Tomet Bandsaw

[Welderpaul]

Anyone come across/used a 'Tomet' bandsaw?

In the market for a bigger machine with 600mm ish capacity, these seem to be the ones everyone is recommending.

I didnt blast coffee all over the keyboard when i was told how much they were which makes me a bit wary about build quality etc

This is the sort of thing.

 

[overload]

Looks similiar to this Baileigh Model. http://www.bifabuk.co.uk/bandsaws/band-saw-350sa.php

 

[astro_al]

...but twice the size...

600mm is quite a span - especially if you get a similarly good vertical capacity under the bow as well. Usually I think you're looking at a twin post saw for that capacity?

I wouldn't buy anything without using it first. I have one like the Baileigh above (one size down), and its just about rigid enough on a good day. I'd prefer something with more meat on next time. Does cut nicely though & a good deal for the price.

I think its main weakness is the pivoting mount where it meets the sheet-metal base. This base can flex in use which allows the whole saw 'bow' to vibrate. More meat under the mount (in the cabinet / base) would prevent this. My point is that with an 8 or 10 inch cut capacity this is bearable, but on 2 or 3 times that, I think I'd be looking for a different system.

Al.

 

[Welderpaul]

Thanks for that. We seem to be having a real problem finding a decent big capacity bandsaw in a decent 2nd hand condition. To quote another forum member we'll 'kick the guts' out of anything that isnt well engineered and sturdy.
There's a couple we have our eye on - one in Northampton, one in Durham, awaiting shady machine dealers getting back to us. With the amount of fabricators going bust, i'm suprised there isnt more gear available.

 

[Hitch]

Them blades, the coarse ones are 3/4 vari.... 5/8 for the small bomar. I think i gave false info last night...5 big teeth, 8 small, per inch looking at it today.
Perhaps someone may correct me on the tpi on varipitch blades....

 

[overload]

With the amount of fabricators going bust, i'm suprised there isnt more gear available.

That may be because they're giving first dibs to redundant employee's who are willing to trade some of their redundancy money for a machine whether it's a mill, lathe etc!
I've known a couple of guys who have done that.

 

[astro_al]

Depends what you're trying to cut Hitch?

Al.

 

[Hitch]

No, i mean how its designated as a 5/8vp or whatever....

 

[astro_al]

Yeah, I figured I must have misunderstood.

Al.

 

[Welderpaul]

Too much time spent on the phone trying to search out the right bit of kit

It continues to amaze me that you can ring numerous dealers, explain what sort of thing you are looking for, budget etc etc, they tell you they have xy and z machines and they will send details etc - then you never hear from them again
A couple have been really good. The sale will probably go to one of them.

This looks like favourite at the moment, German made. Again, any one heard of them?

 

[astro_al]

Who has been good, Paul?

Al.