Bandsaw

[bigegg]

I'm going to be shopping for a bandsaw in the next couple of weeks.
Got a budget of £300 (ish),
so I'm looking at (new)
Clarke
Sip
Sealey
Draper

I'm also tempted by the evolution saws, but worried about the noise - I want something which is quieter than an angle grinder.

Going to be used mainly for hollow section up to perhaps 100mm square x6mm
max, but predominantly 25mmx25mmx2mm tube and 50mm x 50mm x 6mm angle

Any recommendations?

 

[penfold]

The 4.5" bandsaws are all the same, just painted different colours. Go for whichever has the nearest dealer for convenience, or which ever is cheapest if you're getting it delivered.

 

[bigegg]

well that'll make it easier, although I had a sneaking suspicion that was the case.

 

[zzr1200]

Machine Mart is the answer, if theres a problem throw in the the motor and take it back...simples...

 

[garethp]

I've got a clarke bandsaw and an evolution which I bought for cutting wood - the evo is very noisy cutting metal and I always use the bandsaw for metal now, being able to leave it cutting while I do something else is a bonus as well.

When you get one have a look at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/4x6bandsaw/ for more info, the things I've picked up are the stands are pretty flimsy, the gearbox oil may be anything that looks the right colour and is 'oily' ie change it for some proper gear oil and the blade alignment might need checked.

Otherwise the yahoo group is pretty good for ideas like adding coolant, hydraulic downfeed, better workholding etc.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I have the Clarke bandsaw..the £200ish one, well it is when MM have a VAT free day.

Used it for 2 years and well pleased with it, mostly box to 50mm, flat 30x8 and round 12mm.

I have a jar with a good quality cutting fluid in and just brush a little on the cut line, even the MM cheap blades then last ages.

 

[Pete.]

I also have a clarke one and it's crap. I would swap it for a couple of blades for my sealey one but since you're in Leeds it'd cost more in fuel

 

[Shox Dr]

You must be doing something wrong Pete. Ive got one and it will cut through 65mm EN9 hex bar clean and sq, needing less than 0.5mm to clean the end up, on the lathe

 

[Pete.]

I did get it cutting straight once, but then I changed the blade and it all went bandy again. What can I say - it's old and worn out just like me

Anyway, I have a posh one now

 

[breezer]

The clarke one you are on about is that the one that can be used horizontally or vertically?

When using it horizontally can it cut any length of stock? Or is there a throat limitation? Ie could it cut a 2m length in half?

Cant tell by looking the pictures.

 

[FranV8]

Breeze, I've got the Sealey equivalent , there is no throat limitation on length.

 

[breezer]

Hows that work then? Arent the teeth on the edge of the blade?

Does the blade not run flat?

 

[wheresmejumper]

what is throat depth on width?
might be my next purchase....

 

[Shox Dr]

what is throat depth on width?
might be my next purchase....

the clarke is 4 1/2"

 

[cumbriasteve]

Hows that work then? Arent the teeth on the edge of the blade?

Does the blade not run flat?

Yes the blade runs flat at the cutting point but then feeds round the front and rear wheels at an angle, the blade being quite flexible allows this..so the rear part of the blade thats not cutting is something like 8" or so higher than the front, passing over the stock being cut

Bound to be a video or two on youtube that shows one working.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Here you go

Ignore the noise..it's what he is cutting that causing it, usually very quiet machine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHYuajT5e78

 

[breezer]

Thanks steve just curious. Vertical ones that i have seen tend to be very flat. Ie cutting edge and the opposite side of the loop level

 

[cumbriasteve]

Thanks steve just curious. Vertical ones that i have seen tend to be very flat. Ie cutting edge and the opposite side of the loop level

Yeah thats common on the woodwork ones where depth of throat restricts the work.

The Clarke is designed as a horizontal machine with the added bonus of vertical use if required