[diyengineer]

Looking at the grizzly bandsaws. I want to stay somewhere near $1000 or so. I know coolant is a must, but as far as the swiveling, not sure if that is needed. Just looking to chop up long pieces of stock.

Cutting aluminum stock mainly. Anyone have tips, greatly appreciated.

[diyengineer]

Looking at the grizzly bandsaws. I want to stay somewhere near $1000 or so. I know coolant is a must, but as far as the swiveling, not sure if that is needed. Just looking to chop up long pieces of stock.

Cutting aluminum stock mainly. Anyone have tips, greatly appreciated.

Grizzly.com

So far this one seems to be the best sub $1000 dollar option. Belt drive, no worm gear drive to fail. Made in China Vs Taiwan, and in a iso9001 factory vs the others are not.

[wizard]

Looking at the grizzly bandsaws. I want to stay somewhere near $1000 or so. I know coolant is a must, but as far as the swiveling, not sure if that is needed.

Swivel probably isn't needed for stock cutoff to prep for CNC machining.

Just looking to chop up long pieces of stock.

Cutting aluminum stock mainly.

What type of stock? For cutting aluminum you might be better off with a chop saw/cold saw. These are similar to a carpenters powered miter saw.

Anyone have tips, greatly appreciated.

The size of the stock is a significant factor in machine selection. If your volumes are relatively low you can make use of a 4 x 6" saw or something similar and save a bundle of cash. My personal opinion though is that if you are doing a lot of aluminum most of these bands saws are rather slow for that material. A little research on recommended SFM for the aluminum in question might point you in the right direction for a different machine.

As a side note I've worked with a lot of extruded aluminum over the years and from my perspective a chop saw is the best low cost solution for cutting that type of aluminum.

[diyengineer]

I had a 140 carbide toothed 10" blade on the chop saw. Worked well until a tooth failed and hopped on me. I was using a dewalt which didn't come with any clamps, always held it by hand. Made over 200 cuts like butter, despite the outrageous noise and flying carbide teeth when it failed on me. Shattered a thumb over it, since has healed. I refuse to chop aluminum even though it was my sole fault for not using a vise. I think it's more a cringe factor for me, I'll band that sob haha. Safety first!


Washington state

[surfside]

I've used my 7 x12 band saw for cutting aluminum , used hard back carbon and bi metal blade.

[diyengineer]

What brand? Good cuts?


Washington state

[diyengineer]

Grizzly.com

Went with the 7x12 grizzly. Seemed to be most popular and well liked from what i found.