6 x 4 Metal bandsaws again..lol

[ukracer]

Can any one tell me if a Clarke 6 x 4 bandsaw will cut a 45 degree angle in 4 1/2 in pipe. I realsie it will not be production speed and the machines need tinkering with to get them accurate and robust but is the capacity ok.

Regards Andy T

 

[julianthegypsy]

I have the axminster version and I wouldn't cut pipe at 90 degrees with it, I can't keep it straight!

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I have a Sealey/SIP version, can't remember which and 4" is the limit at 45 deg but if you clamp the material to the rear fence instead of using the vice it will cut 4.5".
As to cutting straight I am really happy with mine, took a few !minutes to get the guides and fence aligned but I can cut 4" box and put a square across the end and not see daylight between the square and material. The only time its out of square is if the blade becomes blunt so its a good indicator to put a new blade on. The blades last ages but they are Lenox blades that I bought a job lot of when on offer from JL supply which is now MSC Direct:
http://www.mscdirect.co.uk/CGI/INSRCH?N=1219 4294966267

 

[ukracer]

I have the axminster version and I wouldn't cut pipe at 90 degrees with it, I can't keep it straight!

Ok next question whats the best way of cutting such pipe? I hate abrasive saws and they stink and are too noisy and dirty. I think I know what I will end up with but worth asking!

 

[MattF]

Never used one myself, but the cold saws? apparently are a totally different beast to the abrasive saws, even though I can barely tell the difference between them just by looking. A power hacksaw is also another option, if speed is not of the essence.

 

[ukracer]

Never used one myself, but the cold saws? apparently are a totally different beast to the abrasive saws, even though I can barely tell the difference between them just by looking. A power hacksaw is also another option, if speed is not of the essence.

I have a cold saw but its not big enough . I also sold a power saw recently as it was rarely used due to its weight as it needs so much space.

 

[Welderpaul]

How many cuts in 4.5" pipe do you need to do?

 

[ukracer]

How many cuts in 4.5" pipe do you need to do?

Well that depends. But hopefully over 100. I am considering a Plasma cutter as I am planning to build a CNC bed some time in the future. I am guessing a plasma I would need to fabricate a guide to get it accurate. I could however cut straight pipe with it as well using a powered wheel as each 45 degree cut would also have 2 straight cuts to go with them. Forming a 90 degree bend.

I now need to think about my own advice lol. I would usually use R-Tech and the interest free option but I was shown an Italian plasma that is supposed to be the same (probably without quality controlled parts perhaps) ? For the same as the deposit......MMmmmmm need to think a lot.

 

[ukracer]

Heaven......

 

[Laurie Tedcastle]

I have an old Clarke bandsaw. The longest length of cut (i.e. the maximum distance between the two blade guides) is 205mm.

Laurie