options for roughing out blanks?

J

JLK

Joined
Jan 28, 2009
Messages
8
i tried finding a search feature on the forum but couldnt find it.

anyway, Im new and getting a few tools together to step off...i have put this off for years. i cant wait.

anyway, i was thinking i would add a small light duty band saw for roughing out blanks and other stuff. i figured it would be a pretty handy tool. one of those about 10" 100 dollar or so types. however a guy told me that a small one wouldnt "cut it".

now i know people use anything from hacksaws to grinders with cut off discs. how about a jig saw?

what do yall prefer?

i already have a bench grinder, drill press, and 1X48" delta grinder. but nothing heavy duty.

thanks in advance. i look forward to bugging the heck out of yall with questions! haha
 
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I've seen people use an angle grinder, very fast, but the steel will get very hot.

I know bandsaws work well, but I don't know what kind works best.

I personally use a hacksaw. Not the fastest way, but it's the only thing I can afford right now.
 
I use a Jet 4x6 horizontal/vertical (but I unly use it in vertical). A few mods to the stock table, and it's a pretty decent machine for the price... I think I paid about 230.00 for mine. I know a lot of guys use a porta-band too with good results. Whatever you end up with, I highly suggest the Lenox bi-metal blades.


-Mark
 
I went to longevity inc and bought one of their 40amp plazma cutters:) works great I just cut out 10 blades in about 10 min. 400 bucks:) saved that in cutoff wheels in a year.:D
 
kungfumo said:
I went to longevity inc and bought one of their 40amp plazma cutters:) works great I just cut out 10 blades in about 10 min. 400 bucks:) saved that in cutoff wheels in a year.:D
Click to expand...

Now that would be nice to have..... :D:thumbup:
I would love to have one of those.


JLK - Welcome to Bladeforums - :thumbup:
If you think you will be sticking around? Sign up for a member ship. They are really cheap.
And than you can search and have access to the whole forums....:thumbup:

Todd


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I generally just use my belt grinder with a very abrasive grit (36). If the steel has been annealed, it usually doesn't take much time.

'Course, it kinda depends what you are roughing the blanks out of.

Andy
 
An inexpensive wood bandsaw won't work for cutting the steel. The cheapest option is an angle grinder, it works pretty well and fast, but its loud and sparks fly everywhere (careful of fires). Other inexpensive options are the horizontal/vertical saws from Harbor Freight, they go on sale for ~$150 from time to time. One person on here recently got one for $130 with a sale and a coupon. Portable bandsaws are also an option and not too much money.
 
There are a couple of threads on using a portable bandsaw. The bottom is the Harbor Freight. I mounted it on a wood stand and clamped to the bench. On sale these go for about $80.00. Get the warrenty and they will replace it free. Main issue is the plastice drive wheels. It does work well for roughing.

HFMiniBandsaw.jpg
 
I find that a combination of the Jet 4x6 and the DeWalt portaband work best for me personally. Each has its own pros and cons.

saws.jpg

dewalt.jpg
 
lots of options. and i noticed at least one light band saw. so, even if not ideal, it will work fine. enough for me.

next to the plasma cutter, the portaband sounds good to!

i have access to a laser cutter. too bad it wont cut the metal.
 
I postpone my projects
For years no been sure about tools
I try jig saw, no good!
And wood band saw a no, no
Electric 4" cutoff wheel from harbor freight
Around $20 best so far
I will try a portable band saw next
I use hand jig saw for handles
I learned no to let the lack of tool stop me any more
I use an 8" stone wheel grinder/ buffer
And lots of sand paper and some files
 
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I just bought the Dewalt portaband. I was gonna ask about special floating in air mount you had in the first picture, but I saw it mounted to the wall. Darn.

thanks
Eric
 
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