Bandsaw

[Dmaxer]

I would stay away from the HF saw and its ilk just because of the difficulty I've had trying to fine-tune the adjustments on my Enco (Tiawan) 4x6 saw. I can get a 90 degree cut ok, but it has been difficult to maintain the accuracy of the cut in three dimensions. That is, the blade guides are hard to set so that the blade drops straight down producing a true 90 degree down cut. I had to re-machine the keyed guide adjusters for the roller guides and still it's difficult.

[Grumpy]

Anyone know of a good metal bandsaw,that doesnt take up too much space? will be used once a month or so but still want decent quality hoping to stay under $500 hundred range if possible.Is vertical or horizontal better for hobby use?Ive never used one so I dont have a clue.Mike

crawdaddy, here's a portable with stand for $150. Probably will meet your needs.

http://grizzlyindustrial.com/product...-w-Stand/G8692

[kracker]

I've got a Delt vert/horz w/ a 1hp (120V) and its a good saw. Its a dry saw type saw, meaning no available or place for a coolant/mist system. It still a good saw though, especially after I put a Starrett blade on there

I got it off ebay for $240 too...normally it sells for $600-750, but there are a few on ebay every once in a while.

[Larwyn]

There is no doubt that the HF H/V bandsaw produces less than perfectly square cuts. However I have had little trouble getting close enough for welding purposes. If you need machine shop quality of cut, then you need machine shop quality machines. For the money, even with mods, I think my little HF bandsaw is an asset to my shop. With it I can make cuts quietly on Sunday mornings (not disturbing the neighbors, with out all the sparks and dust, and the parts are always cool enough to pick up immediately after the cut as long as I use the coolant pump.

BandsawMods.jpg

[kracker]

There is no doubt that the HF H/V bandsaw produces less than perfectly square cuts. However I have had little trouble getting close enough for welding purposes. If you need machine shop quality of cut, then you need machine shop quality machines. For the money, even with mods, I think my little HF bandsaw is an asset to my shop. With it I can make cuts quietly on Sunday mornings (not disturbing the neighbors, with out all the sparks and dust, and the parts are always cool enough to pick up immediately after the cut as long as I use the coolant pump.

BandsawMods.jpg

Is that a little DIY coolant system?? Looks good, I bet it wouldn't be too hard, maybe a little 1/3hp pump, lines, recovery pan, etc...

Bandsaw > chop saws

I just picked up a Ridgid chop last week, its very loud, messy, fire hazard, but it gets certain jobs done

[Can You Weld This For Me?]

For the money, even with mods, I think my little HF bandsaw is an asset to my shop.

That is a pretty slick setup Larwyn.

[Broccoli1]

Could be but they are psychically different in the photos.

uh what?

[FusionKing]

uh what?

IOW you can tell by looking they are not the same motors. Even tho jet is probably the only one telling the truth about HP

[Broccoli1]

IOW you can tell by looking they are not the same motors. Even tho jet is probably the only one telling the truth about HP

Went over yer head

[Larwyn]

Broccoli,

If you check the pic of my bandsaw above, you will notice that I have used your tip of using the vice grip style drill press clamp on the saw. That's a great idea that works out really well for cutting small parts at odd angles (or square for that matter. I still do use the original vise at times but the dp clamp sees a lot of use. Thanks for a great hint!!!