The Parkside PBS 350 A1 Bandsaw From Lidl Review

[@CTBLAS]

Hi James. A good review and in English yet, a bonus when most seem to be in French, Italian or some other language incomprehensible to an English speaker! I just bought mine for 69 euros on sale at Lidl. At that price I wasn't expecting it to be perfect and it definitely wasn't, at least straight out of the box. Here are the problems I had and how I fixed them. 1. When blade was centered on top wheel and tracked, the blade teeth would be protruding from the bottom wheel. Fix: Take bottom wheel off, put a thick washer behind it and turn the wheel around so the longer casting on the wheel was facing the back. This put the blade running almost parallel to the top. By chance, it also took a lot of the wobble the lower wheel had out. It still has a small wobble but I can live with that and doesn't affect the running of the saw. 2. Bottom blade guides barely contact blade and no more forward adjustment possible. Fix: Take lower blade guide assembly off and using a small round file extend the slot the assembly runs in. 1/4" was enough for mine. 3. Top blade guide assembly- same problems as above. Fix: Take out the whole top guide assembly. This is secured by the two bolts above and below the big red elevation knob. Take out the back aluminum plate, and using slightly longer bolts attach 2 small washers between the aluminum plate and the inside metal back of the machine (2 washers per bolt), then reassemble guide assembly. This brings the whole assembly forward the thickness of the double washers and puts the blade guides exactly where you need them. 4. Too much slop in the raising mechanism. Fix: Take top wheel off, take off spring clip on one side of the metal pin and pull it back a bit. Insert a washer slightly smaller than the fit in the space between the two sliding metal bars then reassemble. No more sideways slop of the wheel and goes up and down smoothly. 5. The fence. Fix. Surprisingly the fence locked well on mine, however it wouldn't lock parallel to the table front and back without a lot of tedious adjusting. Also a bandsaw fence needs to be adjustable for blade drift which this fence lacks. The solution is simply to make your own. Snap a line on a small piece of plywood, turn on the saw and freehand saw to the line about 20 cm down, and leave on the saw. Take a piece of straight 1x2 pine and lay it against the side of the plywood. Take another piece of 1x2 and lay it against the front of the table. Glue the two together where they meet and clamp for a half hour, then run 3 screws in to reinforce the joint. You now have a fence which only needs a single clamp on the front to attach, and which will allow perfectly straight cuts as it is set to the drift of your blade. (You will need to make a different fence for every blade you have as each blade will have a different amount of drift) And that was it! For a total of 6 washers, 3 wood screws, some glue and 2 scrap pieces of 1x2 I have a saw that will cut straight to the fence, resaw hard and soft woods up to it's 3 1/2" or so limit accurately and without stress, and handle curves without stalling or slipping the blade. And I'm still on the original blade. Hope this helps.

[@yampydesigns3181]

I watched this while walking around lidl, then went back to grab the last one in stock!!! Cheers dude!

[@JamesManCave]

Ha, not a problem. First time I think anyone has said they have watched one of my videos in Lidl! Glad you managed to grab one. Noticed people buying them and selling the for huge amounts on ebay

[@blackkira696]

We bought last one also in Croatia. XD The price is cheap and bandsaw for amateur work is great!

[@quirkygreece]

I bought one of these a while back and it’s still in the box. I’m going to be opening it and setting it up this weekend. I bought it because it was cheap . . . very cheap . . . and what you have described is exactly what I’m expecting for the money, so thanks for the run-through, it was very useful info.

[@naturebot2024]

Hey up, thanks for the honest review. I saw one for sale, watched this and went back to buy it. I don't mind a bit of tweaking for the size and price. On having a quick look at blades was a bit flummoxed. Came back and you very kindly wrote the info. Thank you James

[@JamesManCave]

Hey! No problem at all. As you say for a tool this price you expect to have to do the odd tweak here and there. I've also made a new rip fence for the bandsaw which is also a video on my channel. 👍👍

[@paintbox48]

Great comprehensive review - I may well get one now.

[@jeffcarr392]

I had this saw for a few years, one motor blew, exchanged it no problems, lidl's 3 year warranty is good like that. One issue I had that I fixed myself is the adjustment for moving the blade guide up and down, mostly my doing as I didnt use a vacuum cleaner to pull the dust out, but the rack and pinion mechanism clogged up with dust and the plastic mechanism broke (the knob on the back) a hose clamp and glue sorted it. Cheap, but good for the money, excellent starter bandsaw.

