Band saw/Scroll saw

2Edgy4u said:
I have used a Porter Cable for over 11 years, and I know other makers that use Ridgid or Milwaukee portabands. All have worked well. The 3 that I put in here seem to be the best of the lot, (from what I have seen and heard) Delta is not known for high end equip. but still should work well. Any of the above should be less than $300.00 if you shop around. I could not do without mine. Also the tools with the best warranties have them because in most cases they are better tools. They back up what they sell. enjoy. edgy :thumbup:
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What three?????
 
edgreywolf said:
Fyi all of the bandsaws at home depot are fast wood cutting saws will burn up blades cutting metal
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I was thinking about going with this. http://www.lowes.com/pd_78159-46069-PCB330BS_0_?productId=3162487&Ntt=band+saw&Ntk=i_products&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=band%20saw$y=0$x=0#prod-tabs. Would this be acceptable. If not, what band saw for around 500 bucks is?

I was thinking about this, http://www.lowes.com/pd_78742-46069-PCB660DP_0_?productId=3162489&Ntt=drill+press&Ntk=i_products&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=drill%20press$y=10$x=25 for my Drill press.

Any advice would be helpful.:)
 
I haven't seen any band saws anywhere that go as low as 500 rpm. I've seen a lot of 1500, but I think that's the lowest.
 
I am a longtime woodworker and have used both extensively. I have a top of the line RBI Hawk scroll saw and while it will cut wood up to 2" very easily, they just are not made for metal cutting I am afraid. They would be great for cutting out knife scales and such, but for cutting stainless steel... a no no, even with a top of the line scroll saw......As for a band saw, all you need is a good metal cutting blade ( blades are more expensive than woodcutting blades ), use some cutting oil and take it slow. I have seen very thin metal band saw blades. Some advise is I would look at several modes. Ryobi makes OK stuff, but if you plan to use it alot, I would look for a better, more heavy duty machine. I have a craftsman benchtop band saw that I have used for wood, metal, and it has never failed me yet and I have had it for many years, I believe I got it when they first came out. Its made of steel plate and is pretty heavy duty. I think its under $200.00. it certainly will pay to look around a bit and do some reasearch on the net. Go to the stores informed because chances are, you will not more about the product on the shelf that the people selling it !!!

When I made knives years ago, I cut the blanks out with a hacksaw. I was one of the lucky guys that can cut a curve in metal with a hacksaw.....its an acquired skill....lol. My grandfather gave me some hacksaw blades made by "HELLER" and they Cut Anything & Everything. Zipped through 440 stainless like butter. I dont know if they are still in business.
The blade says:
High Speed "M" - HAX Hard Edge
12" - 18T No. 31E-1218
Heller Tool Company

After reading through the posts and funds permit, I definately would recommend the Ridgid Band Saw. I have several of Ridgids tools, they have a lifetime warrenty and are built tough. I always research out everything and read reviews before I make a large purchase like this. I have a Ridgid table saw, drill press, drum/belt sander- bench model and a planer. As soon as I get my shop built, I am getting a Ridgid Band Saw for sure. I think the Ridgid band Saw is in the $400 range.
 
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I just had a thought, I'm sure I'm wrong, but I just want to make sure.

If you had say a 1500 rpm Band Saw, could you get a low TPI blade, thus decreasing the amount of teeth passing the steel? As opposed to getting a regular 10tpi blade at a low RPM...

I'm just thinking of ways to keep the teeth amount passing through the steel as close to the same as low RPM band saws as possible.
 
Sorry it wont work, all the metal cutting is at around 150 give or take a bit. The problem is at high rpm the teeth cannot bite and cut away metal they just burn up on the surface and you waste a blade with little accomplished. Dont ask me why but the HF bandsaw seems to be the one of choice among knifemaker, I have one, I am sure the better brands are better and will last longer but this one is cheaper and can also get cheaper on sale.

The speeds listed are Blade speeds: 80, 120, 200 feet per minute I keep mine ath 120, seems to cut well and get better blade use than 200.

http://www.harborfreight.com/horizontal-vertical-metal-cutting-bandsaw-93762.html

The HF blades are pretty much junk, here is a link to a good blade, Lennox Bimetal you will need one pretty soon.

http://www.bandsawbladesdirect.com/?gclid=CMX_4-KKj6MCFYxU2godVWtiaA
 
On ebay I saw a "vertical stand" mod being sold. Remove the hinge pin and bolt onto this guys $90 stand. He includes a sturdier table as well. Seems like an easy mod for someone with a welder!
 
I have a Porter Cable Porta-Band Variable speed on a shop
made vertical stand. It probably gets the most use in my
shop of all my tools. I use Lenox blades, but have run across
some really poor welds recently.

Bill
 
I'm pretty happy with my harbor freight metal band saw. Wait for one of the 20% off coupons. May not be as nice as some, but it works and is cheap.
 
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