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.
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 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 “Cold saw” is normally a type of drop saw, that uses a toothed cutting disc which, IMO, is very much preferred to an abrasive type disc. Correctly set up they can give very accurate cuts and, IMO, that is a weakness of the abrasive as it’s blade can wander. There is a drawback in that they can only make straight cuts, even if you’ve angled the workpiece. 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. What I would suggest you consider, especially for your application, is the vertical ‘band saw’, where the blade cuts in the vertical plane – you will lose little as you’re not intending to cut larger workpieces, and gain from being able to make curving cuts and to cut small things to shape. 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.
cold cut saw vs band saw Related Question:
What do you use a cold saw for?
While cold sawing can be use to cut most ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, it is not recommended for very hard metals — specifically, those harder than the saw itself. And while cold saws can do bundled cutting, it can only do so with very small diameter parts and special fixturing is required.
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 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.
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.
Can a cold cut saw cut stainless steel?
Description. The EVOLUTION® carbide-tipped metal cutting saw blade is ideal for cutting stainless steel. Material applications include, square tube, angle iron, stainless steel plate, diamond plate, pipe and tube.
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 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.
Can abrasive cutoff saws cut close tolerances?
Even when cutting extremely hard materials, properly cooled thin-wheel abrasive cutoff generates little heat and produces a clean-cut surface finish. In addition, the method can: Provide cut length tolerances down to 0.001” (0.025 mm) Cut diameters from 0.0005” to 3.00” (0.0125 mm to 76.2 mm)
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.
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.
What is the main purpose of a bandsaw?
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 a scroll saw cut 2×4?
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.
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.