Looking for a band saw

J

Jason Fry

Joined
Jun 5, 2008
Messages
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I'm looking for a full sized vertical band saw. I know for sure I don't want a portaband mounted. I'd love to find one that is geared or pullied to do both wood and metal. Any recommendations? Budget is 4-600, but might could do more for the right machine.
 
I have an old 4x6 bandsaw from monkey-wards... maybe 40 years old. If I had to replace it I would pick up one from Tractor Supply. I've seen them there from time to time for a fair price - 300 or so. Why don't you want a portaband, just out of curiosity?

By the way, if you come across a 14" wood bandsaw in the area please shoot me an email. I've been looking for a good deal on one for a while.
 
I like to check Grizzly Tools for that sort of thing.


What I would call a full sized metal cutting bandsaw is $ 3,000


they do have a smaller wood steel combo model for half that.
 
I bought a Craftsman Professional bandsaw for around $1K a few years back. It can switch between wood and metal cutting fairly easily (blade and belt change). It is a 15" model that can handle 112-114" blades. I use it for cutting out blades, bolsters and lots of wood. I just checked their web site and it isn't there anymore so I guess it is discontinued. Works good for me although there are probably better saws out there. I had to find a single saw that could cut anything due to space limitations. Maybe you can find a used one.
 
The 4 X 6 HF/Grizzly/Tractor Supply bandsaw will cut wood. It has pulleys and you can use a coarse toothed blade.
I cut everything on mine, and I use it set slow, with a 24 TPI blade.
 
I have a 14" Wilton Metal/wood cutting saw that was $1000. Been a very good saw for the last 12 or so years. Still runs like new and have had no issues at all. This is the only one I know of the does wood and metal, but I'm sure there are others.

I also have a 4x6 Grizzly that's well over 20 years old with no issues, but it's not a full size vertical saw.
 
I was looking at Jet saws over the weekend. They have several models that are dual purpose. They are not quite full size, but use 14" or bigger wheels with large enough tables to cut whatever we need. Cost is $1000 plus though.
I am guessing though that in your price range the HF model or used is what you will end up with. BTW, I read online somewhere before I bought my 4x6 at HF that practically all 4x6 saws are made on the same assembly line with interchangeable parts. The only difference is color and price tag.
 
Looks like there may not be one tool that will do both jobs well. I can do some wood stuff with the metal saw to get me by until I get a dedicated wood saw. No real reason I didn't want a portaband, except that the "good" ones cost as much as the Harbor Freight 4x6. I made a run at a Milwaukee portaband on craigslist this morning for $100, but missed it by five minutes. Will probably end up with the HF 4x6. On sale, with a coupon, $215 tax and all, which leaves me another 2-300 to hunt for a used 14" wood saw.
 
I have both a full size 14" wood bandsaw and a Dewalt porta band with a Swag table. If space were an issue and I could have only one, I would take the portaband, hands down. Much more versatile. Ya can cut anything on it just by changing your speeds. I cut steel, pins, bolster materials, some handle materials (mammoth tooth, ivory, stag and bone), even wood sometimes. My wood band saw is a Porter Cable and I really like it but it is a wood bandsaw. I have had two others that I've worn out, a Craftsman and a HF, and this Porter is by far the best but it is just not as versatile and useful as that little portaband outfit. Ya walk out into the shop and the Porter is sitting on its dolly ready to be wheeled over and plugged in. The portaband is sitting on a workbench and is usually surrounded by a pile of debris of every kind.
 
I ended up buying a portaband and fabricating a bracket to attach it to my work bench. I haven't fabbed the table yet, but that's the next project on my list.
 
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