Metal bandsaw advice

J-siah

J-siah

Joined
Jan 28, 2008
Messages
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After reading how hard it is to use a plasma cutter of knife making I started looking into metal bandsaws. I was just curious what everyones preference is. I don't know much about metal bandsaws and I want to make sure I get one that will have enough power and will last.

http://www.wiltontool.com/Products.aspx?Part=8201K&cat=333278

I looked at this one this week and liked it a lot, but I don't know much about wilton. A local store has this one marked down to $999 till Mid September.

They also had a Jet vertical/horizontal, But I dislike the design of the whole system. I would much rather have a vertical only bandsaw, plus it speeds up to cut wood. Than means I could get rid of my rigid bandsaw and save some space in my garage.

I am just curious what the general oppinion is about wilton or "best bandsaw brands" in general.

Thanks, J S. Gravelle.
 
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i personaly use a dewalt portaband that i mounted. i got it for aroud $220. it has served me well. i choose it becuase some respectable makers suggested it and i feel it works just as well as a high price bandsaw. it has adjustable speed and i think its just great. thanks mark
 
J-siah said:
I would much rather have a horizontal only bandsaw, plus it speeds up to cut wood. Than means I could get rid of my rigid bandsaw and save some space in my garage.

I am just curious what the general oppinion is about wilton or "best bandsaw brands" in general.

Thanks, J S. Gravelle.
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Do you mean you'd rather have a Vertical Bandsaw? Cutting wood on a horizontal bandsaw would be rather boring as it's a bit hard to outline cut anything if the bandsaw is only horizontal! You mean you'd rather have the one like the Wilton correct? (Which is vertical)
 
Try the Harbor Freight version. Several gererations of knifemakers couldn't all be wrong. You'll save a lot of money to boot.
 
I have nothing aginst saving money but I would like to explore all avenues before going with a harborfright. If everyone says a vertical/horizontal is the same or better then a vertical only the I will get the HF, but I think a vertical I think will fit my needs better.
 
Dewalt portaband. It can be mounted pretty easily from what I've read. I'm looking into it too. Do a search in this forum for it or google it. Still cheap but supposedly reliable.
 
There are two folks here on the forum that I know of with that Wilton Tradesman saw. They both seemed very happy with it. I was on the verge of buying one a year or so ago but ended up doing some rebuilding on my 4x6 H/V. A 26 year old $159 Taiwanese import, it just keeps on ticking.

If you search on "Threads Started By" me, you'll probably find the discussion.
 
J-s, if you can afford the Wilty and have the room for it, grab it and be happy!!!!!!!!!!
You'll never look back or regret buying it!!
Best blades you can get are Ellis Manufacturers too!
Lots of folks here like Lennox but I used Ellis and the things never wear out and that's even cutting 1/4" titanium and 1/2" plate steel along with wood and everything else! You can order them right from the company's web site.
 
I've had a Wilton for 6 or 7 years now. It's a great saw and no probs at all.

I also have a small Grizzly 4x6 that's been trouble free for almost 20 years.
 
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Thanks for the input guys. I will probably pick one up here in the coming weeks. Just as soon as things settle down.
 
I know that Wilton has a reputation for making very good tools for fine woodworking. I imagine that this saw would also be great for cutting metal if it runs slow enough, but I'm not sure what blade speeds you want for cutting steel.
 
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