I need a new bandsaw. Please help.

[vyvsdad]

I fancy a bandsaw upgrade.
I currently have an old startrite 351, but recently I've been finding its capacity lacking, so I'm looking for something bigger and well, better.
If I can sell my old one, I think my budget will be about £1500 which I reckon will put into my reach machines such as:
Hammer n4400
startrite 501e
Those are the main two, but then I saw models from people like Charnwood and SIP.
Now, in my mind Hammer and startrite are the better manufacturers, but then I though "aren't they all made in the same factory?" and now I'm just going round in circles. I don't know what to think.
And then, of course, there's eBay. Big old ones on eBay

So, if you had £1500ish to spend on a bandsaw what would you do?

(p.s. single or 3 phase, it doesn't matter. I have both. Size is not much of a consideration. I have plenty of room)

[woodndesign]

Hi Vyvsdad, may not be of much help, but could be some reasoning with it, other than the capacity, have you been happy with the design and function of your current bandsaw, larger models can have different features, rack/pinion tilt table, on the guard rise/fall, better rip fence, bearings/coolblocks, wider blades etc. Startrite is now under Record Power so maybe one out of their stable.

Hammer I'm not to sure, they look nice and talk the talk, but I know someone who has one, which I'm not sure and not overly impressed with the design of some of the parts or on the assembly.

As you've 3 phase that opens alot of options, mainly not everyone would be after one, like you've said chance to go big for a cheaper price. Les took to convert the one he has I understand as it had almost no value as 3 phase.

May just add to the    ...   Cheers    David

[Richard Findley]

If you have 3 phase I would definitely look for 'old iron'. Something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wadkin-Bandsaw-/380713857356?pt=UK_BOI_Building_Materials_Supplies_Carpentry_Woodwork_ET&hash=item58a450714c might be worth a look.

Or if you'd prefer a more reliable source than eBay, then a dealer such as Daltons in Nottingham or Scott and Sargeant near London might be worth a look:

http://www.daltonsmachines.com/osb/showitem.cfm/category/Bandsaws_41

http://www.scosarg.com/used-machines/bandsaws-used.html

Personally, with that buget, I'd avoid the 'Hobby' end of the market that brands such as SIP and Charnwood live.

HTH

Richard