Chopsaw or Bandsaw?

[Horsehead]

The angle grinder is just not working for me anymore- I'm shopping around for a good multipurpose saw. What i need is a saw that can 1. cut square tubing, and especially cut exact angles, and 2. cut out steel plates... Should i just go with a chopsaw/grinder combo, or will a bandsaw just work better all around :confused:

[tsm1mt]

The angle grinder is just not working for me anymore- I'm shopping around for a good multipurpose saw. What i need is a saw that can 1. cut square tubing, and especially cut exact angles, and 2. cut out steel plates... Should i just go with a chopsaw/grinder combo, or will a bandsaw just work better all around :confused:

What do you mean "cut out steel plates".. the chop-saw will struggle cutting something out of the center of a plate, but the bandsaw won't period.

Personally, I bought a Chopsaw first.. used it for a few years.. but haven't touched the thing since I bought my 4x6 bandsaw. Price was close to the same for the chopsaw as I paid for the bandsaw, but I NEVER use the chopsaw now.. ALWAYS the bandsaw.

It's not quite as fast, but it's so much quieter, cleaner, and easier. No hearing protection required, either. No steel-filings when you blow your nose afterwards, either.

[oldjeep]

I've got both now, and the chop saw isn't really seeing any more use since I got the bandsaw. Like the previous guy said, slower, cleaner, quieter.

[jerseyzuks]

No steel-filings when you blow your nose afterwards, either.


Whats the fun in that?


I only have a chopsaw. It's loud, dirty and not terribly accurate. It works for what I need right now, but I would prefer a bandsaw.

[Myanarchy]

Your gonna pay more to get a quality band saw, but its well worth the money. If you have to get it done now buy a chop saw. If your shopping around and have time get a good band saw.

[PTSchram]

Oh for the love of all good in the world, SEARCH!!!

It's been discussed Ad Nauseum.

[AthlonAJ]

Every so often my chop saw comes out but 95% of the time it's collecting dust. You really don't have to spend a big wad of cash to get a good bandsaw. THIS ONE (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=35155&R=35155) I purchased thinking I'd use it for a year or two then upgrade to something like an Ellis. But it's been 3 years now and I have no real plans on getting rid of it because it's been working great. And I use it fulltime out in the shop cutting everything from round/square tube (1/8-1/2"wall thickness), heavy wall DOM, solids, plate... But the base on it sucks, for me it just sat too low and was hard on the back. Didn't take much to build a new one that put it up at a comfortable level. I yanked the coolant system off it because I just use CoolCut stick lubricant on the blade now and then, no problems. It goes vertical too which is really nice for cutting plate but I didn't like the little table they give you for it and that you have to unscrew this, screw the table on... So I made a bigger table for it that you just clamp in the vice and go. The blade that comes with it works good for cutting butter and that's about it, toss it in the garbage and put on a Lenox.

[DarkEternal]

I was debating the same thing about a month ago, and went with a harbor freight cheapo one. Im glad I did, works good for the 150 or so i payed and MUCH better than a chop saw. When I get a shop one day ill upgrade to a nicer model but for now this one works pretty good.

[rusted]

The blad that comes with it is actually really good for cutting PVC. I cut all my PVC conduit and plumbing on the bandsaw, works like a champ. It's also good for wood, even with a bunch of teeth missing!

[TLCObsession]

HIJACK!

Will my 4x6 bandsaw with a 14tpi variable pitch blade cut a solid as big as a piece of railroad track or will I just kill a blade? I think it should work since I have done 1 5/8" bar.

I want to make an anvil... Wish I had a mill to make it like the one I grew up with.

Jim

[sdonecker]

I know they are expensive, but what about a cold saw?

[ryan_ackerman]

get an iron worker and a chop saw

[Brandon]

I use my portaband for quick hack cuts and chop off for cleaner cuts. Air cut off wheel/airsaw/sawzall get use too. Love my portaband..

[AthlonAJ]

HIJACK!

Will my 4x6 bandsaw with a 14tpi variable pitch blade cut a solid as big as a piece of railroad track or will I just kill a blade? I think it should work since I have done 1 5/8" bar.

I want to make an anvil... Wish I had a mill to make it like the one I grew up with.

Jim
That's kinda funny, I used mine for cutting a chunk of railroad track. Used some stick lube on it and it cut no problems.

[big specht]

That's kinda funny, I used mine for cutting a chunk of railroad track. Used some stick lube on it and it cut no problems.
Ok stick lube were do I get it and what does it cost cause my chop saw just burned up cheap one and was thinking of a band saw too

[AthlonAJ]

I've got sales rep from Tri-Smith that stops by, it's called Kool Kut. But I've seen it in catalogs before, maybe Grainger would have it. Oh Reid Tool Supply carries it too but different brand. Wasn't much, under $10. I use it for the drill press too.