>>>ABRASIVE CUT-OFF or BAND-SAW ??<<<

[BearKiller]

I have had one of those generic "made in Taiwan" 64-1/2 x 1/2 metal-cutting band-saws for over thirty years.

It has served me well on countless projects, some quite intensive, such as building a deluxe fully-equipped 20-foot goose-neck live-stock trailer.

I have never used one of those H-F abrasive cut-off "chop-" saws.

How do they compare to my band-saw for general purpose cutting of such things as 1-1/2 x 3/16 angle-iron ??

I figure the abrasive wheels would be short lived; am I right ??

What can the "chop-saw" do that my band-saw can't ??

Is the chop-saw quite a bit quicker ??

Thanks.

 

[Kays Supply]

This past year I gave my son my band saw from Harbor Freight. I finally went and bought a " good " one at a local tool supply. It is not a US made, but as high end as I could afford. I am totally happy. It came with a sample piece cut off an 1 1/2" piece of round stock. I put a mic to it, and it was within a few thousands of perfect. I have used it for months, and am still on the stock blade. That is a big deal compaired to the old one. The main thing I like about a band saw over a chop, is that you can open it up and "free style" cut. That is not possible with a chop type. The chop saw is fast but not as neat or accurate.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I have found that abrasive saws are best for thin tubing, anything heavier than 1/8" and they take forever to make the cut. I too have had the Taiwan 64 1/2"x 1/2" band saw since 1982, still works good. But in recent years have upgraded to a bigger band saw and to a Makita metal cutting chop saw. Makita Cold Cut Metal Saw I have used the Makita on as big as 7x4x3/8 wall tubing. Takes right about 1 minute to make the cut.

 

[dex3361]

I have an abrasive Chop saw and small die grinder type abrasive cutters. I recently tried the Harbor Freight hand held cold saw and I am amazed at what that thing will do.Here is a link to the thread that I started on this saw. I cut that red piece of metal that is in the picture in a much shorter time than it would have taken with the abrasive chop saw. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/157375-have-you-tried-hf-metal.html

 

[roamrdb]

a chop saw will be much faster on stuff like 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 3/16 angle, and they do well on heavier metal too, but do have limitations with width, too much surface area of the wheel in contact with material makes em very slow. chop saw is really noisy, and dusty. one place where a chop saw really excels in my opinion is rusty dirty material that would dull a band saw blade. will also allow you to cut material that is so hard your band saw wouldn't even scratch it. on the other hand, i love my band saw too. suffice it to say that one complements the other.

 

[mjncad]

My biggest concern with abrasive chop saws is sparks going everywhere. Do you have a way to control where the sparks go so you don't have them find their way into something flammable?

 

[Topstrap]

I've been thinking of getting a bandsaw for metal cutting. I'm on my second Dewalt cutoff saw, my first one lasted just over 1 year and the armature where the brushes are started arching. The armature was ruined but the brushes still looked new. My second one is a bit over 1 year old now and is showing the same symptoms. My neighbor also bought his first one about the same time I did and his did the same thing. He ordered a new armature for his and it also did the same thing. I don't abuse mine but do use it and don't force it to cut fast and not really heavy stuff. That does seem to be a problem with that brand.

I do think a bandsaw is a better way to go now and you'll also not get the sparks flying everywhere out the back. You could make a barrier behind the say to somewhat contain the sparks since it does put on quite a show while cutting.

Topstrap

 

[Redneck in training]

The main advantage of the abrassive chop saw is portability. For anything else else band saw is better.

 

[bobodu]

I have never found the excuse to spend the money on a band saw,because the chop saw is far more versatile. Gotta get to work or I would give some examples.

 

[allenr]

I figure the abrasive wheels would be short lived; am I right ??

What can the "chop-saw" do that my band-saw can't ??

Yes, the cut-off wheels are fairly shortlived but can be replaced for about AU$3-5.

Doesn't take much to get a band cutting crooked and then you're up for AU$30 plus.

I agree chop saws are messy but they handle just about anything you throw at them.