Bandsaw Suggestions?

Nabok

Nabok

Joined
Dec 16, 1998
Messages
219
Anyone have experience with or recommendations for wood/metal or variable speed bandsaws like the Wilton 8203K or 8203VS? One of my work places wants to get some suggestions about possible equipment purchases and I was considering one of these to replace an old wood bandsaw. The saw we have now gets used on wood, MDF, acrylic, UHWM, etc. something that would be able to cut mostly non-ferrous metal too heavy for our foot shears would be nice. I know it might be a pain to change blades, but we don’t have the space and I’m not sure we would have enough use to justify a dedicated metal cutting saw, so I’m hoping to kill two birds with one stone if the multi-speed or variable speed saws do what they claim. Thanks,

Todd
 
I've never seen a variable speed bandsaw, (but I've never looked for one)

I just bought a Hitachi from Lowes, and it cuts my non ferrous metal nicely.
It's a 10 inch, large enough to cut anything I need to cut, and it was only $179.00
Seems to be well made, and less expensive than Craftsman.
I use mine for wood, other handle materials, and metal.
 
Dave, what size and type of metals are you cutting with this saw? I was looking at a dedicated metal saw but if I can kill several birds with 1 purchase I'm all for it.

Will
formerly known as badbamaump
 
Will Leavitt said:
Dave, what size and type of metals are you cutting with this saw? I was looking at a dedicated metal saw but if I can kill several birds with 1 purchase I'm all for it.

Will
formerly known as badbamaump
Click to expand...

So far, only brass bar stock, and nickel silver bar stock. 1/4 to 1/2 inch, and 1 inch round brass stock. Cut through it like butter.

I think this saw has a 9 or 10" throat width, and up to 6 1/2 inch thickness ability.
I ripped some osage orange logs yesterday that were about 5" round. It cut through with no problem (this wood is really hard) but with so much blade being exposed, I had a hard time keeping the cut straight. With smaller material, I've had no problems.

I would recommend using a table saw for larger pieces over about 4-5 inches.
 
Dave Bowen said:
So far, only brass bar stock, and nickel silver bar stock. 1/4 to 1/2 inch, and 1 inch round brass stock. Cut through it like butter.

I think this saw has a 9 or 10" throat width, and up to 6 1/2 inch thickness ability.
I ripped some osage orange logs yesterday that were about 5" round. It cut through with no problem (this wood is really hard) but with so much blade being exposed, I had a hard time keeping the cut straight. With smaller material, I've had no problems.

I would recommend using a table saw for larger pieces over about 4-5 inches.
Click to expand...


Have you tried using a resaw blade for splitting the logs, the increased blade width helps increase the rigidity.

Will
formerly known as badbamaump
 
Will Leavitt said:
Have you tried using a resaw blade for splitting the logs, the increased blade width helps increase the rigidity.

Will
formerly known as badbamaump
Click to expand...

No, but that's a great idea. I need to buy a few different blades actually, so that will be my next investment. :thumbup:
 
Hello Todd:

I have a Wilton Bandsaw and there is knob on the back side that you can change the speed of the blade. Now scientifically speaking you might consider this variable speed because it does indeed change the speed of the blade. Just click on the link below to find Knife Making suppliers. Hope this was of help to you. Check out DoAll there great people to work with. :thumbup:


http://my.hsonline.net/wizard/barkeslist.htm
 
Barkes Knife Shop said:
Hello Todd:

I have a Wilton Bandsaw and there is knob on the back side that you can change the speed of the blade. Now scientifically speaking you might consider this variable speed because it does indeed change the speed of the blade. Just click on the link below to find Knife Making suppliers. Hope this was of help to you. Check out DoAll there great people to work with. :thumbup:


http://my.hsonline.net/wizard/barkeslist.htm
Click to expand...


I have the Wilton Tradesman...the clutch on the gear box does change the speed as well as configuring the belts on the step pulleys...I guess you could consider it "manual variable speed" :D -Matt-

BTW the Wilton is a great saw, cuts about anything with the right blade... I ordered mine from Jantz Knifemaking Supply and it was shipped to my door for $8.95.
 
Barkes and Grease-man,
That does help, the gear box kind like yours are the ones I have seen in catalogs and seem to be the more common type. I just saw the 8203VS mentioned in a catalog and they seem to be an actual variable speed, I wonder if the extra cost is worth it. This will be in a university art metals studio, students can be a little rough on tools, so the closer to bullet proof the better.
Thanks,

Todd
 
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