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Hi Guys!

I'm about to get a metal cutting band saw and am really hoping for some good advice so I don't end up buying two.... <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//blink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' /> I've seen so many posts on multiple forums an it hasn't helped much, just confused the matter. My question is, no matter what the budget, is a full size band saw better than a porta-band for knife making? Is a porta-band sufficient or even more useful (with a stand mount option) or is it a waste of $?

Thanks for the input!

Ed C.

ED, unless you are going to be cutting up LOTS of lengths or tube,pipe or flat stock into shorter manageable pieces. Or other large pieces of metal to keep from standing at a saw for periods of time I would personally go with a standard full size bandsaw. The larger table area of a full size saw gives you more room and support and control over what you are cutting when doing more than just laying the piece in the clamp of a porta saw and letting the saw cut. What ever you do, get a saw that has variable speed so that you can adjust the speed to the material you are cutting.

Craig

Ed, if your budget and space will allow a large, variable speed band saw then go for it.

If your space is somewhat limited, a quality variable speed porta band saw will certainly do the job. You can make the table the size you need. I love my porta band and it has been faithful for three years. Just use quality blades on the saw.

Bob

I think it all comes down to each individual's needs. Personally, I have three bandsaws between my two shops..... the "hot" shop has a portaband mounted upright with a small table for small/quick jobs. I also have a 7x12 vertical/horizontal for bigger jobs. (I also built a seat and table for this saw to use in the upright position for doing accordion cuts on damascus billets)

The third bandsaw is another portaband, mounted upright in the finish shop.....a Dewalt variable speed.

For me, IF I had to own only ONE metal cutting bandsaw, it would be a larger vertical/horizontal.....like 7x12 or larger. They are easy to modify for upright use, but very handy for larger cutting chores in the horizontal mode.

Ed

I just have a cheap 4x6 vertical / horizontal band saw. it is a cheap import that I bought in 1991. I use it to cut anything metal and use it in both the vertical and horizontal positions. It is very durable and very accurate. I use the stop on it when cutting tiles for mosaic Damascus and each piece is the same. I have been very happy with this saw. It doesn't take up a lot of real estate and I have never wished I had anything more.

Brian

Ed, I go along with Brian. I have a relatively cheap 4x6 metal cutting one which works fine. One thing to keep in mind if you end up with one of these is blades are very important. Get the best you can. I use lenox bi-metal blades, not cheap, but they pay for themselves with longevity.

Brion

we have three band saws in the shop at the moment. two of the cheap smaller 6/9 one set up with a large table in the machine shop and the other set up with a slightly larger table in the fab shop, we also have a larger 7/9 set up as a chop saw. the cheap 6/9 saws are good tools the work well can be set up to cut very accurately. they are how ever a bit of a pain to get set up sometimes. the blade on the 7/9 does last longer, and that machine does cut slightly faster, but for the cost the little 6/9 cant be beat.

MP

Excellent Point Brion!!! The blade is probably more important than the saw. I like the variable pitch blades and usually use 10/14 pitch blades for cutting up billets and tile cutting. Lenox blades are good. Also, a good rule of thumb is that at least 3 teeth need to be touching the piece to be cut at all times.

If you want to be efficient in cutting and get the life from your blade, don't cut thin material with a blade that has a course tooth pitch -- change the blade so 3 teeth touch. I have a 24 tpi blade that I use for thin material.

Brian

Wow! Thanks guys. Great info. I really appreciate it!