Bandsaw Advice

[fluxcored]

Hi Guys,

I've got a bit of cash in hand and am thinking of buying meself a cheap Chinese bandsaw - see attached pic.http://www.tooltime.co.za/ProductDetails.aspx?id=496

I guess it is a knockoff. In the PDF manual its listed as a 4'5" model. I'm quite sure similar models are sold all over the place.

It will be used in a home shop environment but will push it occasionally and would like to get some reasonable accurate work out of it.

Searching the forum seemed to produce quite a few favorable comments regarding these type of saws.

I would just like to be sure that I'm getting value before I spend my hard earned cash. Oh and I'd like to hear if there are any mods that can be made to improve these saws.

Cheers.

 

[Luke]

I have the saw pictured, except in different colours.

I've added a blade oiler, and shimmed the vice so it is perpendicular to the blade. I have also spent a fair amount of time setting up the the zero degrees position.

Overall, I am pleased with it, it is/was the best I can afford, and it performs well in my home workshop situation. I happily leave it to itself, and let it cut away.

 

[fluxcored]

Hi Luke,

Thanks for the prompt reply. How mobile is this type of saw. My shop also does duty as a garage so I'll have to fit some castors or other contraption to move it around.

Does it vibrate a lot when it cuts? Can you send me pics of your oiler, please?

Regards.

 

[Luke]

Mobile? certainly not, unless its on castors etc. I could only just lift it on to the stand.

IF you put it on castors, expect to have to make a frame to mate the castors to the legs, they flex quite a lot and I certainly wouldn't want to just bolt a castor on to the bottom of each leg.

It doesn't vibrate at all. It's a good steady cut that is reasonably quiet.

Edit: see this thread

 

[Shox Dr]

Not bad machines in general, (I have an old Clarke version) although there does seem to be a lot of difference in quality between brands. Have a look at a few before you take the plunge.

 

[fluxcored]

Luke, I'm copying your oiler idea for my drill and lathe.

I can get a 128mm saw for double the price but I noticed the motor is half as powerful as the one above. It looks like it's better constructed but I do'nt think is worth it.

 

[BillJ]

Looks just like my Axminster one, except mine's white.
After a bit of adjustment, mine cuts nice and squarely with a lovely straight cut. Occasionally the blade will jump off the pulleys but I might be using too coarse a blade for some of the stuff I cut (thin tube or angle, for example) or too slow a speed (I have it set on the slowest for cutting stainless). I have got it down to a minute or so to pop it back on. I'm sure there's a technique for adjusting the pulleys to prevent this but both my instruction booklet and that on the web site above don't go into much detail on that.

I fitted a base with castors to the stand as I haven't got a lot of room in my garage - I could barely lift the saw onto it.

I might try the oiler...

 

[KTMMICK]

Fluxcored.......it wont cut straight, it will cut through the guard and the bushes on the wheels will wear out! I worked for a Company which had the exact same one. They come from Addendorf Machinery...YES? Sorry to shatter your illusions but maybe you can get a better one elsewhere........the hacksaws they sell although more expensive seem better.

 

[fluxcored]

Fluxcored.......it wont cut straight, it will cut through the guard and the bushes on the wheels will wear out! I worked for a Company which had the exact same one. They come from Addendorf Machinery...YES? Sorry to shatter your illusions but maybe you can get a better one elsewhere........the hacksaws they sell although more expensive seem better.

Yes, it's from Adendorf. I've heard about it not cutting straight a few years back but did'nt imagine it's that bad. I usually stay away from their stuff but found their lathe accessories affordable and decided to get the saw from them.

Disappointing news, I must say. But thanks man, I appreciate you warning me.

Cheers

 

[Luke]

Interesting comments Mick. Was the saw seeing heavy use?

FWIW, last weekend I did over a hundred cuts, a lot of 16mm bar, 50x50x6 EA and 10x50 flat.

It's probably done the same again in the previous month or so on recent projects.

The belt is set to the lowest speed, I'm happy to let the saw go at its on pace etc.

I've not had any issues with the blade, rollers or guides. Granted the saw hasn't really seen any serious use yet, but so far it's performing well.