Advice Needed - Small Bandsaw

[jonny round boy]

Looking for a recommendation for a small, cheap bandsaw, sub GBP250. I've looked at several now, from Axminster to Metabo to Scheppach, but I need some help.

I don't need a massive cutting capacity (4" / 100mm is plenty), but I do need it to cut well. I realise that the blade is the main component here, and that if I'm buying a budget machine I probably need to throw away the blade that comes with it & replace it with a quality one.

I would like to be able to resaw up to 4" softwood & poplar with it. I know the small machines can only take up to 1/2" blades, which are not ideal for this task, but is it possible?

I know the general advice would be to buy a bigger, better one, but that's really not an option - I don't have either the budget or the physical space for a bigger machine.

Any thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks in advance,

Jonathan

 

[rljatl]

I don't know if these are available on the other side of the pond, but I have this one and love it:
Rikon 10"

Here's the blade you want for ripping:
Wood Slicer Resaw Blade

 

[jonny round boy]

That one looks like it's the same as several available over here that are badged under various names. In fact, it looks identical to most of the ones I'be been looking at.

 

[Wooden Lungs]

http://www.my-tool-shed.co.uk/p25049/Record_Power_BS250_Benchtop_Bandsaw/product_info.html?vfsku=&gpla=pla&gclid=CKCb-M7PorYCFfLLtAodMxwABw

Hi, I got one of these a couple of years ago. (I did not buy it from this supplier only using this site for image purposes). Its a great bench top bandsaw. For a small but very heavy machine it has a lot of power and it does everthing I need a bandsaw to do.I got it for some site bandsaw work, but it has remained in my workshop because of its weight! Its awkward to move about.
The cut is very accurate as long as you set it up right tension etc. I think I varnished the metal plate to stop it rusting etc and it has remained as good as new.
It is small and thin and easy to store in my modest shop.
The blades are cheap and varied which I get from Axminster near me.
I have found they can snag if you try and withdraw from a cut but this could be just my skill level with it.
It is a very easy and safe machine to use and very quite.

Hope you get lots of advice on here and hope I helped you some.

 

[ajones]

John

I have the sip 14" it take a 19mm blade and has a sensible sized motor.. I have a stand/cupboard for a 12/14" bandsaw its yours for the postal cost if you need one.

A

 

[jonny round boy]

http://www.my-tool-shed.co.uk/p25049/Record_Power_BS250_Benchtop_Bandsaw/product_info.html?vfsku=&gpla=pla&gclid=CKCb-M7PorYCFfLLtAodMxwABw

Hi, I got one of these a couple of years ago. (I did not buy it from this supplier only using this site for image purposes). Its a great bench top bandsaw. For a small but very heavy machine it has a lot of power and it does everthing I need a bandsaw to do.I got it for some site bandsaw work, but it has remained in my workshop because of its weight! Its awkward to move about.
The cut is very accurate as long as you set it up right tension etc. I think I varnished the metal plate to stop it rusting etc and it has remained as good as new.
It is small and thin and easy to store in my modest shop.
The blades are cheap and varied which I get from Axminster near me.
I have found they can snag if you try and withdraw from a cut but this could be just my skill level with it.
It is a very easy and safe machine to use and very quite.

Hope you get lots of advice on here and hope I helped you some.

That looks identical to This one from Axminster. I very nearly bought this, but they seem to be constantly out of stock of it. I know if I have any problems with it, Axminster will sort it. I tried ringing them today to check on the delivery/stock status, but they were closed for the bank holiday. The nearest store to me is Warrington - I might have a drive over there at some point to have a look at one in the flesh.

John

I have the sip 14" it take a 19mm blade and has a sensible sized motor.. I have a stand/cupboard for a 12/14" bandsaw its yours for the postal cost if you need one.

A

Thanks for the offer, but I don't need one. I'm planning on building a custom mobile base for it so I can move it round in my small workshop. The axminster one above comes with a base, so I'll have a spare one too if I end up buying that one!