Thread: Budget Bandsaw for Small Basement Workshop?

There are different types and sizes of band saw. There are shorter/smaller units or bench top models.
14" bandsaw seems to be enough for your space. 14" size is easy to set up and takes small space
and best suited for hobbyist. 1 HP is the minimum power you need , imho.
But as what they say, bigger is better if you have budget and space available.






Regards
Jack
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I was looking at a 14" saw, but there does seem to be a few of them. I know Carba-Tec & Jet, are there any other brands I should be aware of? And how do those two compare? From what I've read previously on the forum, they're comparable, but Jet is prettier and has a better resale value. That was about the higher end saws anyway though.

Also, I'd probably want a bandsaw that's atleast semi-mobile. Gotta get it down a flight of stairs or two, and it'd be much more useful if I could move it around the workshop, as I only really have one wall long enough for any decent ripping, and I plan on having a triton workbench right in the middle of it. That'll have wheels too though, so if I could swap them around as required that'd be ideal.

Don't get the really small 3-wheel models; apparently they break blades a lot.

Keep an eye on ebay and gumtree, and the for sale section here as some good secondhand ones turn up from time to time.

And here is the definitive guide for setting up a bandsaw - Band Saw Clinic with Alex Snodgrass - YouTube

It sounds like a 14" will do you nicely.

I'm doing some research for a friend on the same saw

In terms of HP the Jet has 3/4HP, the HD Carbatec (CTJ-3501) has a 1HP and the Budget Carbatec (BAS350B) has a 1.5HP and two speeds - I still can't figure that out.

In terms of getting it up/down the stairs the weights might be important , 93, 77, and 65kg respectively, although weight also signifies strength and rigidity.

In terms of minimum blade width (for cutting tight curves and other cool stuff) the Jet and the Budget Carbatec have 3 mm minimums while the HD carbatec is 6 mm.

The other 14" BS worth a look at is the Hare and Forbes W4224, it looks very similar to the CT3501 but has two speeds and a 2HP motor and weighs 96 kg

To ease the problem of getting it down the stairs they are relatively easy to take apart. I would definitely remove the table, which is easy to do and reduces the chances of the BS tipping over. You may also want to look at removing the motor and maybe the base?

FInally I can also recommend the Alex Snodgrass video of how to set up a BS.

Originally Posted by BobL

The other 14" BS worth a look at is the Hare and Forbes W4224, it looks very similar to the CT3501 but has two speeds and a 2HP motor and weighs 96 kg

I was comparing bandsaws recently, by visiting CT and H&F, and this one (W4224) looked much better than the others in that sub $1k price range.

Yeah, I was confused by the carbatech BS pricing too. From what I can tell from the catalogue, the variable speed 14" BS (BAS-350B) is better than the other 14" BS (CTJ-3501). The CTJ seems like it might be better quality, with more bells and whistles. For example the the BAS accepts a wider range of blades, has a larger table, and is otherwise similar to the CTJ. The primary advantages of the CTJ seem to be things like a Cast Alloy instead of a Cast Iron wheel, quick release blade release, etc. And as you say, the CTJ is heavier, and thus probably more stable.

Does anyone know how carba-tec are about demonstrating their machines? I imagine one of the best ways to find out how they are is simply to try them.

Jet is smooth. It is a decent bandsaw. I'd probably opt for Jet over the Carbatec . There are
brands like Grizzly, Powermatic , Delta, Minimax etc. Master splinter is right, don't get 3 wheeled
band saws, they break blades. Just keep looking , you'll surely find the band saw what you
exactly wanted.

Get a good set of spanners & sockets, you will need them when you have to put the bandsaw together as they usually come only partly assembled. Do not put the table on the saw & try to move it while hanging onto the table, that leads to tears & tantrums (DAMHIK). If you can find someone to help you move it down stairs carry each 'module' down separately - base, motor, table, fence etc.

The main body will be the heavy part as it will come with the covers, wheels etc installed. Use wide web straps (what used ot be called seatbelt webbing) and tie them off to the body and make a loop so you can put it over your shoulder & use you knees to provide the lift, rope will slip thru your fingers and/or dig into your body.

If access to your man cave precludes two people lifting it down the stairs, you could make a sled from ply or MDF/chipboard (its single use) then fasten the bandsaw body to that & slide it down the stairs on some scraps of carpet. Tie a sturdy rope or similar to it and a solid part of the house - a 2x4 across a doorway works, and only let out the rope a bit at a time so it can't take off in a rush, squashing whoever is at the bottom like an ant.

Basement 1.jpg
This is my access.
Basement 4.jpg
All this junk will be moved, and there will be a bench/tablesaw against the right wall, 60cm deep, and the rest of the space is for the bandsaw, although it'll have to be on wheels so I can move it in and out where necessary.

Keep an eye on E-Bay & Gumtree, there are 14" band saw's for sale n both all the time , there is also a wanted section in this forum,.

I would not really go below 14" and 1 hp, I have a 9" chinese and while adequate for my needs , a 14" would do so much more.

Hare & Forbes , Carba tech, and Jet are all good units , some better suited than others depends on what you need it to do.

Jeff
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