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Metalworking saw

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mortimersnerd

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Oct 31, 2012
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I've got a decent amount of metalworking planned over the next year (rock sliders for my '71 Bronco, possibly a roll cage, some railings for my yard, etc). All of it can be cut with a grinder, but I'm wondering if you guys have suggestions for something that will cut faster and more accurately. Thought about a chop saw or bandsaw. Any ideas?
 
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Warrenator

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May 31, 2008
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Newberg, OR
I had the same dilemma, safety was my justification. (I sliced a big chunk out of my leg using a grinder, requiring a trip to the emergency room.) Plus the grinder was hard to make accurate cuts on tubing. I bought a powermatic 143 bandsaw used on ebay for $800. What a nice piece of equipment. Slow speed for metal, high speed for wood, rigid frame so you can tighten the bands sufficiently, tilting table, miter slot so if I want I can make a compund cut (tilt the table and use a miter guide in the slot). Or just draw lines on your piece of metal plate and cut to the line. I thought long and hard about getting just a horizontal metal cutting bandsaw but decided the versatility of the vertical bandsaw was too good to pass up.

I really like this bandsaw. I thought about moving my bed out to the garage to sleep next to it.
 
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drb007

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May 1, 2005
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WI
In general, power hacksaws will cut more accurately than the bandsaw. The bandsaw tends to wander a bit if the settings are off or the saw is worn. The hacksaw is a bit slower, but the blades are much easier to change, and less expensive. They sure are fun to watch run!
My dad has a Keller with the oil well, and I have a Jefferson 601. Google and YouTube have lots of info on them. They also take less floor space. Cuts everything I have to do...
 
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gmwelder86

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Dec 8, 2010
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Oakdale , ca
Depending how much you want to spend a portaband sounds just like what you need. Versatile, relatively cheap and can use pretty much anywhere.
 
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drb007

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I have a chop saw as well, and used it all the time until I got the power hack saw. The chop saw is LOUD and messy. And again, accuracy is an issue...just sayin...
 
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signcrafter

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May 9, 2012
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drb007 said:
I have a chop saw as well, and used it all the time until I got the power hack saw. The chop saw is LOUD and messy. And again, accuracy is an issue...just sayin...
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A chop saw is different than a carbide thipped metal cutting saw. A dry cut saw cuts clean and almost burr free.
 
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crewchief888

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NW indiana
mortimersnerd said:
I've got a decent amount of metalworking planned over the next year (rock sliders for my '71 Bronco, possibly a roll cage, some railings for my yard, etc). All of it can be cut with a grinder, but I'm wondering if you guys have suggestions for something that will cut faster and more accurately. Thought about a chop saw or bandsaw. Any ideas?
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all depends on how deep your pockets are...
and how much "space" you have to store equipment.

i've cut lots of tubing with a HF (& it's replacement, a ridgid) abrasive chop saw in my 19x22 garage,
and it's portable if i need to do some work away from the garage.


:beer:
 
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justanengineer

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Apr 5, 2011
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Motor City
I would suggest finding a used horizontal bandsaw from Carolina or one of the other good ol' US saw makers. Chop saws and cold saws are quick, but somewhat size limited. I also wouldnt wanna buy one used as they tend to be abused. If youve got a bit of room, you could also find a good vertical saw like John's Do-All. If you have all day to get the job done and dont care about things like parts support, but are on a $25 budget you can buy a power hack.
 
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2mJps

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Feb 20, 2012
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Location
north central Mo
It sounds like you are new to metal working. Do yourself a big favor and by a bandsaw. Stay away from things that kill you slowly by throwing clouds of junk in the air you breath Like a chop saw.
 
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muibubbles

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Apr 24, 2009
Messages
685
Location
nj
damnit. i just saw a video on the femi ng120............. I was looking to buy an Evolution rage2 chop saw around black friday but this thing is tempting!!!

hmm evolution rage 2 for $300 or the Femi 782xlh for $500.............../

edit: jut noticed there is quiet the difference in the ng120 and 782xl.. also the 120 is double the 782 =(
 
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machine_punk

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May 14, 2011
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Location
Napa Valley, California
There are so many answers to that question...but based on the sorts of things you anticipate cutting, I'd recommend a band saw...I like the Milwaukee, portable, deep cut, variable speed model (You can get them for around $300 new, or a little less used. I recommend the new, simply because of design updates...they have true variable speed, instead of a choice of two speeds.

I put a bandsaw 'table' on mine and often use it like a vertical bandsaw, with a custom 3/4" plywood bracket I built for it...

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Kev
 
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shoot summ

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Jun 8, 2010
Messages
2,951
RivennHewn said:
femi bandsaw

http://www.hemsaw.com/bandsaw/utilitybandsawo.htm


Been looking at these for a while, just need a job to justify it.
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BD1 said:
Nice. I never heard about them . Do you know of anyone that has one ?
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The Manufacturer/Distributor is near me, first saw this saw at the Fair a couple of years ago. It is VERY impressive. That said it is also very expensive. I WANT one, but realistically I don't NEED one. My Rage saw does just fine.

The big advantage I see of the Femi over the Rage is there are no "chips" that get EVERYWHERE.
 
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