[@JamesManCave]

Brilliant, thanks for the heads up on the blade guides, will have a look at mine and make sure it's all cleaned out. Good to know about the warranty as well, as of yet (touch wood) I've never had to have anything replaced. 🤞

[@mrstephenporter]

Thanks for the review, its the best one yet. I have the saw and initially thought it was grand until i ran into a few problems with the blade not wanting to cut straight. I've ordered a new blade from Tuff Saws in the UK but this will be a carbide tipped bi metal blade as essentially this is what i hope to be able to cut regularly. The second issue i have is the blade guide system and one thing i would point out as a major weakness to the tool. the guides are aluminium rods that bear against the blade and not rolling bearings found on similarly priced saws. The failings of this system are amplified by problem 1 in that when the blade flexes (especially wood cutting blades with a larger TPI). The teeth catch the guide rods making the machine squeal and chatter quite heavily. That said, the remedy for problem one may also be the remedy for problem 2. Change the frickn blade. Anyways i will update you when i have the Bi metal blade installed. i will be cutting annealed high carbon steel up to 5mm thick.

[@JamesManCave]

Wow, that's a comment! Yes I completely agree, changing the blade first off will make a huge difference, as I said, I did it with mine and it made a world of difference. The blade guides are definitely one of the weaker points of this machine, but taking into account the price of the bandsaw, I didn't expect it to be fitted with outstanding quality parts, and I guess this is one area the could scrimp on to bring the production costs down

[@gerardfoley9619]

Just bought one, very helpful information thanks

[@JamesManCave]

No problem, I'm sure once you get used to it, you will enjoy using it

[@malcolmoxley1274]

I found on my cheap bandsaw that an extra hose under the top near the blade achieved better dust control,even better if you surround the blade and hose with something like bristles similar to door wind reducers that fasten on the bottom of outside doors,mind you you have to make sure they dont come into contact with the blade,good video

[@JamesManCave]

Excellent suggestion there Malcolm, I think next time I get a chance I'll see if I can hook up a second hose and secure it in place near the top of the blade 👍

[@gertohofmans5876]

Thanks for the review. Really helped me..

[@reaper060670]

Good stuff James. These little bandsaws are decent little machines or their price. I've been looking at the SCHEPPACH B261 with the extension on the table. It has 150mm depth of cut I believe mate and it's less than 300 euros. I think it around 270 euros or something like that but it's defo well worth a punt. I bought me one of the Parkside metal bandsaws with the mounting table for 99 euros this week. I got lucky my friend bcos it was the last one in my local shop. I thought it was great value bcos I won't be using it constantly. I was looking at getting a Bandsaw from AUK a while back and at 310 euros and free delivery I think it's a steal at that price considering it has the Cast Iron Table on those little 1400 bandsaws. The next one up is almost 600 Euros. I have to say I wasn't expecting such a good review of this little saw mate but I'm suitably impressed. If my local LIDL had one this week I would be very tempted to grab it now.. That's the main issue with these bad boys at LIDL. U cannot get one when u want it. I think they should have the online sales and ppl would be snapping these things up. Like any tool of the cheaper brands u need to know ur stuff with setting them up. U really need to understand tools like the band saw bcos it can be a nightmare and most ppl lose their minds and put in terrible reviews which affects others thinking then. Apologies J mate. I'm wafflinfgabout tools again. I get carried away every time I type comments about my tools and the ones I want.. LMAO

[@JamesManCave]

Haha, the new version of this bandsaw looks quite a bit different, doors have different shapes. I also have a Aldi scheppach sliding table bandsaw, but that has a depth of cut of 120mm, it's a great saw and that one I was able to order online with Aldi, along with the thickness planner they had

[@jakematic]

Seems like just yesterday you got that saw and said "I've no idea what I'll use it for!" just like I did then we both proceeded to use the crap out of them. Nice model, and almost identical to my Rikon. Everything's made in the same factory these days anyway probably. Only difference to yours is the Rikon has a cast iron table, but at $300 I can't complain either. Very handy tools for the price !

