OK, not happy with the results from an abrasive saw – too much noise, too slow, lack of precision, material needs dressing up before use, and so on. Definitely the evo saw takes up less room and is more portable. I don’t have a metal cutting chop saw, but wish I did.
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.
I used to be very anti bandsaw and would chop saw everything-now I can’t stand the smell. Currently own two chop saws two portabands, an evolution rage dry cut saw that I never use, a hf 4×6 that marginally works and a klutch 7×12 that I love.
“I’ve owned a very large wicksteed power hacksaw, a chopsaw and a 4×6 bandsaw. The wicksteed is brilliant for cutting 8” solid round but cumbersome as hell for anything else, the rage is noisy and throws swarf everywhere. More alarmingly, I had the blade overheat cutting solid aluminium which meant a new blade 🙁 I’ve ended up with the bandsaw, bought from a member here and it does everything, quietly and easily too.
6 Re: Metal cutting saw: chop vs. band I have a Morse Metal Devil 14″ dry cut saw. 16 Re: Metal cutting saw: chop vs. band An abrasive chop saw sends grit everywhere in the shop. 17 Re: Metal cutting saw: chop vs. band Horizontal band saw hands down.
You may want to check out my previous posting regarding the Porter Cable 1410, which is somewhat similar to the Evolution and Milwaukee cold cut saws. Paid $212 plus shipping, which I thought was a great price for a saw that lists at around $500. The seller is still listing additional saws with a starting bid of $199. My saw is scheduled for delivery tomorrow and I will give a review once I get it up and running. The Bullet 7 1/4″ blade, which I use on a Milwaukee metal cut saw did fine for cutting stock up to 1/4″ and was good on 1/8″. If the Porter Cable 1410 seems like a good saw, I will probably go ahead and order a couple of Metal D-vil blades for it.
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.
Don’t need a circular metal cutting saw, just a fixed chop saw/miter saw. I have the largest Evolution metal cutting circular saw. I was looking at the prices of Cold saws and looks like the Evolution is around $375 while the Hyd Mech portable cold saw is $990. Seems the later is a far better deal than an Evolution type saw and weight is manageable at 83lbs.
evolution saw vs band saw Related Question:
What’s the difference between a band saw and a skill saw?
The blades used with a band saw have a circular shape and are very flexible. Now, one of the really big differences is that the scroll saw’s blade moves up and down, whereas the band saw’s blade moves in a continuous downward motion. Band saws also differ in the thickness and size of materials which they can handle.
Which is safer band saw or table 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.
What is the difference in band saws?
The band saw blades are thicker and more reliable than a scroll saw blade. This makes them faster at cutting but makes the cut a bit more coarse. You can’t make super tight turns, like with a scroll saw, but you can use thick wood, which a scroll saw won’t accommodate.
What are the small band saws called?
There are also small portable sawmills consisting of a shop-size bandsaw mounted on a guiding table, which are called bandsaw mills (band saw mills, band sawmills). Like chain saw mills (a chainsaw on a guiding table), they can be used inexpensively by one or two people out in the field.
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.
Do I really need a scroll saw?
So, unless you’re about to start a project requiring the precision of a scroll saw, such as intarsia (wood mosaic) projects or wooden children’s toys and puzzles, you don’t need one. If you are a tool junkie or experimental woodworker, if you don’t already own one, a scroll saw is probably already on your wish list.
What is the difference between a band saw and a jigsaw?
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 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.
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.
Can you rip with a band saw?
A band saw can shape curves, saw rough lumber safely, cut joinery, and even rip boards to width.
Can a bandsaw replace a Tablesaw?
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’s the difference between a fret saw and a scroll saw?
The fretsaw is similar in many respects to the scroll saw, which is essentially a powered fretsaw with a table. Blades between the two tools are usually interchangeable, and indeed scroll saws are often known as “fret saws” informally.
What are the different sizes of band saws?
Band saws range in size (and price) from 10-inch benchtop machines to 24-inch freestanding ones for professional shops. 14-inch freestanding saws probably provide the most bang for your buck—and used ones are readily available.
Why is a band saw called a band saw?
The band saw gets its name because the blade that cuts the stock is a narrow steel strip where the ends have been welded together to form a continuous band.
What does TPI stand for when referring to saws?
TPI is an acronym for Teeth Per Inch and is a common measurement to be detailed on saws. As a general rule, the more teeth per inch a saw has, the neater the finish will be, but the slower the saw will cut. The fewer teeth per inch, the faster the saw will cut but the rougher the finish will be.