Portable Benchtop Band Saw Accuracy

[kbuhagiar]

Hello Folks,

I'm looking to purchase a new metal-cutting saw. Before I moved I had an offshore off-brand 4 x 6 metal cutting band saw which, after tweaking & bracing and fine tuning for a few weekends, worked reasonably well. I also had a B&D 14" chop saw. When we moved I sold the 4 x 6 but kept the chop saw. Last week I pulled out the chop saw to cut some conduit stock. I forgot just how loud and messy that thing was. I really don't ever want to use that chop saw again, what a horrible little beastie.

I'm looking at purchasing a portable benchtop band saw, as I like the smaller footprint (as compared to the 4 x 6) but am concerned about accuracy; do they compare to the 4 x 6s? What else would I be sacraficing with the smaller benchtop saw?

Thanks in advance.

 

[The Cobbler]

I have a bench top saw and it was very accurate cutting 90° but lately I've noticed it wanders . I am thinking it needs a new blade

 

[kbuhagiar]

Stumbled across the Baileigh brand of saws - never heard of 'em before - and they are definitely higher end with more features but appear to be well-recieved. They have a portable benchtop saw (BP-127P) that costs about three times as much as other comparable models. Anyone have experience with them?

 

[finn]

Stumbled across the Baileigh brand of saws - never heard of 'em before - and they are definitely higher end with more features but appear to be well-recieved. They have a portable benchtop saw (BP-127P) that costs about three times as much as other comparable models. Anyone have experience with them?

I don’t have any of their stuff, but have driven past their factory / offices in Manitowac Wi hundreds of times.

At one time I think they dealt with mostly US sourced tools, many of their own design. The business being what it has become, it seems a large part of their catalog is imported now. I don’t personally think that’s an issue, and what they do deal in seems to be relatively high quality compared to some of the junk out there.

They’re well spoken of and respected in other forums I have experienced. Better than Grizzly and the like.

 

[GeoBruin]

Baliegh is essentially an importer like Grizzly and Jet. Take a look at this saw from Baliegh and this from Grizzly. Fundamentally similar with a few choice differences.

In the benchtop arena, the Femi/Hemsaws are nice, but expensive. They're known for cutting straight and they're very light/portable.

Also see this post I made recently regarding another competitive option.

What makes one 14" metal cutting chop saw better than another?

New to metalworking, from what I gather you basically have the 14" abrasive saws, similar saws but with tct blades, and then bandsaws. When I look at the basic abrasive saws, the prices vary wildly. What makes a Fein slugger $500 when the Milwaukee is $200? From what I can tell, these a very...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[tarbellb]

Stumbled across the Baileigh brand of saws - never heard of 'em before - and they are definitely higher end with more features but appear to be well-recieved. They have a portable benchtop saw (BP-127P) that costs about three times as much as other comparable models. Anyone have experience with them?

Hate saying it, as they are a sponsor here....

but unless it says MADE IN USA by Baileigh it's typically overpriced import stuff thats usually lower quality than the competition. (sorry not sorry)

You'd be better off looking at FEMI, HEM, and a handful of other import makers that sell better stuff at lower markup prices.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'm looking at possibly betting a portable benchtop band saw,

All of the major brands make portable metal cutting band saw, both corded and cordless. They all have a limited depth-of-cut.

Add a Swag Off Road stand. Get the one that has a slot for a miter gauge.