Your review was very clear and detailed - it was NOT blatantly obvious at all that this was your first equipment review. Great job and keep up the good work.
Hi, For re-sawn items you need a blade with less teeth say 3 to an inch, with the correct blade it would preform much better. I also have a cheap bandsaw of about the same proportion's, I decided to use it to build a bigger one and got the plans from Matthias Wandel.
Great review Matt. The only thing I missed was more in-depth about the guides and bearings above and below the table. But that's because they give me the most trouble on mine. Apart from that your gave a pretty clear assessment of the pros and cons. Thanks.
I’ve had my same machine for about 3 years and it works fine in my amateur workshop where it gets used frequently. I use it for general woodworking and for cutting bowl blanks. It does sometimes get bogged down cutting thick wood especially on the curve but slow and steady works fine. I keep being tempted by bigger machines but for bowl blanks the chain saw is the better option. The guides are a bit fiddly to adjust but it is not a frequent job and much easier to do after the first go. Recommended: 4/5 because the lower guides are hard to adjust.
Thanks for the video. Because of it I bought one today. Brought it home and set it up. Have to say, I love it! Yes it struggles with 4 inch stock, but, I didn't pay over €1500, so for the money....cracking piece of kit. Thanks again.
I just bought one of these,seems ok so far. I would replace any broken plastic knobs with steel ones anyway, and I plan to replace ALL the bearings with better tolerance sealed equivalents eventually, both to cut down vibration and to stop dirt getting past the existing shielded ones. I have several blades but Tuffsaw ones for hardwood are the way to go.
I have the smaller version of this and to be fair to Record, it's a great piece of equipment especially for the price. Granted I was gifted My one. Its done all kinds of work for Me and I trust it. It's not even as big or as powerful as this one in the video but I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a bigger one or other machinery from Record. Really impressed.
I think that was a very good user review. I am still mulling over which one to go for in my very small workshop. My research indicates the quality and sharpness of the blade are everything.
Nice review. Just one thing: Check your belt tension 'twixt motor and drive wheel. We were having the same 'power issues' with the Charnwood B250 (which is a very similar saw and probably came out of the same factory) and they were fixed by rotating the motor further around the pivot screw (thus tightening the belt). The belt loosens slightly over time, meaning that the tension you gave it when you set it up is probably not what it's got now. Check it and then _slightly_ over-tighten it relative to the instructions. It should handle that 2x4 OK if it's anything like the charnwood.
Have the same one for four years already. I use Tuffsaws blade with 3 tpi and narrow kerf for resawing and it works great for resawing 120 mm beech - no motor stall like you demonstrated. I only get that when I saw something which is not flat or when correcting the path, then the blade binds. And what is with rust on the table? It was my first machine with cast iron table and a remember I saw my fingerprints rusted on the table... that was dreadful! I removed that with rust eraser and always clean it and oil it since then. No rust so far, maybe some slight discoloration at places.
hey so be honest here, if you would have to choose between this or the 550W Sabre version. would you go for the sabre version knowing what you know now?
Liked the review. I own exactly the same one. Superb, top-quality bandsaw. I think the resaw you did needed a newer/sharper blade with more aggressive teeth and it would have gone through better. I love this bandsaw. I am so glad I bought it. If you are thinking of getting a bandsaw, get one of these and watch Alan Holtham's masterclass before touching it. :-)
Good review. Honest and to the point and good demo of the saw. Thanks. I have been toying with the idea of getting this saw for a while. I don't think my shed floor will take the weight of the next model up so this has helped a lot. Thanks again.
Thanks for the review! I'm considering SABRE250 which has similar geometry. Very concerned about blades - will 0.64mm (0.025 inch) work or it's too thick and the balde will break due to radius. We've plenty of blades with 0.64mm thickness sold in my country, and thinner blades are barely available. What thickness do you use? How frequently do you change them?
No tools are cheap, I have fascinated about trying to get the biggest and best I can afford. More often than not I watch woodworkers on you tube making a lot lot lot lot lot better projects than I can, all with smaller less branded and cheaper tools. I am starting to understand that it is not the tool that's at fault its the (TOOL) WITH NO EXPERIENCE that's the problem (AKA ME) I have the RECORD BS350s and I can't even work out how to get a straight cut or set the bearings yet. I have invested in good blades but it is a mystical dark art the set up of the bandsaw, a dark art I am very bad thus far at. GREAT VIDEO AND GREAT SKILL YOU. Keep up the interesting make videos.
