Should I buy a Metal Band Saw

[nsigr]

Hello everyone!

I am a newbie hobbyist metal worker and I am a little confused about the metal band saws.
Is it more accurate to use a metal band saw than a disc cut-off saw ? Does a metal band saw make more accurate cuts ?

I am planing to buy a metal cutter but I am not sure if I should buy a disc or a band saw.
Can you please help me out ?

Thank you
Nikos

 

[CHJ]

If in both machines you are talking about a fixed mount horizontal machine, the choice of which one to go for depends upon the type of work you intend to put it to.

Both need careful setting up if you are looking for accuracy, I.E. cuts at exact right angles both horizontally and vertically.

With a basic circular chop saw stock sizes are restricted by the blade diameter.

A bandsaw will have a bigger "throat" and able to cope with wider stock.
Bandsaw Blades are cheaper and can be selected for best performance with the material you normally handle without having to take out a bank loan.

 

[nsigr]

CHJ can you suggest any reasonable priced bandsaws ?

Thank you
Nikos

 

[jasonB]

The abrasive disc cut off saws are best for ferrous metals, they don't work as well on brass and aluminium as it cloggs the disc, they also send abrasive material all over the workshop unless heavily guarded. The slow reving circular saw type cut off saws will handle all metals and give a good finish but are a bit costlier.

A horizontal bandsaw is the most versatile being able to cut all metals and if set up will will give accurate cuts. The usual hobby 150x100 machines need a bit of work to get them cutting right but once done they will be the best option for hobby use.

The real question is how much are you intending to be cutting? I do a lot of model engineering and manage quite happily with a hacksaw.

J

 

[nsigr]

Thanks J

I am using a hacksaw but I need more accurate 90 degree straight cuts...

 

[jasonB]

http://www.warco.co.uk/metal-bandsaws-m ... ndsaw.html

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ax ... rod781243/

Both would be suitable starter machines, the Warco one is marketed by most tool companies so you should be able to find one nearer to home.

J

PS learn to saw straight!!

 

[nsigr]

Thanks J

I also saw this one http://www.warco.co.uk/metal-bandsaws-m ... stand.html on the warco website.
Any info for this one ?

Thanks again!