Band Saw Options

T

Thom's Texas

Joined
Apr 16, 2023
Messages
3
I need a saw i can use to cut 1/8 thick steel and can't seem to get a clear understanding on what to buy. I need to be able to use the saw like a regular table bandsaw - upright. What are the requirements I need?

Variable speed?
Carbide blade?
H/P = ?
 
Portaband with Swag table or industrial floor standing unit depending on space and budget. No need for carbide blades. M42 bimetal, or just normal carbon steel blades if cutting simpler not so wear resistant steels.
 
I have a porta-band with a swag table but it is limited to cutting blades of about 1" in width. If you want to cut anything bigger, you will need a custom device. I am working on just that so I can profile blades and resaw handle material. Buy a good bandsaw with resaw capability and remove the motor. Buy a 3 phase motor of perhaps 2 HP with the same mounting style (probably a face mount) and a VFD (variable speed so you can slow it down when cutting steel) and mount that on the bandsaw.
 
I can get a cut around 5" deep on my deep cut harbor freight bandsaw? I made a table with 1/4" thick 12x12 mild steel plate and dowels for the legs. Much cheaper than the SWAG! I use Morse blades or the Dewalt blades to profile blanks out. Longer blades can be a pain, but most of what I do is 8" hunters and I can get all around the steel with my deep cut.
 
Yep. My dewalt portaband with the swag table I have about 5" depth and works great and makes cutting blanks easy.
 
The Harbor Freight Central Machinery 4x6. I know HF is usually not well regarded for much but that band saw is a good little saw for the price. You can fabricate a bigger table if need be. Just toss the band that comes with it and buy some decent ones.
 
Using a Bauer (HF) portable on a Rilla table. Very happy with this setup and the investment needed for it. My other bandsaw sits idle. Depth of cut is an occasional concern....like others said, about 5" or a bit more.
 
I have been using the same Harbor Freight 4" X 6" for 22 years.
I may buy a portaband/stand for specific work. I don't have much room left.
 
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