divermike Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadillacforge Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
me miller Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divermike Posted November 3, 2008 Author Share Posted November 3, 2008 me miller, where does one get Jet equipment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Stegmeier Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 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;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryM Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 What part did you break? Pictures please, we should be able tell you how make the replacement part. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterDE4 Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcraigl Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
me miller Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 I got the Jet equipment through Wholesale Tool. My store was in Tulsa, Oklahoma but there are other ones around the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james gonzalez Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Iron works Posted November 7, 2008 Share Posted November 7, 2008 i just bought a grizzly g0613 made in taiwan its a great saw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markh Posted November 7, 2008 Share Posted November 7, 2008 Does the Grizzly need a lot of adjusting to get a square cut? I've been torn between spending the money to buy an Ellis saw or save a lot and buy the Grizzly swivel. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markh Posted November 7, 2008 Share Posted November 7, 2008 How much was that saw? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted November 7, 2008 Share Posted November 7, 2008 I have a 7"x12" Jet horizontal vertical bandsaw and it performs perfectly. I have a Milwakee (sp?) portaband too and it works just like it should. Both are good machines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Iron works Posted November 8, 2008 Share Posted November 8, 2008 i was going to go with ellis but for less money i got the g0613 ($1375.00 + $89.00 shipping) and the g1183 6x48x12 sander both made in taiwan and are great the saw came all set up with a bi-metal blade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tribal forge Posted November 8, 2008 Share Posted November 8, 2008 I have an echeapo horizontal from harbour freight, that cost me 50.00 it uses a 59" blade and have had no problems with it, been using it for 4 years, and it was 4 years old when I got it! it will cut a 4"x6" piece of steel, just not really fast!! And I use it more for a cut off saw than anything else/Selden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Welcome aboard BC, good to have ya. If you'll click on "User CP" at the top of the page and edit your profile to show your location those of us in your neighborhood can invite ourselves over for dinner. Heck, some of us might even be helpful. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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