[@JamesManCave]

Haha, yea I know what you mean. Amazing how quick time flies by these days. Not heard of the rikon brand before, think I'll have to look them up later when I'm home from work. 👍

[@GrumpysWorkshop4]

I have the aldi ferrex version. The fence locks front & back & the back is adjustable. It doesnt move once locked. Also the table extends. Its 2 speed & has a 550w motor. Im well impressed with it. Still using the stock blade at the moment. Did a review on my channel

[@JamesManCave]

You have the new ferrex version, with the much bigger depth of cut, which was something I really thought about buying when I saw it. (Only slightly envious 😁) The older Aldi workzone versions were the same as this one. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on it once you have used it a bit 👍

[@brianwooten164]

Hi James Brought one of these a couple of weeks ago. Happy with the saw and the results of my amateur projects. That was until the saw blade snapped. Got onto Lidl and was given Scheppach e mail for replacement. Fingers crossed. I noticed when putting my spare blade on that the blade guide was very wobbly and wouldn't move up and down easily. Tightening the guide's wheel and lock secured it, but now no adjustment. Replacement was 24 TPI so tends to burn the wood a bit. Budget blade suppliers are all out of stock of anything below 24 TPI. Might try Lidl again for a complete replacement.

[@JamesManCave]

Hi Brian, the most probably reason the blade guide won't move up and down is because the teeth on the track it run on is clogged up with saw dust, I had this issue my self. From memory I think there is something you need to remove to get to the track, brush it all out and it should work. My blade that was provided with the machine wasn't that good either. In the description box to this video is a link to the 2 different blades I bought for this machine, both in stock and I didn't have any problems with them

[@brianwooten164]

@@JamesManCave Thanks for the reply. Bandsaw broke the replacement blade the following day. Lidl/Scheppach now replacing the whole machine ( I hope) under 3 yr guarantee. I'm going to try to solder the broken blades I have as they aren't cheap as you well know. Will let you know the outcome of both situations !

[@brianwooten164]

Update time. Lidl can't replace the bandsaw as Scheppach have none in stock ! Lidl offered a full refund and vouchers. No repair. Soldered the broken blades, but have no bandsaw to try them on now !! I'm going to quit while I'm ahead and find another bandsaw from somewhere.

[@JamesManCave]

Well that's a shame, as I mentioned before, I did find the blade to be pretty poor, upgrade to some better quality ones and it has been great ever since. Thanks for keeping us updated

[@sumosprojects]

Interesting to hear that it works well after a tweak mate, I suppose you’ve got to accept that you’ll need to make modifications as the price dictates it, nice review mate 🍻👍👍👍👍

[@JamesManCave]

I'm pretty realistic when it comes to cheap tools and what to expect from them. I know I may have to make the odd tweek, but that's part of the fun! Plus it's also a great way to start of building your collection 👍

[@davidshortall9302]

James where do you get blades for your band saw. I have a crappy blade on mine and it has exactly the same problems you describe.... Great review 👍

[@JamesManCave]

Hi David, I usually just Google Dakin flathers 1400mm bandsaw blades and then look for the width of blade I require. They have performed well for me, and a reasonable make of blade

[@davidshortall9302]

Great James. Thanks 😊

[@seriksson9721]

You should be able to move/turn the nut on the back of the fence to adjust.

[@sllca]

Great review James, you are not alone with the dust extraction collector , mines pops off when I attach my Henry hoover too. Totally agree about the blade that comes with it, just not up to scratch, after searching forums a lot of people pointed me toward TUFF SAWS company. Emailed a lovely guy named Ian from the company about what blades I needed because I am new to band saws, and he recommended me to blades . I have to say they are both amazing. James you are one talented bloke, could I ask what would you charge for making me a rip fence, because you are totally bang on the fence that comes with it is like a wonky donkey . Keep the videos coming James very watchable, very interesting and so well explained .

[@JamesManCave]

Hi mate, sorry about the delayed reply, I've not been getting notifications of late. Thank you for the very kind words, very humbling. I've heard of Tuff saw blades but I'm yet to use them yet, I've just upgraded my bandsaw to the ferrex 10 inch one, and on that I've got a Mr bandsaw blade on it and that works a treat also. Just imagine the difference a high end bandsaw would be to use! 😁 As regards the rip fence, as yet I don't make anything to sale unfortunately, it's very simple to make one though 👍

[@Transtaganu]

Great review. Very useful. Thank you very much.

[@JamesManCave]

No problems, glad to help

[@richiepunx]

Great review. I always have a look at your videos before buying anything in Lidl. I Have the exact same saw for about 4 or 5 months now and its held up very well. I Had the exact same issue with the extractor port falling off mine too. Can't complain too much for the price-point and how excellent the saw is otherwise.

[@JamesManCave]

Hi mate, no you can't, that's exactly my opinion. I know when I buy these Lidl/Aldi tools that they're not going to be perfect but a little fetling and you can get them working well

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Useful looking saw👍

[@JamesManCave]

It's not bad for the money at all

[@patpathinayake3586]

Hi James, Many thanks for the very concise and accurately presented video. Hope you could solve a wee problem for me. After seeing your Parkside review against the Ferrex band saw review I am not sure what to buy. Parkside one is £99.99 which can be picked up at the local LIDL store and Ferrex is £149.99 plus a delivery charge of £9.99 making a total £159.98. Delivery is 2-7 working days. So, for extra £59.99, what am I getting? Thanks. Best of luck and keep up the good work.

[@JamesManCave]

Hi Pat, sorry for the delayed reply. To me the Ferrex offerd a better cutting table, a better fence, and much greater depth of cut. I thought the Parkside saw would be enough for what I wanted to cut, but within a few days I soon realised most of the wood I bought to use I couldnt fit on the parkside when doing rip cuts. I paid the same price and delivery charge as you, I much happier with the ferrex

[@steveclark..]

​@@JamesManCaveDo you know if you can get a blade that cuts metal for the Aldi machine?

[@stuartosborne6263]

Great review thankyou.

[@JamesManCave]

Thanks, no problem, wasn't any reviews of this bandsaw about when I bought it, so hope it helped 👍

[@guilliokeaney6487]

Can you do a video on Changing the blade

[@JamesManCave]

There are loads of videos out there showing how to change the blade and set up a bandsaw. I don't think I can add any more to the videos already out there

[@peterskidmore8222]

Just a thought, regarding the fence. How about turning the lever half a turn and pushing it down to lock? (Instead of the full turn you gave it). You might get the full throw of the lever and it might be tight enough.

[@JamesManCave]

Yep, I tried that and it still moves, it needs that 1 extra turn to lock it in solid. The front doesn't seem to move to much, it's the back lack that seems to slip

[@jellevandermaden]

Lock the lever than turn it clockwise to tighten the fence as tight as you like.

[@gerardfoley9619]

Changing the blade is it difficult to do ?

[@JamesManCave]

No, not at all. You have to remove 1 bolt from the table, and then slacken off the tensioning wheel

[@gerardfoley9619]

Cheers

[@TheEcorristine]

Excellent video, extremely well described, was very dubious about buying one but think you've convinced me to go for it. What was the description of the blades you changed for and can you please provide a link where CB to get them , thanks a million

[@JamesManCave]

Hi, that's good to hear I've helped with your description, I'm quite happy with mine, and I've used it a lot more then I thought I would. The blade for ripping I use is amzn.to/33aPZGr And the thin blade I use for detailed work is amzn.to/2VUGeux Hope these help 👍

[@SCRAPWOODTOCRAFTWOOD]

Those little hobby bands are great james ideal for small boxes and such just a pity they will only cut 3 inch stock good review buddy

[@JamesManCave]

I fully agree with you, excellent for the money, I know it has a few small issues, but generaly its pretty good. And yes, cutting 6 inch boards is out of the question :(

[@karlpopewoodcraft]

Hi a really thorough review mate. I have the titan and it's definitely the worst titan tool I've bought, titan don't even sell the blade and the size it states on the box is incorrect 🙄. So I'm left with a looseish blade.

[@JamesManCave]

Thanks mate. Oh dear that's not good. What if you measure the blade diameter by checking it point to point with a length of string?

[@karlpopewoodcraft]

@@JamesManCave ye I actually measured it and it's a size that's not made I would need one making. I've heard a few are like this and some are just a different size but still not correct. God knows what they're doing when making them.

[@peterskidmore8222]

I'm about to get the Titan, based on Peter Millard's review. What's so bad, except the fence and lack of blades? ;-)

[@PBFPartnership]

Hi James, thanks for the review, I have one of these and I am very pleased with what this little machine can do. I would of liked to have tried and used the blade that you are using 1400mm*12mm*4Tpi sadly even after doing a google search I seem unable to see one for sale anywhere. Any suggestions as to where I can purchase this blade. Cheers John

[@JamesManCave]

Hi John, thanks, despite a few minor issues with the bandsaw its also something I love using and wouldn't be without in my workshop now. Here is a link to the exact blade i mentioned. Cheers amzn.to/32hsmvm

[@PBFPartnership]

@@JamesManCave Hi James now ordered Thanks for taking the time to respond. Cheers John

[@chalkychoochoo2304]

I had one of these, my first ever band saw and the blades kept coming off or snapping no matter what I did with tensioning, I bought better blades, still kept having the same problem. Watched video about tensioning etc, but no joy. I spent more time repairing it & tweaking it than I did using it. Eventually got fed up with it and gave it away. Wish I knew what I was doing wrong or what was wrong with the saw!

