band saw recommendation

[judgethis]

Im looking to buy a band saw (verticle type) and was looking for some recommendation. It'll be used for general use, some wood, some metal, maybe some plastic. I saw a Delta 28-560 16 inch but it uses 3 wheels for the blade and not two. I read that it may put too much strain on the blade and cause it to break easily. Dont know? I use a very large floor standing type at work that gets abused and never breaks.
I was wondering if any of you fellow members have one in your garages and what type and how you like it. I dont want to spend alot of money(usually how it is). Thanks

 

[alex71]

here's one. go get it. go get it now. worth the drive and well worth the money he's asking.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/showthread.php/kalamazoo-startrite-24-band-186535.html

 

[A_Pmech]

I second Alex. I'd drag that Startrite home without a second thought! Even though my Do-All is nearing completion, I drooled a little last night when I looked at his ad. The machine looks well taken care of and is a nice size for a home shop.

The price is VERY good and Craig is a standup guy from what I've read and from my dealings with him.

You can read all about the saw in my shop here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34928

 

[judgethis]

OMG! OMG! Thats what Im looking for. Im going to have to get the Boss's approval first. I got to go change my underwear now!

 

[alex71]

did you buy this? it now says sold pending payment.

 

[jh_m5]

Any other recommendations? I am also looking for a band saw.

 

[A_Pmech]

Any other recommendations? I am also looking for a band saw.

Application?

Size and weight constraints?

Those two criteria will narrow the field a smidge.

 

[jh_m5]

Good point
Hobbyist, Some metal work for making brackets and general automotive use. Also wood working.

something i found.
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/1...ly-vs-rikon-vs-powermatic-vs-laguna-and-more/

could those 14" saws handle metal work?

 

[vette-kid]

Good point
Hobbyist, Some metal work for making brackets and general automotive use. Also wood working.

something i found.
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/1...ly-vs-rikon-vs-powermatic-vs-laguna-and-more/

could those 14" saws handle metal work?

Im curious about that myself. Probably wont be buying one real soon (too many things on the want list, not enough $$$$), but Id like to know what to look for when the time comes. Mostly light metal work for making brackets and such. What makes a saw suitable for metal work, besides the blade?

 

[metal1313]

most of the metal working saws have more power and can be run at lower speeds. if your not cutting much steel it shouldnt be a problem with the right blade. personally tho, id get a metal cutting saw and us it to cut wood instead of the oppsite

 

[pattenp]

Good point
Hobbyist, Some metal work for making brackets and general automotive use. Also wood working.

something i found.
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/1...ly-vs-rikon-vs-powermatic-vs-laguna-and-more/

could those 14" saws handle metal work?

These are wood working band saws. They do not run at low enough speed for metal cutting. Wilton makes a dual purpose 14" vertical band saw that cuts both metal and wood that you can find for around $1100.

 

[vette-kid]

These are wood working band saws. They do not run at low enough speed for metal cutting. Wilton makes a dual purpose 14" vertical band saw that cuts both metal and wood that you can find for around $1100.

Man...you really gotta spend that kind of coin to get a decent band saw to cut metal?

 

[Uncle Buck]

Man...you really gotta spend that kind of coin to get a decent band saw to cut metal?

Decent metal cutting bandsaws are not cheap for sure. If you are the determined and handy sort, you can speed reduce a wood working saw to turn it into a metal cutting saw, or you could always equip it with a variable speed to reduce it.

 

[Bolster]

All the wood working guys at sawmill creek freak out when you say you want to use your wood band as a metal band...but now I can't remember why. Some other incompatibility besides speed...why can't I remember......

Edit: "The shaving will mess up your bands on your wheels." That's what they say.

 

[A_Pmech]

Good point
Hobbyist, Some metal work for making brackets and general automotive use. Also wood working.

something i found.
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/1...ly-vs-rikon-vs-powermatic-vs-laguna-and-more/

could those 14" saws handle metal work?

JH,

Those band saws are all wood saws. Most small band saws won't cut both metal and wood. For that kind of capability, you're talking about an "industrial" saw. The only "hobby" sized saw I know of that is capable of both is the the old Wilton, but I don't remember the model number. There are several posts on Practical Machinist about it, however.

In Industrial machines, there are several choices:

Powermatic: #87
Do-all: Various sizes
Startrite: Various sizes
Grob: Various sizes

Woodworking saws in general do not make very good metalworking saws. They're much too lightly built to keep the band tracking with the higher band tension variations present in metal cutting and they operate 10-20 times too fast.

Industrial machines, on the other hand, tend to be multi-purpose machines. They're heavy enough to cut metal or wood and they have multi-speed transmissions which permit cutting many different kinds of materials from wood to tool steel.

I would look for a smaller industrial machine. Grob, Do-All and Startrite make small 16" models which are plentiful on the used market. $600 should get you a nice example as the link to the 24" Startrite above should prove.

Or, you can buy a junker Do-All like me and start from the bottom up, literally!

 

[jh_m5]

Great info, thank you

 

[Elroy]

A rolling head Marvel would be a fine choice as well but it would be better suited to a cut off roll. The other choices mentioned above would be better in a 1/4 sawing roll.

Elroy has an USA made Powermatic that meets his needs. Can't say how the imports "powers" stack up. Probably not well.

Good luck making your selection. Mr. Obama is looking forward to you spreading the wealth

 

[vette-kid]

A rolling head Marvel would be a fine choice as well but it would be better suited to a cut off roll. The other choices mentioned above would be better in a 1/4 sawing roll.

Elroy has an USA made Powermatic that meets his needs. Can't say how the imports "powers" stack up. Probably not well.

Good luck making your selection. Mr. Obama is looking forward to you spreading the wealth

Elroy made a funny!