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Recommend a good quality bandsaw?

Started by Popeye the Sailor, June 25, 2009, 11:48:00 AM

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Popeye the Sailor

June 25, 2009, 11:48:00 AM
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.
If the state had not cut funding for the mental institutions, this project could never have happened.

Monsterlover

#1
June 25, 2009, 11:56:12 AM
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.
"The Vincent was like a bullet that went straight; the Ducati is like the magic bullet in Dallas that went sideways and hit JFK and the Governor of Texas at the same time."--HST    **"A man who works with his hands is a laborer.  A man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman.  A man who works with his hands, brains, and heart is an artist."  -Louis Nizer**

Popeye the Sailor

#2
June 25, 2009, 12:59:38 PM
This seems alright.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00990639000P?mv=rr#specificationsAnchor


Doesn't seem to mention power source though.
If the state had not cut funding for the mental institutions, this project could never have happened.

Monsterlover

#3
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
"The Vincent was like a bullet that went straight; the Ducati is like the magic bullet in Dallas that went sideways and hit JFK and the Governor of Texas at the same time."--HST    **"A man who works with his hands is a laborer.  A man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman.  A man who works with his hands, brains, and heart is an artist."  -Louis Nizer**

Popeye the Sailor

#4
June 25, 2009, 01:40:30 PM
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.
If the state had not cut funding for the mental institutions, this project could never have happened.

z0mb1e_DUC

#6
June 25, 2009, 02:35:46 PM
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.
'09 m696 Dark

Speeddog

#7
June 25, 2009, 03:33:33 PM
+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.
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(951) 640-8908

~~~ "We've rearranged the deck chairs, refilled the champagne glasses, and the band sounds great. This is fine." - Alberto Puig ~~~

Bun-bun

#8
June 25, 2009, 04:01:49 PM
I've got a Ridgid, and it blows.
Hard to tension correctly,
single speed,
rubbing blocks are hard to adjust, etc.
"A fanatic is a man who does what he knows God would do, if only god had all the facts of the matter" S.M. Stirling

Rob Hilding

#9
June 25, 2009, 04:12:24 PM
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
Desmosedici - it's the new Paso (except the bodywork doesn't fit as well)

El Matador

#10
June 25, 2009, 04:17:52 PM
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.

Rob Hilding

#11
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
Desmosedici - it's the new Paso (except the bodywork doesn't fit as well)

Monsterlover

#12
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)
"The Vincent was like a bullet that went straight; the Ducati is like the magic bullet in Dallas that went sideways and hit JFK and the Governor of Texas at the same time."--HST    **"A man who works with his hands is a laborer.  A man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman.  A man who works with his hands, brains, and heart is an artist."  -Louis Nizer**

scoprire

#13
June 25, 2009, 06:07:31 PM
+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.

MotoCreations

#14
June 25, 2009, 11:22:53 PM
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.

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