metal band saw recomendations

[garyput]

Hey guys, I'm wanting to buy a vertical metal band saw for my shop and I would like to know what model and brand is most people using. I cut everything now with my sawzall in a vise and I'm wanting to let loose of my caveman habits and step up to some modern cutting equipment. I cut alot of aluminum sheet, tubing for headers, aluminum tubing etc.etc..... I see Jet is a popular brand and has alot of options to choose from. I'm just curious what you guys have and how well you like them.

Gary

[strictlycarved]

hey cant go wrong with jet. i used to own one forgot the model but i fine machine.

[ligito]

I use this one: HVBS-56M, 5" x 6" Capacity Bandsaw, 1/2 HP, 1Ph, 115/230V
Model Jet 414458

It sure beats the Horrible Fright model that it replaced.

I also use a chop saw and a Milwaukee dry cutting saw.

[nocheepgas]

I don't own one personally, but look into Grizzly, they've got pretty good prices and China quality similar to Jet.

[Craig in Denver]

Something I didn't understand about my 15" vertical band saw. The 15" means throat depth (yes I knew that part). But if I want to cut a 16" piece off of a 10 footer, I can't use it. It works well for the smaller hand controlled cuts, though. As soon as I got one, I wanted another one. I think there may be a swivel head horiz. in my future.

[FusionKing]

Something I didn't understand about my 15" vertical band saw. The 15" means throat depth (yes I knew that part). But if I want to cut a 16" piece off of a 10 footer, I can't use it. It works well for the smaller hand controlled cuts, though. As soon as I got one, I wanted another one. I think there may be a swivel head horiz. in my future.

You can do it, just not with one cut. Make the first at an angle and a bit longer and then clean it up on the second. I do it quite a bit because I don't feel like using 2 saws.

[gordfraser]

craig,
15" refers to the diameter of the wheels that drives the blades.

that leaves the throat depth is always a little bit less than the wheel diameter.

just some almost useless info.

think there are some horizontal/ vertical combination machines.

i have some jet machines, sure that they are all made in china.
They are ok though, build quality was acceptable.
a "value" machine

[Don52]

I think there may be a swivel head horiz. in my future.

I have a swivel head saw and I love it. It was especially useful when I had to cut steel at a 28 degree angle for my porch railing project. Attached is a link to the saw.

http://www.accuramachinetools.com/ac...ad-metal-.html

Here is a link to a discussion about swivel head saws. My post is #11 on page 2.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...ghlight=swivel

Now I would like to get a vertical metal cutting saw.

[Jack Olsen]

Yeah, just for some persepective...

I got rid of my HF band saw when I realized how easy a dry cut saw made things. I paid $279 for a Milwaukee 6190-20 on ebay, and Freud Diablo blades are about $30 each. I made 181 cuts for a fence this afternoon in about an hour and a half, and the blade is still cutting like it's new.

[FusionKing]

When I found my 7x12 Wilton I gave away my 6" HF style because I felt they were too close to the same thing. Mistake
The little saw with the narrower blades can do more in the vertical position.
My "go to" saw is actaully nothing to brag about. It is a Delta 14" wood bandsaw for $299 at Lowe's. I slapped a 10 tooth Lennox blade on it and it is just flat perfect for the money. Works fabulous on aluminum.
You would need to slow it down for steel or just get a better saw from Grizzly with bearings on the blade guides. That's what I will buy after this one is shot.