Bandsaw recomendations

[grsthegreat]

I agree, that is the one problem. I often find the cuts have a bit of a curve to them. It will probably get better as I use it more.

I have found the ONLY way to get straight cuts with my porta-band is to go real slow.

I use mine mostly for EMT pipe, so it not too much of an effort. For solid plate it might be a pain.

 

[deereman75]

I have found the ONLY way to get straight cuts with my porta-band is to go real slow.

I use mine mostly for EMT pipe, so it not too much of an effort. For solid plate it might be a pain.

it also might help if mine had a knob on the front, it has an old bolt right now.

 

[Short Game]

I bought an el cheapo used at a garage sale for $50. Just used it today to cut miters in 2X2X1/4" square tube for turning an old Kubota 3PH backhoe into a trailer mount setup. The floor models like that Jet are the ticket when you need something like a miter. My 14" abrasive chop saw would do it, but setting the vice is a real pain. The bandsaw shines for this. It's slower to cut, but you don't have to be there for the whole cut. It just turns itself off when the cut is done.

 

[billybobjimmyjoejack]

I have one of the Milwaukee deep cut portabands that I use either as a hand held saw or I can put it in a stationary base that I built to do some lighter cutting and some odd angles. It is amazing to me as to the odd cuts I can make with the portaband when it's in the base. If the blade seems to "wander" it may be dull.
I also have a 14" Jepson slow speed (1300rpm) dry cut saw that works really well on straight cutoffs, much better than the abrasive blade ones.
The saw that I seem to use the most is my 7 1/4" worm drive Skilsaw with a carbide tipped metal cutting blade. You can use the Skilsaw just the same in mild steel as you would for cutting lumber and you can have the blades sharpened. I have cut material as thick as 1" with great success.
Carbide tipped metal cutting saw blades cut smooth with no burrs and they will not burn paint or powder coating and they produce very few sparks.

The next purchase for me would be one of the small JET stationary band-saws they seem to be well made and the blades are readily available. I have missed 3 of them on Craigslist in my area for about $125 each (huh imagine that) so I keep looking.
What I like about the small JET saw is being able to use it in the vertical or horizontal positions, that frees up my portaband to be portable as it was meant to be.

I have also been looking at one of the counter rotating, dual blade cutoff saws they look interesting and the concept seems sound but I really don't have a need for one right now. So I will continue looking for the JET band saw.

 

[buggyman1]

This one is $850 with shipping: G4030 6-1/2" x 9 1/2" Metal-Cutting Bandsaw, but they do have some for 3-400. Would like to hear if anyone has bought stuff from Grizzly. Their stuff looks good quality but don't know personally.

I've had a Grizzly saw for about 6 yrs, love it, only thing i've replaced is blades and soluble oil.

 

[mjncad]

I have the Wilton version of this Jet vertical bandsaw. JET Tools -

I just checked the Wilton site and they no longer list machinery, just vises, clamps, and hammers.

I have the following Grizzly horizontal bandsaw. G9742 5" x 6" Metal-Cutting Bandsaw w/ Swivel Head

I wouldn't be without either one. Pix of my bandsaws are here. https://picasaweb.google.com/110106108324823291002/ToolsPower#

 

[deereman75]

I have the Wilton version of this Jet vertical bandsaw. JET Tools -

I just checked the Wilton site and they no longer list machinery, just vises, clamps, and hammers.

I have the following Grizzly horizontal bandsaw. G9742 5" x 6" Metal-Cutting Bandsaw w/ Swivel Head

I wouldn't be without either one. Pix of my bandsaws are here. https://picasaweb.google.com/110106108324823291002/ToolsPower#

I think I know why wilton doesnt list them anymore. In the URL bar of the jet site, it says JETWILTON. I think the company that owns jet and powermatic bought out wilton.

 

[k0ua]

This one is $850 with shipping: G4030 6-1/2" x 9 1/2" Metal-Cutting Bandsaw, but they do have some for 3-400. Would like to hear if anyone has bought stuff from Grizzly. Their stuff looks good quality but don't know personally.

I have this Grizzly:

G9742 5" x 6" Metal-Cutting Bandsaw w/ Swivel Head

It works very well, and I really like the swivel head feature. but the automatic stop switch engagement bolt, I never got to work correctly. I stay with the saw anyway when it is cutting and just operate the switch manually. I also added a folding handle to the stand to make it easier to move around. Overall a good saw for the money, Any bandsaw you buy will be so much better than what you are using now, you will be in heaven.

James K0UA

 

[5030]

The OP wants a reasonable priced saw below 500 bucks which is why I suggested the basic bandsaw that Jet, Grizzly, HF and NH offer for around 200 bucks and will do 99% of what he requires.

If we want to go all out, why not opt for a Roll-In. I have one in the shop and the basic model is 5 grand. Better yet, how about a Dake CNC controlled production saw. You need a big wallet there. The basic Dake is 15 grand.

You can't beat the no frills basic saw for basic home shop requirements and yes, it miters too. The hobbyist needs no more.

Flood coolant on any saw is a mess (unless you use the right coolant and maintain it). Most bi-metal blades of quality manufacture will run wet or dry. We cut stainless every day with a dry blade.

 

[deereman75]

on the topic of oiling the cut, there is a plate right on my porter cable that says to use wax to lube the blade. That and a lenox bi-metal blade works great.