Speaking of metal cutting bandsaw's ...

[J. Talbert]

Does anyone know if there's a reasonably priced, commercially made, vertical design, metal cutting band saw on the market.
I'd prefer to be able to buy one ready to go rather than have to adapt a horizontal design to a vertical set up.
Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Greg Pennell]

Jeff, I use a DEWALT portable bandsaw...I just put it vertically in my bench vise, and use a tapered piece of wood to hold the trigger down. Other than the small “table”, it works fine, and stows away easily when not needed.

Here are a couple of not very good photos, but you’ll get the idea...

Greg






image host

[Gunnermike]

I use a portable bandsaw also, although mine is a 2009 'horrible freight' version (this version is no longer made, but it did have a trigger lock which you need).  I built a wood stand and had an 1/8" plate on it for a table.  I finally bought a 'SWAG' top and it fits my needs without another large expensive machine that won't fit in my closet size shop.


Here's the SWAG top -


I built this using this bandsaw (also used a lathe & bench mill) -


Although my saw has lasted 10 years (touch wood!!) I'd recommend buying an American built saw and get a SWAG top, too.

Mike

[Goo]

There is machine tool dealer www.lostcreekmachine.com they have lots of stuff at reasonable prices have bought from them several times I was always satisfied.

[Clear Spring Armory]

They sell metal cutting blades for bands saws you'd use for wood. I have one I haven't got to use yet. But it should handle anything I would throw at it. Might look into that option

[44-henry]

The Harbor Freight 4x6 bandsaw is very popular in the metalworking circles. I have had mine for twenty years and it has never let me down an can be used either vertically or horizontally. A couple simple mods will make it much better such as building a more sturdy stand for it and making a new vertical table. There are many websites that are devoted to these saws. I would recommend replacing the factory blade with a high quality bi-metal blade.

[J. Talbert]

Thanks for the info.
Looks like ther are several options.
I'll check them out.

Much obliged ,
Jeff

[hudson]

I have been using one of those small Harbor Freight type cut off saws for years (1/2 x 64 ½” blade), great little saws and as a cutoff saw will do allot larger work than you would think. With some they are supplied with a small removable table to be used in the vertical position. You can make a seat to set on that slips over the bead when used vertical. The only problem with the saws is the legs need reinforced horizontally at the base. The two wheels are not mounted vary solid either, simple fixes.

[elkhorne]

Have a older 12” Craftsman bandsaw that I would like to equip to cut up to 1/8”  brass or 1/16” cold older steel. Does anyone have a recommendation for blades and/or sources for blades that would fit this bandsaw and do the job. I think from all I read that it should probably be a 1/2” blade but not sure what number of teeth to look for. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
elkhorne