First bandsaw?

I

irona

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May 24, 2016
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So, after I get done installing new lighting in my shop and making a new workbench to mount my belt grinder and new tools (as I get them), I think It's time to start looking for a nice bandsaw. I'm using a hacksaw, which is fine for me, but takes a while. I'm looking for something that will just cut out blanks and trim handle scales, just a basic metal bandsaw. It can be a benchtop model or have its own legs built in, as long as it's not a portable one or one of those bandsaws that's on a hinge. You guys probably know what I'm talking about. My budget is $200 and below. Any suggestions? Also, what bands should I use?
Thanks everyone!


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wkfl said:
irona said:
Is there a way I can have it upright though?

Yes you can. For that budget, http://t.harborfreight.com/horizontal-vertical-metal-cutting-bandsaw-93762.html . I bought the same unit a few years ago on ebay, put a beefier table on it. The blades that come with it suck, get good blades, like Lenox, I use 14TPI. Not the best saw, but works for my limited production quite nicely.
Click to expand...

Does it also come with a platform around the blade?


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You really are wanting two different types of bandsaws. A saw that cuts metal will not do good on woods, and vice versa. You want a really slow speed saw for metal, and a fast one for wood. For cutting out your blade profiles your cheapest option is to buy a handheld bandsaw, and a good table for it, like the SWAG offroad table--I bought one of these with a Milwaukee bandsaw and it is a good setup for cutting out my blade blanks--I also bought a table top 10" Rikon bandsaw, and it is nice and handy for cutting various handled material up. For just trimming handle scales, I think the portaband type saw would handle it, so if that's all your wanting the Table/Portaband is probably the best one tool to go for.

Good luck--Don
 
These saws will cut wood and Micarta just fine, but will be slower than using a dedicated wood saw.
All I use in my shop is a 4 X 6 bandsaw. I gave the wood bandsaw away.
There are also stands available that you can use to make a portable bandsaw vertical- or you can just put it in a bench vise.
 
A wood bandsaw is good for cutting wood, but a metal bandsaw can cut metal and wood if need be. If you can afford both, then go for it. If you can only afford one, get the metal saw.
 
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