Bandsaw vs. chop saw

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I need a way to cut metal I was thinking either a bandsaw or a chop saw. I was wondering what the advantages of either was.I don't want to spend more than $200 on one. I would only use it for home use not that much. I was looking at the Clarke bandsaw Tsc has, any opinions. Thanks, Don
Reply:Bandsaw = clean, quiet, big , slowChop saw = small, fast , noisey, messy
Reply:I have a Chop Saw.  Fast!  I have used an Ellis bandsaw.  Nice cut but took almost all day to cut some square tubing that I could have cut in a few minutes with a Chop Saw.  Noise? I wear hearing protecters.  Not only for the noise but to keep that hot stuff out of my ears.  Messy?  A little but I keep a magnet inside a plastic bag near the Chop Saw and cleanup is easy.  I just pull the magnet and bag inside out when I'm done and I have a bag with a little dust in it ..and a clean work area and magnet.
Reply:That's a great idea on the magnet and plastic bag!
Reply:Thanks Tube.  I got that idea from someone on this site.  Works great!  What I use is a magnet from an old speaker.  I'll post pictures when I get home later today.  Sometimes a picture helps on somethings for somepeople ...som....once in a while.
Reply:I think because space is a limited I might go with the chop saw but it is still in the air. Do you guys like this Chop saw
Reply:well to each his own really, myself i prefer the chop saw because when i want to build something i don't have to set a wait for the piece to be cut only takes a couple of minutes to cut with saw and your ready to go on with project. But then again i'm kinda hyper and not much patience either lol. They both have their good points and bad points. Oh and really like the magnet idea guess i missed that post.
Reply:so how long does it take to cut metal with a bandsaw
Reply:Band saw's are a good thing,if ur not in a hurry i used to use one to cut 1x1x1/8 angle when i was building alot of trusses clamp 10 togather and walk off to fit or weld,they make a goodcut ,but a good chop saw does to. i have a 14 inch i use it alot,so i guess its what ur using if for and if ur in a hurry or not! i Stell use both! hope this helps
Reply:Originally posted by SlagKing I have a Chop Saw.  Fast!  I have used an Ellis bandsaw.  Nice cut but took almost all day to cut some square tubing that I could have cut in a few minutes with a Chop Saw.  Noise? I wear hearing protecters.  Not only for the noise but to keep that hot stuff out of my ears.  Messy?  A little but I keep a magnet inside a plastic bag near the Chop Saw and cleanup is easy.  I just pull the magnet and bag inside out when I'm done and I have a bag with a little dust in it ..and a clean work area and magnet.
Reply:Originally posted by Dman033189 so how long does it take to cut metal with a bandsaw
Reply:A bandsaw you can leave cutting onit's own and start on something else.  A chop saw you have to stay with.
Reply:Bandsaws also do better miter cuts for a given price. I much prefer the band saw for general work, for the reasons above, as well as the ablity to do heavier stock. For example, we regularly cut 2X6 and larger bar, often mitered, and the bandsaw is set it and forget it... done in five monutes with no attention and a beautiful cut. Chop saw-- don't count on it being easy. A good one will do it, but it won't be fun. Chop saw IS nice for jobs with lots of square cuts where they are all different lengths/sizes, especially if the pieces need to be fit as you go.Last edited by enlpck; 04-27-2004 at 10:11 PM.
Reply:Dman, I vote for the bandsaw.  I've never regreted for a minute buying it.  The speed of cutting is not an issue for me and it's so much cleaner and quiter than a chop saw.  When I got mine in October of last year I bought a Rigid blace from the orange box and it's been cutting every weekend since.
Reply:A Bandsaw is the way to go. Do a search here. There has been a lot of posts on the subject. If you're close to an HF store, they always have them on sale for 150 bucks. Make a new stand and it will give you good service. The blade that it comes with is trash. get some good blades. I make my own out of Starrett flexback stock.
Reply:I looked at harbor freight and think I found the one link. Where could I get a good blade, and did you say your make your own how would you do that. Thanks, Don
Reply:Once you get your bandsaw, the fun begins with the mods n tweeks!
Reply:Here's the post I did on brazing my own blades, using a jig I made and Starrett blade stock.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread...bandsaw+blades
Reply:Forgot the link:http://www.mini-lathe.com/Bandsaw/Bandsaw.htm
Reply:Oh yeah!  Great link, Banzai.  I had forgotten to bookmark it last time it was posted.  Thanks.
Reply:I own both a bandsaw and a chop saw, although the bandsaw was somewhat of a pain to initially get set up to where it cuts straight it does a better job making a smooth straight cut. When I need to cut several pieces of metal I don't feel like its any problem to start a cut using the bandsaw go do something else for a little while while it makes its cut.
Reply:Well I bought the Harbor freight bandsaw today. I am going to use the blade that came with it until I can get one. Does anyone know where I can get one online or where to get one and also is there a brand to look for, I am alittle confused since this is my first bandsaw what size teeth is for what? Also is there anything that I should know about it. Thanks, Don
Reply:Here's the search results for bandsaws This should have the information your looking for.http://www.weldingweb.com/search.php...der=descending
Reply:Here's why my vote is for a Bandsaw.You would have to have very big Abrasive Saw to cut thisW8" x 28# I-Beam.  Attached Images
Reply:I note that is not a little 4x6 bandsaw either!  And I'll bet you didn't get it from HF!  What are its specs?My only regret is that I didn't get a bigger bandsaw. I use the little Grizzly so often I think it would have justified stepping up to the next bigger saw. Until then I'll just try to wear this one out!
Reply:Mac702, It's an Ellis 1500 Mitre Bandsaw. I think I saw in another thread that you were looking for a bandsaw. For the type of work you do, I would think this is the ideal one for you.  http://ellissaw.com/bandsaws/1500.html I know quite a few people who have this saw and we all love them.
Reply:I've found proper blades for my bandsaw in jlindustrial.com, airgas.com, and a couple other catalogs I have here at home.  Very easy to find, I think I'm getting mine from J&L.  I can't see speding the money for stock right now, but you know how that goes.