Cheap Band Saw Review - Ferrex 10" Bandsaw from Aldi

[@rogercamp2910]

I bought the lidl bandsaw 8 years ago. I built two spruce strip canoes and a single seat aircraft using it. Superb piece of equipment. Around that time I also bought the planer from Aldi. After stripping don and cleaning it thoroughly I used this to plane the strips and all the wood for the canoes and aircraft. The planer can plane to one tenth of a millimeter. Both are still in use today.

[@richardwaters7770]

I bought my bandsaw nearly 50 years ago when I was living in Canada. I've moved several times since and it's still the most useful machine in my workshop. It's very good for sawing up frozen bread!

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

" dad, what are these red marks in the bread, and why did you use those grown up words in your workshop ?".

[@SB-gm6zx]

I am new to woodworking and I find your videos so easy to understand. have heard so many people and I will only view others if you haven’t made a title. Thank you.

[@2spoons]

I'm a woodworker so yes I have a larger bit of machinery (but its not the first bandsaw I bought and I started off with a much smaller/cheaper model)... big tip is use your spirit level and get it right angled to the floor.... also on a faster belt it cuts faster and straighter (but mistakes are all quicker) - great video and I watch most of your footage as I'm still on a learning curve

[@ChristianN-]

When I was a small child, my dad used to bring me along to the butcher. I vividly remember him using the bandsaw and I was probably well into my teens or even young adulthood before I realized bandsaws where used by carpenters and woodworkers. Thanks for bringing these nice memories of my dad back 😊

[@ProperDIY]

Nice memory. When I cut the lamb, the combination of lamb mince and sawdust in my workshop smelt just like my Dads shop - funny how memories come back.

[@iantait309]

Hi Christian I believe the Band-saw was originally invented to cut meat.

[@ChristianN-]

@@iantait309 that is interesting!

[@andrewhudson2860]

It's gonna be terrible to clean that out. 🤮

[@LeverGating]

Highly informative and so clearly put over. Thanks Stuart.

[@davidross1210]

Now to convince she who must be obeyed that a bandsaw is actually an essential kitchen utensil that I'd be happy to buy her for Christmas... wish me luck.

[@ProperDIY]

I can assure you it will cut turkey as well as lamb if that helps!

[@suehawkins4352]

I’d be over the moon if my husband bought me that for Christmas.

[@geoffharrower2845]

Remember to clean up perfectly after cutting meat … the sawdust will stink out your workshop

[@mattlawton4715]

@@ProperDIY got to get your moneys worth cutting your own steaks 👌

[@ProperDIY]

@@mattlawton4715 Yep!

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

Stuart, I've been umming and ahhing about buying a bandsaw for a while, I didn't think I could justify such a purchase. Having seen this video and how cleanly these saws cut, I'm going to have a look at one of these. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

I bought a DIY Electra Beckum 315 over 20 years ago and never had a problem with it . Cost 300£ with floor stand . I have modified it , upgraded with new bearings , rollers etc . As a professional restorer - conservator this machine has been perfectly adequate and tackled every task

[@essentialhandyman]

This reminds me, I've got one of these sitting in my office, that I bought about a year ago. I really should get around to unboxing it and giving it a go. Thanks for the reminder and great video Stuart..

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@NikNakGB]

You may find a feeler gauge helpful when setting up those guide wheels

[@peterflynn9123]

I’ve got one - and it’s one of the most used tools in my workshop. Mines set up on a stand with wheels so I can easily get to it with awkward pieces.

[@chrisedmonds4005]

Great review Stu. Sold out at the moment, but will look at one when back In stock. I was a butcher for 20 years so I've cut a few legs of new Zealand 🇳🇿 lamb in my time and millions of T-Bone steaks. Thinking back now our bandsaw was lethal! You certainly had to be in the wide awake club. I've still got 8 fingers and 2 thumbs though, bonus. I moved into engineering then for 10 years, a bit of a change.

