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any comments on bandsaws ?

looking at getting a bandsaw and would like to hear peoples views on the machine

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James fortin02/08/2011 21:45:12
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46 forum posts
12 photos
hi everyone
 
i am about to purchase a new bandsaw for the workshop and have found a great model of the popular 6x4 band saw (usual disclaimer) it has a mitre arm to allow for quick adjustment, automatic feed and the vice can be mounted left or right.
 
bandsaw - - - http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-axminster-mcb1155hd-swivel-head-metal-cutting-bandsaw-prod719253/
 
it would be a great help if anyone has one of these, or if anyone has used one, if you could comment on the quality or the capabilities of this machine.
 
many thanks
 
james
alan frost03/08/2011 00:35:04
137 forum posts
3 photos
No idea about their bandsaws but everything I have bought from them has been excellent, the best being a bench mounted "radial arm drill" , a wonderful m/c for the money. Usual disclaimer.
Dave Tointon03/08/2011 09:18:18
49 forum posts
G'Day James,
I have something similar from an Australian supplier but they all come from the same factory in China with different paint jobs. I am more than happy with my machine !!! It does everything I ask of it and more. I have cut full size railway line to use as an anvil and small jobs with an attachment similar to the one in the latest MEW. Being Chinese it required a good strip and clean and reassembly. I find that the Chinese do a great job at castings and machining same but their assembly leaves much to be desired. It can be turned into a very usable and quite accurate machine and they're cheap. Highly recommended. !!!!!!!!
 
Regards
Dave Tointon
Jim Nolan03/08/2011 09:25:44
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77 forum posts

I have the MCB 100A a cracking piece of kit that has never let me down. Although I thought at the time compared to other similar size machines it was a bit pricy. Then again when I have looked at other suppliers machines at shows they are not a patch on the Axminster for finish or general build quality.


I don’t think this one was available when I purchased mine but I might have given it some serious thought as well as it looks a nice piece of kit for the price.


Only thing I bought for mine which you might consider is one of the self contained coolant pump kits off eBay.


Jim

Dave Tointon03/08/2011 09:36:12
49 forum posts
That's what I was trying to say, " A cracking piece of kit !" You Poms have a way with words. Its a" Bloody Beauty " In Strine
Regards
Dave
 
Jon03/08/2011 21:42:42
1001 forum posts
49 photos
Its the same as the better Sealey SM5 with quick release vice except ram.
Had mine in 97 lasted about 18 months before the 6 main guide bearings went. Gone are the days when 3 blades for a tenner, now around £18 each and not even bimetal vari pitch, one reason never put the new bearings in. Chews blades up quicker than can put one in, but thats setup i cant get round to doing.
 
 
The other concern and has been problematic time and time again.
The vice ends short of the blade something like 40/50mm, meaning shortest you could cut would be 50mm plus amount gripped in vice and packer the other end of vice!
Even worse when cutting angles.
 
Personally i would have a look at one in the flesh, ok for longer lengths.

Ian S C04/08/2011 13:11:09
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7468 forum posts
230 photos
I have an older 6x4 bandsaw,its Taiwanese, its served me well. The chap I do some work for has one also, so far its cut the steel for 65 of the hay bale feed out machines that we build, these are built from 50 x100 RSJ for the basic chassis, its in the shape of a trailer about 4 m long. It did require a new motor 4 or 5 years ago, and sometimes the blades don't cut too straight (1/4 hr with spanner, and a lot of muttering), I think it could do it all over again. Just don't use cheap blades, and the one you are looking at should do fine, yet to see that model here, but I don't get to town much these days, Christchurch is in a bit of a turmoil these days, and I havn't found some of the sales outlets. Ian S C
Jon07/08/2011 00:04:00
1001 forum posts
49 photos
Sorry above should have read Sealey SM65.
 
 
Ian S C07/08/2011 09:35:41
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7468 forum posts
230 photos
Jon, Ihave similar problems with my old machine, I get over it by keeping two pieces of 1 1/2" x 1/2" x 8" hot rolled bar by the saw. For packing the end of the bars away from the blade, I use a pair of stepped blocks from the clamping set for the mill. The other end with the artical to be sawn is bought right up to the blade, and if it's very short a bit of sheet metal is placed underneath to bridge the gap. I have split a bit of steel 1/4" long down the middle, you'v just got to get it cutting straight. Ian S C
KWIL07/08/2011 10:51:35
3681 forum posts
70 photos
Ian,
 
What exactly is your cure for blades not cutting straight? I presume you mean "vertically?
 
K
Jon07/08/2011 22:07:52
1001 forum posts
49 photos
Interesting, any tips advice for setting up the guides?
 
About to replace the six bearings, set up from scratch.
 
Might as well replace the other bearings for decent ones whilst at it.
 
From memory, its been well over a decade since last used the saw but did something similar to clamp the work piece. Longer lengths back and front sandwiching the job and same thickness at other end of vice = pain especially when wanting to cut 4" dia.
 
 

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