Need some 4x6 bandsaw recommendations

[unclemoak]

I've read through some of the other bandsaw threads and didn't find one that gave much details on what 4x6 bandsaws were among the best in terms of features and robust components (seems some have cast vs stamped and iron vs aluminum parts). Granted, I'm under no delusion that an import 4x6 bandsaw is going to be super robust, accurate, or comparable to a US made machine, but it will certainly beat a hacksaw or a cutoff wheel in my grinder that I'm using currently.


I have considered abrasive saws and cold cut saws, but abrasive saws are out for the mess and noise they make, and cold saws mainly due to price. Both styles seem to be limited in their versatility (trouble/safety with round parts). So a horizontal bandsaw seems to win out in my mind.

With that said, what feedback do you guys have on selecting a 4x6 bandsaw? Any brands to steer toward or away from?

 

[tarbellb]

HF is about the norm, backed with all the resources HF tools provide (warranty, parts?, store support), and decent pricing.

If versatility is a big concern, look for the smaller band saws that pivot the head instead of the bed. Fem or Femi? and Northern Tool, and I believe Wen all make a cheaper model with decent marks.

Good luck.

 

[kkroger]

They are ALL the same tool unless you get a US made version they are out there but $$$ big bucks for a tiny saw... the HF with a 20% off coupon is about all you need. Get a GOOD blade the USA made blades that HF sells work OK I get 10-14 tooth Bi-Metals and does all I need to do. You will want to make a few minor adjustments to the blade track and such (use a square... )

 

[kazlx]

They are all the same. Pick one.

IMO I’d spend a little more and get a Femi mitering. Unless you really need the 4x6 capacity.

 

[kazlx]

http://www.trick-tools.com/Femi_782...gLfKTJ9DWPlz4_KHrwCwl1kqxmSUh7BAaAgL9EALw_wcB

 

[StormcrowAz]

If you do decide to go the Harbor Freight route - I would be prepared for some amount of tinkering to get it to work correctly. I recently finished with my build (more info in my gallery thread) and had to shim it to keep the blade from popping off the wheels. Plus the stand it comes with may be functional, but you probably won’t be happy with it. That all being said, for me the price was right and I’m at around 700 cuts with it so far and have to say it’s definitely been the right tool for the job. If I had the funds, I would go with a quality 7 x 12 unit with the built in coolant system and hydraulic down-feed. But for now, the little unit works fine.

20180310_150301

 

[rmack898]

While all the import 4x6 saws are almost the same and the majority of them need a certain amount of tuning or tweaking to make them cut straight, this is another option.

For a few $$$ more (about 25%) you can get the same import saw made to a higher level that will let you start using it right out of the box.
The Jet or Baileigh version of the 4x6 are two examples.

Regardless of what flavor 4x6 import saw you get, plan on replacing the little POS sheet metal stand with something more substantial.

 

[rbgearz]

Wife and I ran a machine shop for a long time. We got hooked up with a guy that sold sundials and designed and made the bases for him. My wife ran the saw most of the time. We had an industrial sized saw but she preferred the 4x6 Delta saw. We probably bought 3 of these while we were in business, but she cut tons of steel with them.

 

[LeeG]

I was very close to pulling the trigger on the Femi NG120XL a few years ago. I actually had paid for it, but then my local metal supply store that I was buying from screwed up and shipped it to the wrong branch, and since I needed it then, I want with the HF 4x6. I have been mostly pleased with my purchase.

Download this pdf and follow what it says. Get a real blade for it. I have used both this Bosch and this Starrett blade with good results.

 

[ez-duzit]

They are all the same...

No, they're not.

Avoid the cheapest Asian imports. Buy quality.
Info here on the cheap ones:
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Bandsaw/Bandsaw.htm

 

[unclemoak]

http://www.trick-tools.com/Femi_782...gLfKTJ9DWPlz4_KHrwCwl1kqxmSUh7BAaAgL9EALw_wcB

Yikes, that's an expensive little saw.

 

[ilovevocs]

Yikes, that's an expensive little saw.

Maybe expensive but better value than a HF 4x6 at $250.

 

[rattle_snake]

I went HF after researching the difference between it and the others (jet, grizzly..) They may have a different motor but the castings and such seems to be the same. Not worth another $100+ IMO.
Understanding all the adjustments is a necessity to owning any of them, as blades will have to be replaced and the saw checked/trued. My HF cut fine out of the box anyhow.
The base isn't that bad. It works OK but is too short to work with typical roller stands, easy fix.

For a $200 turd, it has performed beyond my expectations for some time now. I use it almost every day.

 

[kkroger]

No, they're not.

