Horizontal Bandsaw from Northern Tool

[moparfreak]

So, I've been in the market for a horizontal bandsaw, researching for a little while. Currently for cutting up metal I use an abrasive chop saw, but looking to switch that out to bandsaw type saw to avoid the excessive filing / cleanup needed on the end of the cuts, as well as spraying steel shards everywhere in the shop...

I also like the ability for these horizontal bandsaws to be flipped up into a vertical position, and then with a corresponding table, can be used for small cuts. I don't have a portaband type tool, and I have a vertical bandsaw that is set up for woodworking so there wouldn't be any overlap there.

That being said, I'm focusing in on two different types of models:

- Klutch benchtop saw from Northern Tool
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660083_200660083
This one seems to have good reviews as well as some positive comments here on the forum. Seems also very similar to a WEN version that could be had from either Amazon or HD. The advantage of this one is that it's a small footprint, can live on a bench or cart. The disadvantage I see is that it doesn't have the automatic feed & shutoff like the bigger ones do, so I have to stand there and apply pressure to feed the saw through the piece, rather than the bigger ones which you can start the cut and walk away, since bandsaw cutting does take a good bit longer than abrasive.

Other disadvantage on this one is that for vertical mode I'd need to make up some sort of custom table to be used (doesn't come with one or really designed for one).

The other option I'm considering is this very base level floor model from Northern also:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200659143_200659143

I know this one is probably about equivalent to what you'd find at HF. Also has decent reviews, and a nice pro on this one is it flips to vertical mode easily and has a table to go along with it. So, quicker and easier to use in that regard out of the box.

Big disadvantage of this one is it's larger, requires some floorspace. It is decently portable so easy to roll around at least. I could probably find the space for it to live.

Any experiences with either of these machines? I have a northern tool nearby so I can avoid the shipping costs of either one, and also use their coupons to knock $20 off or so.

 

[Old Man Roger]

I have the HF floor model, I honestly don't know how I lived without it..
It's clearly cheaply made, but with a little adjusting here and there, I've cut thousands of feet of steel with hardly any issues what so ever..
Getting it to cut straight with adjustments, and bracing the base where the wheels mount, were the two main issues.
Over the years I've modified the table, made custom clamps, vises, hangers for vise grips ect ect.
Great bang for your buck if you ask me.

I have a friend who has a Milwaukee, like the smaller one you posted. I can see it comes in handy for certain situations, but with some planning, the floor model can do almost anything the smaller model can do.
The floor model is also more hands free. The smaller model you almost always have to be hands on for the whole cut. I know that doesn't sound like a major issue, but it is when you have to cut a lot of material or a thick piece of material.

 

[redidbull]

I have the floor one. I have had it for years and have cut alot with it. Slow and easy is how you have to cut or it may drift. Keeping the blade tight is a must too. The one I have can also be used as an upright band saw. Other than the wander I have no problems with it. Jim

 

[sreeb]

I have a 4x6. Bench top may not be an advantage when you have a 10' piece of stock hanging out the end of it.

Note that band saws aren't that great if you are cutting thin material.

Thick material will take a while so it is good to be able do other things in the shop while it is cutting. I wouldn't leave it completely unattended.

The stand on mine (old HF model) *****. Plan on making some improvements if you intend to move it around much.

 

[moparfreak]

it seems kinda crazy to me that the floor model is only $25 more than the benchtop. I'm starting to lean towards the floor model, and I'm going to start looking at the shop to see if I can find a decent home where it can live where I won't trip all over it. 38" height is a bit too high to really slide underneath a workbench or anything....

 

[Jazz1]

Making a plate for vertical position is only a few minutes of your day. Mine is piece of aluminum. Metal cutting bandsaw made my chop saw obsolete. No more dust and sparks. You'll like it.
I'm fortunate we have a saw shop locally who makes our saw blades, better quality than much of whats available on the shelf.

 

[Full Throttle]

I just bought the floor model bout 2months ago. Spent 1/2 day truing the blade and cleaned the gear box. The worm gear had sharp un finished cuts. Little file work and some new 140wt gear oil she runs smooth. Best money I have spent.

 

[Aaron_W]

I've had the Harbor Freight version of the second saw for about a year.

Most of the 4x6 saws like this are very closely related if not identical, mostly differing in price, color and perhaps quality control. Warranty may be also different between brands as well, I didn't look at that. There is a Jet 4x6 in my welding class, and it looks just like my HF but with better fit and finish (also about 3x the price so it should be nicer).

I had to replace one of the belt pulleys on mine because it was chipped in the box. HF just want to swap with a new one and are 60 miles away, so I spent the $10 (cheaper than the gas) for a replacement pulley from Grizzly and it was a perfect match.

Very happy with mine, I bought it to cut a bunch of 4x4 steel square tubing, sure beats a hacksaw.

 

[rsanter]

I have a horizontal saw like the second one you show (but older, heavier duty) and I don’t use it much anymore.
I have a cut off saw (with the carbide blade) that I use most of the time.
These are great for tubing, not so good for large solid stock.

The only time I use the bandsaw anymore is if I have to cut larger solid material or larger very thick tubing material. This is perhaps 5% of the time or less.
So ask yourself, what materials do you cut and how often

Bob

 

[PoorOwner]

I have a horizontal saw like the second one you show (but older, heavier duty) and I don’t use it much anymore.
I have a cut off saw (with the carbide blade) that I use most of the time.
These are great for tubing, not so good for large solid stock.

The only time I use the bandsaw anymore is if I have to cut larger solid material or larger very thick tubing material. This is perhaps 5% of the time or less.
So ask yourself, what materials do you cut and how often

Bob

I use a dry cut saw also. It’s a great alternative to the bandsaw and take much less space. Burr is very minimal.
You can still cut tubing with it, just need to secure it well. You cannot use your hand to hold it, at least highly not recommended Incase it catches the saw has enormous torque.

 

[WagonHo!]

I picked up the Trajan 125 from Sawblade.com. Love it quieter, cleaner lightweight cuts almost 5”, variable speed. Bought a table from Wen for the vertical cuts with some easy mods and fit it to my Delta miter saw stand if I need to move it outside.