[@CrimeVid]

I bought the smallest Record bandsaw for about the same money years ago, it’s been a gem. It is about as simple as you can get. easy to set up. Will cut 4 1/4” deep 11” wide.

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Another great video! Whilst building the furniture for my camper conversion I bought a second hand Dewalt track saw I have never looked back! Safer to use than my Dewalt table saw. Whether you need a small accurate cut or ripping down a 8 x 4 sheet it is my go to tool now. Something to add to your Christmas list 🎄👍😃

[@coppulor6500]

that sounds much more appealing. thanks!

[@flyc3]

And a top tip to fix the wobbly mitre gauge - pop a strip of duct tape on either side of the mitre bar and the wobble will be gone!

[@janinew233]

Most of my power tools are Bosch, but I bought an Aldi impact drill when I was in shopping one day just to see what it was like. I used it to drive in 8" screws into sleepers and I was pleasantly surprised with the quality. I would definitely recommend Aldi tools too.

[@samvimes1482]

After my Bosch power drill died I replaced it with one from the Lidl. I normally use two, one for drilling and one for screwing stuff together, so I just wanted something inexpensive (and I was a bit curious if it was any good at all). It is actually much better than the one I still had!

[@thedj5914]

Yeah I bought this also with the 5amp battery. No problems and easier to control than the dewalt impact driver which feels flimsy to me !!

[@DavidBrown-ok1rf]

More than 60 years ago was my first experience of a band saw, as you demonstrated at the end, My Dad had a butcher shop and most lamb back then came from NZ and was frozen, the band saw was excellent at breaking down lamb in to primal cuts, legs, shoulders, loins, then as with your leg of lamb cut the loins into perfectly same size chops. Sadly, being the son, I was tasked with the cleaning every time it was used.

[@ProperDIY]

Same experience! Yes NZ lamb always came frozen. 4 pm was always time to start the cleaning process - lots of hot water and saw dust required!

[@DavidBrown-ok1rf]

@@ProperDIY 4pm? my Dad was a southern version of Arkwright, didn't start cleaning until the front door was shut and bolted, just in case a last customer came in before 6pm who wanted chicken portions or lambchops, frozen chickens were another boon for the saw, down the middle then legs and breasts cut in a blink of an eye, and get the money in the till ;-)

[@markpearce849]

Another great video from Stuart. Don't forget to connect duct extraction to the ports, saves clogging up the lower wheel. Also I find removing the table easier to adjust the lower bearings/guides. I get my replacement blade from Andy at Tuffsaws.

[@JL-rx6hl]

+1 for Tuff saws

[@duster.]

+1 Tuff saws

[@steveparkes1266]

Great build and review and perfect timing as I’ve just ordered one today ! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Glad I could help

[@zohzf605]

Really helpful closeups, and tips, thanks. Good luck with the cleaning after your last project…

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I'm used to cleaning butchers shop equipment

[@daveshakespeare1610]

Fantastic to see somebody using and reviewing something that most people can afford. Sick of all the wannabe Pro's pulling their Dewalts and high end gear out to make a rabbit hutch!! Thanks for the Video :-)

[@ProperDIY]

Lamb cutlet with a MDF sauce and just a touch of WD40.

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Couldn't agree more! I've got the Parkside variant. I bought it years ago at a real bargain price. It's not perfect, but with a decent half inch blade, it is so much better than using a jigsaw.

[@carlthorpe4059]

Perfect timing as I ordered mine on Wednesday, just waiting for it to be delivered. Love the channel, keep up the great work!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you!

[@scottmodha2195]

Great content as ever, and loved the fact you weren't "sheepish" about using it to cut those chops! 🤣

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you liked it and I see what you did there!

[@clausnymann5527]

I think you meant: "I see what ewe did there!"? :-D

[@Thursdaym2]

They look good, stake my life on it and I know!

[@das5813]

My advice is to always count your fingers before and after using any saw especially a bandsaw. I've seen so many professional woodworkers with fingers or parts of fingers missing.

