band saw or chop saw?

[chumly]

i need a saw, which saw would have more versatility?i need to cut a piece of round tubing 51/2"x1/8", making a stand for my grinder. chumly.

[ZACHV]

Having just bought both items within the last month I say:
GO BANDSAW!!

I cannot believe how dissapointed with the chop saw I am. Unless I am cutting flat steel on the edge it is useless. On the other hand, the bandsaw has done EVERYTHING I have asked of it and it is so clean. No sparks, great cut, on and on...

I bought a used bandsaw from a wholesale equipment dealer.

[chumly]

ZACHV,
how wide of a flat plate can you can cut? how long does a blade last with your band saw? chumly.

[ZACHV]

Originally posted by chumly
ZACHV,
how wide of a flat plate can you can cut? how long does a blade last with your band saw? chumly.

I am guessing about 9", which is fine for my needs. The blade life is hard for me to answer because I put a new one on when I bought it a month ago and it is still fine. It may have an hour of actual cutting on it. I paid $23 for this blade, but found a place called Fastenal that is making me one for $9. I am picking it up today to have a back up.

[deere_x475guy]

I agree. go the band saw. I went the chop saw route at first. Sparks everywhere, what a mess it makes as the blade wears down. Cuts were jagged and the metal got hot. The band saw is slower but the cuts are fantastic. I am still on my original blade but Will has told me that when I wear this one out to go to the bimetal blade. He has had his several years and I think the blades are around $20.00.

Good Luck
Bob

[chumly]

thanks for the info. high for today is suppose to 7 degrees, i think it would be a good day to go saw hunting! chumly.

[Arc Burn]

All depends on what your using it for,90% of the time i use a chop saw,you simply cannot beat the speed,i have both abrasive and carbide wheeled chop saws but when dead on accuracy is needed i like the band saw,it's just to slow for most of the work i do.Just my 2 cents

[Will]

chumly,
There are times when one is better than the other, but if you can only have one, I would pick the bandsaw. As Bob mentioned, buy a good bi-metal, vari-pitch blade. Those five dollar blades just don't last long and a dull blade doesn't make very nice cuts. Spend the $20+ and it will outlast a dozen of the cheap blades.

[Blkvoodoo]

I have a band saw at home and a chopsaw at work,

I'd take the band saw hands down everytime, sure it takes a little time to make cuts but good things take time.

A friend of mine turned me onto a good balde

Lennox DIEMASTER 2 blade, variable pitch ( 6/10 in this case )

I used it for the first time last weekend, cutting 4x6 ¼" wall box.

WOW what a differance ! Much better than the stock blade that came with the saw, and better than many I have used on other saws.

I am using a Harbor Frieght $200 band saw belt set on the fastest drive speed. works great made several cuts Sat. and all were clean and smooth.

Kevin

[bluesman2a]

I would throw in a third option: Coldsaw...

For those not familiar, this is a chop-saw with a carbide blade. Cleaner (no dust), no sparks, fast, leaves a nice edge.

While I would LOVE a bandsaw, I just don't have the room... this was a good compromise.

I have the Dewalt Multi-Cutter 872.

[Arc Burn]

I also have the Dewalt multicutter,awesome saw for up to 3/16 after that the blade seems to wear fast,it cuts clean and fast,the biggest draw back is the blade price at $100 or i just paid $80 to have one sharpened.

[Snidley]

Each saw has it's own advantage.

If you are always going to be in your shop, I would say get the band saw. It does make a nicer cut. You can put the material in and just let it do its work. Great for flat steel. Not very portable,

The Chop saw is a lot more portable if you have to work elsewhere. It really works well on small angle iron or pipe. Kind of crappy for flat steel.

Check out the rental places. You might be able to try out both types before you buy. Remember what you want to use it for when deciding. Good luck.

[chub380]

If you think you may ever need to take your saw on the road you may want to think about a portable bandsaw I have a millwalkie deep cut portaband I love it I usually ues it for all my cutting it is quick and easy and if you dont want to hold it I think they even make a stand so you can use it like a normal bandsaw. Just one more option. Just remember you cant have to many different kinds of tools. Chub380