Band saw or re saw

[stupower]

Hi all, hoping somebody can help.
I have a 2 hp single phase bandsaw which I use now and again for forming specific sized timber (obviously!). For anything heavy duty though it takes a lot of effort to push anything through it. I have recently bought a second hand 3 phase generator which will give 11hp (or 8KW) of power. I have been looking at some old 3 phase band saws and re saws on ebay with a view to getting an industrial machine which will cut my timber better. To my surprise and alarm it seems that most of the bandsaws (ie startrite 30RWF and others) are only a 2 hp motor. And they are huge great machines. Does this mean that it would only be as powerful as the 2 hp single phase one I already have? Also, when I look at the re saws, they seem to have about a 15 hp motor which is far too big for my generator, which although gives 12hp can only run up to about a 3 hp machine (apparently). So I suppose my question is, would the big 3 phase 2 hp bandsaw cut my timber better than my single phase 2 hp bandsaw, or is the huge 3 phase machine just longer lasting and cheaper on electric, in which case for the amount I would use it it would not be worth getting.
Thankyou for staying with me so far,
Stuart (roofer)

 

[Jasonb]

What size timber and type are you trying to cut and what blade are you using.

For ripping you want a 4tpi blade at least 1" wide if your saw can tension it. An M42 blade will also outlast a standard blade by several times. Should be able to resaw 10" hardwood with this set up and your 2hp machine

Jason

 

[stupower]

Thanks Jason,
I am cutting anything from 8 x 4 down and my 2 hp single phase bandsaw really doesnt like it. I suppose my question is would a 3 phase 2hp band saw handle the load any better or just the same. BTW I am using a 4tpi blade at the moment, and on some of the huge half ton wadkin type bandsaws the blade width only goes up to 7/8ths.

Thanks again

Stuart