[@somewhereelse3813]

OK not something I have room for but love watching your content anyway. These reviews are good for us novices. Look forwards to fridays. Thanks

[@CrusaderSports250]

I have a Rexxon bandsaw that I would describe as a heavy duty diy/ light industrial machine, I have cut solid wood blocks 8" thick in the past with a 3/8 blade, the thing to remember is to let the blade cut and use the minimum of force or the blade will wander, it was on the limit for my machine but taken slowly it did the job, band saws are good and at the price you payed why would you not have one and for the money Ferrex tools are not bad, I have one of the small battery powered angle grinder like circular saws, don't really like it as with no riving knife it can have a vicious kick back, if buying one be very very careful using it on sheet stock, the very thing I bought it for!!. Take care and stay safe out there.

[@markirish7599]

Another great video packed with great information. Thank you for teaching me new skills

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colingoode3702]

I see all the hints about the lack of a table saw haven't been successful yet😂 Another good & very watchable video. Keep them coming. This has got me wondering whether I need a band saw in my life. My main issue is space - or lack of. My single garage is already rammed with barely enough room to swing a cat.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. No, it's not working yet. I'm going to keep going at it though even if it kills me!

[@SprocketN]

You could trade your cat for a smaller one and have enough space 🤪

[@colingoode3702]

@@SprocketN I've already got three cats & the wife is talking about getting a dog as well 😣. What garage space I have got will soon be taken up with jumbo bulk buy dog food bags & the like. Currently I'm re-boarding & adding extra insulation & shelving in my loft with the hope it will make some extra space available in the garage for project work. Not sure if this will work or not but it keeps me busy now that I'm retired.

[@colingoode3702]

@@ProperDIY Ha ha. I have a little Power Devil table saw which I bought years ago. It's OK but too small for cutting large sheet material so I only use it now & again. The mitre guide slots are a really sloppy fit & the clamping mechanism for the fence is cr** so it's not very accurate. As a result I have resorted to using collapsible work tables, saw horses & a straight edge with my circular saw for cutting larger material. Good luck with the hunt for a table saw sponsor 😉

[@mrb4408]

I have a RECORD POWER BS 250 bandsaw that retails at around £350, and I struggle to cut a post that size with great accuracy. Impressed.

[@awantamta]

Great video. I have keeping my eye out in Aldi but they haven't arrived here yet but you are the second expert to recommend one so I'll be getting one if they get here.

[@lambjf187]

I think Peter Millard said all that needed to be on the Ferrex saw a while ago, hence the sudden demand levels, when it went on sale again. LOL. It definitely worth the money, just needs a decent blade.

[@johnmccallum8512]

I think you will find that all bandsaw blades are equaly crap 20+ years using them.

[@MrPete1x]

I hope you made another two sections for that rainbow. Great video thank you

[@Johny732601]

Not sure if it has been said, and I'm a bit late to the party but when setting up the guide rollers getting your "close but not touching" it easiest if you put a piece of paper between the two snug it up and tighten then remove the paper. if you find the clearance is to much (shouldn't be) just use something thinner, for REALLY close fits I personally use a "laminating pouch" that I have in 2 forms, 1 was sent through the laminator empty as the plastic makes it slip out nicely obviously though the most accurate way is to just use a set of feeler gauges (I can never find mine when I want them)

[@Stu1982]

Proper job, me ole mucker. Always happy to watch a proper diy video.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@wjb2]

I cant stop laughing at the last bit, I cant wait to see the goodie goodie brigade launching in about that section. keep up the good work

[@karma3101]

Another great informative vid. I was considering purchasing a bandsaw but will definitely be getting one now..

[@ProperDIY]

Glad I could help

[@colindoesdiy]

Hi Stuart, thanks for bringing this to our attention, I have until recently been watching the Aldi Website every other day waiting for them to be in stock but it kept saying "Delayed - Coming Soon" then about ten days ago, they disappeared off their Website altogether which made out they would not be available at all now or possibly even in the future. Thanks to your Video, I have now snapped one up while they still have stocks but they are going very fast, so thanks again.