Great review. Thanks for sharing. When I saw you using the band saw in the videos I've been watching during the last few days, I thought you had the "green version" of my Scheppach B20. But now it turned out, that yours is bigger. Mine can do only 80 mm high wood (which I hardly ever do) and the width is 200 mm. Mine has also a less powerful motor, 250W/ 1/3 HP) no miter slots and another fence system. But I'm satisfied as well. When you were re-sawing the 2x4 the saw seemed to struggle a lot. Maybe the blade was too dull for this kind of work.
I don't know why they advertize such a big depth of cut on these tiny machines when clearly it more than struggles and the blade will wander (6 mins). Otherwise good review and a great little machine.
- I wonder if this is the same machine Scheppach makes for Aldi/Lidl/Obi/Bauhaus/Your-Random-Retail-Store-of-Choice. It looks very similar, just in yet another colour. - I tried to resaw 7cm wide boards (7cm "tall", when being cut), and albeit very slowly, it did the job. - However, I cannot seem to find any thinner blades than the provided 6mm, and it even snapped on me while trying to follow very moderate curves. Any ideas where I could get thinner blades that would allow for more maneuvreability? Great review, very enjoyable! Nice job!
Do you find you have to adjust the side guides when you raise/lower the guard? Mine isn't exactly vertical and parallel to the blade, wondered if you had any issues like that with yours?
Matt, I wonder, would a blade with few teeth per inch work better for resawing? Yes that means you have to change out the blade, but if its not that often its not too much hassle.
The first thing anyone getting a bandsaw ( any saw) needs is a push-stick. It's the very first thing you should make, but they are often included with th emchine nowadays.
After having seen a few reviews I was all set to buy this bandsaw until I stumbled upon your review. The saw appeared to really struggle with cutting that 2.4 timber; Was it an old blade?
Hi, mine doesnt cut in a straight line, all my cuts are bowed. I am just using the blade it came with, would this problem go away if i bought a better blade? Or do you have any other advice on why its not straight? Thank you!
Hello. A new blades are not expensive. Wide blades are good for straight cuts and narrow for curved. The less teeth you have the quicker the cut but rougher the finish. www.tuffsaws.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=4 I would defiantly try a new blade
I have 1 of these and i find adjusting the guides as accurate as woodworkers advise quite fiddly, probable to my lack of skill mind you, this is the only bandsaw i have used ny the way so others may be the same.
@@Badgerworkshop thanks for your reply, I found there is not enough adjustment on the rear bearing which causes the side bearing guides to rub on the blade
I was looking at getting a bandsaw for resawing 4x2 timber, why does this struggle? Is it to do with the blade, motor or are these cheap bandsaws just not upto the job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I have the same bandsaw in my workshop, Used to be able to get 1/2" skip tooth 3 teeth for ripping but the current ordinary 4 tooth ones are not great for this(need new blades in any case). I downsized from its larger brother to this one many years ago, ruclips.net/video/syo-caa1FCY/видео.html
Oops we have it a slight problem the supplier has decided after I have paid for it that he wants another 29 quid to deliver it. Some iffy company called Data Powertools. So at the moment hubby will have to wait.
I have two of these………………one with the smallest blade and the other with the largest. Good saws for the money and you cannot buy many things nowadays. Which have a 5 year guarantee.
I brought one, the drive belt went While waiting for a new drive belt, I used a 3 phase bandsaw My drive belt arrived I thought this saw was not fit for my requirements This is a Hobby model makers bandsaw
I like this guy but he always sounds like hes out of breath or holding his breath... can't quite describe it but its all i can think about when I hear the voice lol
Badger Workshop Yep, they don't appear to reply to emails on their website either....it's just been suggest I "tweet" about them. They can't delete tweets apparently. Normally I wouldn't make a fuss, but when something is sold out of the factory that's just not been put together properly, they need to get their act together. They should remember that it takes years to get a good name, and moments to destroy it!!!
Well surprise surprise!!! I've just phoned them, all of the bits I want will be posted to me free of charge in the next couple of days! Problem with tools these days is, they all look like they come out of the same factory...in China!
Your review was very clear and detailed - it was NOT blatantly obvious at all that this was your first equipment review. Great job and keep up the good work.
