Horizontal Band Saw choices revisited

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First post, long lurker and all that good stuff. I know there has been some discussion on Horizontal Band saws vs. chop saws and what not. Been using a chop saw (actually a couple of them) for three years now and I'm done with the mess and noise and poor cuts. I do projects for my employer  and myself (gates, ornamental) and while they have served me well I am looking at buying a band saw. After reading what I have hear I think I'll be much happier. My question is this. I've been down to good old HF and seen their offerings, and I honestly don't mind spending a little more money for a better brand. I have a very good relationship with a local Jet dealer, and can get the 4x6 for about $250 and the larger 7x12 for about $500 more. Both are pretty good deals, I just can't deceide if I want or need the extra capacity and cooling.Is the larger machine really worth it? For those using the smaller machines, what kinds of problems does not having the cooling and smaller blades generate?Thanks-KevMiller 210 and 140 MigsBernard Q-Torches on bothMiller Syncrowave 200Spoolmate 3035 for sale, excellent condtion- PM for detailsThermal Dynamics 38XLShop OutFitters 20/20 Bending SystemLots of other cheap and not so cheap tools Still have LOTS to learn, but got some nice stuff to learn on!
Reply:I bought a JET and like it very much, no modifications needed on that machine, which isn't the case for the HF unit. If you're working with larger/thicker material then YES, the bigger machine is worth it.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I bought a harbor freight unit about 15 years ago.  I build a frame around the base and put casters on it.  That way when cutting lengths (20 feet) the saw will move to line up square instead of having to move the steel.  I still have it and its the only band saw I have.  It runs all day long sometimes when I get a new welder or am practicing for the AWS test.  I smoked the original 1/2 horse motor and put on a 1 hp.  Great saw.  I have a chop saw and use it when I have to, or put it in the truck when I need to cut stuff.  I prefer the band saw.  The only disadvantage is the 6" limited cut.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I have the metal max version of the jet and it has worked great.  Can wire it for 220 or 110.  The only thing I wish it had was some way to do quick setups for 45 deg. cuts.  It can get tedious realigning all the time (The guage on it sucks).  Cant complain about the rest of it.  The cooling fluid works great.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:If you're gonna pony up $500 for a saw, take a look at the Jet swivel head that'll cut from +45 to -60 degrees. I love mine.RonnieRonnie LyonsMeridian, Idaho
Reply:Thanks for the replies guys. I am leaning on the heavier unit as it just seems to be a beefier saw all the way around. I'm a believer of the buy once buy right rule on larger tools. I have some very good equipment already and in the long run, the frustration of dealing with inferior tools costs you .I like the idea of the rotating head for the 45 degree cuts Ronnie, I hadn't seen that model. I wish it had a bit more capacity and a coolant system. It looks to be basically the 4x6 model on a swivel base. The hydraulice downfeed is a nice touch. Other than  cutting longer stock, I assume the setup to 45* on the other units isn't too much of a big deal. Most of my tools are on mobile bases, as my shop is only 15x20 feet. I have a decent area outside the shop to work with though.Thanks again. I look forward to sharpening my existing skills and learning new ones from this forum.KevMiller 210 and 140 MigsBernard Q-Torches on bothMiller Syncrowave 200Spoolmate 3035 for sale, excellent condtion- PM for detailsThermal Dynamics 38XLShop OutFitters 20/20 Bending SystemLots of other cheap and not so cheap tools Still have LOTS to learn, but got some nice stuff to learn on!
Reply:I have a 7 x 12 bandsaw which I purchased from Princess Auto which is the Canadian version of harbor freight. I posted the HF link to the one I have below. This bandsaw has been awsome and never given me one once of trouble. It has done a tremendice amount of cutting from 4 inch solid shaft to 3/8 round bar. I recommend this saw allot and couldn't imagine work without it. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93507Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:I have basically the same saw as Jamlit except mine has a spring controlled downfeed instead of hydraulic cylinder.  Of course, mine is so old that HF's free freight policy applied.  I paid about $600 20 years ago.  It works great.http://www.grizzly.com/products/mach...spx?key=410000Lots of saw choices here.WeldingWeb forum--now more sophomoric banter than anything else!
Reply:Well, I took the plunge and ordered the 7x12 Jet.  Good price and 2 year warranty to boot, which if you factor the warranty in to buying the extended warranty at HF, made the Jet actually cost less money for me. Pick it up on Friday....... now off to Grainger to get some bi-metal blades.What do you reccommend running in the coolant? I habe some mobile/exxon water based stuff I use from time to time on the lathe, will that work?KevMiller 210 and 140 MigsBernard Q-Torches on bothMiller Syncrowave 200Spoolmate 3035 for sale, excellent condtion- PM for detailsThermal Dynamics 38XLShop OutFitters 20/20 Bending SystemLots of other cheap and not so cheap tools Still have LOTS to learn, but got some nice stuff to learn on!