Which metal-cutting bandsaw??

[blade runner]

I am in the market for a metal cutting bandsaw, and I don't want to go over $200.
Any comments or suggestions?
Thanks

 

[ddavelarsen]

I've used the Harbor Freight one for a year with no problems. I can't imagine working without it anymore.

Dave

 

[Andrew McLurkin]

You can't go wrong with the model from Harbor Freight. You need to buy some quality blades for it because the one that comes with it is useless. I got mine for $159 with free shipping. They have the same model in their stores if one happens to be near you. I'm still trying to figure out how they can manufacture, distribute and sell the thing so cheap.

 

[dmelton]

HarborFreight's bandsaw is on sale right now 139$!!!!


Too bad I can't spend the money right now!

 

[Jerry Hossom]

I have been using my $175 special from Enco for about 15 years now. I have a perfect love/hate relationship with that machines, but it has cut a LOT of steel for me.

 

[Mike Hull]

I'va been using a Harbor Freight horz/vert., for about 18 years, the same one, and it's still working great. Do get a good bi metal blade for it though.

 

[Tom Militano]

I also use a Harbor Freight band saw. Trash the blade and get a bimetal one. I've used and abused this saw for a number of years and if it quit tomorrow I'd order another one from them.
Tom

 

[Guy Thomas]

Well I couldn't stand it any longer. I've known about the sale ($139.00) at Harbor Freight for some time now and I just ordered one. The price and no shipping charge is just to good to refuse. You only have to pay an additional $5.95 handling charge. Now that's a bargain!

Now where's a good place to order good bi-metal blades?

 

[Mike Hull]

Guy, K&G has them, I believe they are cryo treated to last longer,http://www.knifeandgun.com/ . Of coarse there are many other places that carry them,64 1/2x1/2x.025 is the size you need for that bandsaw.

 

[markmarkmark]

am i missing something? i can't seem to find the $139 saw, on the website or in my catalog...can someone post a link?

thanks...

 

[markmarkmark]

never mind...found it...

 

[Will52100]

One of these days I'll move up to a full size band saw, right now I'm useing a Milwakie porta band clamped in a vise, with a string tied to the triger for a foot pedal to turn it on.

If you go this rout, do make a new platen for it, the one that's on it was not desighned for upright use and is a good way to loose a finger.

This has cut a lot of steel, and is portable and with my limited space is easy to store under my bench.