[Paul-JB]

An email came today from Tormach announcing a soon to be released AF50 bandsaw with auto stock feeding. Coincidentally I have been considering replacing my current saw (Ramco RS-90P) so seeing this today was of great interest. No Pricing yet that I could find but the auto stock feed part caught my attention. That is a very cool feature. Most saws have some sort if controlled descent cylinder on the cutting head but to actually feed the stock- that I haven't seen on small home shop size machines. We have an Amada HA-250 auto feeder at work that feeds stock but that is in a completely different league both size and price.

My short list of possible replacement saws so far are
Kama EV-996 manual down feed.
$3,400
Kama EV-97 hydraulic power down feed.
$4,500
We have an EV-97 at work about 15 years now and it's been an awesome little machine. Very compact foot print and wheels around as needed. The power down feed is really nice too but $1k more makes it a tough add.

Ellis 1600 manual down feed.
$3,000. Nice looking and good reviews but my issue with the Ellis is its a bit bulky- primarily why I want to sell the Ramco.

All of these are about $1,000 too rich for my budget. At least in my mind at the moment

Will be curious to learn more about the Tormach saw and where it comes in price wise.

[MichaelHenry]

There was a thread here recently about the saw being demoed at Tormach's recent Workshop and rumor has it that Tormach is suggesting that the price may come in at $5k or a bit more.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/tormac...w-product.html

[CadRhino]

One metal supplier I go to has 5 Ellis bandsaws. They are six years old and used all day long.

I would get one but due to limited space I need to find a high quality 4"x6" bandsaw.

Anyone know of a good brand/model?
Thanks

An email came today from Tormach announcing a soon to be released AF50 bandsaw with auto stock feeding. Coincidentally I have been considering replacing my current saw (Ramco RS-90P) so seeing this today was of great interest. No Pricing yet that I could find but the auto stock feed part caught my attention. That is a very cool feature. Most saws have some sort if controlled descent cylinder on the cutting head but to actually feed the stock- that I haven't seen on small home shop size machines. We have an Amada HA-250 auto feeder at work that feeds stock but that is in a completely different league both size and price.

My short list of possible replacement saws so far are
Kama EV-996 manual down feed.
$3,400
Kama EV-97 hydraulic power down feed.
$4,500
We have an EV-97 at work about 15 years now and it's been an awesome little machine. Very compact foot print and wheels around as needed. The power down feed is really nice too but $1k more makes it a tough add.

Ellis 1600 manual down feed.
$3,000. Nice looking and good reviews but my issue with the Ellis is its a bit bulky- primarily why I want to sell the Ramco.

All of these are about $1,000 too rich for my budget. At least in my mind at the moment

Will be curious to learn more about the Tormach saw and where it comes in price wise.

[SCzEngrgGroup]

One metal supplier I go to has 5 Ellis bandsaws. They are six years old and used all day long.

I would get one but due to limited space I need to find a high quality 4"x6" bandsaw.

Anyone know of a good brand/model?
Thanks

I have a Harbor-Freight 4x6 I've been using a LOT for nearly 20 years. It cuts dead straight, and was dirt cheap. Zero complaints, given that it cost all of about $200. It ain't pretty, but it sure gets the job done. For bigger work, I have a "Carolina" bandsaw I bought for $100, barely used. Once tuned up, and fed a good Lenox bi-metal variable-pitch blade (for all of about $35), it'll cut through anything.

Regards,
Ray L.

[RTP_Burnsville]

+1 on what Ray said on the HF 4x6....... I owned mine for about 10 years, best $125 I have spent on tools. A little tune up, a good blade and you are good to go.

Robert

[AUSTINMACHINING]

Got mine at Northern tool for $1000. I needed to cut 12" alu plate. I've also cut 3" 304ss round bar. Had it a couple years. No complaints. .

[rdsi]

I have one of the cheap 4X6 units I bought used many years ago. It gets the job done but it has issues. Maybe a tune-up would help but I’m looking for something more versatile & have my eye on a BS-210 from Baileigh.

Most of my cuts are 1 off’s so I need versatility more than auto feed & chop. So the Tormach offering is out, especially if it’s going to cost 5K. At that rate I would rather build my own feed & chop mechanism.

Anyway, the Kama & Ellis looks interesting but for the money ($2500) I’m liking the BS-210 more. If any one has some feed back on Baileigh I would appreciate it.

[rowbare]

Have you ever seen a Roll-In vertical bandsaw? The saw gravity feeds through the stock. They are quite versatile with a good capacity and reasonable footprint. New they are more than you are willing to spend but can be had used for a good price. There are several companies who make similar saws.

Vertical Band Saw for Cutting Metal, Plastic and Wood - Roll-In Saw Model EF1459

bob

[rdsi]

Have you ever seen a Roll-In vertical bandsaw?

Thanks

Yeah, I remember those things. Interesting idea but they have some ergonomic problems with long stock, especially when doing angle cuts. Because the table holding the stock moves that means the end of your stock, sometime 20’ out, is moving also. It gets worse when doing angle cuts.

Horizontal bandsaws are better but they also suffer the same fate with angle cuts.

So I’m really sold on the swivel type mechanism. Several manufactures make them but the Baileigh BS-210 utilizes a 3-phase motor & inverter allowing single phase operation plus it has all the bells & whistles.

I just don't know if the Baileigh brand is any good?

[MichaelHenry]

I just don't know if the Baileigh brand is any good?

Try a search on practicalmachinist.com - the members there are not shy about opinions.and I think that they have a Baleigh forum section.

[R.DesJardin]

I'm getting one, the auto feed feature is a win. Standing in front of the saw cutting 12ft stock into 1.5-5" pieces is a pain in the ass. Can't wait. Bring on the automation.

[CadRhino]

What is the accuracy of the cuts!
I use a cold saw for most of my cutting and only use a bandsaw for large stick that I will clean up on the milling machine.

I'm getting one, the auto feed feature is a win. Standing in front of the saw cutting 12ft stock into 1.5-5" pieces is a pain in the ass. Can't wait. Bring on the automation.

[rowbare]

Thanks

Yeah, I remember those things. Interesting idea but they have some ergonomic problems with long stock, especially when doing angle cuts. Because the table holding the stock moves that means the end of your stock, sometime 20’ out, is moving also. It gets worse when doing angle cuts.

I agree with what you posted regarding angle cuts on long stock. It is awkward when you have to swing stock around.

Just so someone reading this in the future doesn't get the wrong idea I just want to clarify that the table on a Roll-In band saw is fixed. The saw moves into the work.

bob