Thank you very much Carl
Hi, For re-sawn items you need a blade with less teeth say 3 to an inch, with the correct blade it would preform much better. I also have a cheap bandsaw of about the same proportion's, I decided to use it to build a bigger one and got the plans from Matthias Wandel.
I will get that blade.
Great review. Some reviews try to be too clever. You just gave an honest opinion and showed some of the shortcomings without criticising it too much.
Great review Matt. The only thing I missed was more in-depth about the guides and bearings above and below the table. But that's because they give me the most trouble on mine. Apart from that your gave a pretty clear assessment of the pros and cons. Thanks.
The bearings work well but need to be adjusted with an alan key. So they take some time to adjust after changing width of blade.
Your review it one of the best i have seen very clear.
I’ve had my same machine for about 3 years and it works fine in my amateur workshop where it gets used frequently. I use it for general woodworking and for cutting bowl blanks. It does sometimes get bogged down cutting thick wood especially on the curve but slow and steady works fine. I keep being tempted by bigger machines but for bowl blanks the chain saw is the better option. The guides are a bit fiddly to adjust but it is not a frequent job and much easier to do after the first go. Recommended: 4/5 because the lower guides are hard to adjust.
Thanks for the video. Because of it I bought one today. Brought it home and set it up. Have to say, I love it! Yes it struggles with 4 inch stock, but, I didn't pay over €1500, so for the money....cracking piece of kit. Thanks again.
I just bought one of these,seems ok so far.
I would replace any broken plastic knobs with steel ones anyway, and I plan to replace ALL the bearings with better tolerance sealed equivalents eventually, both to cut down vibration and to stop dirt getting past the existing shielded ones.
I have several blades but Tuffsaw ones for hardwood are the way to go.
I have the smaller version of this and to be fair to Record, it's a great piece of equipment especially for the price. Granted I was gifted My one. Its done all kinds of work for Me and I trust it. It's not even as big or as powerful as this one in the video but I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a bigger one or other machinery from Record. Really impressed.
I think that was a very good user review. I am still mulling over which one to go for in my very small workshop. My research indicates the quality and sharpness of the blade are everything.
Yes very true a good blade make all the difference
Nice review.
Just one thing: Check your belt tension 'twixt motor and drive wheel.
We were having the same 'power issues' with the Charnwood B250 (which is a very similar saw and probably came out of the same factory) and they were fixed by rotating the motor further around the pivot screw (thus tightening the belt). The belt loosens slightly over time, meaning that the tension you gave it when you set it up is probably not what it's got now. Check it and then _slightly_ over-tighten it relative to the instructions. It should handle that 2x4 OK if it's anything like the charnwood.
Thank you. I have given it a tighten. I have also given it a new glad and seems so much better.
Have the same one for four years already. I use Tuffsaws blade with 3 tpi and narrow kerf for resawing and it works great for resawing 120 mm beech - no motor stall like you demonstrated. I only get that when I saw something which is not flat or when correcting the path, then the blade binds.
And what is with rust on the table? It was my first machine with cast iron table and a remember I saw my fingerprints rusted on the table... that was dreadful! I removed that with rust eraser and always clean it and oil it since then. No rust so far, maybe some slight discoloration at places.
Useful info as I’ve purchased a very similar lumberjack 250. ✔️
Great vid to the point just wish the traffic was a bit less vids like this I enjoy as there honest watched your other ones and you do good thanks.
Thank you
Cheers mate. Been scratching my head for ages looking at band saw brands. You convinced me. Cheers
Nice review Matt. Like jebowlin says, use a coarser blade. They work for me
Thanks. I will get one
Good review. The worst thing about these bandsaws is the dust. Nearly as bad as the mitre saw for extracting. Nice video as always 😀
It seems to be the more expensive the tool the better the dust collection
And that there is a problem with all 9 inch table saws they struggle and bug down with thick stock.good review TU
hey so be honest here, if you would have to choose between this or the 550W Sabre version. would you go for the sabre version knowing what you know now?
For its size it seems okay. I can see a lot of craft items being cut on that Saw. Cheers
Thanks Tim
Great review, looking at bandsaws in this bracket. I've got it down to record or scheppach.
Great review matt, thanks for doing this one, great job, appears to be a great saw for what I need.
Thumbs up.
Regards
Thank you Simon. Im pleased with the saw
Liked the review. I own exactly the same one. Superb, top-quality bandsaw. I think the resaw you did needed a newer/sharper blade with more aggressive teeth and it would have gone through better.
