Need Help with a Purchasing Decision

[Runhard]

Hi everyone,

I would like to ask for advise on purchasing a bandsaw. Yesterday I ordered and paid for a Hammer N4400 bandsaw with the new X-life ceramic blade guards, 2 extension tables and the mounting hardware. Now I am wondering if I should have went with the Felder FB510. The FB510 without the ceramic blade guards and extension tables would cost the same as the Hammer machine. The main reason I was going with the Hammer was that it would be easier to get down into my basement. If I could take off the motor and wheels on the FB510 I think that I would be able to get it down in my basement. Does anyone know if this is possible? The Felder/Hammer representative that I am working with is checking on this for me. By the way, The Felder/Hammer sales lady is very nice to work with. The N4400 is available and could ship now, but the FB510 is not in stock and it would be the end of February, at the earliest, before it is available.

I also need to consider my future options. I have been looking to move for a few years now and we have decided to try and have a house built. Once I have a new house (hopefully 2-3yrs from now) I will have a proper workshop with no restrictions on machine size. If I buy the N4400 now, I may want a purchase a 2nd larger bandsaw later (something like the FB610). Or I could buy the FB510 now and it may be enough for my future needs.

The last part of this question is dust collection. I started another topic about trying to decide between  JDS, Laguna, Clear Vue or Oneida. I'm still not sure what my best option would be. Right now I am limited on height, I have 100" to work with (this is considering that the top of the motor would be between floor joist. I have the option of venting the exhaust outside as well. Felder makes some standard dust extractors, but I wouldn't buy one of their clean-air extractors now, but it could be a possible future purchase (I need a raise!) Which brings me to another decision, should I purchase for my current needs or purchase for my future needs, which could change?

Any help, suggestions, concerns or donations would be greatly appreciated  [embarassed]

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[shed9]

The n4400 is a brilliant saw but the Felder is better. Don't use the addition of accessories to justify a machine - it rarely ends well in the long run - buy the best you can (assuming the logistics work out).

I'm an n4400 owner and it's just superb so if the Felder is any form of improvement on the Hammer I'd go for it.

 

[Runhard]

I decided on the Clear Vue CV1800 and it has been ordered. With the new DC, I might sell one of my CT 26's and hook my Kapex up to the cyclone. Now I need to decide on which bandsaw to get.

 

[Runhard]

Not that anyone cares, but I have decided to go with the Hammer and accessories over the Felder, simply for the issue of trying to get a large/heavy machine down into my basement. I can always buy a larger machine later when I have a new shop.

 

[Runhard]

Now that I have my bandsaw I need to order some blades. Should I buy a nice 1/2" 3tpi carbide tip blade at over $200 and a cheaper carbon blade for about $30 or should I practice with just the less expensive blades. I will need to start cutting 8/4 soft maple soon for my Roubo style workbench.

Thanks,

 

[Lbob131]

I had a  Lenox  Tri-master  blade  in an electra beckum  band saw. An OK bandsaw  for what it is  but  rubbish  compared to  Hammer.

I now have an  N4400  with carbon  Tuffsaw  3 tpi  fitted  and  would not  buy  an expensive  carbide tipped blade again.