I've looked through the forums and haven't seen this exact question so here goes. I'm looking to buy a bandsaw. I'd love to have a nice vertical saw for cutting shapes, but the reality of the situation is that it's more practical to get a horizontal saw since the majority of my cutting will be straight cuts in tubing, bar, angle and channel. It would be nice though to get a saw that also works as a vertical saw for those times when it's needed. What I'd like is a saw with variable speeds, capable of vertically square cuts, and with oil lubrication of the blade. Standard size blades would be a plus as would auto shutoff after a cut is made. I would think that I wouldn't be cutting anything larger than 4" x 6" rectangular tubing, but if a bigger saw is more robust and accurate, size isn't a major consideration. I understand I won't get a great saw for $500 so I'm willing to spend (within reason) what a solid saw will cost. I'm a home fabricator so it won't get m***ive usage, but quality performance is mandatory. Review sites on the web are useless, but you guys must have some experience here. I'm told most of the less expensive saws are virtual clones but I can't get a good handle on which of the higher end saws to consider. I'm checking Craig's list locally without much success and following local industrial auctions (which is where I picked up my belt/disc sander and drill press). I'm not having any luck with either so I'm leaning towards buying something new. What do you recommend? -Glenn
The 4x6 horizontal band saws from Harbor Freight have an excellent reputation. The saws are great, the bases ****. There are websites devoted to them, tons of modifications people have made, etc. etc. I had one for a while, and it was VERY adequate. I only got rid of it because I traded for a Shop Fox that had a slightly bigger capacity, a smaller foot print and a better miter gauge/clamp... and I made money on the deal by selling the HF saw for more than I paid. Had I not lucked into that deal, my kid would have gotten my HF saw when I croaked--I'd have never had reason to get rid of it. Do a websearch for Harbor Freight 4x6 band saw, or check over on Garage Journal. -Brad
I have Jet brand saws, both horizintal and verticle.......althought the horizontal power unit raises to verticle. Love it! Ray
Check out Yahoo Groups 4x6 HF band saw. Lots of tech for it on upgrading it to a nice saw on the cheap.
The Doall in the first picture can cut a head up like it was a loaf of bread but the Marvel in the second can tilt increasing it's abilities. My advise is to be patient and watch for good used equipment especially the brands I mention.
I just bought an Ellis. Everything skidmarks said about them is true. In addition, the darn thing looks like it was engineered by guys who spend their time in a shop as opposed to spending their time behind a drawing board- user friendly and durable. Another nice feature of the Ellis (at least of mine) is that I can release the descent limiting cylinder, and raise the head up to a vertical position. It has a table that slides in, and it can be used as a vertical bandsaw. Mind you, it's a vertical bandsaw with a short throat, but it will do small jobs just fine.
The Jalopy Journal
