Have you used a bandsaw like this before?

admin

For a while now, I've been looking for an American-made bandsaw that needs some TLC in the $500 price range.  The saw will have a pretty easy life, cutting average job-shop type materials like 2" x 6" x 1/4" tubing, 6" sch 80 pipe, some stainless square tubing, etc.  I have a dry-cut saw but I'm to the point that I need a saw in my one-man shop.The only saws I've been finding are the horiz/vert Jets like the HVBS-7MW, and a guy called with an older Enco 9 x 16, both of which are pictured below.  The pics are of new machines so hopefully you'll be able to recognize the saws.  They have each been sold under several different names - I know the Enco has also been sold as a Dayton for example.Both of these saws are Asian but have been around awhile.  I was wondering if anybody has hands-on experience with these saws.  Is there any reason NOT to buy one for a small one-man shop?I have done the CL / ebay thing - no luck.  Just need some advice on these two saws.  They are both priced about the same - around $500.  I think the Jet is selling new for upwards of $1,000 and the Enco now goes for around $2,000.  I'd like to know your experiences if you'd be so kind.   Attached Images
Reply:Check the blade sizes before buying. Some of those saws take odd size blades. If you have a supplier that makes the blades or you have a blade welder it doesn't matter. If you have to buy blades from stock then it is much more important.
Reply:I have one like the Enco, I think Ram is the name on it.It cuts OK I guess.Tim Beeker.
Reply:You cannot go wrong with that Jet. I have used the hell out of mine for the past 6 years. Other than maintenance, no problems. Cut through a boat load of 6x6 3/8" wall square tubing the other day. Took a few minutes but cuts nice and smooth with almost a mill finish. Also cuts alot of my stainless 11g tubing. It's nice to stack a dozen parts in the vise, turn it on and walk away.Blade size is common. Actually shares the same blade as my vertical Wilton.Last edited by 9er; 01-22-2012 at 03:14 PM.
Reply:My choice would be the big one.  I have a friend with the 7x12 and he has had pretty good luck with a few minor problems here and there.  I would lean towards the big one just for capacity and the possibility of getting your money back in the future.My name's not Jim....
Reply:I have owned 3 , I still have one, all swivel head (for easy miter cuts)I wouldn't buy any of the two posted, get a swivel head, one with watercooling as big as you can affordI had something like this (only german made) http://www.jettools.com/us/manufactu...product=273694--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous
Reply:I've found out a little more info.  The Enco is a copy of the old Rockwell/Delta Model 9.  I'm sure the Jet is a copy of something but don't know what yet.Tnjind, why do you say that yours only cuts "OK?"  What do you not like about it?Blade lengths - the Jet is 93" and the Enco is 130".  Both are available as already made-up lengths from Lenox, no problem.Seems like there is a modernized version of the Enco that doesn't use a large round rod for the guides to slide on anymore - now they slide on a large dovetail. My thoughts were to go for the big one also - I don't really like the looks of the blade guide on the Jet - it just doesn't look like a solid design.  Seems like that 9 x 16 design has been out for quite awhile.  I'd like to hear more details about it if anybody has used one.  At first glance I thought it was the same as the old Carolina / Ramco's, but on closer inspection they are completely different saws.  Which is good news, b/c the Carolina's don't have a good rep.
Reply:Originally Posted by DonoharmI have owned 3 , I still have one, all swivel head (for easy miter cuts)I wouldn't buy any of the two posted, get a swivel head, one with watercooling as big as you can affordI had something like this (only german made) http://www.jettools.com/us/manufactu...product=273694
Reply:The one I have came from where I work. I darn near cut my thumb off with it so I bought it when it got replaced.I say it cuts OK because the vice is kind of "weak" hard to hold true and doesn't really cut straight on down feed. But to be fair everyone and their brother at work used it. Since I have owned it I haven't used it much since I have a cold saw. I do need to true it up.Oh, and the drive belt would slip if the band even thought about sticking in the cut. It needs a better way to tension the drive belt.Last edited by tnjind; 01-22-2012 at 04:43 PM.Reason: addTim Beeker.
Reply:The Jet is a fine unit for what it is.  I used one for a short while, and for 90 degree cuts, it worked fine - no real complaints.  However, I've reached the end of my leash in regard to non swiveling saws.  Sure, the angle can be changed, but it is an involved process, and even then, it doesn't always cooperate (clamp pressure is not perpendicular to the fence).  I'm done with them.  My next one will be a mitering unit.Who is John Galt?
