Bandsaw VS chopsaw

[MAXMAN]

My opinion! I long ago ditched the abrasive chop saw. I currently have a Jepson dry cut saw, a vertical metal cutting bandsaw, and a liquid cooled horizontal bandsaw. If I had to pick one of the three to do everything and do it well, I would take the dry cut saw. It cuts everything I've thrown at it like butter, and makes cuts as true and clean as the horizontal. Don't get me wrong, I still use that horizontal a lot but if I had to pick one it would be the Jepson. They're not cheap, around $500 + if I remember correctly. They also create a lot of metal chips when cutting, eye protection is a must. The blades last a long time if used correctly, and the metal is never even remotely hot after cutting, and it is portable.

 

[dyeager535]

I got a "cheapy" (I guess it's quality, being pre-Chinese, Taiwan manufacture lol) horizontal bandsaw for about $100 used from someone off craigslist a few years back.

The cheap ones seem to have some inherent weaknesses (hinge points, being able to cut angles, etc) but someone had already done a fair number of improvements to it.

I've cut quite a bit with it. Cheapy harbor freight blades last a long time, and the only one I broke I'm guessing was operator error. I enjoy being able to cut a bunch of material and keep doing something else.

I'd speculate that a cheap bandsaw is better than a cheap chopsaw. Dad got his hands on a cheapy chopsaw. It was stupid noisy, and I don't feel the cuts were as clean or straight. Bandsaw has its difficulties too, but for straight cuts, it's too easy. I think if I was in a hurry there would be better ways to cut, but I generally try to not be rushed so it does fine. Slow and steady keeps the blade from jumping off track, or breaking teeth/blades. Thin walled stuff is a bit tougher to cut, but again, if you pay attention to what you are doing, it will cut even thinwall aluminum fine.

 

[bp71k5]

Yes

you have a recommended setup for cutting square tune (actually cutting square) or angle cuts by any chance?

 

[Truckman4life]

I know this is off topic but you haven't experienced metal cutting awesomeness until you have used a 14.5 amp 6" Metabo grinder with their Slicer discs. I had never heard of one before I came to the power plant. They are the king shit when cutting metal and also for how long the discs last. I've seen welders do comparisons on YouTube cutting a 6" I-beam with one of these vs a torch and they were so much faster and a very clean straight cut. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/tool...pba-17-150-quick-600552420-angle-grinder.html

 

[skunked]

you have a recommended setup for cutting square tune (actually cutting square) or angle cuts by any chance?

I have a portaband with a Swag table for it and that's where it lacks in my opinion. I'll choose the horizontal band saw all day over the portaband for any cuts where accuracy is a concern. Plus I can set material in the horizontal to cut while I work across the garage on something else.

 

[ryoken]

i can see doing a porta/swag type setup if remaining mobile is of any importance. but, for me, i wouldn't have even considered it.. i was looking for an in LAB™ tool only.... your over 1/2 way there $$$$-wise toward a decent, cooled saw at that point... let alone all the d*cking around some people put into homebrew stuff..

mine was about $900... i looked at the 4, 500 saws, but decided to save a bit more and step up to a much stouter tool... the coolant makes the blades last way longer IMO....

 

[shady]

you have a recommended setup for cutting square tune (actually cutting square) or angle cuts by any chance?

Put a good visible line on all four sides at the length you want and cut each line individually. Start with the saw angled on one corner and cut down on the line closest to you about a quarter way. Making sure that you follow the top line for what little bit you cut across it. Then pivot the saw so that it's no longer cutting down but starts to follow the top line accurately.
When the top line is cut and it's about to go down the other side finish cutting the close side. Then lean over and watch the far side cut, following the line there, but not letting it cutt the bottom yet. When you are all the way down both sides accurately, the bottom doesn't have much choice but to cut square.

Sounds complicated. but a 4"x 1/4" square tube can be cut withing 1/32" of square in about 1 minute with a portaband.

Round tube is the same way. Follow your line and it will be square. There is so much control with one of those its super easy and fast to get it right.

 

[red EOD]

Mounted a harbor freight horizontal/vertical bandsaw on my service trailer. quieter and nicer to use than a similar price chop saw. There's better models out there of course but it works great for me.

 

[dirty ike]

I thought those evolution blades had to run at a lower speed then a regular chopsaw?

yes they do

 

[Wes Harden]

Evolution runs @ 1100 rpm. I love mine. If it would rotate saw for angles instead of piece it would be perfect.
Notch cut on evolution.

 

[CyberSniper]

If one were to be looking for a bandsaw, used or new, are there specific ones to look for? I have had bandsaws in the past that were nothing but a PITA for one reason or another. Been using angle grinders and chop saws since but I'm tired of wearing a respirator all winter.