Advise on a half decent bandsaw

[Pete_88]

After what can only be described as a frustrating day battling 50x50x4 box yesterday on my little dewalt abrasive chop saw, the accuracy is miles out and I think it's about time I think about getting a bandsaw. So I look to you lot for some advise on what to look for and what to avoid, I'm sure it will probably get used daily so a little Clarke 6x4 won't be up to the job. Need to be able to cut up to 100mm, possibly more. Swivel head would be nice, failing that a swivel vice would do. Is it worth looking at secondhand or will they have been abused? Got 3ph so not limitations there, budget probably around £1500-2k, be nice to spend less though!!! Cheers.

 

[Pete_88]

Anybody?

 

[addjunkie]

3 phase and 2 k........the world should be your lobster. Id go quality used. But Im tight

 

[Pete_88]

Thanks for the reply, I'm also tight so want to spend as little as possible without buying cr*p!! Any makes I should look out for?

 

[scott0031]

What you need to look for is dependent on the environment you work in. Occasional use (once in a blue moon) home user hobby use (yes i know you have 3 phase) Small workshop cutting regularly but not hours on end 24/7 or regular use where you can cut for several hours at a time. Also the space you have available is a consideration.

That info would be a great help to send you in the right direction. The more information you can give to people, the more accurate the info they can give you.

 

[Pete_88]

Daily use but not 24/7. About 160sq/m workshop so got space but not loads of it. Hope that helps. Cheers.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Have you considered an addison? They're usually a go to for our local customers, they seem to like them a lot.

Something like this might suit you? http://www.addisonsaws.co.uk/products/imet-gbs-218-gh-autocut-bandsaw

 

[EAZEE]

I'd recommend the bandsaw by XYZ as that's what we have in the workshop. Works like a dream with a 6-10 blade. Maybe out of your price range though as over £3000

 

[Pete_88]

Cheers Tom, I'll have a look. Eazee that looks a cracking bit of kit but £3k is well out of my price range at the moment.

 

[fizzy]

I have a used Axminster which is identical to the Clarke that sells for about £1000 new. It works very well. I have used it for cutting I beams that were 10mm thick no problem at all. I don't know about daily use but think it would be ok with good blades. Very smooth cut and very quiet.

 

[Pete_88]

Thanks for the reply fizzy, I'll have a look at them.

 

[Hood]

I have an Imet BS280/60GH, well worth looking for one second hand.
It is a swivel head and I would hate go back to a normal fixed head saw.

 

[nickk]

i have a SPALDINGS model,fantastic for the money,its similar to a lot of other,Taiwanese models,I've had it new from '98 its used every day ,some times for 2 hours continuously,i would sell it,only cos i want the axminster swivel/mitring model.

 

[fizzy]

Thanks for the reply fizzy, I'll have a look at them.

I paid about £400 for mine a few years ago - this bandsaw is sold under various names. Pretty hefty bit of kit for the cash.