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one! At least my channel has some use!

[@alanmydland5210]

have four bandsaw s, two metal and two wood, horizonal and vertical. carter guides are the real deal if you have trouble cutting straight, and i had plenty. silicon belts are a great up grade when the cheapies wear out

[@martinwells2990]

There is absolutely nothing wrong in buying cheap woodworking equipment like this band saw, because most of us will use these tools a handful of times in a year. Of course, if you are a professional woodworker, you would be advised to get the best. But for the rest of us that might only need a tool once or twice, cheap makes sense.

[@browniemitch8]

Great video, very informative 👌 As the Aldi one isn't available do you have a second recommendation please

[@disklamer]

You could use a piece of thin paper wrapped around the blade as a shim to adjust the bearing guides.

[@Adrianbacon-c9q]

I used my chopsaw for slicing frozen black pudding once, looked like a murder scene by the time I was done. Great video as always, I must get one of these.

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one - I'm sure it did!

[@paulp96275]

Great review and I just knew the steak would be cut we did it on ours but it took a while before we realised where the flys where coming from ,the fragment of the meat where nicely spread around the shop 😂👍👨🏻‍🏭

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Yes, a good clean afterwards is definitely essential!

[@BarryM60]

Just gt mine and this helped thank you! just wondering do you leave the tension on - or loosen off when not in use?

[@keithl4779]

Good video and very interesting (plus humour)

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@duster.]

Nice review. On the wider blade it looks as if your guide bearings are too far back. I have a Record Power BS250 and all of the info that I have seen says that the bearings, top and bottom, should be set so that the front face of the bearing should be in the gullet of the teeth for best results.

[@donaldscheer5206]

I Need To Get Me A Bandsaw! Thank You For This Review!

[@barrywall3333]

Great video Stuart, hope you enjoyed the chops :-)

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Some are currently defrosting for tonight as we speak!

[@jimadams6159]

Seems like a good tool, thanks for the review. One point though as well as the eye protection should you not be wearing ear protection?

[@ProperDIY]

I didn't find it noisy - very quiet

[@sunnybnk]

The band saw is mostly quiet but does produce very fine dust, hence I use respiratory protection.

[@TeddyBear-nd7nf]

I remember my father always complaining about the smelly band saw in the family owned carpenters shop after my grandfather used it for cutting stockfish!

[@The_man_himself_67]

Greetings gentlemen. Just ordered my Axminster 10". Gonna enjoy the Xmas break this year 😁.

[@barryroberts6470]

Great video and i have seen that Bandsaw before, but i already have a desktop Bandsaw which unfortunately doesn't cut some nice thick chops. Enjoy your meal 😃 Take Care, Barry (Wirral)

[@john6203]

Great video, someday I hope to get a bandsaw. I find I need one more and more everyday.

[@Stop..carry-on]

I have the same saw yet under a different name. You might find after a bit of use you may need to bypass or replace the interlocking switch’s - I ended up just cutting them both out of the circuit

[@jigsey.]

Great review and video...I never knew it could take an half inch blade, just ordered a new blade 😁

[@ProperDIY]

Glad I could help!

[@jimtyzack1653]

Just bought one on the strength of your recommendations. I struggled with the table assembly and that locking lever! Lost the bolt inside the housing but retrieved with a magnet. Where did you get your woodworking gloves? They look good. Do they offer much protection? Thanks for the videos. Looking forward to the hext one.

[@tommycone6277]

I like the last cut, not normally on DIY. THANKS

[@johnmcgonigal8533]

Useful video, now I know how to set mine up properly and stop breaking blades. Thanks

[@colrodrick8784]

Really like that fence. I have a crappy Chinese one I bought just over $100 Oz. Need to improve the fence and replace the blade. It’s always been garbage

[@JuanGarcia-1125]

PEDAZO de sierra! MERECIDÍCIMO like maestro! SAludos desde Reynosa México!!!

