What Bandsaw To Buy?

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OK, so I did a search function on this first and didn't come up with much.  I know nothing about bandsaws, but I'm looking for a reliable clean way to cut metal sheet and tubing for projects.  I have a chopsaw already, but I'd like the ability to cope angles as well.  I also have a Milwaukee Portaband.   I need something portable.  I guess I could find a corner of my garage for a larger unit if I needed to.  I'm not understanding what is meant by a 9" vs a 14" bandsaw.  Is that the size of the rollers?There's a full size JET on my local CL.  I think it's in nice shape and the guy wants $700 for it.  I'd have to post back the actual model.  So what size verticle bandsaw should I look into for hobby use?  Again, I'd like to be able to cut metal sheet and tubing for projects cleanly and squarely.  Also, what TPI do you like for aluminum vs. Steel?Thanks in advance for the help.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I've been looking for a bandsaw to cut metal for a long time and I can't find anything. Only options I know of are buying a regular bandsaw and converting it to metal (with jackshaft and pullies) however I have no idea on how to do it, what to measure etc so I gave up on that idea.I just bought a HF vertical horizontal bandsaw and used the 20% off couponhttp://www.harborfreight.com/horizon...saw-93762.htmlI talked to a few people that have the same one and they said with a good blade (18tpi) and a few mods (like a oil can that lubes up the blade) the saw will last a long long time. One guy said he has had his for 7+ years. With the 20% off I got it with a warranty for under $250 including tax. Only thing that sucks is the stand. And it's not super portable, the thing is HEAVY. I have been playing with it, cuts aluminum like butter, angles are easy to do.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Here's a posting from another site on the Harbor Freight one. I have  had mine for four years and it cut square right out of the box. Just requires guality blade. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=137581
Reply:Here is a group dedicated to the 4x6 bandsaw and has every kind of modification you can imagine:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/4x6bandsaw/TxDoc's Photos Lincoln SP175 PlusLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln 250 LX Spool Gun Lincoln Precision Tig 225 Hypertherm 600 KMG 2x72 Belt GrinderBaldor 812RE Grinder
Reply:I have a little jet as well, and for what it is, its a great tool. Alot of people fail to mention that this saw also locks in the upright position for cutting patterns and such which is a killer feature. 2 saws in one.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255I'm not understanding what is meant by a 9" vs a 14" bandsaw. Also, what TPI do you like for aluminum vs. Steel?
Reply:Start by printing speed chart.http://www.freetechnicalcharts.com/m...peed_Chart.pdfHere's a thread about an inexpensive vertical:weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=62013
Reply:I forgot to mention--you said you have a portaband.  Swag Off-Road makes three versions on this table that will allow you to use your portaband as a vertical bandsaw, Milwaukee Tools or DeWalt.   A foot pedal from Harbor Freight (or Swag) will allow you to concentrate on your two hands while cutting and your foot can be ready to stop the saw, if needed. That will give you a little more versatility.http://swagoffroad.com/Portaband_V_THREE.htmlhttp://www.harborfreight.com/momenta...tch-96619.htmlhttp://www.harborfreight.com/power-m...tch-96618.htmlLast edited by TxDoc; 02-28-2012 at 03:02 PM.TxDoc's Photos Lincoln SP175 PlusLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln 250 LX Spool Gun Lincoln Precision Tig 225 Hypertherm 600 KMG 2x72 Belt GrinderBaldor 812RE Grinder
Reply:the only tip i have is buy one that has a swivel head, NOT a swivel clamp. Youll quickly notice 6-8meter lengths of steel take up a whole heap space you dont have.i know these come under different brands but its rubbish. ( i know i had one)https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/B006
Reply:I bought a Rigid 14" wood bandsaw and built a jack shaft reduction setup to convert it to metal cutting. If you are interested I can post pictures of how I did it.
Reply:Originally Posted by sanddan52I bought a Rigid 14" wood bandsaw and built a jack shaft reduction setup to convert it to metal cutting. If you are interested I can post pictures of how I did it.
Reply:I have one of the Black Bull (buffalo) 4x6 horizontal saws that I've had for probably 12yrs.  I've never had any problems with it..   I use it all the time..I like 14-18 variable pitch bi-metal blade...I also keep a fine 24tpi blade around for thin sheetmetal..   I've cut loads of 2x3 and 2x4 tubing with it.The only brand of blades I use are Olson.. It also stands up so you can use it as a light duty vertical saw.. You pretty much have to straddle it to use it that way though.  A guy could take one and design a vertical mount for it and it would probably work great..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:This is a great one.  Love the "it only needs a simple fix with a $5 part". That's one of my all time favorite BS remarks.  If it was hat cheap and easy to fix, why not do it and sell for a better price?Avoid scams and fraud by dealing locally! Beware any deal involving Western Union, Moneygram, wire transfer, cashier check, money order, shipping, escrow, or any promise of transaction protection/certification/guarantee. More info4x6" Grizzly Bandsaw Model #G0622 - $200 (Huntington, NY)Date: 2012-02-05, 7:35PM ESTReply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]Grizzly Bandsaw Model #G0622Selling for parts. Currently missing 1 bolt on the upper wheel assembly which is only a $5 part. Otherwise it's in great working condition. Features:Automatic shutoffThree cutting speedsBall bearing constructionVertical cutting attachmentHandles and wheels for portabilitySpecifications:Motor 3/4 HP, 110V, single-phase, 1725 RPMMax. capacity circular 4-1/2" dia.Max. capacity rectangular 4-1/2" x 6"Blade speeds 78, 108, 180 FPMBlade size 64-1/2" x 1/2"Approx. shipping weight 127 lbs Location: Huntington, NYit's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interestsPostingID: 2836581487Copyright © 2012 craigslist, inc. terms of use privacy policy feedback forumTA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum