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  1. #1
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    Default Horizontal bandsaws h & forbes or kaka ?

    Firstly MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE.
    I'm looking at buying a Bandsaw for my work sometime next year. I already have a 6" X 6" Power Hacksaw for cutting solid metal sections. I have been looking at the Hare & Forbes BS-916A, Kaka BS-912B and the Kaka BS-1018B.
    I'm only really looking at the Kaka BS-1018B as it's priced similarly to the H&F BS-916A but at the same time they do look to be a more robust saw. I was wondering if anyone has a Kaka Bandsaw or used one and what they thought of them ?. Thanks in advance.
    All The Best steran50 Stewart

    The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.

  2. #2
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    I doubt there is a significant difference between them to be honest, although the Kaka is likely made in China. I'd pick neither around here - big bandsaws often come up on the used market, normally with decent brands on them at a cheap price.

    I'm aware that finding (and transporting) used gear is normally a bit of an issue for you down there, but there is one just up the road in Eden:

    https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...code=undefined

    No cheaper than the Kaka, but a bit more capacity, beefier, made in Taiwan, and has two big roller tables. 3 phase, but I assume you have that in the industrial estate where you are - if not, it's only 2 hp, so the current 240v to 415v vfds you can get would be cheap and easy.

    May actually be overkill for what you need, but it's been up there for nearly 2 months. You know as well as I do how limited his market is going to be around there for something of that size, so I'd imagine he'll be amenable to offers.

  3. #3
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    Your probably right in that there's probably not a great deal of difference in them. I wasn't aware of the Bandsaw in Eden so thanks for that. I have got a good three phase supply at my Workshop. I'm not really in a rush to buy a Bandsaw and the saw in Eden is a bit overkill, but it's close by so I am going to give it some serious thought.
    All The Best steran50 Stewart

    The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.

  4. #4
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    Only bandsaw I have with a Kaka sticker on it is a small benchtop unit. Looks to be a clone of the Garrack branded one I have had for quite a while. Quality wise, would grab the Garrack any day, but there is a price penalty. The swivel head comes in handy at times.

    My 'slightly' smaller than what you are looking at, BS-912 hasnt let me down yet after about 8 odd years of service.
    If I had my time again I would seriously consider a swivel head model for such a machine.

    Bladewise have been running Excision units (no shares in I'm afraid). Been doing fine.

    Good luck with it.

    Jatt
    Frisky wife, happy life. ​Then I woke up. Oh well it was fun while it lasted.
    From an early age my father taught me to wear welding gloves . "Its not to protect your hands son, its to put out the fire when u set yourself alight".

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by steran50 View Post
    I'm not really in a rush to buy a Bandsaw and the saw in Eden is a bit overkill, but it's close by so I am going to give it some serious thought.
    If anything, I prefer something that is an overkill at present, because it will allow you to cut larger material should the need arise. We have a bandsaw here that works right on its limit (150mm @ 45 degree), then there are occasions where we need to cut larger RHS (150 X 250 X 10mm) at 45 degree , so we have to cut it with angle grinders, both noisy and time consuming, marking out can be a pain with the large Radii on the corners
    Kryn
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  6. #6
    jatt's Avatar
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    OP
    I'm looking at buying a Bandsaw for my work sometime next year.
    Then the biggest thing you can fit/afford at pres wont go astray.

    KBs
    If anything, I prefer something that is an overkill at present, because it will allow you to cut larger material should the need arise.
    If you do bundling (nesting) then the extra capacity is mighty handy , or in my case sneak in the odd bit of plate.
    Frisky wife, happy life. ​Then I woke up. Oh well it was fun while it lasted.
    From an early age my father taught me to wear welding gloves . "Its not to protect your hands son, its to put out the fire when u set yourself alight".

  7. #7
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    Thanks for the reply's. I have to agree with you Guys about going for something that is overkill. There has been a number of times that I've had to cut a large piece of steel with an angle grinder that wouldn't fit in my power hacksaw. I just messaged the Seller of the Bandsaw to see if it's still available and if the location is correct. If it goes ahead I reckon I will be selling my Power Hacksaw as the bandsaw should be able cope with what solid steel sections I cut on the power hacksaw. I'll let you all know how it turns out.
    All The Best steran50 Stewart

    The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.

  8. #8
    jatt's Avatar
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    Gotta admit power hacksaw blades can make quite useful tools.

    Some will cringe, but have bought a few new ones in the past to make a specialised tool we use in the shop. Cut em in half and gives me 2 out of 1 blade. Must be mindful tho of the "shatter factor" if they flex too much sideways.
    Frisky wife, happy life. ​Then I woke up. Oh well it was fun while it lasted.
    From an early age my father taught me to wear welding gloves . "Its not to protect your hands son, its to put out the fire when u set yourself alight".

  9. #9
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    I have heard Jatt that apparently Power Hacksaw blades make good scrapers. I must have a go at one myself and see what they are like as a gasket scraper. Just an update on the Bandsaw it's still available so I'm meeting up with the Seller at his workshop tomorrow to have a look.
    All The Best steran50 Stewart

    The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.

  10. #10
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    I haven't been able to find hacksaw blades thick enough. They need to be at least 2.5mm thick. I found strips of circular saw blades to work well, with a piece of tungsten carbide brazed on the end.
    You want some flexibility without them deforming.

    Cheers
    Joe
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  11. #11
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    I paid the seller a deposit this morning after looking at the Bandsaw. I didn't haggle with him on price and the way he spoke I don't think he was going to budge anyway plus he is going to load it on the trailer for me. The saw is a bit bigger than what I would have preferred, but I felt at $2900 cash that it was a good buy. It comes with 4 new bi-metal blades, two roller stands, repetitive length stop for one stand and everything is in good nic.
    All The Best steran50 Stewart

    The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.

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