[@HumberFlyer]

Thanks for the video.... very helpful...... All's working well using mine, but I can't figure out how to release the tension on the belt to change over to the other speed

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. That's a good question which I don't know the answer to as I haven't tried it

[@HumberFlyer]

@@ProperDIY Have got it now. The manual says "release the belt with the tension screw for belt tensioning (46)".... you don't you do it by adjusting "nut 47"

[@peterjones9378]

have learnt a lot from your great video's, by the way are you mentioning tools you don't own in the hope of being sent items?

[@caldosan5823]

Mine’s arriving on Monday I’m afraid to watch this 😂

[@ProperDIY]

Dont be!

[@marbleman52]

HI, Proper DIY....did the manual show you how to adjust the track of the bandsaw blade on the correct spot on the tires?

[@hubertpounall1323]

I like that Band saw, love the Review's, how can I get one? I'm in Jamaica W .I.

[@hal4utube]

Very good and informative video. I've got a VERY old bandsaw that hasn't cut a straight cut in 20 years. I can't even get parts for it any more. Do you know if this Ferrex bandsaw is available in America? Thanks for letting us all know how easy it is to unbox and set up.

[@oliverwillandsen2609]

This is actually a Scheppach (German brand) marketed as Ferrex

[@sureshsharma-bw2md]

After watching your video I decided to purchase the same model. Just waiting for it to arrive. Can you confirm blade size please , is it 1140mm. Keep seeding different sizes on various sites. Looking to purchase a blade to cut metal. Thanks for great and informative videos

[@jerrycann9072]

This may be too late to be of any assistance but it comes with a 6mm blade 1790mm long. Tuffsaws (as recommended elsewhere here) give great advice and will provide a suitable blade, probably for around £10. If you get in touch speak with Ian - very helpful.

[@tarunarya1780]

Nice Video. Can you cut steel / stainless steel / aluminium with it?

[@Fatbrian45]

Hi Mr Proper DIY, on the subject of bandsaws, has your Ferrex been good to you and would you recommend any other budget bandsaw? Also, do you rate any budget table saws?

[@dwoodog]

We have a brand called King Canada. I bought the 9" model. I was a noob, and didn't wanna spend much. Think it was around $150 CDN. Well it's more of a hobby saw. Only 3.5" rip capacity and a 1/3 HP motor leaves me ready for an upgrade. The saw usually stalls out when cutting all but plywood material. Trying to re-saw say a 2x4......forget it.

[@BedsitBob]

Personally, on saws (both table and band), I prefer the fence on the right of the blade. It just feels more natural, to feed the material with my right hand.

[@jonescrusher1]

Excellent review.

[@ragnor56]

Bought one of these when they first came out after reading the reviews & have cut yards of different woods but the original blades are utter crap put decent strong blades in & they will go all day no matter what you throw at it !

[@markmatta8665]

Mine has literally just arrived.

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@paulprs9703]

Many thanks for the videos its helped no end!

[@ProperDIY]

Great to hear!

[@triplem9805]

Would a 10-thou or so feeler gauge make that 'up-to but not touching' bearing adjustment easier?

[@tomjohns8498]

They are available again and on watching your video I'm now a owner of a new wood and bbq cutting bandsaw,

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one! Grab it while it's available

[@andrewmazurkiewicz105]

You'll be picking bits of meat out of your projects for the next 6 months. I tried that 30 years on a frozen haggis my startrite 352, it murdered the teeth on the blade and took months to get all the bits of haggis out of the works, never again !!! nice video by the way . Most of the ferrex tools are pretty good for the price and as long as they are not abused work well. Cheers

[@ProperDIY]

No, I cleaned it thoroughly afterwards. I spent many years growing up in my dad's shop cleaning the equipment so good at getting rid of fat residue

[@750triton]

Higher speed for wood. Slower speed with the right blade you can cut ally too. As long as you have a minimum of 3 teeth inside the material when you cut all should be well. I've had 50mm ally through mine although it took a bit of time, it was straighter than I could have sawn by hand

[@richardpryce4706]

I got one of these and had high hopes for it, unfortunately the bed was wonky to the extent it was unuseable, it was 3-4mm out across the width so it went back. Hopefully mine was just a one off.

