If I could only have one cutting tool...?

[Iplayfarmer]

Right now this is hypothetical since I have other priorities for the money, but eventually I'm going to get some kind of cutting tool other than the 4" angle grinder that I currently use.

In my dreams right now are a Oxy/Acetylene cutting torch or a 14" Cut-off saw. I see myself doing some light fabrication including some implements. Maybe a backhoe, maybe a dump trailer. Mostly my metal fabrication will be limited to repairs and small mods to my existing equipment.

I see the biggest advantage of the cutting torch to be versatility...Cut, braze, heat for bending, weld. I see the biggest advantage of the Cut-off saw to be precision...good clean cuts, precise angles. They both seem to be in about the same price range. There's the consumable gas with the torch and the consumable blades with the saw.

I'd like to know from members who have either or both of the tools mentioned. Which is best if I can only have one, and why.

[BTDT]

I have both. I would go with the torch if I could only have one. With practice, you can make precision cuts, it's portable, it works when the electricity is off, you can make fires with it (intentional or otherwise), it's faster on heavier material, it boosts ego (anyone can use a chop saw ), can be used to thaw out frozen pipes, works underwater or in the rain, etc...

[Birdhunter1]

I have both, a good comparison of the two woudl be like a Sawzall and a miter saw. One tool will do the work of both but each has their place. if I had to go with one I woudl go with the torch simply because of the versatility, plus you can always torch somethign a bit long and then grind it down smooth and more precise to what you need it to be. Then again if you are after a more precise cut a chop saw can't be beat.

[philbuilt]

I have both and more But, by far the torch wins. remember you can only fit to a certain size under the saw. A good clean torch a practice will cut alot of big stuff. I just bought a portaband saw that can only handle 4.75" square a good clean cut and no odor from the abrasives.
Phil

[schmism]

a torch is like any other tool... theres a cheep one that is good for light stuff, but the "good" one will set you back some $$.

I like my 14" cut off saw, but what i use that for and what i use a torch for are rarely the same thing.

i will say this, after owning a 14" cut off saw, id save my pennies a bit longer and opt for a cheep horzontal cut off bandsaw.

A torch with out decent size gas bottles is just a dissapointment if you ask me

[sandman2234]

I don't remember the last time I used my chopsaw. I think I would consider a deep throat portaband before a chop saw. I only own the shallow throat models, but I have other methods for cutting, so I would think the portaband would be better than a chop saw.
David from jax

[Tom_Veatch]

I won't address the O/A torch since I don't have one. I do own a 14" chop saw which I bought first, and a 4x6 horizontal bandsaw which you didn't mention.

In my experience, there has been enough blade flex in the chop saw to make it unacceptable for any kind of precision cutting. I replaced it with the bandsaw for that reason. The chop saw now sits in the corner gathering dust.

There is a similar thread over in the Miller Welding Projects forum that you might want to take a look at.

[Farwell]

I vote for a metal cutting band saw with the bells and whistles. They can cost a lot more than a torch or a chop saw but if I had only one metal cutting tool it would be a band saw or at least a deep throat Portaband.
Tom, I have been experiencing some serious blade flex in my chop saw and this is the reason for wanting the band saw. I have lost several projects to the blade flexing. Glad to hear that I am not the only one with the problem. The chop saw is great for general chopping of metal but I can't get the accuracy I need with mine.
David B

[Kays Supply]

I have all of the above. I use the band saw more than than all the others put together. You can put a part in the clamp and walk off and do another step in your project or set it upright and cut some very exact small part by hand. My band saw is a cheap one from Harbor Freight. It took a lot of tinkering to get to hold a blade all the way through a project. I am currently saving for one of the oil bath pro models. I have used the old one foe over 15 years so I guess it has served me pretty good for the money.

[Bluecheck546]

For my money ... portaband saw. With it I have made a grapple attachment, plow, currently working on 10x5ft dump trailer. With little practice and 4.5 inch cutoff wheel you can cut most of the stuff you need to build/repair something.