I love this bandsaw. I am so glad I bought it. If you are thinking of getting a bandsaw, get one of these and watch Alan Holtham's masterclass before touching it. :-)
Thanks. Im very happy with the machine
I’ve watched & read SO many reviews/ specs on this sizeandsaw....I COMPLETELY AGREE with you.
Great review matt , i have a similar saw and unless i was doing a lot more heavy duty work i cant really fault it for what it is.
Thanks. Yes I'm pleased with it
big thumbs up! reviews are so helpful so thanks for doing this.
Thank you. My pleasure
Good review. Honest and to the point and good demo of the saw. Thanks. I have been toying with the idea of getting this saw for a while. I don't think my shed floor will take the weight of the next model up so this has helped a lot. Thanks again.
Im glad it helped. Its not that heavy but I'm sure the ones without cast iron tops are much lighter.
Thanks for the review! I'm considering SABRE250 which has similar geometry. Very concerned about blades - will 0.64mm (0.025 inch) work or it's too thick and the balde will break due to radius. We've plenty of blades with 0.64mm thickness sold in my country, and thinner blades are barely available. What thickness do you use? How frequently do you change them?
No tools are cheap, I have fascinated about trying to get the biggest and best I can afford. More often than not I watch woodworkers on you tube making a lot lot lot lot lot better projects than I can, all with smaller less branded and cheaper tools. I am starting to understand that it is not the tool that's at fault its the (TOOL) WITH NO EXPERIENCE that's the problem (AKA ME) I have the RECORD BS350s and I can't even work out how to get a straight cut or set the bearings yet. I have invested in good blades but it is a mystical dark art the set up of the bandsaw, a dark art I am very bad thus far at. GREAT VIDEO AND GREAT SKILL YOU. Keep up the interesting make videos.
Even Jimmy Diresta did not know how to do it at first. The bandsaw seems to be one of those tools that is more art than science.
Thanks for the review.. was going to buy one... after seeing the 4x2 !!! Think I will spend more money lol
Great review. Thanks for sharing. When I saw you using the band saw in the videos I've been watching during the last few days, I thought you had the "green version"
of my Scheppach B20. But now it turned out, that yours is bigger. Mine can do only 80 mm high wood (which I hardly ever do) and the width is 200 mm.
Mine has also a less powerful motor, 250W/ 1/3 HP) no miter slots and another fence system. But I'm satisfied as well.
When you were re-sawing the 2x4 the saw seemed to struggle a lot. Maybe the blade was too dull for this kind of work.
Its a good saw
Good job. Thorough review
Thank you
I don't know why they advertize such a big depth of cut on these tiny machines when clearly it more than struggles and the blade will wander (6 mins). Otherwise good review and a great little machine.
Yes its a good machine for small tasks
- I wonder if this is the same machine Scheppach makes for Aldi/Lidl/Obi/Bauhaus/Your-Random-Retail-Store-of-Choice. It looks very similar, just in yet another colour.
- I tried to resaw 7cm wide boards (7cm "tall", when being cut), and albeit very slowly, it did the job.
- However, I cannot seem to find any thinner blades than the provided 6mm, and it even snapped on me while trying to follow very moderate curves. Any ideas where I could get thinner blades that would allow for more maneuvreability?
Great review, very enjoyable! Nice job!
Thank you. I don't know if they do thinner but I get all my blades from tuff saws.
Would this cut a guitar body, mahogany ect?
Great review. Many thanks.
Nice work Matt
Thank you Mark
how did you do it can you share with me , thank you
I have the exact same one and have the same issues, you learn to live with it.
Im pleased with it. I have had it a wile now. Just always looking at bigger and better things
Good review Matt
Thanks Ian
Do you find you have to adjust the side guides when you raise/lower the guard? Mine isn't exactly vertical and parallel to the blade, wondered if you had any issues like that with yours?
I can't say that I have had that problem. That does sound a pain having to keep doing that.
Does your guide adjuster clog up. Mine does and it’s a real pain. What’s wrong with a simple slide and clamp, simple and quick and no problem.
It does. The system on my get is much better
How this machine perform when it's come to hard wood cutting?thanks mate.
Matt, I wonder, would a blade with few teeth per inch work better for resawing? Yes that means you have to change out the blade, but if its not that often its not too much hassle.
