Horizontal Band Saw vs Cut-off Saw

[cjc_td5]

I have a couple of steel fabrication projects soon which involve multiple square and angled cuts of square tubing (up to 50x50) and so rather than using my usual angle grinder method, am thinking of splashing out on a purpose built saw for this purpose.

It seems my main options are either a horizontal band saw or a cut-off saw. I've used a horizontal band saw previously and found it to be great, but a cut off saw is smaller to store and a cheaper to buy.

Any opinions or guidance on which type of saw to go with??

Cheers,

[87County]

IMHE if you just buy a cheap H&F bandsaw you'll go through quite a few blades (even if you adjust it correctly), but you can (after some experimentation) get a much more accurate cut.

Good if you're fabricating small complicated shaped parts.

[Bigbjorn]

Have a look at a Milwaukee 18volt portable hand held bandsaw. One of these may suit your light work.

[Jason789]

Try 'TradeTools'

Mainly in QLD and VIC.
Excellent prices as the stores/warehouse is owned by the person running the shop.
They have their own line of tools which is excellent. I have various power tools from their range and they have all proved reliable.

Their 'drop saw' I have used and can recomend.

Footnote.....I don't have shares or any interest in the company.

Cheers,

Jason

[p38arover]

I have both.

If the tubing you'll be cutting is steel, I'd recommend the drop saw.

The Chinese bandsaws can't, in horizontal mode, cut short lengths of steel. The clamping vice is very limited in what it can hold. Also, often when one is trying to cut at an angle, one simply cannot clamp the material. It's hard to describe without showing you what I mean.

The bandsaw is great on thick bar stock or alloy. It's slow but one can walk away and let it do the job. It's also quiet when working in the garage late at night - important when one has nearby neighbours.

Adjusting the blade so it doesn't come off can be a trial!

[cjc_td5]

Have a look at a Milwaukee 18volt portable hand held bandsaw. One of these may suit your light work.

I'm mainly looking at something with a jig so I can get accurate square or angled cuts. If going hand held, I might as well stick with an angle grinder with a cutting blade.

Thanks

[p38arover]

If you think you want a bandsaw, take a short length of steel tubing into a store that sells the saws and play with holding the steel in the vice while you plan cuts. You'll soon see what you cannot do. Actually try the vice, it is particularly useless on angle cuts.

Mine is similar to this design. Probably identical except for paint. https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/B002

[big harold]

I have both it depends how much you will use the saw and how much you are willing to spend. I have one of these https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/B008A
as well as a standard drop saw. I think i still have the drop saw as I have not used it in that long.
If you are buying a band saw make sure you get one that uses coolant as this is why others are going through blades.
I made a full set of cattle yards and race/ramp and only used 2 blades.
I made up a set of rollers either side to allow for a full lengh of RHS.
They are very acurate on angles, very quiet in operation and you can just set up and walk away to do other things while they cut.
The only reason I kept my drop saw is for cutting hardened bolts.
I would take some pictures except my shed is a mess and I would not be able o set up the rollers as I have my quad pulled apart in front of the saw.

[p38arover]

That saw is a big step up from mine - both in capability and price!

After getting mine set up, it rarely breaks a blade. I have more problems with the blade coming off.

[Slunnie]

We do a LOT of cutting at work. IMHO, Cold saw with a blade and coolant - ie not an abrasive cut off saw.

Like this:


If youre not doing a lot of cutting, then it doesnt matter.