Band Saws

[Raydee]

I am looking to buy a cheap band saw for the hobby. I was over at Harbor Freight yesterday and they had a 9" model for $139 but it was out of stock. I see that sears also has a 9" model for a litle less but I wonder if this will cut aluminum with no problems?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921419000P?keyword=band+saw

[egneg]

Blade speed is way to fast IMO to cut metal. The harder the material the slower the blade.

[Raydee]

Ok I would have thought if it was strong enough to cut hard wood that it would easily cut through soft aluminum.

[rockwerks]

Blade speed is way to fast IMO to cut metal. The harder the material the slower the blade.

I have used this variable speed unit for sanders and band saws, small drill press for many years. can turn most tools into variable speed



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43060

[NitroVal]

I have the one from Harbor Freight, and my advice to you is to steer clear of it. I can never get the blade to stay on, the stand is flimsy as hell and I have almost lost a finger I dunno how many times. I finally tossed it a few months ago..

[rockwerks]

I have the one from Harbor Freight, and my advice to you is to steer clear of it. I can never get the blade to stay on, the stand is flimsy as hell and I have almost lost a finger I dunno how many times. I finally tossed it a few months ago..

The only thing I was showing is the tool speed control from harbor freight. tools are always hit or miss from harbor freight. I have a nail gun that has been abused frozen in a 5 gallon bucket of water and 10 years later still works perfectly

[Raydee]

I think Nitroval was talking about the Band saw from harbor frieght not the variable speed control.

[rockwerks]

I think Nitroval was talking about the Band saw from harbor frieght not the variable speed control.

yep, any way that is a decent little band saw and with the 20.00 control would be a nice setup for any shop. IF you cut alum too fast it heats up and sticks to the blades.

[NitroVal]

I think Nitroval was talking about the Band saw from harbor frieght not the variable speed control.

Mine is variable, but you have to switch the belt positions..
This is the one I had.. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93762

[egneg]

I have used this variable speed unit for sanders and band saws, small drill press for many years. can turn most tools into variable speed



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43060

Worth a try for 20.00 you can't go wrong.

[Raydee]

Well I just sent the wife out and she came back with the Craftsman 9" band saw. It cut through 1/4" aluminum Stock like it was warm butter. I have no idea how I got along without one for so long

[NitroVal]

BTW, this is the one I have now... You have never seen cutting luxury until you've owned one of these.

http://www.bii1.com/saws/horizontal-band-saw-bs120p.php

[RayR]

Ray,

There was a really good post on band saws last year on IW. It was very informative. Do a search over there.

All the best,

Ray

[rockwerks]

Well I just sent the wife out and she came back with the Craftsman 9" band saw. It cut through 1/4" aluminum Stock like it was warm butter. I have no idea how I got along without one for so long

Truely, I love mioe, that reminds me gotta order a few blades for it