Looking for a metal cutting band saw. Something between $400-$800 for a home hobby shop. At least a 4” wide cut ability on a 90 degree cut, would be awesome if it could do 4” on a 45. The most important feature I’m looking for is to be able to take it from horizontal to vertical cutting.
Band saws
- Thread starter 72Camaro
- Start date
1cargarage
Well-known member
Looking to buy NEW? ... I can't help you.
If you're open to a certified pre-owned unit, look for a
WELLSAW 58B
https://www.wellsaw.com/products/search-by-saw-type/portableconvertible-saws/model-58bd58bw/
Here's what a NEW one looks like:
Used units are more likely to resemble this one:
Wellsaw made (makes) tons of these and they're awesome. Perfect balance of heavy duty and portability. Heavily used specimens can be found for ~$500 for the lower end, while nicer, garage kept/highway miles units start around $700.
90˚ Envelope: 9-1/2" x 11"
120V, 1/2HP
Cast iron frame, clamp, and table (when used in vertical mode)
Super simple and stout design (easily serviceable)
Made in USA since 1926
Wellsaw still makes parts for every saw they have ever produced
They still make the 86B model, but they've been updated and gussied up (~$3300 currently).
If you're open to a certified pre-owned unit, look for a
WELLSAW 58B
https://www.wellsaw.com/products/search-by-saw-type/portableconvertible-saws/model-58bd58bw/
Here's what a NEW one looks like:
Used units are more likely to resemble this one:
Wellsaw made (makes) tons of these and they're awesome. Perfect balance of heavy duty and portability. Heavily used specimens can be found for ~$500 for the lower end, while nicer, garage kept/highway miles units start around $700.
90˚ Envelope: 9-1/2" x 11"
120V, 1/2HP
Cast iron frame, clamp, and table (when used in vertical mode)
Super simple and stout design (easily serviceable)
Made in USA since 1926
Wellsaw still makes parts for every saw they have ever produced
They still make the 86B model, but they've been updated and gussied up (~$3300 currently).
MushCreek
Well-known member
It seems like the better saws don't tilt all the way up for vertical usage. I had a cheap HF unit, and it was a POS. It took a lot of work to make it functional, and even then, it sucked. You can google hacks to tune these cheap Chinese saws. I need to sell my too-big 24" Kalamazoo, and get something that doesn't have such a big footprint.
LeeG
Well-known member
Get a portaband with a table.
https://www.swagoffroad.com/SWAG-Portaband-Tables-Accessories_c_35.html
Then look at a mitering bandsaw like this.
Hemsaw 782XLH
https://www.swagoffroad.com/SWAG-Portaband-Tables-Accessories_c_35.html
Then look at a mitering bandsaw like this.
Hemsaw 782XLH
Agree......portaband .........is a great starting point, especially for light fabrication.
Several prior posts on swag .........
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466398
Several prior posts on swag .........
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466398
1cargarage
Well-known member
That Wellsaw 58B does vertical.
Not many good new options out there, of course the classic "find a used USA" model is a given.
Personally, I would look into the Grizzly G9742 swiveling head bandsaw. Its in your budget, and a excellent saw. BUT doesnt tilt to vertical.
https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-5-x-6-1-2-hp-metal-cutting-bandsaw-w-swivel-head/g9742
For the vertical feature, take the advice above and grab a HF bandsaw and Swag Offroad table. Cheap, easy, and nearly as good as a tilting compromise saw.
Personally, I would look into the Grizzly G9742 swiveling head bandsaw. Its in your budget, and a excellent saw. BUT doesnt tilt to vertical.
https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-5-x-6-1-2-hp-metal-cutting-bandsaw-w-swivel-head/g9742
For the vertical feature, take the advice above and grab a HF bandsaw and Swag Offroad table. Cheap, easy, and nearly as good as a tilting compromise saw.
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
When I want smaller pieces I buy from a couple of places. So they have big fancy band saws. I have complimented the guys cutting on their band saw and got the same response, "Aw, it cuts crooked." A long winded way saying band saws are finicky Even the expensive fancy newer ones.
I've worked on or modified three used 4x6, one the granddaddy of them all, an American made one. And a bunch of industrial ones in shops. While a HF can be a good starting point, I would suggest something a little up market, like a Grizzly.
