Axminster BS11 and BS11-INV Trade Series Bandsaws

[Stone Message]

Hi Everyone

Over the last 2 years I have been visiting Axminster as the Parf Guide System was being developed and I have seen their own development of the new BS11 and BS11-INV bandsaws. On several occasions they asked my views which I thought was quite flattering.

I have been toying with the idea of replacing my 20 year old Elektra Beckum bandsaw for over a year and I had to ensure that whatever machine I ended up with was capable of producing uniformly thin veneers. The BS11 was more than capable of doing that and thanks to Axminster and the PGS I now have my own machine.

There was no deal to produce any videos about this product and I have no qualms about pointing out faults or poor design. When I started the work on the bandsaw stand I began to realise that sooner or later I would have to do a video. The main video is now finished and there will be an "Xtras" video out shortly.

Now you know the background do please do your own research and try and see one demonstrated. Here is my video:


Peter

 

[bobfog]

Excellent video, Peter! I especially like the fact you took the time to produce the large scale props to demonstrate the blade roller guides.

I confess my first thought was WOW £1100+ for a bench-top bandsaw... But your video does go a long way to justifying the cost with some of the clever features the machine has and its excellent performance.

I do however dislike the off-the-peg inverter with disabled buttons. For a bench top bandsaw costing £1125, this seems like a bit of a home-brew/bodged solution that doesn't quite fit with the attention to detail of the rest of the machine, having visible buttons that serve no function just doesn't sit right with me.

 

[Stone Message]

Excellent video, Peter! I especially like the fact you took the time to produce the large scale props to demonstrate the blade roller guides.

I confess my first thought was WOW £1100+ for a bench-top bandsaw... But your video does go a long way to justifying the cost with some of the clever features the machine has and its excellent performance.

I do however dislike the off-the-peg inverter with disabled buttons. For a bench top bandsaw costing £1125, this seems like a bit of a home-brew/bodged solution that doesn't quite fit with the attention to detail of the rest of the machine, having visible buttons that serve no function just doesn't sit right with me.

I too felt the same about the inverter when I first saw it but there is no way to tuck it out of the way. I did a bit of Googling a while ago and soon learnt that Delta are a well known leader in the field and it boils down to just getting one's head around the fact that it is there.

I have no problem with that at all but I agree that at first sight it is different. The alternative would be either a full 3 phase machine (needing a 3 phase supply) or a much more complicated arrangement to get the gear ratios right for both wood and metal.

Many thanks for the kind words - I had to cut out the part where I pretend to cut my hand on the fake saw blade !

Peter

 

[dalep]

Following your advice, I bought this saw, Its a fantastic saw, the build quality is very very good and it weighs a ton!!

The only thing i noticed, my bed was fitted by someone with their eyes shut lol

The bandsaw buddy helped get everything aligned easily

With regards to the inverter, I have not really taken any notice of it, its hiding there on the side, no need to touch it, so forget its there  really.

Dale

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Dale,

Mine was a little skewed on arrival and I told Axminster. They then removed them all from sale, had their engineers check each one and then put them back in stock.

If you look at the YouTube comments on my bandsaw stand I think that someone pointed out that the saw was out of stock (when the whole lot were being looked at).

You are right it really is an excellent piece of kit.

I am making the "Xtras" video now and I have just cut the sweetest chair back (demo).

Cheers.

Peter

 

[Kev]

Thanks Peter, that's a really good run down.

I haven't seen a compact bandsaw available in my local local market that is as solid and well engineered as the BS11 .. and certainly not as flexible as the INV version.

I feel I bleat on endlessly about how I've avoided buying a bandsaw because space is prohibiting me from getting the one I want and every time I look at a compact "compromise" to use in the short term, the quality sends me running in the other direction. That little BS11 looks almost "cupboard storage friendly" !! ... and certainly robust enough for cutting hardwood veneer at it's full height.

Hats off to Axminster for being brave enough to engineer a little bandsaw to a quality rather than to a price [thumbs up]

cheers,

Kev.

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks Peter, that's a really good run down.

I haven't seen a compact bandsaw available in my local local market that is as solid and well engineered as the BS11 .. and certainly not as flexible as the INV version.

I feel I bleat on endlessly about how I've avoided buying a bandsaw because space is prohibiting me from getting the one I want and every time I look at a compact "compromise" to use in the short term, the quality sends me running in the other direction. That little BS11 looks almost "cupboard storage friendly" !! ... and certainly robust enough for cutting hardwood veneer at it's full height.

Hats off to Axminster for being brave enough to engineer a little bandsaw to a quality rather than to a price [thumbs up]

cheers,

Kev.

Hi Kev

Yes, Axminster have been brave and I hope that they will continue along these lines. Others may take a leaf out of their book - or maybe they are just catching up with the Festool approach to quality.

Don't forget these machines are just over 60 kg and so it might be a big ask to store it in a cupboard hence my mobile base.

Here are the links to the bandsaw mobile base videos:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Peter

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I think the BS11-INV would be a nice fit for a small shop. I'll consider it when I get over some other planned purchases.. I like the rock solid frame and the precise adjustability of the blade guide rollers etc.

Thanks for the demo..

 

[Stone Message]

I think the BS11-INV would be a nice fit for a small shop. I'll consider it when I get over some other planned purchases.. I like the rock solid frame and the precise adjustability of the blade guide rollers etc.

Thanks for the demo..

Many thanks.

I have now published my Xtras video which not only tackles some BS11 specific points but also shows the design of a simple table extension useful when handling longer pieces of stock and suitable for any bandsaw.

I am rather proud of my scroll demo and hope that people will realise that this machine can produce veneers of at least 150 mm width.

Here is the link:


Peter

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I'm liking this bandsaw more as I see what you can do with it.

Thanks for the informative demonstration..

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I'm back thinking about the bandsaw here. It seems like a good fit for me, I get extra funds coming in the near future. I just wonder about getting the cheaper 2 speed version would be good enough if I'm mostly needing for working with wood and occasionally plastic. It would be a considerable saving, which could be put toward other items on my list. Like the Axminster pillar drill..

At 60 kg. it's still a lot more portable than some of the other choices I've been looking at.

The lack of multiple speeds for doing metal cutting also doesn't worry that much as I think I could use a smaller water coolant metal specific bandsaw if I needed that functionality.

 

[Stone Message]

I'm back thinking about the bandsaw here. It seems like a good fit for me, I get extra funds coming in the near future. I just wonder about getting the cheaper 2 speed version would be good enough if I'm mostly needing for working with wood and occasionally plastic. It would be a considerable saving, which could be put toward other items on my list. Like the Axminster pillar drill..

At 60 kg. it's still a lot more portable than some of the other choices I've been looking at.

The lack of multiple speeds for doing metal cutting also doesn't worry that much as I think I could use a smaller water coolant metal specific bandsaw if I needed that functionality.

That machine is great but remember that you do not have a variable speed control knob and have to move the belt on the pulleys to make the speed change.

Peter