Bandsaw or Plasma?

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I am doing some side work building turbo kits which consist of 16 guage pipe varying between 1.5"-3.0" O.D. I recently bought a miller 180 mig wirefeeder and would love to get good enough for tig too. But the problem I am facing is that I have to collect the pipes together in areas which make cutting and peicing technical. I went look at a band saw but if I have to cut out a "U" shaped hole in the side of the pipe to join in another pipe at an angle. I can't imagine the bandsaw working since it can turn sharp enough to keep the bend cuts tight. I have not used a band saw for metal before does it cut good and sharp enough for angles?My other investment option would be a plasma cutter and they look to be heading aroun 1K for them. On ebay they have the multi-machines that do tig/arc/plasma but they are smith machaines or knockoff but seem inexpensive too. If someone think I need a band saw Of course I would have to put a metal blade on it then I won't buy a plasma.But if the band saw would be not as vital I can use that money towards the plasma machine. What should I stay away from on the plasmas and how much amps should be suitable for 1/4 max metals?Thanks Joey
Reply:What about a tube notcher?  Im not sure what you mean by a U shape, but if your talking about notching a pipe off center.. Take a look at this thing and see if its what your thinking of..http://www.vansantent.com/tube_copin...otchmaster.htmAnd oh yea.  Ill take all three... Id go ahead and get your plasma, then maybe look at a portable bandsaw for hacking ends off (yes bandsaws make nice clean cuts).  Without a jig to hold and turn the pipe, plasma will be difficult to use and make accurate cuts.Last edited by Doolittle; 01-17-2007 at 06:18 PM.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:BUY THE BAND SAW  or have you considered a chop saw ?If you want precision try to shy away from abraision cuts. (chop saw)The band saw blade makes great cuts.    Trust me the plasma can wait!!!Look for a a smaller size saw like 4x6 stand "horizonal band saw" weld it like you own it
Reply:You'll have a hard time doing any curvy cuts on tubing using the bandsaw. That's my opinion anyway. Wish I had a plasma so I could compare - John
Reply:You need all three.  If you have to choose only one to cut pipe for this application, I'd get a plasma.  You would get more accurate cuts if you make a jig to hold various pipe sizes.  I made a jig with an internal pipe expansion tool (cheapo) and mounted it on a stand so that it would swivel.  That way, you can chuck up odd shaped pieces and roll them around to get a better cut than laying them on a bench or trying to mount them in a vice.  After it is cut, you can clean it up and hand fit it better with a small die grinder and carbide burr or sanding cones.A notching tool is made specifically for this purpose.  But it is a single-application tool and not as versitle as the plasma if you are just getting started.Handheld bandsaws or Jigsaws are best for straight cutting and hard to get good control of arc type cuts.  Floor or table models are better so you can use both hands to help control the piece.  The problem with saws in general on thin metal are that they try to grab your pieceThe optimal method is a notching machine, or:Chop saw (or bandsaw) to hack the basic piece to length and angle.Belt sander to square up your endsPlasma to quickly cut out any arcs if needed. Die grinder w/ carbide burr & sanding drums/cones to hand fit.TIG to weld it.Last edited by Rick Moran; 01-18-2007 at 09:49 AM.Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene