Record BS 300E Bandsaw

Anthony Bailey tests this compact bandsaw from Record

This model is called the 'economic' which put me off because it suggested this was a cut down 'cheapo' version of Record's existing range. I'm glad to say that didn't prove to be true as it seems to incorporate all the lessons Record have learned in bandsaw development, indeed improving on their earlier models without producing a less desirable model.

In use

I tried the standard wheelkit and quickly gave up on moving it around much. This might suit woodturners who tend to permanently site a bandsaw; with it fitted a child can pull it around!

There is quite a bit of assembly with the base, the table and fence etc. The manual gives advice on setting everything; an engineers square is needed for getting the table true and adjusting the fence. The table front face is ground to give a reference surface.

Components

The bandsaw case is very rigid indeed and the cast iron table very solid, ground smooth and about as flat as you could reasonably expect. The case doors are microswitched for safety, and blade changing is made easy by loosening off the tension - no quick release on this model, I'm afraid. However, the blade was so tight I had to tilt the upper wheel to get it to go slack enough to remove. As tracking can be done manually, this isn't a big issue when mounting a new blade and resetting tilt and tension.

The motor and two-stage pulley deliver plenty of power; pulley tension can be adjusted by a lever on the lower case. The blade supplied was a 10mm (4in) x 4tpi skip tooth, which is fast cutting and ideal for deep blanks, but gives a coarse 'striping' cut. The guides are heavy duty and stay put under pressure, with guide rollers above and below the table. There is plenty of adjustment on all of them.

Verdict

I like this machine and was impressed with the way it performed. It is compact but heavy and rigid, and cuts well - it is definitely one which I will be putting on the wish list!