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.
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.
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.
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.
The ability to make both straight and angled cuts is what differentiates a chop saw from a miter saw, and makes a miter saw capable of angles and bevels that a band saw cannot cut. A compound miter saw usually only tilts in a single direction, to the left or right, so a compound miter saw may tilt from 0° to 90°, or from 90° to 180°, but not both. A sliding compound miter saw combines some of the features of a radial arm saw with a miter saw, and allows for mitered chopping cuts as well as shorter rip cuts.
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.
chop saw vs band saw Related Question:
What is a major benefit the bandsaw has over the chop saw?
Since the blade is so narrow and it cuts downward, it has the advantage of essentially keeping the workpiece solidly on the table as you make the cut. This makes the bandsaw inherently safer than a table saw for most cuts. Making a rip cut on the band saw is a breeze, with the right blade.
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.
What is a chop saw good for?
A chop saw (a.k.a. a miter saw) is a power tool made especially for accurate crosscutting of trim and lumber at various angles. Here’s why these tools rule. The chop saw (a.k.a. a miter saw) is a motorized woodworking power tool designed to accurately and precisely complete square and angled cuts in wood.
What are the disadvantages of a band saw?
The Disadvantages: A bandsaw is limited to the size pieces you can cut because of the circular blade. With the Speedster Bandsaw and Diamond Laser 3000, the maximum size glass piece is approximately 10 to 12 inches in diameter. 2. It does not take the place of simple cuts.
How high can a bandsaw cut?
The resaw capacity is the maximum height (thickness) that can be cut. For the small shop furniture maker, go with 14″ as the minimum for a bandsaw, though 16″ is better. Those doing larger work might even want 18″ or 20″ machines. Just make sure you have a minimum resaw height of 12″ for versatility.
Can I use metal saw to cut wood?
You can use a metal blade to cut wood. A circular saw blade cut metal in a sluggish rotational speed of 25m/s. They are driven by a motor having high power and an A/C vector drive. They are long lasting and non-reusable.
Is chop saw same as miter saw?
Whereas chop saws are rugged and relatively simple tools, mitre saws are designed and manufactured to make precision cuts at many different angles. Although a mitre saw can cut non-ferrous metal when used with the correct blade, they are most often used by joiners, kitchen fitters and cabinet makers to cut wood.
Can you use miter saw as chop saw?
Miter saws and chop saws are not the same, even if the descriptions may sound similar. A chop saw is used for straight precision cuts, and a miter saw is used for angled cuts. Though it’s tempting to try to adjust the miter saw to work as a chop saw, the results will not be as good.
Why is it called a chop saw?
Miter saws with abrasive cutting wheels are often used in metal work where they are known as “drop saws” or more commonly “chop saws”. Because the blade assembly could only pivot, not translate, these initial designs were limited by blade radius in how wide and deep a board they could cut.
When using a bandsaw should you maintain it?
Keep guards in place at all times. The blade guard should be from 1/8 to ¼ inch above stock. Keep hands away from blade and do not open upper or lower bandsaw doors while blade is in motion. Maintain a balanced stance and keep your body under control at all times; do not overreach.
Where can I use a bandsaw?
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 are 5 general guidelines for using the band saw?
Never push on back of piece with fingers or thumb. Don’t reach across the blade. Make all cuts under power, not while blade is coasting. Never remove guard unless authorized by Technician or WRL Manager.
Can a bandsaw replace a table saw?
In general, bandsaws excel at making curved cuts which allows them to replace some of the basic features of a scroll saw. The creative angles they are capable of creating simply cannot be replicated by the large, circular blade of a table saw. Bandsaws also tend to offer more versatility.
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.
Can a bandsaw cut hardened steel?
Carbide band saw blades provide high wear resistance and toughness when cutting a variety of applications such as: case hardened steels, spring steels, high speed steels, nickel based alloys, case hardened steels, composite graphite, high nickel alloys, titanium, inconnel, and other exotic metals.