Craftsman 12 in. Band Saw for metal cutting??

[yotachump]

Anybody use the Craftsman 12 in. Band Saw to cut metal? I can find a blade with a high enough TPI. Is 1450 FPM to fast?
If this band saw is not a good choice which one should I get for about the same price?
Here is the link to the band saw.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...12%22+band+saw

[Reflection]

I use my 14" chopsaw,if that ain't enough,I get the hot wrench out

[mrpink]

what are you looking to cut? I use a 9" ryobi bandsaw almost everyday; works just fine.


I think it was $99 at home depot.

p!nK

[yotachump]

just aluminum up to 3/16.

[FrankyRizzo]

Originally Posted by mrpink

what are you looking to cut? I use a 9" ryobi bandsaw almost everyday; works just fine.


I think it was $99 at home depot.

p!nK

Thanks for the heads up. Was shopping for one.

[kawika]

I had that ryobi saw and returned it 2 days later. I picked up this rikon http://www.rikontools.com/productpage_10-300.htm I got it at woodcraft for 20 to 50 dollars more than the ryobi. The quality is so much better.

[yotachump]

I have 15 days to return it. any other band saws??

[jagg]

I've got a Delta thats 15yrs old and running as good as new.

[FrankyRizzo]

Originally Posted by jagg

I've got a Delta thats 15yrs old and running as good as new.

Picked up a 10" Craftsman on Craigslist for $50. The date on the motor says 1984 but it looks and runs like brand new.

[STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER]

Originally Posted by mrpink

what are you looking to cut? I use a 9" ryobi bandsaw almost everyday; works just fine.


I think it was $99 at home depot.

p!nK

i have that EXACT same bandsaw. it's not bad, but it seems like i can't get ANYTHING to cut straight on it.

do you have the same issues, p!nk? or is it just operator error?

[4u2nv]

Originally Posted by STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER

i have that EXACT same bandsaw. it's not bad, but it seems like i can't get ANYTHING to cut straight on it.

do you have the same issues, p!nk? or is it just operator error?

Buy a wider blade for it... I purchased a 3/8 wide blade with I believe 18tpi at Home Depot. The blade was made by Ridgid. It cuts faster, cleaner and straight now. Throw the one the comes on it right in the barrel... It's junk!

[yotachump]

I decided to keep the craftsman 12in band saw. I found a 14pti x 3/8 wide blade and it cuts great. It cuts 1/4 aluminum like butter
Also it cuts Very Very straight

[STANG KILLA SS]

DO NOT BUY THE RYOBI BANDSAW.
it is HORRIBLE will NOT cut straingt or even close to save your life. trying to follow a line is LITTERALY impossible. i also own several other ryobi products that i love. but the band saw is litterally unusuable for anything other than rough cuts or 1/4" round/square stock.

in fact its so shitty if anyone wants it you can have it for ****ing free, just come get the bastard.
if tryed switching plades, tweaking the guides and rollers, NOTHING can help it.


/rant....

[4u2nv]

That's funny SS I just got mine for Christmas this year. The stock blade was absolutely horrible. After changing the blade like I stated above it works perfect. Wish I was closer I'd take it off your hands for sure.

[yotachump]

Like 4u2nv said buy a wider blade, a wider blade makes straighter cuts.

[STANG KILLA SS]

ive had probly 5 different blades on it, fine tooth, course tooth, wide, narrow. nothing helped. its not the blade fellas, at least not on mine. its just a shitty design. even with all the roller bearings and guides running perfect, and the hand gaurd thing down nice and close to the material, and only like 1" exposed unguided blade, it wont cut straight for anything. its flat out crap.
i love my ryobi 4" belt/6" disc sander combo, and jig saw though!

[yotachump]

well just go buy the Craftsman 12" band saw. it works Awesome

[TIMZKRAWLER]

i just bought the Ryobi 9'' bandsaw a couple of weeks ago from Home Depot ....i do run a wider blade made for metal....after adjusting everything it cuts perfectly straight...i love the thing....i would recommend the Ryobi

[king_matt]

I have had the Ryobi for 4 years now, and I have no complaints. Its a good deal IMHO. But in all fairness I use it mostly for wood, and usually follow any cuts by a short buzz on my 6" disc/ 1" belt combo sander to ensure straight edges.

[CCFBERG]

I use a DELTA 9" Its the shizznit! I cut through aluminum 1 1/8 solid round like butter, nice and strait. And I actualy had to cut some 2x3" solid stock the other day and it did fine as well. Alot has to do with the blade setup. Too tight and it will get destroyed, to loose and again ruined! Also feed speed, when you are cutting metal let the blade do its job! Dont rush it, feed slowly, trying to cram it in there thinking it will cut faster is only creating more heat and damaging the blade! I use my saw just about daily cutting all types of metal.......Ive been on the same blade for about 4mos now. I just cut some solid 1 1/8" round last night to finnish my hubbs and it took less than 30sec to cut through it, very nice smooth cut as well!!!

Just my 2 cents! Oh and all my equipment is DELTA except my mill and lathe and Ive had NO problems!

DELTA SM400 BAND SAW WITH STAND 9"

"DELTA" SHOPMASTER 9" BAND SAW

• 1/3HP, 120V
  
• 11-3/8" x 11-3/8" table
  
• 33"L x 20"W x 29"H overall dimensions
  
• Table tilts 45 deg. right, 3 deg. left
  
• Toggle switch with removable lock out key
  
• 1/4" x 5/8" miter gauge slot
  
• Rack and pinion upper blade guide adjustment for precise height adjustments under the guide
  
• Built-in dust chute for attaching to a dust collection system
  
• Flexible lamp
  
• Pre-drilled base holes
  
• Miter gauge for straight and angle cutting operations
  
• Replacement band saw blades: (Ace Nos. 2114171, 2072445, 2072478, 2072486)
  
• UL listed
  
• Boxed