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.
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 principle behind the abrasive saw is more of a grinding then a cutting. High quality saws can drift from their starting position 0.01″ for every vertical 1″ of cutting. The cold saw cut is more of a milling process then a typical saw cut, which provides an accuracy over the full cut length of +/- 0.002″. Anyone who works with metal tubing and has never used a cold saw will be really impressed with their performance and cut finish.
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.
> Portable Band Saw: You can saw most of the material types and shapes defined for the Abrasive Cut-Off Saw, and I can use it for sawing Aluminum, Magnesium, Brass, Copper, and other materials both thin and thick material. >Horizontal Band Saw: This type of saw is ideal when the material you are cutting requires a long time to cut. You can start the sawing process, then let the saw complete the cut while you work on something else.
metal band saw vs chop saw Related Question:
Is a band saw good for cutting metal?
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.
What type of saw is best for cutting metal?
It may not be an obvious choice, but fitted with the right blade, a circular saw is a great metal-cutting tool. In our test, it cut through rebar like a hot knife through butter.
What is the difference between a metal cutting band saw and a wood cutting band saw?
A metal cutting bandsaw is typically built more solidly than a saw designed for cutting wood, so there are no issues with the machine itself. As for the blade, the wood fibers could clog the metal blade’s teeth more quickly, and the blade will probably cut through the wood more slowly.
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.
What kind of blade is used to cut metal?
Ferrous blades are ideal for cutting metals that contain iron, such as stainless steel or cast iron. Choose a non-ferrous blade when cutting softer metals, like aluminum or copper. For the best results, use a diamond blade that’s rated to cut the type of metal you are working with.
Can I use a miter saw to cut metal?
Although mitre saws were traditionally used for cutting wood, with the correct blade they can make light work of cutting through steel and aluminium profiles at an angle.
What is a metal band saw used for?
A bandsaw (also written band saw) is a power saw with a long, sharp blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal stretched between two or more wheels to cut material. They are used principally in woodworking, metalworking, and lumbering, but may cut a variety of materials.
Can I cut aluminum with a band saw?
Band saws were never really considered to be a wise choice for aluminum cutting, but that has changed recently. With the advancements in band saw technology, large aluminum billet now can be cut almost as quickly as with large circular saws.
Can hand saw cut metal?
There are hand saws for cutting wood, drywall, metal and plastic. Even though hand saw uses vary and choosing the right saw for the job is important, the basic technique for using a hand saw is the same.
Can you use a band saw to cut 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 the difference between a wood blade and a metal blade?
Metal Cutting Blades have more teeth per inch for cutting harder, denser materials. They are typically 10 to 18 TPI, but can go as high as 24 TPI. They are also used for finish cuts in wood because they leave a smooth edge.
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.
What TPI is used to cut steel?
Cutting thinner metals, including sheet metal, requires a finer cut. Use 18-24 TPI bi-metal blades. For thicker metals such as steel pipe, angle irons, or tubing, use 14-18 TPI bi-metal blades. For aluminum, an 8-10 TPI blade is best.
Can you cut hardened steel with a hacksaw?
If a clean cut is desired when cutting through hardened steel, or if the steel’s hardness must be retained, a fine toothed hacksaw will work wonderfully, though the process is long and will require a great deal of intense effort.
Can I put a metal cutting blade on my circular saw?
Only blades and discs specified for cutting metal should be used. These professional circular saw blades are perfect for cutting through aluminium, copper, lead and other non-ferrous metals; while these diamond cutting discs will make light work of cutting through stainless steel.