Chopsaw or Bandsaw

[Nick DV]

I need to make up my mind on whether to get an Evolution Chopsaw or a horizontal bandsaw. The Evo would be more practical for me, so I need to know how much louder are they compared to cutting metal with an angle grinder? I suppose it comes down to choosing between 'noisy and quick' versus 'quiet and slow'.

 

[Mark 2]

It's a bandsaw from me.

 

[gaz1]

a chopsaw is better for me but using a evolution to cut both wood and metal for my job then its a evolutution for me

but if you think the evolution is quiet think again as its not not when cutting metal it is louder than the hand grinder

bandsaw if i was only cutting metal up

 

[striker]

I had a bandsaw, then got the biggest Evo chop saw 355. Then regretted it and went back to a bandsaw and had to do all the mods and fettling all over again!
Reasons were, too noisy and too messy as they spray hot chips all over the workshop, also M42 bandsaw blades last me over a year and are cheap. Evolution blades are expensive wear quickly and if your workpiece moves they're trashed straight away.
Only advantage with my Evo was, it was quick.
But I'm in no rush, put the bandsaw on and do something else!
Hope this helps

 

[Nick DV]

Thanks chaps for the feedback. I probably knew what the answer would be when I posted, but you've helped me make my mind up - it'll be 'quiet and slow'.

 

[Mr Fro]

Good choice.

I have an evo chopsaw which I used pre-bandsaw. It's loud and shoots chips everywhere!

The band saw has the bonus of being able to get on with other stuff while it's cutting so is more efficient.

 

[Lazurus]

I have both and the bandsaw is the go to.

 

[Nick DV]

Any recommendations? Was looking at this type FEMI NG120XL Swivel Head Portable Metal Cutting Bandsaw 230 volt - Portable Saws - Metal Cutting Bandsaws (stakesys.co.uk) or this type Sealey SM5 Metal Cutting Bandsaw 3-Speed 150mm 230V | Toolden

 

[Shox Dr]

Just bear in mind a chop saw needs you to be operating it while it cuts. A bandsaw can be left to cut bigger bigs, freeing up the time

 

[Nick DV]

But I'm in no rush, put the bandsaw on and do something else!

he band saw has the bonus of being able to get on with other stuff while it's cutting so is more efficient.

A bandsaw can be left to cut bigger bigs, freeing up the time

I get the picture, and I'm liking it

 

[My Old Landy]

I have the Sealey SM5 and it is good for what I do. The advantage is you can also use it vertically with the supplied table.

 

[Nick DV]

I have the Sealey SM5 and it is good for what I do. The advantage is you can also use it vertically with the supplied table.

That'll be a useful feature as I don't want a separate vertical bandsaw.

 

[My Old Landy]

That'll be a useful feature as I don't want a separate vertical bandsaw.

Be careful with the locking bar, I had to alter mine slightly to ensure it engaged properly.

 

[Nick DV]

Be careful with the locking bar, I had to alter mine slightly to ensure it engaged properly.

Thanks for the heads up

 

[striker]

Mine is the standard 4x6 Chinese one, there's loads of improvements I've done (twice) starting with the stand, bin it and make another! Then a decent table for vertical position and a small table to leave on permanently for the vertical, then a jack bolt in opposite side of vice for small stuff, etc etc, loads on Google. There used to be a 4x6 yahoo group that had all the mods on.

 

[Nick DV]

Mine is the standard 4x6 Chinese one, there's loads of improvements I've done (twice) starting with the stand, bin it and make another! Then a decent table for vertical position and a small table to leave on permanently for the vertical, then a jack bolt in opposite side of vice for small stuff, etc etc, loads on Google. There used to be a 4x6 yahoo group that had all the mods on.

That style all seem to be around the same price and similar spec. I've no problem with tools that need a bit of fettling to make them spot on, probably what makes them that bit cheaper.

 

[striker]

Yeah you can make a decent saw out of them, they become a project in themselves!

 

[Mark 2]

I can't fault my Femi at all.
I didn't go for the Abs option only because the one at work used to jam towards the end of the cut and start to burn the motor out.

 

[dobbslc]

Bandsaw all day long, I find mine therapeutic watching it cut!
@striker I like the jack bolt idea !!!

 

[Mr Fro]

I have the Sealey SM5 and it is good for what I do. The advantage is you can also use it vertically with the supplied table.

Same here - I think it's quite good but then I've not had anything else.

It was a bit fiddly getting it to cut straight mind you.