Since your comparison just includes the band saw vs the chop saw, I would go with the band saw just because that chop saw makes me wanna scream…especially on Monday morning But seriously, I really have done my time on both machines, and a properly maintained band saw will do the better job in my opinion. If you really want a cut that is heaven sent though, use a cold saw. I know they hurt the wallet, but they sooth the soul my brotha Good luck, Rev.
The band saw and the chop saw are two powerful machines that can serve a variety of purposes. The band saw and the chop saw are similar in some ways. You can choose between a compact band saw, which is portable, powerful, but it has less capacities, and a standard band saw that comes in a benchtop or freestanding option.
There’s 3 common tool choices for cutting metal tubing: Abrasive chop-saw, Horizontal band-saw, Cold saw. An abrasive chop saw is the most cost effective way for cutting metal tubing and Also by far the most obnoxious and inconsiderate to fellow co-workers. These saws are extremely loud and generate a great deal of metal dust.
If you are missing a band saw and a miter saw, my suggestion would be to go shopping. It is not possible to make accurate strait cuts with a band saw and it is not possible to make curved cuts with a miter saw. Type of saw Advantage Compound miter saw making compound cut in one go Dual compound miter saw making quick bevels at different angles Sliding compound miter saw increased cutting length.
A high-quality band saw may be able to meet or exceed performance expectations that previously were achievable only with a circular cold saw. If you can cut pieces in layers, then a band saw can compete nicely with the volume throughput of a circular cold saw. In comparing a fully automatic band saw to a fully automatic circular cold saw, generally speaking a band saw costs significantly less than a circular cold saw.
I guess it depends on what you’re using it for, and where you’re using it. The chopsaw is definitely more portable, and possibly will cut faster, but i like my bandsaw-it’s quiet, makes a very clean cut, and i can set it and let it cut while i’m doing something else and it shuts itself off when done cutting. I’ll likely pick up a chopsaw someday when i find a good deal on one at an auction, but i don’t need one bad enough to buy new.
Looking for a saw to cut exact 90º and 45º angles in tube steel. I value accuracy and build quality the most when looking for tools, so I’d prefer not to get something that’s going to be consistently off by half a degree like my previous miter saw. I only have experience with upright band saws for cutting wood so I’m not even really sure what I’m looking at when I see one of the metal-dedicated band saws.
band saw vs drop saw Related Question:
What is a band saw good for?
A band saw can be used to cut curves, even in thick lumber, such as in creating cabriole legs, to rip lumber and to crosscut short pieces. The most common use for the band saw, however, is in cutting irregular shapes. The second most common use is in resawing or ripping lumber into thinner slabs.
What is the difference between the band saw and the miter saw?
Miter saws are ideal for cutting precise angles and bevels, particularly when cutting trim, framing, baseboards, and the like. A band saw is more versatile, capable of long rip cuts, cutting thick stock, and cutting curves.
Which is better a bandsaw or a scroll saw?
If you want to make fine detail cuts, inside cuts, make patterns and letters, and you want to do so on smaller pieces of wood, the scroll saw is what you want to go with. However, for large, straight, and aggressive cuts on larger pieces of wood, and even metals, the band saw is the way to go.
Is a band saw good for cutting wood?
With the correct blade, a band saw can cut wood or metal, in either curves or straight lines. Blades come in a variety of widths and tooth counts. Narrower blades are good for tighter curves, while wider blades are better at straight cuts.
How thick can a band saw cut?
Band saws are the undisputed champ when it comes to cutting curves and slicing through thick material. Many small band saws can slice though lumber a full four inches thick, and bigger saws handle six-inch cuts.
Can a metal bandsaw cut wood?
What are the ideal conditions for cutting wood on a metal saw? While cutting wood on a metal bandsaw is perfectly fine, you should switch over to a 6TPI blade if you have the time or anticipate cutting a lot of wood.
What is a drop saw used for?
A drop saw (also known as a mitre saw or compound mitre saw) is used to make accurate crosscuts and mitres in a workpiece by ‘dropping’ a large mounted circular saw blade down onto a board at a selected angle.
How much does a miter saw cost?
A basic compound miter saw starts at $100, while miter saws with sliding blades start at $125. Dual-bevel miter saws start at $200, and professional-level miter saws with special features can cost as much as $800.
Can you cut a 2×4 with a scroll saw?
Though scroll saws are generally intended for thinner pieces of wood, they can be used to cut a 2×4. They’re pretty versatile little saws, but make sure to take your time with them. The key to success when tackling a 2×4 with a scroll saw is patience, care, and not pushing the wood too hard.
Is a bandsaw necessary?
No, you don’t. As a hand tool woodworker you are fully self sufficient without a bandsaw.
What is the difference between a jigsaw and a bandsaw?
Bandsaws are used almost exclusively for re-sawing projects. Jigsaws are, by definition, hand power tools that cut with a reciprocating motion and are generally used to make various curved cuts on thinner material.
What materials can a bandsaw cut?
Most bandsaws have two wheels rotating in the same plane, one of which is powered. The blade itself can come in a variety of sizes and tooth pitch (teeth per inch, or TPI) which enables the machine to be highly versatile and able to cut a wide variety of materials including wood, metal and plastic.
How much HP does a bandsaw need?
A 3/4 or 1 HP bandsaw is pefectly adequate for re-sawing stock at home….
How big of a piece of wood can a 9 inch band saw cut?
There are several $99, 9 inch band saws on the market in my area (Ryobi, Skill). The are able to cut a thickness of 2 ½ inches.
Can bandsaw cut steel?
Band saws are not suitable for cutting very thin sheet metal; a rule of thumb suggests the metal to be cut should be thicker than the depth of 3 band saw blade teeth, however they are excellent for cutting thin walled profiles such as box and angle.