I need a horizontal bandsaw...

[Jason280]

I've had a Taiwan manufactured Rockwell(?) 4x6 horizontal/vertical bandsaw for at least 7-8 years, that was probably already 5-10 years old before I bought it. Its been a decent saw, never too impressive, but I was able to pick it up relatively cheap off Craigslist. Well, it finally died on me the other day, and it may not be repairable (I'm not even sure I want to fix it at this point). The gears in the gear box have gotten so out of line that the teeth won't properly mesh at times. It could be something simple, such as a bushing or bearing, but that will be a project down the road (if I don't toss it in the trash).

So, I am in search of a replacement 4x6 bandsaw that I don't immediately need to start tweaking out of the box to get it to cut straight. What are my options? I've been looking at the Jet models at Northern Tool, but not sure if they are worth the extra coin over the Northern or HF version.

Any suggestions for a decent saw under $4-500?

 

[ken w.]

In my opinion,there is no difference between the Jet or the HF band saw as I had both of them.Both made in Taiwan or China. The HF had a better stand than the Jet. I got rid of both and bought a Wells saw # 5 on CL. If you have extra room you will never be disappointed in investing in an older American made saw.

 

[Ign]

If you can stretch your budget to $640 this would work w a 25% coupon, the 7x12's are a HUGE step up in quality and capability:
http://m.harborfreight.com/1-hp-7-inch-x-12-inch-hydraulic-feed-metal-cutting-bandsaw-97009.html

Otherwise I've always found this Busy Bee intriguing and I believe it swivels rather than the work (=super mega awesome), $500:
http://www.busybeetools.com/products/METAL-BANDSAW-12-1{47}4IN.-X-8-1{47}4IN.-PORT.-CSA.html

 

[kazlx]

They are all the same. The 7x12s are a little better, but very 4x6 saw is the same thing with a different paint job.

Might check this out for a little more:
http://metal.baileighindustrial.com/band-saw-bs-128m

 

[JCByrd24]

The Jet and a few of the higher priced ones are actually 5x6, the upper arm casting is different. My Jet cut straight right out of the box and to this day if the blade I'm using is good. A bad blade will not cut straight even in the best saw. I really only bought the Jet because it's what I could get locally vs ordering though, and at the time I believe the cost differential was less than it is now.

 

[Ign]

These are cool too and also swivel the blade vs the work. Grizzly sells the same thing for more $$ but if you're not near a Northern store their shipping will be 2/3 the cost of the saw. Grizzly's shipping probably far more reasonable:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200365543_200365543

 

[930dreamer]

There's one in the GJ classifieds.

 

[Jason280]

Hmmm, not sure a bandsaw in Denver helps me a whole lot...

http://metal.baileighindustrial.com/band-saw-bs-128m

This one looks very appealing. What is the biggest difference between it and the Northern Tool model? Do you know if it is American made? Haven't had much time to really look through the link, but it looks like it would fit my needs perfectly.

 

[dr_clyde]

I wouldn't buy a thing from baileigh. I bought a cold saw from them. It is such a *************. A friend of mine has several of their higher end tools and none of them impress me. I can't image their cheaper stuff is even worth looking at.

I would hold out and try to find a used industrial saw. They never die. An old Kalamazoo or W.F. Wells would be perfect for a home shop.

 

[IMCA38]

Do a search on Google or Yahoo for Olson 9x12 bandsaw.
These things are industrial strength.
If you can find one at an auction or estate sale, look to spend between $200-400 if it's in decent shape.

 

[t.ruckus.rex]

Thanks for noticing

USHIP.com? I can load on the back of a pickup truck.

Here is the manual:

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/4162/5253.pdf

Notice the phone number NA 9-8661

 

[930dreamer]

Thanks for noticing

USHIP.com? I can load on the back of a pickup truck.

Here is the manual:

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/4162/5253.pdf

Notice the phone number NA 9-8661

I need this saw, just don't have the funds.

 

[kazlx]

The johnsons are awesome. My buddy has one. They just aren't the most compact things. My next saw is going to be an Ellis 1600.

 

[t.ruckus.rex]

That's the main reason I'm selling it, I takes up a lot of space

Rated for 10" rounds and up to 18" flats!

 

[gus1962]

Look on your local CL ads. I actually have a Taiwan made 7 x 12 band saw.

 

[tarbellb]

kazlx mentioned Ellis, its a great saw for the money ie mid tier.

I would def look at Grizzly.com more, it seems they offer a better product then Jet, Delta, Northern, etc... for the same price.

I really like the looks of this one- http://www.grizzly.com/products/5-x-6-Metal-Cutting-Bandsaw-w-Swivel-Head/G9742