Bandsaw Thoughts

admin

I'm starting to look into getting a horizontal bandsaw. Capacities would be approximately 6x6 square, 8" channel, etc. Good mitering capabilities are a must.The Ellis saws I've seen both good and bad throughout the web posts. Lack of coolant seems to be a sticking point.Otherwise look pretty good and decent price. Don't mind buying used...what are good brands?What have you got or used and what you think about it?AlA man is judged by what's between his legs...always ride a good horseMiller DialArc HFLincoln Classic 300DThermal Arc 181iPowermax 45Scotchman Ironworker(2) BridgeportsOkomota Surface GrinderAutoCAD 2010
Reply:The no coolant was a big deal to me too with the Ellis, but after talking to a lot of guys on these forums I bought one anyway. Use it just about everyday, (as a hobbyist now) can go 10 to 11 months on a blade. Now using it 8 to 12-hours a day, might be a whole other story. If I was doing that I'd look at Wells or a HEM saw.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:You might want to check www.utilitybandsaw.com for horizontal band saw machines.  They might have something that is up to your standards.
Reply:I have a Ellis 1600 and run the daylights out of it the blade is 10 feet long it has never even been warm to  the touch. I have never looked back and use ellis GP (general Purpose blade) very aggressive blade and they last me 6 to 10 months. I used a Starret finer tooth blade and got over a year out of it. When I called Ellis they told me that a coolant saw destroys itself over time getting into bearings guides and everywhere. I guess you just have to decide for yourself but I really like my Ellis saw and grinder top quality tools.Last edited by worm122; 10-09-2012 at 05:24 PM.Donnelly Small Engine & WeldingFoley AlabamaLincoln 225 TigLinoln 215 migHypertherm Powermax 65Ellis 1600 sawEllis 6000 belt grinderJD2 Model 4 tubing benderAtlas  12"X54" metal latheLots of large hammers
Reply:Unless I was cutting the same or similar pieces for weeks on end I wouldn't even consider a wet saw. For general fab work a dry saw is more than good enough. A wet saw makes a mess unless you take time to setup buckets to catch it when it comes out the end of the piece of pipe you're cutting. Also coolant is a PITA to keep if you're not using it every day. It goes bad, freezes, separates, etc when allowed to sit for any period of time.   I personally don't think you could do much better than a Ellis for a small fab/repair shop which is why I bought mine. Yes a big name brand saw would be nice but unless they're common used in your area then the price just can't be justified.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:I'm glad I lurk here lol. I have been looking for saws. Just out of couriousty where are you guys getting your Ellis saws? And if you don't mind, how much does the 1600 cost?Thanks,Chris
Reply:Start shopping. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&t....1.d0HzkOg5M1kDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I got mine directly from Ellis they threw in the stock stand and a extra blade. It was freight shipped to my house on a pallet, backed my trailer up to the semi they lowered the lift gate down they all have pallet jacks they pushed it onto my trailer. If memory serves me correctly they will sell to you if a dealer is not close to you.my reciept says 7/24/2007Ellis 1600   $2095.00GP blade    $0.00Stock stand with 2 rollers $0.00tail gate lift plus shipping $305.00Total shipped to my door in 2007    $2400.00 and worth ever pennyLast edited by worm122; 10-09-2012 at 08:13 PM.Donnelly Small Engine & WeldingFoley AlabamaLincoln 225 TigLinoln 215 migHypertherm Powermax 65Ellis 1600 sawEllis 6000 belt grinderJD2 Model 4 tubing benderAtlas  12"X54" metal latheLots of large hammers
Reply:Mines a 1800 but I got it direct from them as well. Similar deal big discounts on everything. The only hitch is that they where running behind on production this summer and it took 6-7 weeks before it arrived.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Originally Posted by SmokinPRanchI'm starting to look into getting a horizontal bandsaw. Capacities would be approximately 6x6 square, 8" channel, etc. Good mitering capabilities are a must.The Ellis saws I've seen both good and bad throughout the web posts. Lack of coolant seems to be a sticking point.Otherwise look pretty good and decent price. Don't mind buying used...what are good brands?What have you got or used and what you think about it?Al