Hi All,

I'd like to have a band saw for cutting wood and sheet metal (Aluminium and Steel). There seems to be a large range of ebay from £100 to well over £1,000. Not having had one before I'm unsure what I need and could do with some recommendations (make, model and running costs etc).

I've budgeted up to £250 for it and don't mind 2nd hand or refurbished if you can get more for your money. Bench mounted is OK as well as I don't have a lot of floor space for one.

Thanks,
Nick

[Edited on 28/6/16 by nick205]

As I understand it, you will need one with a wide speed range - fast for wood and slow for metal. Slower than the usual 2-speed slow setting I think.

Thank you - useful to know!

I've used higher end floor standing machines before for metal and they've had a wide range of speeds.

What depth of cut do you need, and what width of material (for wood, its not likely to be an issue for metal).

80mm high should be fine for wood and 10mm should be fine for steel plate. Time taken to cut is less of a concern than accuracy of cutting.

also check what blades are available for it, some only use the same make blades other you can buy aftermarket blades from starret etc, quality blade make average machine much better

Think you may be asking a bit for a budget of £250 to cut wood and metal to your thickness. All I would say is that some of the cheaper models on the market (Axminster etc) are only as good as the price they go for, ie; poor quality. Go for a second hand good or refurbished. HOWEVER it depends on how much you are going to use it. I am a lapsed furniture maker that does more metalworking and car building these days and I have an old DeWalt that does me for wood and alloy sheet up to the quality I want.