Band Saw advice

[STRENGTH AND POWER]

I think the time has come to add a horizontal band saw to the shop. The Milwaukee dry saw does great for the smaller stuff and get good blade life but blade life shortens a lot with the thicker stuff. Which seems to be more and more. Been looking around at some and wanted to get some of y'alls thoughts. I'm looking to have the capacity to cut 4" square tubing at 45deg. a 7 x 12 should do the trick. I've already crossed HF off the list, The Northern too house brand looks decent, Ridgid is up there. Grizzly could be an option, the grizzly drill press I bought off of Craigs list has held up great. What brands am I missing that I should consider? Use is a bit more than hobbyist but not full scale production

Thanks

Scott

[SundownIII]

The Wilton/Jet and Grizzly 7"x12" saws all seem to be very close. I wouldn't be surprised if they wern't all made in the same factory.


I bought the Wilton cause that's where I got the best deal, but was very close to ordering the Grizzly. I've been very happy with the Wilton. Just be sure you also order a bi-metal blade for it. The standard blades are junk.

Like you, I've had excellent luck with Grizzly tools. Got their 20" Drill Press, 8" Jointer, 6"x48" and 12" disc sander, etc. and have been very impressed with all their tools.

Buy where you get the best deal. All three of the above manufacturers offer good/excellent parts support.

[WyoRoy]

I had good luck with my Grizzly band saw prior to selling it and buying an Ellis. Rather disappointed that it was only a horizontal model instead of the horz/vert it was listed as being, but not enough to ship it back. The machine cut aggressively and was a good value for the money.

Looking on the Grizzly site I see that several of their 7 X 12 band saws are now listed with free shipping. Might be the deal you are looking for. As far as the price differential between the step pulley and the gearhead models...I'd say that the step pulley model would serve quite well at half the price. There doesn't appear to be much difference in the models other than the drive system.

[Sonora Iron]

Another option is ENCO.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INLMK3?PMK0NO=1074919

[willy]

I think the time has come to add a horizontal band saw to the shop. The Milwaukee dry saw does great for the smaller stuff and get good blade life but blade life shortens a lot with the thicker stuff. Which seems to be more and more. Been looking around at some and wanted to get some of y'alls thoughts. I'm looking to have the capacity to cut 4" square tubing at 45deg. a 7 x 12 should do the trick. I've already crossed HF off the list, The Northern too house brand looks decent, Ridgid is up there. Grizzly could be an option, the grizzly drill press I bought off of Craigs list has held up great. What brands am I missing that I should consider? Use is a bit more than hobbyist but not full scale production

Thanks

Scott

I've had this one for about 5 years now - no problems and it's cut one heck of a lot of steel. I would definately buy another....

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...&PARTPG=INLMK3

[MMW]

I just picked up an almost new Vectrax 7x12. Only used it a couple of times so far but it seems to work well. This is the same as the Craftsman 7x12 catalog #009-22612N.

[Blondie_486]

I saw a Jet at the local TSC store a few months ago. It looked to be well built and had a coolant pump and priced just under a grand. I'd prefer not to buy an import myself but there doesn't seem to be much built in the U.S. anymore including Clausing mills & lathes which are now being made overseas. Check with your local used equipment surplus dealer and see what they have to offer.

[griff01]

I think the time has come to add a horizontal band saw to the shop. The Milwaukee dry saw does great for the smaller stuff and get good blade life but blade life shortens a lot with the thicker stuff. Which seems to be more and more. Been looking around at some and wanted to get some of y'alls thoughts. I'm looking to have the capacity to cut 4" square tubing at 45deg. a 7 x 12 should do the trick. I've already crossed HF off the list, The Northern too house brand looks decent, Ridgid is up there. Grizzly could be an option, the grizzly drill press I bought off of Craigs list has held up great. What brands am I missing that I should consider? Use is a bit more than hobbyist but not full scale production

Thanks

Scott

I bought mine 5 years ago from MSC. It is a "Cosen" brand, made in Taiwan, and cost $2400. I believe the capacity is 10"x17". I know it will 45 4"square tubing as I do quite a bit of 4".

Griff