[tikka308]

I'm looking for a high quality band saw to use for rough-cutting aluminum in a home shop. I've seen a lot of $200 import bandsaws with mixed reviews (i.e. ryobi, hitachi, jet, grizzly).

I would probably prefer vertical (instead of horizontal) due to size and would be willing to spend up to $500 if it were a high quality saw.

I'm looking for something that's 1/2 - 1 HP. Will be used to cut small pieces of aluminum, so no specific size requirements on the actual band saw.

Any recommendations for brands or saws? Is there a high-quality, American manufacturer?

[DareBee]

Not for metal and $500 there isn't.

[tikka308]

Oh yeah? Good to know. What kind of price would a good one cost? Any brands? Just looking to learn more before I pull the trigger.

FYI - It's only aluminum, not steel. And almost all cuts will be rough-cut before being milled, so quality of cut (or speed) isn't necessarily as imperative.

[gridley51]

If it`s straight cuts only you want,you may be better looking at non-ferrous cold saws.Small footprint and extremely rapid.Doubt you will get something decent for $500 though.

[tikka308]

Unfortunately cannot use a coldsaw in this space. Trying to focus my research on bandsaws. Can anyone suggest a vendor or brand? There must be American equivalents or better quality... no?

[DareBee]

Try $4500 for a metal cutting bandsaw.

[kevin swan]

My 1.5 hp jet did a nice job on 1/2 6061 t6 I used to corcse of a blade but it did ok

[tikka308]

Kevin - thanks! You were happy with the quality of the Jet brand?

[kevin swan]

This is the only jet branded tool i have ever used. but i do like it If i had to use it all day everyday i would buy a better saw. powermatics are nice and so are some others .At $1500. for a 18 inch saw this one is good. i payed $500. for mine it was used for 1 year before i got it . its a wood saw but did a nice job on alum. even using the wrong blade

[DareBee]

Those machines you are talking about generally run way too high SFM (because they are meant for wood).
The machine I had waaay back when, was the same as the Jet and it worked acceptably using a 10X gearbox reduction. If you have a gearbox, belts, pulleys and spare time laying around it doesn't cost a whole lot. If you don't you could easily put another grand into modifying the machine.
I would watch auctions and dealers for a big old metal cutter and buy it, you wont regret it.

[tikka308]

Darebee - Thanks for the explanation. What's an appropriate SFM for 6061 aluminum?

[DareBee]

You would have to talk to your blade manu about your usage to determine that appropriate blade and SFM thereof.

I cut alu at 300 - 350 and CRS at 150 - 200.
I use expensive blades but use the saw very little.
(not the little Jet "type" - it is long gone)

[Jim Stabe]

Here's another option that I just fell into by accident. I bought a Kondia milling machine from from a man liquidating his home shop. He had a Walker Turner bandsaw from the '40s that nobody else was interested in and he threw it in the deal if I would move it out. It has a 16" throat and is all cast iron. There is a gearbox on it that gives you 200-500 fpm for metal and 2000-5000 fpm for wood. It is a really quality machine and since getting mine, I have seen them for sale for $500-$1000 refurbished. Make sure it is the model with the gearbox. Check some of the wood working forums.
Jim

[DareBee]

There ya go.
That is real saw.
Not much to go wrong on that and easy to rebuild if it does.

[mc_n_g]

Don't expect to find much for 500! You might find some older dedicated well used verticals for 1200-2000. Then you might have to deal with worn parts and a blade welder which does not work. For around 800-1200 you cna get a 7X10 capacity on sale.

[fpworks]

Even those 7x10 horizontals at ~$1000 are not "quality" saws...I used to have one and I was sorry that I bought it. The replaceable blade guides on my new saw cost more than that.

[tikka308]

So clearly "quality" saws are not sold by vendors like Enco, US Stop Tools, KBC, etc?

[Geof]

So clearly "quality" saws are not sold by vendors like Enco, US Stop Tools, KBC, etc?

I had a look on the KBC website and they have a 14" vertical bandsaw which would probably meet your needs but it is over $500 and I would not describe it as 'high' quality, it is adequate quality. I have one that is comparable which came from Busy Bee in Canada.

You would probably need to do a bit of upgrading on the blade guides but as they come they are adequate for freehand cutting of aluminum up to 2-1/2" thick using a 6 teeth per inch bimetal blade.

[DareBee]

The cheapest saw at KBC I would consider to be the start of quality for metal cutting is $3800.

[NEATman]

I found a used Rollin saw for $300 - I had to make a table, but I love the saw.
http://www.rollinsaw.com/band_saws/E...l_band_saw.htm
I don't have the room for a vertical saw and a cut-off saw, so the feature that allows the whole head to power feed through the stationary work is nice. The table doesn't tilt, but I don't mind. You can lock the power feed and use it like a regular vertical bandsaw as well.

NEATman