Which one do you prefer and why? What brand? I have used my dad's chopsaw in the past, but I was thinking a bandsaw (horizontal/vertical) would be more versatile for making brackets and such. I also have a cutting torch for cuts that neither of these can handle.

I would take a quality horizontal band saw any day. The problem with a chop saw is that the blade will flex and give inaccurate cuts on thicker metals. If you ever tried to cut some 2x2x1/4 hitch steel in a straight line you will know what I am talking about. For smaller pieces a chop saw is great though, quick and easy. If you do end up getting the horizontal band saw, be sure you get an oiler as well or else you are going to be running through blades like crazy. Good luck.

I have a band saw, and I am going to buy a chop saw..

For the small stuff the chop saw would be alot better.. The band saw takes way to long...

Steve

I bought a 10" power miter saw and then bought a metal cutting blade for it. With the smaller blade, it doesn't flex as much. Plus because it is a miter saw, I can set the angle anywhere from -50 to +50 deg. I picked it up at Lowes for about $100. Blades run about $3.

- Mike

Both
if you will cut a bunch get the 14 inch chop saw. you will burn a miter box up quick. if you are rich buy a lubricated band saw...i have a rigid from home depot...and clark
Mike

I went with the chop saw instead of the band saw. It's simply easier to use and more portable.. unless you get a portaband. You can minimize blade flex by not pushing down so hard.

exactly..
also turn your metal so you are cutting into a corner instead of a flat spot..applies to all of it..box/angle/flat/rectangle...
Mike

Originally posted by mike
I went with the chop saw instead of the band saw. It's simply easier to use and more portable.. unless you get a portaband. You can minimize blade flex by not pushing down so hard.

I use a 14" chop saw and I've been loving it ever wince I got it. The only advantage a bandsaw has in my experience is that the cuts are thinner. With the chop saw you have to measure your cut, then move it about 1/8" farther back from your line to account for the blade thickness.

I also like the sparks. Preeeeetty. Seriously though, make sure that if you cut really thick stuff that you don't have the chop saw pointed at a wall or something. I had mine pointed at a pegboard on the wall and never ran into a problem until I cut some 1" solid steel rod. The pegboard tried to catch on fire for about 10 seconds from the cut taking so long.

Originally posted by Peyote


I use a 14" chop saw and I've been loving it ever wince I got it. The only advantage a bandsaw has in my experience is that the cuts are thinner. With the chop saw you have to measure your cut, then move it about 1/8" farther back from your line to account for the blade thickness.



Drop your blade against the piece and measure to the blade ;) nice and easy.. and no guess work