metal cutting band saw

[divermike]

Fellow members and blacksmithaholics,
I just busted my cheap chinese metal cutting bandsaw, and it will take 8-10 weeks for the replacement part. I have had second thoughts about ever buying another cheap bandsaw, and now I need your advice. For a hobbyist blacksmith such as myself, I need a reliable metal cutting bandsaw, price is only a part of the issue, I'm tired of dealing with a piece of crap, so the question is,what bandsaw should I buy? I use it to precut christopher crosses a lot, and several other small projects, and now the rolled rose napkin ring I posted on the other part of this site, I ended up using a hacksaw today.,, no mass production, but I need this advice, where to get it, what style etc.... obviously how much, thanks for you time.

[cadillacforge]

alot of guys are buying the portabands porter cable has the one im getting for xmas heavyduty,varible speed cheap blades ya can pick up anywhere they either build a stand or vise it to hold it upright, many people say it a better alternative to the chinese bandsaw

[me miller]

I went with the Jet bandsaw after my chinese bandsaw wore out after 19 years. Only change I did was to mount a 6 by 12 inch 1/4 plate on it for a cutting table. The Jet model was so much heavier duty than what I had always used.

[divermike]

me miller, where does one get Jet equipment?

[Fionnbharr (finn:-)]

I have an ancient Kalamazoo 610D, its a very heavy duty machine, my father-in-law got it at a school auction for 100$ it needs a ton of work, but it cuts. If you can find a older american made saw, and get lucky or put a bit of work it to it. Once you get it up and running it should last a long time;-) I have the same old blade that came with it, and I cut H13 all the time. If I spent more time it would even cut straight;-)

[LarryM]

What part did you break? Pictures please, we should be able tell you how make the replacement part.

Larry

[PeterDE4]

I have a Wilton 7"x12" horizontal cut off bandsaw that works quite well for me. MSC retails them for around $1,150, but often has them on sale in the $900 range. The clamp angles 45 degrees, if you need to cut an angled end on a picket or rail. It comes with a coolant system, although you don't have to use it. It also has and adjustable feed. I believe that they're imported from Asia, but it seems to be pretty well made.

[mcraigl]

Are you in a hurry? If so, and you want a nice one you're going to spend some money. Probably in the 1000 range. If not, start snooping craigslist, ebay, etc.etc. I found a 1942 kalamazoo that has a 125" blade and will cut up to 8x16 for $500. I replaced the top bearings and had the motor gone through. I fully expect it to last me the rest of my life. Easy (relatively) to tune and cuts like a dream. I had been on the verge of buying a jet or something similar, but am glad I waited. Oh yea, and as someone else already mentioned... Those portabands are really handy. Mike-hr has one and uses it all the time as a small vertical saw. Real handy.

[me miller]

I got the Jet equipment through Wholesale Tool. My store was in Tulsa, Oklahoma but there are other ones around the country.

[james gonzalez]

I use a real old kalamazoo I got out of a scrap pile. It has been desperate for a tuneup for about 5 years now, but works every day with only very occasional attention from a dead blow hammer. A friend runs an "Ellis" saw. I have used it, a good machine, still made in USA, can be used in vertical position, good customer support. I will buy one of these should this kalamazoo ever kick it.