[@harryinhuahin1272]

We are in the process of buying a plot of land to build another house - - AND my first ever workshop. Most of the land my partner intends to "farm". I have suggested that whatever I buy for the workshop i will give her half as much to buy seeds and saplings etc... Is this fair...? So far she is quite agreeable... I feel a bandsaw coming on - perhaps after her first harvest...

[@ProperDIY]

I'm sure you can persuade her!

[@roxoriginal732]

For 150 that looks miles better than the metabo bas 316 .for a cheap band saw that looks like you can get away with most diy work on it .Good one mate Thanks for that ,like the meat skills as well lol 👌

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you liked it

[@monteglover4133]

One hint a high quality blade will transform your bandsaw

[@andrewgale7731]

I have an 8" cheap bandsaw which I was very happy with. But then I replaced the blade with a higher quality one and, wow, what a difference! It was like a totally different saw.

[@chrisedmonds4005]

@@andrewgale7731 what make are high quality blades?

[@shanejudd126]

I want a band saw, not only for wood but also aluminium. How do you think it will go cutting aluminium? Thank you

[@gregmize01]

just fine with the correct blades

[@twincamtim]

Great video, as usual. I admit to laughing quite a bit during it, but only because I am constantly mixing up dimensions.....just like you!

[@ProperDIY]

You and me both!

[@stephengirling7859]

I need one of those for my toenails!

[@Cradley684]

Great video seems great value for us DIY'er, Lidl Parkside brand is quite good to excellent value, have a nice day & Stay Safe Mate !!!.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Yes the Parkside kit is surprisingly good

[@mairtinodiomasaigh2428]

Are spare blades readily available or do other brands fit ?

[@ProperDIY]

Yes, lots of blades available from different companies

[@krissander1]

40 years ago my Dad put on a new blade and used his bandsaw to cut the frozen Christmas turkey in half (it was a very big bandsaw)

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@eldoradocraftsman3733]

That was Ace. I need one at that price but does it come with the leg of Lamb??

[@ProperDIY]

No lamb included! That leg cost 1/5 of the saw!

[@_Damian_.]

New subscriber!👍🏾 ...been after a bandsaw to replace my titan which has served me well but a bit limited and sometimes frustrating. This looks like an affordable upgrade for me. I've got lucky and literally just grabbed the last one online!

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one - well done!

[@einsteinscat1591]

Perfect. I buy stuff that I think will be really useful one day, put the box in the corner then open it years later. Only to find I was right and I should have opened it immediately. :-O DOH!

[@wildpat03]

Seems to be the exact copy of my Tacklife band saw bought in the US.

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

Looks nearly as good as the mighty Burgess three wheel, a small bandsaw with a very big throat.

[@TheRaven078]

Wish Aldi sold more than groceries here in the USA

[@qwertyuiop124172]

Hello, You have inspired me to buy this bandsaw but unfortunately it's not available from Aldi. Can you please suggest me any other brands. Thank you Best wishes from Leicester ENGLAND Ahmed

[@lowcarbRD]

I'm surprised it comes fitted with blade guides for that price! If I see one I may buy it.

[@kathrynwhitby9799]

have you done a comparison with the Screwfix/Toolstation models?

[@ProperDIY]

No. All the ones in Screwfix and Toolstation for the similar price are a lot smaller with half the power.

[@carllamb6711]

Hi Stuart Great video mate I treated myself last year to a new Record Power bandsaw, as you said they come in handy quite often but mine was over three times the price of yours after watching your video I can honestly say there’s no difference whatsoever 🤪🤪 👍👍👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Record Power looks a good saw