Thanks: 0
Likes: 0
Needs Pictures: 0
Picture(s) thanks: 0
Results 1 to 11 of 11
-
17th January 2013, 02:31 AM #1Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jan 2013
- Location
- Perth, WA
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 203
Budget Bandsaw for Small Basement Workshop?
I'm just getting back into woodwork for the first time since highschool, and I am seriously considering shelling out for a bandsaw, as my one really big piece of kit. My workshop area is a tiny basement/cellar accessed via a short flight of stairs. The whole space is only 3.85x2.85m, and that has to house EVERYTHING, timber included. Clearly I won't be able to have everything I want, so most of my "big kit" is going to be a triton workcentre. For now, it's an old Mk3, but eventually I hope to upgrade it to a WC2000, with the router and extras. I'm also considering a benchtop thicknesser, and maybe a benchtop drill press or mini-lathe down the track.
With the background out of the way, I should explain what I intend to use the bandsaw for. Besides ripping boards and recycled timber too big for the workcentre, my primary interest is in cutting my own veneers, inlay pieces, parquetry etc. I don't think I need a truely huge bandsaw for that, but what I might need is something gutsy. I've read that you need atleast a 1HP bandsaw to do a clean job of those tasks. I also can't afford to spend thousands of dollars, but by the same token, I don't want to be having to upgrade it in a few years, like I do most of the rest of my gear.
I've been looking at Carba-Tec and Jet bandsaws, the Jet bandsaws Carba-Tec sell seem pretty large and expensive for what I really need. It's not helped by the fact I don't actually know what I need, or even what most of the specifications mean. Just now I worked out the 10"/14" size refers to the side of the wheel, which seems obvious in retrospect.
What I really need is some solid advice, and maybe a recommendation. Is a bandsaw even appropriate for my space? Thanks in advance guys!
-
17th January 2013 02:31 AM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
- Join Date
- Always
- Location
- Advertising world
- Age
- 2010
- Posts
- Many
-
17th January 2013, 03:54 AM #2
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
BandSawBlog | News, reviews and articles about band saw blades and partsBandSawBlog | News, reviews and articles about band saw blades and parts
-
17th January 2013, 05:31 AM #3Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jan 2013
- Location
- Perth, WA
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 203
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.
-
17th January 2013, 08:23 AM #4
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
-
17th January 2013, 10:16 AM #5.
- Join Date
- Feb 2006
- Location
- Perth
- Posts
- 27,796
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.
-
17th January 2013, 12:56 PM #6
-
17th January 2013, 01:25 PM #7Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jan 2013
- Location
- Perth, WA
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 203
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.
-
18th January 2013, 01:44 AM #8
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.
-
19th January 2013, 12:03 AM #9GOLD MEMBER
- Join Date
- Oct 2003
- Location
- Sydney,Australia
- Posts
- 3,157
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.
-
19th January 2013, 12:17 AM #10Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jan 2013
- Location
- Perth, WA
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 203
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.
-
20th January 2013, 07:56 PM #11
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
vk4
Similar Threads
-
Basement Workshop - Quick & Dirty
By two40 in forum THE WORK BENCHReplies: 27Last Post: 9th August 2018, 10:03 AM -
So many good Wadkins, so far away, such a small budget!
By camoz in forum ANTIQUE AND COLLECTABLE TOOLSReplies: 21Last Post: 21st November 2012, 12:50 AM -
Small router on a small budget
By IWieldTheSpade in forum ROUTING FORUMReplies: 5Last Post: 3rd July 2012, 06:33 PM -
$400 budget. Which bandsaw should I go for?
By DuncanH in forum BANDSAWSReplies: 11Last Post: 29th April 2008, 08:38 PM -
Basement workshop lining and fitout
By numbat in forum WOODWORK - GENERALReplies: 23Last Post: 20th March 2005, 01:49 PM