Help with Band saw purchase

TMC81277 · Dec 20, 2007

I am in need of a new band saw. I have a nice Grizzly 4x6 now but need another one in the shop to handle small 1/4" avg. product. I dont want to spend a fortune as this will not see that much use so I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on these two saws.
Grizzly "portaband"
and HF red 4x6 (dont want to order this and then have an issue and have to ship it back.
They are both very inexpensive, and as I said I have used a Grizzly 4x6 for sometime and have been happy but was wondering about there smaller saw.
The HF Red 4x6 I have heard from a few that they had issues and a few that did not (only 2 that did and 3 that did not)
So any comment you have would be welcome as I have done searches and come up empty.
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Kunklec · Dec 20, 2007

I have the HF 4x6. Other than having to get a good bimetal blade, playing with the adjustments and bolting on a piece of 1/4 aluminum plate for table, it has given good service. The big thing is the blade. The ones that come with it will not perform. I use mine a lot.
Chip Kunkle

Barkes Knife Shop · Dec 20, 2007

I would like to suggested purchasing a Wilton bands Saw for the job with speed control. And you will need to order bimetal blades for it to cut steel. The ones that come with the saw's are not so good. Hope this was of help. Have a great day in your new setup. And welcome to Bladeforums. ----:thumbup:

Blades orders at http://www.doall.com

ERASTUS · Dec 21, 2007

You could always gather up a few spare parts and take a weekend to build your own 18 incher with a tilting table.

TMC81277 · Dec 22, 2007

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I went ahead and spent the extra $$ and purchased the Grizzly 4x6.

cunningham · Dec 22, 2007

Erastus,I am building a similar band saw using 1/4 inch blade and im having trouble finding guides. Any place you know of i might look. Thanks.

sixth_sense · Dec 22, 2007

Erastus, You are a damn show off!! That thing is beautiful.

SAR · Dec 23, 2007

TMC81277 said:
Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I went ahead and spent the extra $$ and purchased the Grizzly 4x6.

It really is the same saw as the harbor freight different paint job, I have seen the Harbor freight ones go as low as 140.00 dollars? I have a Wilton 14" now but stll use my faithful HF daily it has cut a ton of SS and keeps coming back for more.

Good luck
Spencer