Bandsaws; What do you use?

[KillerBlackbird]

After Christmas I'd like to buy a bandsaw.

It would be nice to have one that's capable of wood cutting and metal cutting under $300 but I don't think that exists, not that it's a big deal if it doesn't cut wood as I have quite a few wood cutting saws (table saw, jig saw, etc.). I like the vertical bandsaws better than the portable ones or horizontal models. I'd mostly be cutting 1/8" flat stock, 1/8" rod, and 3/16" rod.

So what are you guys using for metal cutting bandsaws?

[ninja turtle]

I've got this JET bandsaw, picked it up for $200 on Craigslist. I made a plate that attaches to it so I have plenty of room when using it vertically. Works great for the price. I used to have the harbor freight equivalent but it was such a pain in the butt to set up square and keep it square.

HVBS-56M, 5" x 6" Capacity Bandsaw, 1/2 HP, 1Ph, 115/230V

[War Pig]

That is a great bandsaw ^^^^ I have an older and cheaper version of it that's still going strong. Definitely better than most of the crappy tabletop versions.

[hellbounder]

I have a small craftsman that I bought new from a friend for 40 bucks . ok , with the plastics , carbon fiber and alum I've cut with it . I haven't tried any steel yet . I just use a cut off wheel .

[Calderwood]

SWAG V3.0 Portaband Table

[littletoyboy]

You can buy a new skill saw brand at lowes or home depot for $125 new

[Tommy R]

I've heard good things about Jet, but it wasn't in my budget so I went with a Harbor Freight model. Paid $135 for it after all the discount codes and such. It has a table top attachment, as well, which I use for cutting the smaller pieces.

[KillerBlackbird]

Originally Posted by ninja turtle

I've got this JET bandsaw, picked it up for $200 on Craigslist. I made a plate that attaches to it so I have plenty of room when using it vertically. Works great for the price. I used to have the harbor freight equivalent but it was such a pain in the butt to set up square and keep it square.

HVBS-56M, 5" x 6" Capacity Bandsaw, 1/2 HP, 1Ph, 115/230V

I checked this one out too, I like that it can do both vertical and horizontal, might come in handy later on.

[Crawling Calvin]

Originally Posted by Tommy R

I've heard good things about Jet, but it wasn't in my budget so I went with a Harbor Freight model. Paid $135 for it after all the discount codes and such. It has a table top attachment, as well, which I use for cutting the smaller pieces.

I got that exact one. The metal stand sucks so I wouldn't trust it but I have it sitting on a hefty workbench and it does a good job of cutting stuff. Don't use the stock blade it absolutely SUCKS other than that if you can get it with discounts it is worth the $$

[Tommy R]

Yeah, the base is pretty weak. Wedging it into the cart I built for it really helps and it's a non-issue now. The original blade worked "okay" for me, but the replacement is definitely much better!

[AX10wannabe]

dad bought a horizontal/vertical bandsaw when he built like four or five 30' boat trailers and it was awesome.. dont use it much now.. me personally if im cutting big stuff like 1:1 stuff then its useful but for rc stuff i find it easier to use the hack saw or angle grinder with cut off wheel.

we have one thats like the red one pictured. also have a vertical benchtop wood bandsaw.

[wings_of_fire]

I am looking to buy a portable band saw. Yesterday I got a purchase order from a company that requires stainless steel 304 filters. I have been working on the sample for a week from now. There are many 25 x 25 x 2mm thick angles that I need to cut and its a pain cutting them with a chopsaw. The portable band saw cut is clean and it will save me material ultimately saving my manufacturing cost.

DWM120 Deep Cut Band Saw | DEWALT Tools
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Some videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdE51VuKZ0I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKdkAs482Po

[BCCrawler]

Purchased one of these during their 20% off cyber monday sale. So far happy with it.

Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Tools and Shop Supplies

[canuckcrawler]

I have an old JET that I made the table attachment for too. I got it for free from the factory where I work, they were throwing it out because someone had broke the legs off of it & then cut off the power cord. I brought it home, replaced the cord & fabbed up some new legs. It works great.

[KillerBlackbird]

Well my girlfriend surprised me with an early Christmas gift, a Sears 10" bandsaw. I ordered two bi-metal fine tooth blades for it, it's fast but I'm hoping I can get away cutting thin material and going slow.

[Johnnysplits]

Powertec 9"

[evilozz]

A cheap skil bench top, only cuts thin aluminium though, steel and thicker maybe 1/4" aluminium kills blades. Been on the lookout for a decent used floor model for awhile.