SpudFiles

I realized that a mini-lathe is not worth much if you can't use it. And it is certainly difficult to effectively use it if you have metal stock that is too long. Thus, I have decided to invest in a bandsaw. I have heard very good things about the following two bandsaws: <a href="http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/produc ... 5">Bandsaw 1</a> and <a href="http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/produc ... 2">Bandsaw 2</a>. These two have identical prices. Now, Bandsaw 1 can cut larger materials than Bandsaw 2, and Bandsaw 1 also has a much more powerful motor (1 HP vs 1/3 HP). HOWEVER, Bandsaw 2 is (as far as I can tell) for metal; not sure about Bandsaw 1, but I would guess it is not. Also, Bandsaw 2 appears to have some advantage in cutting angles. If you have experience in bandsaws, can you tell me which one of these looks better? In terms of purpose, it will be used mainly for cutting down stock to fit on my lathe. Maybe there is an altogether superior model that you know of. Are these overkill? I'll probably use it to cut PVC and the like as well. Any information, significant insight, or comment you can provide, please do. Thanks.

I believe you can get special blades for cutting different materials, especially metal. My bandsaw is similar to the first one. It has a wood cutting blade installed, but I use it for plastic quite a bit and have even cut some aluminum with it. In light of this, it really depends on what you think you'll be doing with it: are you going to be cutting larger pieces, or are you going to be cutting weird angles? If all you're doing is cutting stock to size, the standard (first) one is probably better. You can also cut curves with it, which doesn't look too easy with the swivel head one.

This is pretty much what I use.

http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/produc ... rame/H4795

It's very versatile, cost effective, doesn't take up much shop space, and builds "character".

You're not making a living with it, so speed shouldn't be your deciding factor here.

I would only get this if your intention is to be cutting (a lot of) materials larger than 1.5" bar stock (solid). Smaller than that, and the hack saw with a sharp blade gets the job done far more economically.

Of the two, I would pick band saw 2 for cutting metal.

If all you're cutting is bar stock, go with number 2. The reason #1 has a bigger motor is because #2 is designed to cut metal, slowly, and doesn't need the high power/speed of a big motor. #2 cuts metal using gravity, so you clamp the bar stock into the vice, turn the machine on then rest the blade on whatever is to be cut, when it gets through the material you're cutting, the blade assembly falls a short distance and trips the shut off switch.

I wouldn't recommend cutting metal with #1, even if you had a metal cutting blade. The possibility of personal injury is too high in my opinion, plus you'd be standing at the band saw pushing on a chunk of steel into the blade for quite a while.

Well...you can tell which one i like...