Bandsaw

[R.C.Reichert]

Hello, I am looking into buying a metal bandsaw for cutting my steel stock into blanks. I was wondering if anyone tried one of those small folding 4 1/2" bandsaws like House of tools or Princess Auto sells. Will one of those work? Also, is it possible to use the same saw for cutting hardwoods? Thanks.

 

[silver_pilate]

Metal cutting bandsaws can pretty much cut wood or anything else without much trouble. However, wood cutting bandsaws run too fast to cut steel.

If you're talking about the horizontal bandsaws that are hinged and can stand up vertically, then yes, those will work just fine. I'd prefer to get a model that can lock in the vertical position, or you could modify the mechanism to achieve this. Then you can fabricate a small table to mount to the saw and you've got a great all around bandsaw. I just got a portaband and mounted it vertically to a shop table, and after making a table for the material to rest on, it works for me.

--nathan

 

[R.C.Reichert]

Metal cutting bandsaws can pretty much cut wood or anything else without much trouble. However, wood cutting bandsaws run too fast to cut steel.

If you're talking about the horizontal bandsaws that are hinged and can stand up vertically, then yes, those will work just fine. I'd prefer to get a model that can lock in the vertical position, or you could modify the mechanism to achieve this. Then you can fabricate a small table to mount to the saw and you've got a great all around bandsaw. I just got a portaband and mounted it vertically to a shop table, and after making a table for the material to rest on, it works for me.

--nathan

Thanks for the advice. I just need something that will work better than an angle grinder. Getting tired of the noise and fumes from the abrasive wheels. Not to mention you seem to waste more steel that way. Seems like when you have everything else, belt grinder, drill press, etc..., the one thing you don't have become a necessity. Buying knife making gadgets becomes quite addictive after a while. At least it's a fun way to blow all one's money!

 

[silver_pilate]

That's exactly why I bought the portaband. I was using angle grinders and getting tired of the dirty, heavy, noisy, smelly work using it. I got to where I didn't enjoy roughing out the blade profiles. We knife makers sure are a lazy bunch, huh?

There definitely is a reason that most full time makers have a decent bandsaw. Not to mention, it works great for handle materials.

--nathan