bandsaw recommendations ?

PeteC

Hi everyone 

looking for recommendations on decent quality bandsaws I can upgrade to from my cheapo Aldi bandsaw which has got me through 2 builds but is driving me nuts with its shaking and crappy table/fence. 

Mainly for cutting out blanks and other bits of guitar work. Don't need to do any resawing (though that would be nice eventually )    Not anything huge as it has to go into the 10 x 8 shed/workshop and ideally would be bench top ( floor space is really a a premium now ) 

Budget probably £500-600. 

Any thoughts ? 

cheers
Pete

Roland

If it’s just blanks and templates then you could consider a jig saw or a large scroll saw.  I’ve used both. Whereas I’d like a large bandsaw I don’t have the space, nor a big enough power supply cable.

GSPBASSES

https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-craft-ac1950b-bandsaw-105093

greggreg66

Is a Scheppach Basato too big? 

Edit: sorry I thought this one I mentioned was bench mountable. 

WezV

I still use a very basic old Clarke bandsaw which was already second hand before I had it.  

The thickest you might need for most building (excluding resawing) is about 4". Mine does that on mahogany just fine, but needs to be well setup with a fresh blade if I'm trying it on maple 

I would love a bigger/better saw, but it's managed to do everything I need it to for at least 15 years.   
 
I actually have a spare similar model anyone can have if they can collect from Burton.  It's tires needed replacing but I think I have those too, or can point you in the right direction.  It's not quite as sturdy as the older model, but free to a good home

PeteC

@WezV   that’s a fantastic offer and I would normally jump in the car and drive to you , but at the moment it’s probably not an option I can take up.  Great offer for someone close by though 

PeteC

thanks @GSPBASSES ; 
- do you have experience of that saw ? 

that Axminster model ac1950b seems to get very good reviews , probably has enough grunt for what I need and will fit nicely in the shed.  Also within budget so I could buy some extra blades and mitre fence too.      The larger model is too big - though I'd love a bandsaw with an 8" depth of cut !  

GSPBASSES

No, I haven’t got experience of that particular bandsaw but I have seen it and it looks exceedingly well-made. I have one of their industrial bandsaws that is excellent.

PeteC

Thanks.   It looks like a good bet.   

prowla

I thought this was going to be about the breakup of a band...

PeteC

Well our lead singer told Woody to get knotted so he split.....

Roland

The AC1950b is recommended here too https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/new-bandsaw-t122559.html

PeteC

cheers @Roland ;
I will probably bite the bullet and order one this week.  Knowing how impatient I am probably just too late to cut the Tele bodies I have started making at the mo ! 

PeteC

Well for anyone looking food a good quality hobbyist bandsaw I can recommend the Axminster 1950b I just set mine up yesterday and tweaked everything this morning to do some test cutting.  First cut successfully did 1.5mm veneer strip about 3ft long off some 2” thick mahogany.  Fully even all along the length.  So long as it stands up to regular (ab)use it’s going to be a good addition to the shed workshop.   Cost with accessories was under 350 quid.   

Just done the MDF body template for my Tele build and it was a joy after the Aldi bandsaw. 

thornlv

You can make it even more capable by replacing the stock blade with something from tuffsaws.co.uk. just drop them an email with your requirements and make/model and they will recommend the required blades for the job. I did, with a Record Power bs250, now cuts veneers like butter.

TTony

justbandsawblades.co.uk aren't bad either ...

Wazmeister

PeteC said:

Well for anyone looking food a good quality hobbyist bandsaw I can recommend the Axminster 1950b I just set mine up yesterday and tweaked everything this morning to do some test cutting.  First cut successfully did 1.5mm veneer strip about 3ft long off some 2” thick mahogany.  Fully even all along the length.  So long as it stands up to regular (ab)use it’s going to be a good addition to the shed workshop.   Cost with accessories was under 350 quid.   

Just done the MDF body template for my Tele build and it was a joy after the Aldi bandsaw. 

Thanks for your insight Pete…

Ive just ordered the 1950B; i also bought a Titan last week, but the fence isnt good Enough.

Love the vidEo support from Axminster.

PeteC

Good to hear.   Mine has performed well since i bought it.  Spare blades from Tuffsaws are good.  I can recommend  the 1/4 6tpi carbon premium
blade  for tight curves and template making.  

Just using mine tonight on some new LP templates I am making.   

davros

I have a Ryobi which is identical to the Titan and yes. the fence is rubbish! The rest is pretty good.

PeteC

Even the Axminster fence is a bit limited really.  Trying to use a fence to guide a straight long cut is not easy, blades tend to wander easily - I plan on making one of the roller guides to use instead, to get straight cuts on taller stock. There's some good info on YouTube on how to do this.