Tool purchase question

All - the accountant has said I can purchase a saw for cutting metal - as long as I don't go over $200... My question is this: Buy a 14" chop saw and alot of cutting wheels, or a metal bandsaw that will handle 4"x6" square or 4.5" round tubing?

Thanks in advance...

 

i have both and the chop saw is used more then the band saw. if you get a chop saw i recomend one with a cast base.

 

I'd rather have a $200 chop saw than a $200 bandsaw.
JMHO.
Pete

 

Here's my $0.02 worth ... I've got both $200 c/saw & $200 bandsaw ... and by far I use the bandsaw much more than that hot spark throwin' saw... Ya learn VERY quickly not to let those sparks fly under the work bench where the DustBunnies hang out...Shop fires will really ruin a nice buzz. I use the bandsaw both horizontally and vertically. Vertically ,I use it to cut out all sorts of brackets ,plates , tabs, etc... So I get lots more use out of a band saw . I still use the chopsaw for small tubing & rods and "in a hurry "stuff. Just a little more careful with it though. Won't even get into the time a buddies chopsaw el-cheapo blade broke&came apart while cutting!! That was worth a new pair of Hanes...

 

I would go with the Bandsaw myself!

A little secret - buy a cheap wood chop saw $30 or $40 at harbor freight and put a metal blade in it. If you burn it up oh well! So far I have had mine for 2 years!

i still would get the bandsaw!

 

I've got both and i use my chop saw more just because its faster and makes a pretty nice cut. Chop saws are dangerous as hell tho. (set myself, and the shop on fire a few times) If you're responsible the danger isn't too bad though. set up a guard (i used to big shhets of steel and lean um up against the bench) in order to keep the sparks from shooting all over, avoid cheap blades, and just keep an eye on where the sparks are going. Plus you can get a real nice chopsaw for 200 but a top of the line bandsaw would be much more than that.

 

Levis is right, I work in a hot rod shop and we dont even own a chopsaw! A bandsaw does a great job with less mess.

Most of the cuts on my T frame were done with a metal blade in a circular saw. Spend the money on one of these then use the rest for parts or tools you use more often.

 

i have both a chop saw ,a vertical metal cuting band saw, a horizontal band saw....but what i use most is my hand held Port-A-Band saw. i think it's the most usefull tool in my shop

what has been said about chop saws is right...the shoot sparks all over , i only use mine outside!

 

i would go with a portaband a great saw and they now offer a jig that allows you to use it like a multipurpose tool
plus you have the option of taking the saw to the steel and some times that will save your back big time
i hope thats enough info to get you in trouble

 

I think first you should tell us what you'll be using it on the most.

 

Thanks for all the tips. In response to James - I'm planning to start using it to make a rotisserie, and then use it to cut whatever needs cutting or fabricating as the body progresses.

 

how bout a cold saw..............but i don't think they are under 200 bux.

 

I have a very good abrasive cutoff from milwaukee works great. That said, the next check I'm going to write is one for a milwaukee porta band saw. There is nothing wrong with an abrasive cutoff, but it's use is limited. the porta band is a great tool.

My dad has a 20 year old non-american made full size bandsaw, that is 20 years old, and still works great. It's the hardest working tool in his shop. If the quality of other "outsourced" tools is on par with this one, i'd have no problem dropping 200 bucks on one. David

 

I would have said a Milwaukee PortaBand, but he had a $200 cap. killer tool. Bang for buck, a $40 Skilsaw with a metal blade.

 

Actually, if you don't already have one, a good Sawzall is what I'd get first. That's all I had for years and you can get real accurate with it after a while. I have a good chop saw, but for all around use (slicing and dicing old cars) you can't beat a sawzall.

 

[ QUOTE ]
Here's my $0.02 worth ... I've got both $200 c/saw & $200 bandsaw ... and by far I use the bandsaw much more than that hot spark throwin' saw... Ya learn VERY quickly not to let those sparks fly under the work bench where the DustBunnies hang out...Shop fires will really ruin a nice buzz. I use the bandsaw both horizontally and vertically. Vertically ,I use it to cut out all sorts of brackets ,plates , tabs, etc... So I get lots more use out of a band saw . I still use the chopsaw for small tubing & rods and "in a hurry "stuff.

[/ QUOTE ]

Me too.

Easy enough to set it up, turn it on and go do somethng else while it's cutting.

Dealing with tubing and the like, it's not that much faster than a chopsaw.

Less mess too....