Looking to buy a BandSaw

[rhamer]

FOr many years I have been using a grinder style chop saw to cut all my steel. The old cheapish unit I had served me extremely well until one day flames shot out the end and that was it.

I replaced it with a Makita (made in china) unit but it just dosen't cut as well as my old one. When cutting big stock like 90x90x5mm square it veers off vertical and I end up with a cut that looks like it belongs on the end of a chisel.

Anyway, I am considering buying a horizontal bandsaw to replace it. I want to get a middle of the road type as I do want it to last for ever and from time to time I cut quite big stock.

This is the sort of machine I'm looking at https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=B005#

However I have never used one before and I'm interested in how they perform in practice, compared to a chop saw.

I get the feeling they cut slower, but the result is better?
Do they take longer to load the stock?
Any other general comments on the difference between the 2 methods.

Cheers

Rohan

 

[flusher]

FOr many years I have been using a grinder style chop saw to cut all my steel. The old cheapish unit I had served me extremely well until one day flames shot out the end and that was it.

I replaced it with a Makita (made in china) unit but it just dosen't cut as well as my old one. When cutting big stock like 90x90x5mm square it veers off vertical and I end up with a cut that looks like it belongs on the end of a chisel.

Anyway, I am considering buying a horizontal bandsaw to replace it. I want to get a middle of the road type as I do want it to last for ever and from time to time I cut quite big stock.

This is the sort of machine I'm looking at https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=B005#

However I have never used one before and I'm interested in how they perform in practice, compared to a chop saw.

I get the feeling they cut slower, but the result is better?
Do they take longer to load the stock?
Any other general comments on the difference between the 2 methods.

Cheers

Rohan

I've had the same experience with a cheap 14" chop saw from Harbor Freight. Unacceptable cuts and noisy to boot.

Bought an HF band saw recently

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I've cut mild steel tubing 4"x4"x 1/4" wall with excellent results.

Yes, it's slow going with this type of saw. But it does have an auto-off feature that turns the power off when the cut is completed without operator intervention. I just clamp the stock into position (easy task), start the saw, lower it onto the stock and do something else while the saw does its thing. No muss, no fuss.

The HF unit is Chinese built. It's a heavy sucker. Takes 64-1/2" saw blades that cost about $10 U.S.

 

[DanD78]

I gave up chop saws several years ago because of the noise, the mess and having to crawl around on the floor. The saw you pictured looks pretty solid.

I have a Kalamazoo and a Wells. Both are in the 10" capacity range but work best in the 6" or less material range. A brand name used/old saw that you can get parts and blades for can be found for a few hundred dollars if you shop around. Don't force the cuts and don't cut hard steel and the blades will last a long time. Bi-metal blades, skip tooth and wave set are what give me the best results. There are no burrs or hot ends after the saw cuts. A wet saw will give longer blade life but is not necessary for hobby use.

I can't remember the last time I used my chop saw after getting the band saws. I also have a Porter Cable, Porta-Band that I use all the time with great results. One of those may be what you need.

Dan

 

[wushaw]

Mine is simular to what you showed. It is a NorthernTool/ Chinese brand. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...1204337199-building-dump-trailer-dsc00658.jpg

It cuts real nice and square, much better cuts than a chop saw. I still use my chop saw when needed and the cuts don't need to be square.

 

[radman1]

I have both an older metal cutting band saw (Olson?) and a Delta chop saw with fiber type blade. The band saw definitely cuts slower but makes a very nice cut. However, the bi-metal blades cost considerable more and it is not difficult to ruin one. I use the chop saw most of the time just because it is easier/faster to use.

I friend of mine who welds and cuts metal a lot, used an old industrial band saw for years. That saw used a coolant on the blade to prolong the life. About 1-2 years ago he bought a Milwaukee cut off saw with a good metal cutting blade instead of the fiber blade. It is all he uses now. The metal cutting 14" blade cuts fast and great. Blades seem to last a long time. I keep thinking about buying one, but my steel cutting is relatively minimal. I would buy a nice metal cutting blade and forget the bandsaw. You already have the chop saw. The metal cutting blade throws a lot of tiny bits of metal. Be sure to wear eye protection and don't stand behind the saw if someone else is using it. (It stings! Don't ask how I know.)

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

The problem with the chop saw cutting crooked is usually because of cheap blades that flex or cutting to fast. The metal cutting blades work great. The band saw you are looking at will do good for 90deg. cuts but when you start cutting at angles on larger pieces it is hard to get the clamp to hold. If I was going to spend that much money I would buy one that the saw swivels to cut angles.
Bill

 

[simplicityguy92]

i use the steal cutting band saw at school alot i like it but the blade has to be tensioned properly or it cuts real crookded

 

[cleatus]

That saw is branded for several companys and will be a real time saver if you have several cut the same lenght. I have stacked as many as 8-1"x1" sq. tubes and cut at the same time or 8-3/8"x4" bar stock.

 

[rhamer]

Well I was talking to my wife about it over lunch and she suggested I go and count up all the loose change I've been collecting in a jar for a while now.

It turned out there was over $800 in there (and I've still got some small stuff still to count) So I thought that is enough for me to go ahead with the saw.

Then I thought I would have a quick look on ebay, and found a company that was selling them online for $999 Buy it now. I have actually delt with this company a few times before and had no problems, so the deed is done and the saw is bought. It is identical to the one in the link I posted, and it comes with a BiMetal blade, But I'll have to get another couple for spares.

What would be a good number of TPI for the spare blades, they seem to range between 4 and 10 TPI?

Cheers

Rohan

 

[cleatus]

I use 4 and 6 for sawing lumber from logs, so i would think 10 or more. Check this link and notice that the blades say what they will cut. http://grizzly.com/products/7-x-12-Metal-Cutting-Bandsaw/G0561