Reply:Originally Posted by bassboy1The Jet is a fine unit for what it is.  I used one for a short while, and for 90 degree cuts, it worked fine - no real complaints.  However, I've reached the end of my leash in regard to non swiveling saws.  Sure, the angle can be changed, but it is an involved process, and even then, it doesn't always cooperate (clamp pressure is not perpendicular to the fence).  I'm done with them.  My next one will be a mitering unit.
Reply:I have a dual column wells saw thats 1950's vintage in the corner of the shop that still sees limited use.   you can still buy parts brand new from wells.    I would look for one of those in a heartbeat if i was you.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:I got a delta model 9.  Its a 1974 model, I bought it from my previous employer for a whooping $200 with a brand new motor.  Its a rugged saw, just did 100 cuts of 8" x 8" x 1/2" angle with out a problem, minus a blade breaking. (I tig weld mine together, so I blame me. LOL) The Enco is pretty much an mirror copy of it. I am will duelie, Find yourself an old Well Saw.  I got a 1964 58B model that I completely rebuild when I first started out.  It gets used daily as a vertical saw with no problems. They still are made in the USA, still can get every part, even for the 1926 models.Lincoln 300 Vantage 2008300 Commander 1999SA250 1999SA200 1968Miller Syncrowave 200XMT350MPA/S-52E/xr-15Xtreme 12vs Millermatic 251 w/30A  Millermatic 251 Dialarc 250 Hypertherm 1250 GEKA & Bantom Ironwokers
Reply:I would encourge you to go for the largest capacity horizontal you can afford and accomodate. Do not even worry about blade size as you need to learn to make your own out of bulk stock and silver solder them.I own an old Doall C4 and it is something that I cannot go without in the shop. I have hundreds of feet of various tooth pitch blades that I make whenever I need one.I run flood coolant and a blade that I make will go forever. Never had one break!I've run jobs where I needed even more capacity than what I had!I would look for an older used American made unit if I were you.Granthttp://jackalopefab.com/MM210Synchrowave 200DXMiller XMT350 w/60series feederMiller Bobcat 250 with SGA 100 and spoolgunHTP PlasmaFull Machine shop with everything
Reply:+1 jackalope said. I have a 25 year old do-all c-916. It will likely still be running when I'm dead and gone.
Reply:We have a Jet band saw at school, with the coolent system, variable blade and tilt speed, excellent machine, wish I had a Jet or an old American made one at home to use.  I also agree with the previuos statement, buy the biggest machine possible, also the larger machines cut more accurately.Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:I have a older craftsman version of that and it is soo much better than the 200$ one i bought from harbor freight. The only thing i did not like about it was the stand, but about 20' of 1.5 11 gauge square tubing fixed that right up. I am really pleased with it.
Reply:Thanks for the suggestions to go with an American saw, but I'd been looking on CL and ebay for nearly a year for something in my price range and nada...so my patience was gone (/like a freight train / gone like yesterday...)I ended up with the 9" x 16" saw - got in at 1 a.m. this morning with it.  Had a full day of work today so I haven't even looked at it since - it'll probably stay strapped down until this weekend unless I get rained out tomorrow.I got the saw and 20' of nearly new roller infeed table for $600.  Saw needs some work (bad valve or cylinder lets it drift when the downfeed is shut off, and one of the blade rollers is cracked), but all in all I think it was a fair deal.Thanks for all of your advice and help.
Reply:I have the jet saw... got in in exchange for replacing a clutch. I would have never bought it outright, but now that I have it I can't complain one bit, hasn't skipped a beat yet.
Reply:" I have the jet saw... got in in exchange for replacing a clutch. I would have never bought it outright, but now that I have it I can't complain one bit, hasn't skipped a beat yet."I just got the call today on repair of my Jet bandsaw, its hit a high water mark, I now have 25% more in fixing the POS than I paid for it new, and could go out and buy a new one at todays prices and still have C note to buy something else. I have nothing good to say about Jet, poor service ( my saw has been in the shop 2 1/2 months) they sent the wrong parts twice, I finally made the pieces on my lathe. The last time it broke the repair guys said I am working it too hard....how is 50 cuts in nothing bigger than 2x3x .187 tube working it hard????Its new bandsaw time but IT WON"T BE A JET!!!!!
Reply:Tbone,You have my same luck on CL, I never find anything I am looking for, and Ebay is always so far away ( East cost to Idaho ) that shipping is prohibitive on a bandsaw.I am still looking for a used but I think I am going to end up just getting a new one. Did you check Grizzly Tools, I think they have that same model as the Jet in your picture but I have heard there service is better ( not a personal experience )