment of the guide block is no longer parallel to the blade. So whilst perfectly adjusted at 20 mm above the table, they need re-adjusting when raised to 100 mm above the table, and so forth.

    The lack of stiffness also manifests in setting up to eliminate drift. I can set it up so that it rips perfectly true to the table T-slot, but any subsequent blade tension adjustments throws it out of whack. Augh!

    In a nutshell, my experience suggests that lack of frame stiffness introduces far too many setup variables into the mix to offer simple, repeatable ripping or re-sawing cuts.

    If someone wanted to only cut curves in 18 mm stock, the saw can cope with that fine.

  6. #5
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    I have the CTJ-3501 model which only has a 1hp motor and I use it most of the time for resawing and don't have any issues with it. The frame is stiff enough not to flex under tension and I run my blades pretty tight. I use a 1/2" x 4TPI Bimetal blade and occasionally use up the full 200mm cut capacity, but most of the time it's around the 150mm. I set the blade position on the wheels the same as Alex Snodgrass and don't have any issues with drift.
    It appears that this model design is no longer available new from Carbatec, only the 2 speed model but I don't know how strong they are in comparison. There is also the Timbecon 14" in the same ballpark price but shipping might be a killer and you wouldn't be able to see it in person by your location.
    Dallas

  7. #6
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    Thanks guys

    A lot of food for thought there

    Lance, I noticed the next model up from the BP 360,the BP 355 ($300 more) has an extra 33kg's on board, maybe a stronger frame

    Dallas the carbatec model has free freight at the mo (eofy special) the sherwood doesn't look too bad either but the freight could be scary

    I think the Metabo is out of the race, seems to be a bit lightweight compared to the others

    time for more research

    cheers
    Hodgo

  8. #7
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    Looks like about $70 to your area from Timbecon.

  9. #8
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    Hodgo,
    What did you buy? I am looking at the BP 355 now and was wondering if it a good one?

    Cheers

    Roger

  10. #9
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    Hi Roger

    I bought the Sherwood 14" standard

    while I cant compare it to anything else, I'm more than happy with it
    it does everything I had intended- well - nice straight cuts when resawing

    it would seem that it and other comparable machines have very similar components and features possibly made under the same roof

    I think I made a good choice

    Hodgo

  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by PensbyHand View Post
    Hodgo,
    What did you buy? I am looking at the BP 355 now and was wondering if it a good one?

    Cheers

    Roger

    I have had the BP355 since about 2008 and am still happy with it.
    Regards
    John

  12. #11
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    yep have the BP355 for a long time no issues so far.

  13. #12
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    The most important thing is to make sure you can change the blade successfully then set the machine up from scratch to do whatever it is you want to do.
    From experience the H&F BP255/360 guides are a PITA to set correctly, and the thrust roller is just too small to be effective. Have a good look to work out if you can actually see what you are doing when repositioning the guides.

    If I was looking, I would be looking for micro-adjustable guides (like on the metabo) and a foot brake as non negotiable (like on a Laguna) They are must-haves for me these days.

    Having said that, the best of the bunch that I have set up for our members was the Rikon when it came to resawing, and it did not have a foot brake. Its guides were not the micro adjust type, but they were very easy to adjust.

  14. #13
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    The guides on the BP355 could be better as you need 2 Allen keys to set them up. Why they had to use 2 sizes gawd knows. Had me muttering when I first set it up but after you know you get used to it. I keep the 2 keys on a magnet on the side of the saw so I dont have to go hunting them. That would be the only niggle I have had with it. Does everything it's supposed to.
    Regards
    John

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