Avoid the cheapest Asian imports. Buy quality.
Info here on the cheap ones:
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Bandsaw/Bandsaw.htm

Yeah they pretty much are... like it or not the motor is about the only difference and even THEN it is on a FEW... I can get a Harbor freight for under 200...

 

[kazlx]

Yikes, that's an expensive little saw.

Except it's an actual useful tool right out of the box....

 

[kazlx]

No, they're not.

Avoid the cheapest Asian imports. Buy quality.
Info here on the cheap ones:
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Bandsaw/Bandsaw.htm

Uh, yea they are, with different colored paint. They are all cheap Asian imports. There's a reason why real band saws start at 10x+ that cost. Not saying they can't be made to work or they aren't worth it for some people, but don't kid yourself.

 

[Chateau Slate 66]

I missed your budget if you stated it, but if you can swing the money, I have used an Ellis 1600 for years and it is awesome.

You'll never buy another one or need to upgrade.

 

[tarmy]

This...

 

[BD1]

I agree on the ELLIS. I love my 1600 and still have my HF 4x6. My HF is at least 10 years old. Bought it back then with 30% off coupon for $115.00.

Still working today. A real blade makes huge difference as stated.

 

[kkroger]

Got an Ellis 4000 waiting on me for $2000... that is a 20" 90 degree crosscut... not a realistic cut but Whatever!

 

[tarbellb]

While all the import 4x6 saws are almost the same and the majority of them need a certain amount of tuning or tweaking to make them cut straight, this is another option.

For a few $$$ more (about 25%) you can get the same import saw made to a higher level that will let you start using it right out of the box.
The Jet or Baileigh version of the 4x6 are two examples.

Regardless of what flavor 4x6 import saw you get, plan on replacing the little POS sheet metal stand with something more substantial.

I gotta disagree, Baileigh is the biggest rip off in the business. Total Asian junk rebadged to fool people into paying American prices. JET isnt much better, sure they may be tuned better out the box, but still Asian imports.

 

[kazlx]

I laughed when someone said Baileigh and higher quality in the same sentence.

 

[kkroger]

I gotta disagree, Baileigh is the biggest rip off in the business. Total Asian junk rebadged to fool people into paying American prices. JET isnt much better, sure they may be tuned better out the box, but still Asian imports.

Baileigh does have SOME items that are made in USA... but the majority are Asian born as with all the Asian tool vendors some have a much larger market share so they can specify different bearings and cherry pick the other parts with a representative in the factory... the rest well they take what they get. but as for these saws my little less than $200 Harbor Freight 4x6 keeps pluggin away. Change the gear lube in the gearbox (flush it out when new) Adjust the followers and guides so you are cutting square... etc.

 

[rmack898]

I gotta disagree, Baileigh is the biggest rip off in the business. Total Asian junk rebadged to fool people into paying American prices. JET isnt much better, sure they may be tuned better out the box, but still Asian imports.

I gotta disagree too.

Not that I want to beat the drum for Baileigh because as you said, what they sell is rebadged Asian imports but there are exceptions in the machines they sell.

At my day job we have a Jancy Radius Master belt grinder and it is a nice machine. I couldn't justify over $2K for a little belt grinder but for $1300 I bought the Baileigh knock off of the Jancy for my home shop. I use both machines every day and can't tell the difference.

Also at the day job we have a big Baileigh drill press and a computerized pipe bender. The drill press is a nice Taiwanese built machine. The pipe bender is USA made and is one of the nicest small benders I have ever used.

Like any other vendor of import machinery they sell some junk bot there are a few gems in the mix.

I bought a Jet 4x6 band saw over 10 years ago, took it out of the box, built a stand for it and started cutting. The only thing I ever did to that saw was replace the blade when I wore it out. The little saw cut tons and tons of steel over the years until I out grew it last year and replaced it with an Ellis. I gave the Jet to my son and its still cutting.

 

[Chicken]

I am happy with my JET. yes, it is just an import model, BUT after comparing it vs HF in person I decided it was worth the extra money.

Either way I regret waiting so long to buy the thing, damn do I love it. A few little mods too and the 4x6 saws are quite useful.

 

[454ragtop]

Might take a look on CL for one of the smaller US made saws. At least around here, they come up fairly often. I started out with a 4X6 from Wholesale Tool, modded it with a hyd. down feed and some vise mods. Then I found a Kalamazoo 610. OEM hyd. downfeed, and 6" X 10" capacity in about the same foot print as a 4X6. Parts are still available. What you might not realize is how much the capacity squeezes down as you move away from a 90 degree cut, the 10" saw has a much bigger window.

 

[mikegt4]

The Yahoo 4x6 bandsaw forum has bazillions of tips, tricks and mods for these saws.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/4x6bandsaw/info

 

[Whiskeymike]

I have the HF and it’s great. Tons of mods to make it better. I would only get a different one if I went bigger. Plan to make a new table/stand as it’s low as hell and ****.

