Opinion needed

[Got_A_Woody]

Hi Guys,

Im in need of a bandsaw and am looking at just going straight to the bigger picture rather than buy a 14 inch then have to upgrade. In saying this I need a minimum depth of 220mm anyway to resaw the backsplats of the chairs im making so from what i can find im not going to get away with a 14" cause they usually cap out at a max depth of about 200mm..

I was at carbatec today and they have an 18" that will cut to a depth of 280mm for $1350 which seems quite cheap compared to the competition, maybe a little too cheap?

Just after opinions on this bandsaw and to see if there is anything else i should be looking out for. There is a pic of it attached and also the specs.

Thanks in advance )

[Basilg]

I have a Socomec SN 560 ( Italian made ) which I bought around 25 years ago & it is still going strong. Major woodworking group used to sell them. I can't say how the price compares with the Carbatec machines. However in my experience cheap more often than not means low quality. Buy the best you can afford as a BS is a very useful machine and a good one will last a lifetime.

Regards

[David V Jones]

I have just ordered a Hammer 4400 Austrian brand with components made in Italy. At $2600 with some added bits I hope I have made the right choice. I wanterd a good one that will last me out . I make toys so needed a 6mm blade along with a blade 19mm to cut down wood for these projects. The documentation say it will do what I want. I have to wait unil the next shipment in March to get one.
DJ