[@JamesManCave]

This is also my first bandsaw, and I would say it's quite critical with the tracking of the top wheel more then the tension. Silly question maybe, but did you have the blade the right way up? If the blades run the wrong way this will cause issues as well

[@chalkychoochoo2304]

@@JamesManCave I did, just to this day don't know if it was me, or did I get a dud somehow. I read articles, watched videos, seemed no matter what I tried it came off or snapped. Maybe I've just no instinct for bandsaws!

[@JamesManCave]

@@chalkychoochoo2304 maybe you might of had a dud, I know mine was a little bit fiddly to get right as mine would slip of the wheels, but I went through everything, spent about 2hours to get one blade set right, and then ever since I've had no problem now when I change blades, and it was the top wheel tracking that was crucial in my set up

[@chalkychoochoo2304]

@@JamesManCave Glad you got yours going anyway 👍

[@JamesManCave]

Cheers mate, hopefully you will get another bandsaw that suits you better then this one did 👍

[@Marks_outdoors]

I have the same saw but in Aldi workzone colours it’s a great saw for the money

[@JamesManCave]

Yep, completely agree. I don't expect a top of the range tool for the money these are, and for what I use it for it does a great job

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I´ve bought a number of tools from Lidl, this was by far the worst. It's not been used much. Its so bad that I'm about to ditch it. It was badly set up when bought. The guard wouldn't move down, the blade is stretchy, the fence moves about, the only good things appear to be the motor and the cut-out microswitches. BTW I'm a trained workshop technician.

[@spiritofscouse]

i used it again after a few months changed to new blade and blade wont cut straight. i feel like throwing it out of the window

[@JamesManCave]

That just sounds like you need to alter the tension a bit more. The nut underneath the knob on the top need to be slackened off as well

[@spiritofscouse]

@@JamesManCave im thinking maybe the guides are not set up well?

[@JamesManCave]

@@spiritofscouse that's a possibility, also the height of them matters when cutting something, I've found lowering the guides to about 10mm above what I'm cutting helps

[@davidwebb3995]

RADIATOR HOSE WITH A SLIGHT 90 DEGREE BEND WORKS FINE ON MY DRAPER AND A JUBILEE CLIP

[@JamesManCave]

FANTASTIC IDEA. hadn't thought it that 👍

[@bojanbulic8807]

What new blade did you get, from what manufacturer

[@JamesManCave]

The 2 blades I bought/upgraded to are mentioned in the video description

[@williamn01]

James do you buy the exact size blades that the saw states? Or do you go a few mm smaller I've found on my bandsaw it's a nightmare to get tension it's not the same saw as yours was just wondering?

[@JamesManCave]

I buy 1400mm blades as they do fit well on my bandsaw. You could try slackening off the top wheel to its minimum adjustment, and then measure around both wheels point to point with a piece of string, then you will know a rough size of blade to buy 👍

[@williamn01]

@@JamesManCave cheers James going to look at some from tuffsaws meant to be decent

[@davidpauljones5061]

Can the liddl band saw also be to cut metal with out damaging the bearings using a metal blade of course

[@davidpauljones5061]

Im looking to get a bandsaw. To do both wood & metal.it also size ov motor 350w be ample for the jobs in mind

[@JamesManCave]

@@davidpauljones5061 yes I don't see why not, I don't think it would be capable of cutting really thick stuff. But I would have thought 6mm steel would be fine

[@Electronieks]

99euro in lidl belgium

[@JamesManCave]

That's a great price, on eBay they are selling for £150

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍

[@Triumphliefhebber]

This Parkside bandsaw is flimsy and not worth the money. Ihave never had such a poor performance by electrical equipment of any brand (Makita, Metabo, Bosch, Black&Decker, skill, ….). This bandsaw is made by Scheppach. A disgrace to represent as their service is basically non existant. DO NOT BUY THIS RUBBISH. You have been warnedif you don’t want to loose your money and get losts of frustration