Band saw for basic fab work - this one?

[Al 2]

As some others have suggested, it's a great saw for the price and for your needs. I've had one for 15 years with no issues but I'm not building watches. Just cutting steel for welding projects. Suggest you make a larger stand and higher and put some casters on it. On it's original stand it's very easy to tip over. I just got a 7 x 12 at a yard sale and it's so much nicer but you can't go wrong with 4x6.
Al

 

[BigBlue1]

I'll definitely watch CL. If I can get one of these low-end 4x6 saws for $150 or less that would make it more palatable. I'd really like to find one of the $800-900 saws (7x12?) for $400 or less. There is one from Grizzly on a site I saw for $500 but it is almost 10 years old and is being sold by a metal shop so I'm not sure how much life it left in it.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Xfaxman]

I recommend a horizontal/vertical saw. Mine is used most in the vertical position making non-precision cuts on hose, tubing, wood, rubber and whatever else that I can hold that needs cutoff.

 

[BigBlue1]

Got a line on a Grizzly G0561, the 7x12 size with coolant. It's been used a fair amount but only about 6 years and can be had for under $400. I think I'll check that out and hopefully go with that one.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Raspy]

Rob,

That saw looks identical to the one I have and I love it. Very accurate, strong and stable machine. The coolant really helps the blade. Find yourself some soluble oil and you're good to go. It's the one I recommended in an earlier post.

Find yourself some high quality, High Speed Steel blades in about 18 TPI.

 

[CADplans]

My Jet saw cutting a few 3/4" thick bars,,,

If it died tomorrow,,, I would replace it.

The only negative is it takes up a LOT of space,,, I have a place under the steps it fits perfect.

 

[BigBlue1]

My Jet saw cutting a few 3/4" thick bars,,,

If it died tomorrow,,, I would replace it.

The only negative is it takes up a LOT of space,,, I have a place under the steps it fits perfect.

Impressive!! That's some steel! How long did that take to cut?

As for space, I'm lucky that I'm not especially constrained. This place I bought last year came with a beautiful 50x105' pole barn that I'm gradually finishing off into my dream workshop and play area. So having a bandsaw sitting around does not worry me at this point.

Rob

 

[BigBlue1]

Rob,

That saw looks identical to the one I have and I love it. Very accurate, strong and stable machine. The coolant really helps the blade. Find yourself some soluble oil and you're good to go. It's the one I recommended in an earlier post.

Find yourself some high quality, High Speed Steel blades in about 18 TPI.

The Griz looks identical to the $900 Klutch I saw at Northern Tool this weekend. That one looked like a very good quality, heavy duty unit. Far, far better than the $300 model I initially posted about. I think it will be a good investment if I can snag it.

Rob

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

As for space, I'm lucky that I'm not especially constrained. This place I bought last year came with a beautiful 50x105' pole barn that I'm gradually finishing off into my dream workshop and play area. So having a bandsaw sitting around does not worry me at this point.

Rob

I kind of hate you a little bit.

 

[CADplans]

Impressive!! That's some steel! How long did that take to cut?


Rob

If I remember correctly,, under 2 minutes.
The saw cuts at the same rate if it is 1/4"X 2" angle or 3"X 6" solid steel bar.

I paid about $500 for the saw,, it is remarkable as to what it can cut.
I have a 4X6 USA made vertical/horizontal bandsaw,,, it has not been started since I purchased this one.