A good all round saw

[robwizard]

I'm sure this has been posted before but I can't seem to come to any definate conclusion. I'm looking for a saw to cut metal with, mainly stainless and aluminium. I would probably mostly be cutting flat bar and tubing, but the ability to cut solid bar would be advantageous. As far as I can see the main options are;

*Chop saw with a carbide tipped blade
*Abrasive cut off saw
*Bandsaw
*Bench mounted portaband type bandsaw

The little bench mounted bandsaw things look pretty cool, and I imagine they would be reasonably quiet, no sparks etc. but I don't know anyone who has actually used one. It's not going to be used every day but I want to buy something reasonably robust. Traditionally I have always used large horizontal bandsaws but floor space is prime real estate at the moment so something that could be put on a bench or stored out of the way when not in use would be awesome!

Any adivce would be great, Cheers!

 

[cumbriasteve]

I have had a Clarke band saw... decent enough machine and was happy with it.

I also have an abrasive cut off saw, very happy with it for general cutting of steel for gates etc.

However I think if I was into detailed work that require a good finish and quality cut without noise and debris it would be one of the good quality bench mounted bandsaws.

@KimB bought one last year if I remember correctly and think she was very pleased with the way it operated.

 

[anto44]

Bandsaw would be my choice if you're going to be cutting stainless tube. I have a 6x4 horizontal bandsaw and it's brilliant for stainless tube, it's quite and cheap to run. I have a Makita saw with a carbide blade that I used before i got the bandsaw and the noise it makes cutting stainless tube is deafening. A friend has one of the small portable bandsaws and it's an excellent piece of kit but the cutting capacity is quite small especially when cutting mitres. If the size of material you plan on cutting will fit the portable saw then that's the way I'd go.

 

[robwizard]

Might be a little bench mounted bandsaw for me then Most of the stuff we do will be pretty small diameter I would think. Also the abrasive cut off saws seem pretty cheap so could always pick one up for cutting bigger stuff if the job demanded it..

 

[KimB]

I got a little Femi saw. Made a YouTube review on it too somewhere. It’s really good. I’m all the time I’ve used it. I’ve only replaced one blade. It’s done a lot of work too and cuts very accurately.

 

[robwizard]

I think we are gonna go with the Femi ABS105 I think all in all it seems perfect for what we need it for! Cheers

 

[KimB]

Only go for the ABS one if you plan on parting a lot of bar stock off. The guy at stakesys was really helpful. Offered a lot of advice as I was gonna go same route.

 

[robwizard]

Only go for the ABS one if you plan on parting a lot of bar stock off. The guy at stakesys was really helpful. Offered a lot of advice as I was gonna go same route.

Hmmm, probably be more tube and flat than round bar. Maybe the cheaper model would be sufficient.. I'll do a bit more research

Cheers

 

[KimB]

If it’s not to major. It cuts through it in seconds. Let me check the review I did. I think I cut something with it on the vid.

 

[KimB]

Little bit embarrassing to watch it back but I did cut something with it

 

[Stingray]

Little bit embarrassing to watch it back but I did cut something with it

Nice Video KimB, is it worth setting it on a stand with some rollers and stops for batch work, and maybe a simple tray arrangement for cutting oil to prolong blade life, ps try and cut 90 degree angle cuts so the outside corner faces up the way or if you’ve got several pieces bunched up the outside corner against the jaw so you not dragging swarf through the long groove

 

[Tangledfeet]

I bought a FEMI 784XL a few months ago on eBay using a 10% off code; very happy with it!

@KimB I have you to thank for your recommendations on here and your YouTube video!

 

[KimB]

Nice Video KimB, is it worth setting it on a stand with some rollers and stops for batch work, and maybe a simple tray arrangement for cutting oil to prolong blade life, ps try and cut 90 degree angle cuts so the outside corner faces up the way or if you’ve got several pieces bunched up the outside corner against the jaw so you not dragging swarf through the long groove

Yeah I’m planning on that at my new house. Just in the process of planning my new garage.
Also it does specifically say no oil and thanks for the tip about cutting.

I bought a FEMI 784XL a few months ago on eBay using a 10% off code; very happy with it!

@KimB I have you to thank for your recommendations on here and your YouTube video!

That’s okay glad to hear. They’re good saws.

 

[eSCHEn]

Little bit embarrassing to watch it back but I did cut something with it

"That took a little bit longer than expected" - I genuinely LOLed Kim

Good video, worth the watch

 

[Richard.]

"That took a little bit longer than expected" - I genuinely LOLed Kim

Good video, worth the watch

Me too.
30 off cuts sitting on the bench and a saw base piled with swarf later.......

 

[eSCHEn]

Me too.
30 off cuts sitting on the bench and a saw base piled with swarf later.......

It was the timing of it and how she cut to the pile. Glad I'd swallowed me mouthful of tea just two seconds before