Preferably the large standup models, need to be able to hand stainless with no issue, probably up to 1/4". Prefer something that will last, run slow, ideally 110volt though-anything like that out there? Brand recommendations? Sites? Any help is appreciated. Would like to keep the cost reasonable, so willing to compromise.
I don't do much with saws themselves, but I sell a lot of blades. The quality of the blade (and the right tooth pitch) matters more than the brand of the saw.
Don't get me wrong, a nice saw will always be better than a shitty saw.
Generally the blade that would come with a saw that you're thinking of would probably be just a carbon steel blade.
Bi-metal is where it's at, unless you're cutting wood. We sell Lenox and they're top notch. Other makes would work just as well in your application.
Most saws (geez, if not all of them now) are made overseas.
Something with a coolant system, be it a gravity feed, or pump fed is a nice option.
Wells makes great saws, but they're on the higher side of costs. Check HF yet? Jet makes nice shop saws, so does Enco.
This seems alright.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00990639000P?mv=rr#specificationsAnchor (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00990639000P?mv=rr#specificationsAnchor)
Doesn't seem to mention power source though.
That won't work.
It's made for wood specifically.
Notice where it says it runs at 3000sfm (surface feet per minute)?
That would annihilate a blade on stainless in seconds. Stainless cuts at 100-200 sfm. You need a saw that turns slower, and will let you adjust the cut speed either with a knob or by moving the belt to a different pulley
Quote from: Monsterlover on June 25, 2009, 01:08:36 PM
That won't work.
It's made for wood specifically.
Notice where it says it runs at 3000sfm (surface feet per minute)?
That would annihilate a blade on stainless in seconds. Stainless cuts at 100-200 sfm. You need a saw that turns slower, and will let you adjust the cut speed either with a knob or by moving the belt to a different pulley
Holy useful, batman.
these are the ones I dream about at night [thumbsup]
http://www.bii1.com/saws/vertical-bandsaws.php (http://www.bii1.com/saws/vertical-bandsaws.php)
http://industrial.jettools.com/Results.aspx?cat=333050 (http://industrial.jettools.com/Results.aspx?cat=333050)
I've used the Milwaukee hand held ones quite a bit, mostly for cutting channel iron, C-channel racks & 3/4in threaded steel rod in the Telecom industry. Monsterlover is right though, slow is good.
+1 on the Lenox blades.
I use a Lenox Diemaster 2 blade, tooth pitch is 14/18.
Pretty damn good even on the so-so Grizzly (made in Taiwan) combo vertical/cutoff saw we've got.
Cutting 1/4" stainless is gonna be a beyotch.
I've got a Ridgid, and it blows.
Hard to tension correctly,
single speed,
rubbing blocks are hard to adjust, etc.
Jet used to make pretty good quality for a not astronomical price
It's been a few years so I can't comment on current "state of tune+ wahtever # on good blades
I just used a Jet 18" with an extension kit and I can say it is the shiznit. My friend picked it up off craigslist for 600 bucks too.
There is a Jet tool guy that sells a lot on eBay.
He's in Fresno or Visalia - He usually has a lathe or two for sale - haven't seen bandsaws, tho
I know it's always the last thought, but you could always try finding the local Jet distributor and supporting them.
They have margin to work with (or at least they should work with you unless they're ass faces)
+1 on Jet brand. We've got a horizontal at work that the warehouse idiots continually abuse and it keeps taking it. I would have put $$ that it would have been killed long ago, but it keeps on cutting consistently.
Take a look at Craigslist -- people are always buying/selling small horizontal/vertical bandsaws. I found an almost new Jet 5x7 awhile back for $75. Still have the big JET 8x12 w/cooling system that runs constantly. (it will saw through 1.75in diameter solid stainless in < 30 seconds)
Search CL under Tools for Jet / Wilton or bandsaw.
Horror Freight stuff -- you get what you pay for. Most newer ones have junk pulleys and junk engines that have no torque.
Also keep your eyes open for old Atlas / Craftsman bandsaws. Big and heavy and robust plus they last for decades. Just clean it up and repaint (add some pinstriping) and you will get another decade or two from it probably. Usually easy to rebuild with common bearing sizes.
Biggest thing about metal bandsaws as mentioned is speed -- slower is better. Then spend your money on good quality blades. They will outlast the other ones many times over if cared for properly.
Powermatic 20" bandsaw. Can slow it down as far as you want, comes with a blade welder as well. Never failed me yet, but you arn't going to find an off the shelf saw capable of slowing down like you want in 110v. Mine is 240v 3 phase.
If you don't know what a VFD is, check them out. I use one with my lathe, and can slow it down as much as I want electronically without messing with belts or gears. You should be able to get a small VFD for around a hundred bucks or so, and would be perfect.
I have an old 1950's Walker-Turner that a previous owner geared down with a jackshaft to cut metal. It works perfectly and is a joy to use. If you're not in a real hurry and don't have an objection to applying some TLC to an old machine I suggest keeping an eye on Craigslist for older machines as they are absolutely superior to most made today. The exceptions being new saws like DoAll that go for many thousands of dollars.
As previously mentioned you can slow down the speed of a wood cutting saw with a VFD, but I think only on three-phase motors. But, you can use a three-phase motor with single phase power since many VFD's will take single phase input and act as a phase converter. But you will have to slow it down by a factor of 20 or so and if used continuously the motor may overheat because the fan isn't turning fast enough to cool it. But I think it will work OK for intermittent use.
Quote from: Monsterlover on June 25, 2009, 05:02:25 PM
I know it's always the last thought, but you could always try finding the local Jet distributor and supporting them.
They have margin to work with (or at least they should work with you unless they're ass faces)
There ain't one within a hundred miles of me, according to their website.
I did not try the 150 mile range search. So, there's that.
Quote from: bozcoRob on June 25, 2009, 04:31:32 PM
There is a Jet tool guy that sells a lot on eBay.
He's in Fresno or Visalia - He usually has a lathe or two for sale - haven't seen bandsaws, tho
Central Valley Tool Supply?
I know he carries Jet.
Check out the Jet website, if you catch em during their annual "Heavy Metal" sale everything is like 500 off and free shipping.
http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/s7ondemand/brochure/flash_brochure.jsp?company=WMHToolGroup&sku=2t09_ind&config=2t09_ind (http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/s7ondemand/brochure/flash_brochure.jsp?company=WMHToolGroup&sku=2t09_ind&config=2t09_ind)
Quote from: MrIncredible on June 26, 2009, 05:55:52 AM
There ain't one within a hundred miles of me, according to their website.
I did not try the 150 mile range search. So, there's that.
Mail order it is!
http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=561 (http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=561)
These guys carry Jet and they are near your house.
Take a look at MiniMax.