I've worked on or modified three used 4x6, one the granddaddy of them all, an American made one. And a bunch of industrial ones in shops. While a HF can be a good starting point, I would suggest something a little up market, like a Grizzly.
Ign
Well-known member
Funny, I was going to suggest exactly this when OP first posted but refrained because it apparently won't go vertical. I use my Grizzly for all miter cuts - the swivel head is so nice. Obviously capacity at 45 is limited, but I try not to build **** outta "huge" stock anymore - I'm getting too old for such nonsense
Otherwise OP, just pony up for any of the import 7x12's - they're inherently workhorses and AFAIK they all go vertical (with an impressively flimsy sheetmetal table that bolts on the lower guide)
matt_i
Well-known member
I have had a Wellsaw 58 for around 27 years now, it was my first "machine".
They are very commonly used by electrical & mechanical contractors so they may have had a lot of use. I'd say most of it is easy to repair or you can probably get parts from Wellsaw for it.
Mine came with damaged step pulleys and a piece broken out of the vise so it wouldn't clamp but I welded the vise back up, calculated a single speed for around 100sfm blade speed, purchased some Congress die cast sheaves at the local hardware store (can't do that any more, its property is converted into high end apartments...but you can buy them on the 'net)
I made my own table for it, easy to find a piece of 1/4" steel and carefully saw the installation kerf on top of the existing guide, then a couple of flathead cap screws, pack of shop towels to make a seat cushion and you are off!
You are only limited by the 7x12 work envelope...top is an S8 and bottom is an S10 I-beam.
They are very commonly used by electrical & mechanical contractors so they may have had a lot of use. I'd say most of it is easy to repair or you can probably get parts from Wellsaw for it.
Mine came with damaged step pulleys and a piece broken out of the vise so it wouldn't clamp but I welded the vise back up, calculated a single speed for around 100sfm blade speed, purchased some Congress die cast sheaves at the local hardware store (can't do that any more, its property is converted into high end apartments...but you can buy them on the 'net)
I made my own table for it, easy to find a piece of 1/4" steel and carefully saw the installation kerf on top of the existing guide, then a couple of flathead cap screws, pack of shop towels to make a seat cushion and you are off!
You are only limited by the 7x12 work envelope...top is an S8 and bottom is an S10 I-beam.
Last edited:
BD1
Well-known member
I have a harbor freight 4x6 . Had it over 12 years and still going. I recently replaced the motor and it still cuts true.
I did upgrade to a ELLIS 1600 a few years ago. Now that's a real saw.
For my artwork, I've been using this Milwaukee setup I made over 10 years ago.
I made it to clamp in vise initially, then made a base for it. Saw is permanent and blade removal is easy with saw staying mounted.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I did upgrade to a ELLIS 1600 a few years ago. Now that's a real saw.
For my artwork, I've been using this Milwaukee setup I made over 10 years ago.
I made it to clamp in vise initially, then made a base for it. Saw is permanent and blade removal is easy with saw staying mounted.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
DerekV
Well-known member
I have this saw and it goes vertical. All you have to do is remove the one Allen bolt that goes through the hydraulic cylinder rod. I use it this way all the time. I have no idea why they don’t advertise it as a feature.
OP - I highly recommend the Grizzly G9742.
Ign
Well-known member
Honestly the modern import 7x12's come with a decent hydraulic downfeed, coolant pump and reservoir down below built in, and a quick slide vise. Kinda hard to beat if old American iron is in short supply in your area.
I'd personally avoid the ubiquitous Ramco/Carolina units that seem to pop up everywhere -- they're really kinda ******.
For new import 7x12's I'm still of the opinion that the purely vertical downfeed cylinder is superior to the angled cylinder, although the former is kinda the "older" design and seems to be fading away
I'd personally avoid the ubiquitous Ramco/Carolina units that seem to pop up everywhere -- they're really kinda ******.
For new import 7x12's I'm still of the opinion that the purely vertical downfeed cylinder is superior to the angled cylinder, although the former is kinda the "older" design and seems to be fading away
Good to know! thanks
DerekV
Well-known member
no problemlarry4406
Well-known member
JeepJohn62 did a nice review of the Grizzly G9742.
DerekV I see you posted there.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442998