 

[kkroger]

The biggest issue with any of the 4x6 saws is the stand, I bent up some inch and a quarter DOM tube into a stand for my saw, it was my first thing designed with BendTech, I don't see doing a lot of the mods that people do, the hydraulic down and so forth, Clamping systems I Do understand. I considered putting a 3P motor on with a VFD at one point both of which would cost more than the SAW! It works great and operates all day every day.

 

[xman_charl]

modified table for better holding of material

Carl

 

[R.Anderson]

This...

http://www.trick-tools.com/Femi_782...gLfKTJ9DWPlz4_KHrwCwl1kqxmSUh7BAaAgL9EALw_wcB

I would pass on these hands down. I like a saw that I can walk away from and have it still cut, and not be there pulling a trigger all darn day.

Ellis is darn good but take up more space, and pricy but other than that no complaints at all. HF, jet, and what ever badge saws they are good IMO and from my experience of having one in my home shop. Like stated biggest problem is the dangerous base. Tips over way too easy. If you get good blades and set it up right it will work AOK.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Yikes, that's an expensive little saw.

Uh, the OP thinks $450 for a brand new bandsaw is expensive. A HEM, Kalamazoo, DoAll, or Ellis price will explode his noggin. A better question is why such a small bandsaw? They make a Portaband almost that size.

These look interesting if you are dying to use Chinese and quality in the same sentence. http://www.precisionmatthews.com/shop/bs-712g/

Compare HF, Grizzly, and PM. All three buy machinery from some of the same Chinese factories. Each is able to spec upgraded parts (and change paint) to better hit their targeted demographic. PM even does some work themselves once they get their Chinese equipment stateside.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Jancy Radius Master belt grinder and it is a nice machine. I couldn't justify over $2K for a little belt grinder but for $1300 I bought the Baileigh knock off of the Jancy for my home shop. I use both machines every day and can't tell the difference.

Off topic but what happened to the Jancy like yours and the pipe notchers? The orange guy doesn't seem to continue their manufacture. Did some one else buy that chunk of Jancy? What about the magnetic swarf cleaner?

 

[ez-duzit]

A couple of my bandsaws show in this photo. The one to the left is a 7" x 12" vertical/horizontal, mitering, metal cutting bandsaw by Vectrax, a very large Taiwan machinery manufacturer. It has hydraulic feed and automatic shutoff. And a gear drive for blade speed changes, rather than belts.

 

[kkroger]

I need a Vertical Saw too... I'll find one eventually...

 

[bczygan]

I've read through some of the other bandsaw threads and didn't find one that gave much details on what 4x6 bandsaws were among the best in terms of features and robust components (seems some have cast vs stamped and iron vs aluminum parts). Granted, I'm under no delusion that an import 4x6 bandsaw is going to be super robust, accurate, or comparable to a US made machine, but it will certainly beat a hacksaw or a cutoff wheel in my grinder that I'm using currently.


I have considered abrasive saws and cold cut saws, but abrasive saws are out for the mess and noise they make, and cold saws mainly due to price. Both styles seem to be limited in their versatility (trouble/safety with round parts). So a horizontal bandsaw seems to win out in my mind.

With that said, what feedback do you guys have on selecting a 4x6 bandsaw? Any brands to steer toward or away from?

With a user name like yours, don't you have a giant MOAK Bandsaw?

Bill

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

A couple of my bandsaws show in this photo. The one to the left is a 7" x 12" vertical/horizontal, mitering, metal cutting bandsaw by Vectrax, a very large Taiwan machinery manufacturer. It has hydraulic feed and automatic shutoff. And a gear drive for blade speed changes, rather than belts.

You've got some badass machinery!

 

[ez-duzit]

You've got some badass machinery!

BB--thanks. The other bandsaw in the foreground is another Vectrax, an 18" vertical metal cutting saw. The machine just barely showing between the two is a 20" Agazzani wood cutting bandsaw.

 

[DpSyChO]

Another owner of of a HF 4x6. I purchased maybe 15 or 16 years ago, it's the green version. I must have gotten lucky as mine took minimal tinkering beyond the normal blade change out for something better (Lennox or Starrett) and new stand. I picked up a Spartan (Marvel) 10x16 a while back from a shop that was going with a automated feed HEM. Way more saw than I need and havent even rigged up the VFD on it yet.

 

[rmack898]

Off topic but what happened to the Jancy like yours and the pipe notchers? The orange guy doesn't seem to continue their manufacture. Did some one else buy that chunk of Jancy? What about the magnetic swarf cleaner?

All of the Jancy stuff that I'm familiar with is still available from various vendors.
Not sure what you mean about the orange guy.