I do need a 4 TPI blade. I tend to use the table saw for most of those cuts.
Thanks, for that, you covered everything I wanted to know. I also liked your natural style.
Thank you. Glad it helped
The first thing anyone getting a bandsaw ( any saw) needs is a push-stick. It's the very first thing you should make, but they are often included with th emchine nowadays.
how sharp was the blade cutting that 2 x 4. Have you had that blade a while, or was it new?
Im sorry i have no idea now
After having seen a few reviews I was all set to buy this bandsaw until I stumbled upon your review. The saw appeared to really struggle with cutting that 2.4 timber; Was it an old blade?
I did a follow up video with some improvements. Its a good little machine
@@Badgerworkshop cheers. I'll look at for it and will revert if I can't find it. I'm now subscribed and loving your channel....
Hi, mine doesnt cut in a straight line, all my cuts are bowed. I am just using the blade it came with, would this problem go away if i bought a better blade? Or do you have any other advice on why its not straight? Thank you!
Hello. A new blades are not expensive. Wide blades are good for straight cuts and narrow for curved. The less teeth you have the quicker the cut but rougher the finish.
www.tuffsaws.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=4
I would defiantly try a new blade
Badger Workshop thanks :) I will try that
I hope it works
Great review, what was the price when you got it and where from?
It was about £250. From D&M Tools
I have 1 of these and i find adjusting the guides as accurate as woodworkers advise quite fiddly, probable to my lack of skill mind you, this is the only bandsaw i have used ny the way so others may be the same.
I do agree they are tricky to adjust.
Hi Matt how do you fit a 1/4 blade I and struggling to do this
Hello Basil. It can be tricky. I have spent ages doing it. Move the guide blocks out of the way and just keep trying.
@@Badgerworkshop thanks for your reply, I found there is not enough adjustment on the rear bearing which causes the side bearing guides to rub on the blade
Matt! It’s you!!! 🌲🦊🌲
Is it?
Badger Workshop ...it sure is!
So you tilted the table just a few times and already the handle broke?
It was a powdered metal part and did not last long.
TuffSaws from Wales all the way! They never let you down. Due the Brexit they do not send it outside the UK anymore.
Thanks good review. Do you have any experience with the Axminister 200n band saw?
Thank you. Im sorry I have never used one of them.
good review all the same
I was looking at getting a bandsaw for resawing 4x2 timber, why does this struggle? Is it to do with the blade, motor or are these cheap bandsaws just not upto the job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
A table saw would do that much better
I have the same bandsaw in my workshop, Used to be able to get 1/2" skip tooth 3 teeth for ripping but the current ordinary 4 tooth ones are not great for this(need new blades in any case). I downsized from its larger brother to this one many years ago, ruclips.net/video/syo-caa1FCY/видео.html
I will look out for those blades
Just bought hubby one😀
Lucky him, hope he is very happy with it.
Oops we have it a slight problem the supplier has decided after I have paid for it that he wants another 29 quid to deliver it. Some iffy company called Data Powertools. So at the moment hubby will have to wait.
I have two of these………………one with the smallest blade and the other with the largest. Good saws for the money and you cannot buy many things nowadays. Which have a 5 year guarantee.
Very similar to the Axminster version which I have never been happy with.
They do look good tools
I brought one, the drive belt went
While waiting for a new drive belt, I used a 3 phase bandsaw
My drive belt arrived
I thought this saw was not fit for my requirements
This is a Hobby model makers bandsaw
6.00 record power........not
I like this guy but he always sounds like hes out of breath or holding his breath... can't quite describe it but its all i can think about when I hear the voice lol
Negative comments on Records site are deleted! My little used BS 300 is falling apart! Beware the Record band saw!!!
Thats not good to hear
Badger Workshop Yep, they don't appear to reply to emails on their website either....it's just been suggest I "tweet" about them. They can't delete tweets apparently. Normally I wouldn't make a fuss, but when something is sold out of the factory that's just not been put together properly, they need to get their act together. They should remember that it takes years to get a good name, and moments to destroy it!!!
I might look at a charnwood next time then.
Well surprise surprise!!! I've just phoned them, all of the bits I want will be posted to me free of charge in the next couple of days! Problem with tools these days is, they all look like they come out of the same factory...in China!
Machines shite. I can cut through that 2x4 stock with ease on mine band saw of the same size
Looks like a bad saw.
Great review. Many thanks.
Thank you