Thread: New And setting up my shed

Hi Greg.
Welcome to the forum. As a Tech Studies teacher, I love to hear of someone getting their love of woodwork from their school days.
I haven't used either of the bandsaws you are looking at so I hope others in the forum will give you good advice; they usually do. I wouldn't mind either in my shed as they would be better than what I have now.

If you want me to choose one over the other, we would have the same choice. And with the same reason.

If you want to have only ome bandsaw either of those would be suitable as they are big enough to to do some serious resawing and small enough to do the finer work. Both have a reasonable depth of cut.

If you start out with one thats smaller or bigger than the 17-18" machine you will eventually need another one to cover the other end of the scale.

I started out with a 14" bandsaw which is great for the fine work but I soon found I needed something bigger for resawing so I got a 21" carbatec one.

Power is important, better to have too much rather than not enough. Also check what width of blade they can run, as a wider blade can take more tension which can help with resawing. Its unlikely that your 18" saw wont take at least as wide a blade as the 17" but it is something I would confirm before commiting to a purchase. Also make sure that the thinnest blades you want to use are available for the saw you decide on.

Doug

thanks for the help guys i ended up buying the 16" last night as it is exactly the same as the 18" apart from a slightly smaller width but the throat is the same!
Bandsaws : 16 inch LEDACRAFT BS-400 BANDSAW
and i am quite happy with the saw as when i went to put it in the shed there was only 65mm from the top of the machine to the roof lol

Thats a good saw. You should be happy with that one.

Doug

so far i am doug but im a bit worried about the top guides because they are these round metal things instead of bearings is that normal ?

Originally Posted by spankingpigeon

they are these round metal things instead of bearings is that normal ?

Post a picture?

Originally Posted by spankingpigeon

so far i am doug but im a bit worried about the top guides because they are these round metal things instead of bearings is that normal ?

My guess is that they are ceramic blade guides. Just follow the instructions supplied or look for Alex Snodgrasses guide to setting up a band saw. Some of his vids are a on YouTube. He'll set you right.

yea i watched that it was very informative thanks

Originally Posted by doug3030

Post a picture?

I think, doug3030 is right! Post pictures!

Originally Posted by spankingpigeon

thanks for the help guys i ended up buying the 16" last night as it is exactly the same as the 18" apart from a slightly smaller width but the throat is the same!
Bandsaws : 16 inch LEDACRAFT BS-400 BANDSAW
and i am quite happy with the saw as when i went to put it in the shed there was only 65mm from the top of the machine to the roof lol

Have you put the BS through its paces yet? I'm also looking at this BS and would be interested in your feedback. It seems very good value for money.

I would appreciate reviews about the tool too!

ill post some pics tomorrow as they make a horrible noise when cutting and i set it up just like Alex Snodgrasses guide to setting up a band saw
and a review well.. i havent done a lot on it yet but i did manage to get 2 new blades made up for it a 1/4 and a 3/4 for $22 each. i put the 3/4 on and cut up some old jarrah joists and it handled it well, also cut up some willow mertle logs to make some pen blanks.

Have you watched this video - http://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolGuide/ToolGuideArticle.aspx?id=34055? I’ve suggested this to some members already and they found it useful. Maybe it would work out on you too!