Bandsaw

[xillent]

I started this metalworking lark with a view to making a fence. That was done a good while ago and I've now made loads of other stuff and it shows all the signs of getting out of hand. I've just been using an angle grinder to cut things but there are a few issues for me (accuracy, safety, time etc etc) . So, I was considering buying a bandsaw. I presume this would be a sensible idea. I'm not sure what to buy though. I reckon I can stretch to £500. I'm not sure if that buys a decent new one or if i'd be better buying something second hand. What are our thoughts?

 

[Turbo]

The generic 6x4 bandsaws can be picked up used and are very accurate once set up properly.
They are sold under various badges such as sealey, clarke and nu-tool but they are essentially the same saw.

I have the nu tool and a sealey version. The sealey one is the swivel head model and it is much easier to set up for cutting angles.

There is a setup guide on here somewhere and if you follow that methodically it should get you accurate cuts.

A good modification is fitting an adjustable motorbike steering damper to control the drop rate.

 

[gaz1]

unless your doing alot of cutting up of angle or box section i dont see the point in a bandsaw

however if you do want one watch out lidl/aldis bandsaw there much cheaper

 

[indykid]

however if you do want one watch out lidl/aldis bandsaw there much cheaper

Save £20 for some ear defenders if you do buy one. I bought one, ran it for 5 seconds and took it back

 

[Bouledogue]

Don't rule out a donkey-saw, if you're not in a rush. I've got a couple of old Qualters & Smith machines that I can happily leave to get on with cutting through quite big steel while I focus on other things. They aren't too dear either. Mainly because people prefer 5hyte from Lidl, etc. instead nowadays...

 

[xillent]

unless your doing alot of cutting up of angle or box section i dont see the point in a bandsaw

however if you do want one watch out lidl/aldis bandsaw there much cheaper

Do you mean just stick with angle grinder? @gaz1

 

[harveyp6]

Don't rule out a donkey-saw, if you're not in a rush. I've got a couple of old Qualters & Smith machines that I can happily leave to get on with cutting through quite big steel while I focus on other things.

I've had one of those on my "to buy" list for years. Donkey's years in fact, but it's never quite happened...

 

[Dapph2]

I would have preferred to have had an over head motor & geared down ( steel cutting circular saw blade on it ) chop saw for steel up to 120mm square , the one I saw years ago was also able to be set to compound angles .
This Amazon one seem OK ..watch the video .

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Power-Tools-S355CPS-Industrial/dp/B07Z8LPD6B/ref=sr_1_2_so_SAW?crid=2DHS6MGJ8LX0Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NwUlPmmo2eavazDZfKScJOaV0cPoyppig3ntGgJ0tsDOZuNnH0SiGsZ_grJuh1mqFgY4XY0dYMwW8YpQAjX6xncSqvf8vB32FtMkCGg1obq_LlR8pTsuSy1_UwwBx_64SBmKPGjNidQVaUBf4P62j4iENsjsmWT1bJYgRilThyIxHCYX-VZR1UlR0va90aMWl_BKZBpaZZymSSNlmTNqZUyDGia98M90-GcQdQPTmyyTgt1V2OVaGI_7ocyYxqoT1a9ml2K085JOx-5NXkCBSWQnmwK7NG9lm1TaPBRMANE.3ko31TshhIg9XNJhPs3rKwc92VZkkP5p_F6YGbFcO1g&dib_tag=se&keywords=industrial+metal+cutting+chopsawsaw+for+sale&qid=1779310178&sprefix=chindustrial+metal+cutting+chopsawopsaw+for+sale%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-2

I feel the thing with a vertical bandsaw is the depth & width of the throat and the tendency for the blade to wear on the outer edge thus causing the blade to wander a bit when the blade/ band gets this wear .

The donkey saws are a good choice for square or round stock 300mm or so . There are quite a few on eBay if you have a means of collecting one . Of see if Fizzy can freight it for you on a pallet .

 

[Bouledogue]

I've had one of those on my "to buy" list for years. Donkey's years in fact, but it's never quite happened...

Buy one. Makes you feel like a hyper-efficient multi-tasker. They're a bit like a shaper in that you can - within reason - just press "go" and then leave 'em to it.

I have to admit that for quick jobs I do resort to a vertical bandsaw: an old Midsaw from the 1940s, which is also fine.

 

[Shiny Steve]

Band saw blades are dirt cheap (buy good ones it makes a lot of difference) and as above the generic small horizontal machines take a lot of beating.

This is mine it has a swirling base that makes angle cuts very easy. it’s done a lot of work the machine itself hasn’t had a thing done to it but I did make a new vice because the original one was pants.

These a quiet and can be left to do there thing whilst I’m wandering around aimlessly trying to work out what I’m doing.

They are only useful if your cutting barstock , round or box 100mmx 150mm max. Angry grinder dose everything else.

We have an evolution circular saw at work I hate it with a passion it’s loud and throws hot chips everywhere face shield needed.

 

[bricol]

Shame you are not just a bit closer to Yorkshire. I have a Starrett S1105 portable bandsaw gathering dust under my house I could be persuaded to part with. Bought a few years ago, I have used it less than a hand full of times - the condition of the paint, vice and blade will show that. Instruction manual still nice and clean, back in the bag it came in. I've even got the box in the loft...

Can be used manually or in automatic, according to the book.

 

[metalmatt]

recently bought a femi 782xl for a little over your budget and it paid for itself within the first day

that said - do you really need one? for one off jobs, an angle grinder is fine. Do you really need superior accuracy? I reckon the benefit of a ~£550 femi vs a £250 scheppach is half a millimetre accuracy and frankly that's probably not worth it in most instances, but like i said mine paid for itself in the first day so it's no big shakes

fettled 6x4s are better for the money but not portable - is space/portability a consideration for you?

 

[minimutly]

I bought an old vertical band saw - there was a previous thread on here - I forget which make now. I was so impressed I decided to look for one of the generic Chinese horizontal ones as well. Bought a Sealey for £50 locally. They are the most useful tools in my workshop.
Found the original thread, the vertical bandsaw is a Whitehead junior. I had to fit a reduction gearbox and 3 phase motor and vsd in order to cut metal.

 

[Robotstar5]

I'm happy with my Scheppach saw for hobby use.