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.
10-29-2009, 08:58 PM #1 Cold Saw Vs. Band Saw Right now the only saw I have is a chop saw and that thing sucks. Not true if the cold saw is semi auto type…which is the only type to buy really…a manual cold saw is a silly choice, unless it’s a non ferrous type, in which case it cuts so fast that manual use is ok. A manual cold saw uses round, HSS blades, that can be resharpened over and over and over again- I have cold saw blades that are ten years old.
The most important difference between cold saws and band saws is the amount of burr on the cuts that they produce. A band saw can give you good quality cuts, but can’t match the smoothness of results from a cold saw. Due to their straight blades, band saws also cut material more quickly than comparable cold saws.
A band saw gives a larger cutting capacity, whereas a cold saw limits your cutting capacity. While the initial price of a cold saw blade may be higher than a band saw blade, it’s important to remember that a cold saw blade can be re-sharpened. At SEPCO, we provide a band saw cutting and precision cold cutting saws that are both accurate and fast.
The band saw type can be either hozontal or vertically oriented – I’ll get to that shortly. The main advantage of the horizontal cutt-off saw is they don’t have the hub assembly to worry about, but rather have a bridge that generally allows larger workpieces to be cut. CAUTION – because the parts will usually be hand held, you need to take a lot more care, as any saw will take fingers, thumbs even, in some unfortunate cases, hands off without even slowing down – they’re used a lot in meat processing partly because of that.
I personally wouldn’t prefer a dry cut type saw as I prefer the quiet, controlled chip dropping of the bandsaw. You also won’t be limited on cutting larger solid stock like you would be on the dry cut. On an entry level metal bandsaw don’t worry about the need for coolant, everything I’ve cut is cool to the touch coming off the saw.
bandsaw vs cold cut saw Related Question:
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.
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.
How thick can a cold cut saw cut?
Portable cold saws were primarily designed for sheet metal roofers in the building industry, and can cut up to 6 mm (0.24 in) thick mild steel.
What is a cold saw used for?
Cold saws are saws that make use of a circular saw blade to cut through various types of metal, including sheet metal. The name of the saw has to do with the action that takes place during the cutting process, which manages to keep both the metal and the blade from becoming too hot.
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.
Do I need a scroll saw if I have a bandsaw?
If you are making a jigsaw puzzle for your children, there is no question that you will need a scroll saw and not a band saw. Very detailed and intricate work will not go as well with the band saw. If you are a person that likes crafting and ornate projects, the scroll saw is going to be a much better choice.
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 are the disadvantages of a cold saw?
Another downside to cold saws is that the hardness makes the saw blades brittle and subject to shock. Any amount of vibration — for example, from insufficient clamping of the part or the wrong feed rate — can easily damage the saw teeth.
Why is it called a cold saw?
Cold saws don’t require flood coolant because the heat generated by the cutting action is transferred to the chips. The chips are ejected by centrifugal forces of the rotating blade. This process allows both the blade and the cut material to remain cool, hence the name “cold saws”—but beware of the chips.
What are the 3 main hazards that could arise from using cold saw?
POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND INJURIES Eye injuries. Sharp edges and burrs, metal splinters. Noise.
How long does a cold saw blade last?
On average, a typical cold saw blade should last at least six months. Damaged teeth. Typically, a cold saw blade can complete between 800 to 1000 cuts before totally wearing out. Also, during their lifespan, you can sharpen them up to 30 to 40 times.
Can a cold saw cut aluminum?
Since aluminum is so lightweight, high-speed sawing is optimal. One of the most popular ways to cut this metal alloy efficiently is to use a circular saw blade. Here at Dake, we like to call them cold saws.
How many speeds can be used on a cold saw?
When you attach a cold saw blades to a power saw with two (2) speeds, regulate according to the material you are cutting. When cutting stainless steel, use a much lower speed. When cutting metals, use a much higher speed. The speed list could be surface feet per minute (SFPM) or the regular RPM.
How important is a bandsaw in a woodshop?
That being said, a quality band saw will do a lot more than just cut curves. They are great for cutting tenons and some smaller rabbets, for ripping small pieces of stock, and for resawing thin strips from larger pieces of wood.