Looking for a decent band saw

[bignissan]

I cut alot of tubing, and thinner plate-3/16-1/2"...but for most of the thicker junk, I'll just pull out the torch and clean up with a grinder. I have found a JET bandsaw at my local welder shop and it's about $298. It's the smaller version, non-coolant. Is it worth it? I don't think I need the coolant systems as I don't do much thicker material. What about a grizzly? http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emNumber=G1010
What do you think?
Greg

[bignissan]

http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emNumber=G9742

[71Dauntless]

I picked up the HF 4x6 saw about 2 months ago for $149. It usually goes on sale for 169 so I decided to get it when it dropped down. It is damn near the same saw as the first Grizzly you posted. The JET 4x6 is the same as well.

I think that JET and Grizzly use cast blade guides, while some say the HF are stamped sheet. My HF has CAST guides, so I guess it varies. With a new blade and a little adjustment it has been a great saw thus far.

[socalchef]

the same model (in yoru first post) is on sale at HF right now for $150. i got mine at that price, and i like it. it has cast blade guides as well. same color as the one in the pic. northern tool has a red/black one for like $250 or 300, and then there's a white jet one.check northern tool. they have a wide selection and the EZpay option too...splits the cost into 6 monthly charges to your card of choice.

[bignissan]

I've seen the ones in Northern tool. So the HF ones are decent with a new blade and cast guides? I might just drop the $150 on one of those and call it good. I don't need anything incredibly accurate, just cleaner than the dang abrasive saw...
Grg

[rsitzejr]

I've got this one, http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emNumber=G9742

I love it, great being able to control the speed with Hydraulics

[broncorob]

I know this thread is old, but oh well.

I don't really see the point in the horizontal band saws. I guess if you're making straight cuts all day long then its fine, but I used my buddies vertical band saw for awhile and fell in love. You're able to do straight cuts if you want, but you can also do cut curves and stuff to make cool parts.

[chumly2071]

Originally Posted by broncorob

I know this thread is old, but oh well.

I don't really see the point in the horizontal band saws. I guess if you're making straight cuts all day long then its fine, but I used my buddies vertical band saw for awhile and fell in love. You're able to do straight cuts if you want, but you can also do cut curves and stuff to make cool parts.

My HF is one of my most used fab tools. I use it constantly for cutting tube to length for fab work. now, like you said, I use my vertical for curves etc....

[fj40guy]

Also on the HF band saw, I can lock it in the "upright" position and there is a small table attachment. 6" x 6" or so. No, not a real tool, but when I needed to cut some curves in a 1/4" aluminum plate did the trick fairly well. Occasion use, it works.

Side note on the HF unit... OPEN UP THAT GEAR BOX! I noticed mine was running hot. Opened it up and found DRY gears witha bunch of metal swarf in there. Cleaned it up, filled 1/2 with 90 gear oil. RTV on the "lid". Seals held, no oil leaks. It will last lots longer.

Tom