Band Saw

[Anachronite]

are small cheap table top band saws goof enough for cutting out a knife blank? Or does it require a heavy duty one that costs hundreds of dollars? I noob here just starting out. Got a angle grinder atm to cut blanks.

 

[J. Keeton]

Here is a review I put together on a cheap option (the Bauer porta-band from Harbor Freight and the SWAG stand for it):

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bandsaw-and-stand-review.1640133/

It's a great tool to have around in the shop... makes cutting out blanks easy.

 

[J. Keeton]

Also, if you want to easily search blade-forums for thread topics, check out this link:


Google/BladeForums/Search:
https://cse.google.com/cse?cx=012217165931761871935:iqyc7cbzhci

 

[Anachronite]

Should I bother getting an angle grinder if I set up this portaband saw? Assuming bid still need an angle grinder occasionally for some things? Or no? Just bought this one and can return it

 

[J. Keeton]

A handy 4-1/2'' angle grinder is always good to have. You'll find many uses for it as well. You can get a cheap one at Harbor Freight for <$20

 

[bikedave99]

Should I bother getting an angle grinder if I set up this portaband saw? Assuming bid still need an angle grinder occasionally for some things? Or no? Just bought this one and can return it

I say keep the angle grinder for sure, an angle grinder with a flap disc is a magical thing. It will do a good job of smoothing out your bandsaw cuts, you can more easily creep up on your blade shape and even work into some inside radii.

 

[John mc c]

There are guys that make great tools and knives just using an angle grinder
Wouldn't recommend that now but definitely keep it
Be careful with it tho as it's one of the most dangerous tools in a workshop

 

[Randy3000]

When making my grinder and other tools and jigs, i used 3/8"steel. I would have went through $100's in blades if i cut it all out with a bandsaw, not to mention who knows how many hours.

When i made my grinder, i cut 3/8" steel with the angle grinder and then cleaned up with a file. Once i had the grinder, i could skip the file when making jigs.

For 1/8" and thinner, the bandsaw cuts pretty fast i think.

 

[Anachronite]

A handy 4-1/2'' angle grinder is always good to have. You'll find many uses for it as well. You can get a cheap one at Harbor Freight for <$20

that's a great link thanks!

 

[Anachronite]

thanks everyone for the tips. found a guy that tests power tools for home depot and bought a brand new 11 amp Milwaukee angle grinder for $40 lol. yeah me!