I'm in the market for a very compact way to rough-cut aluminum. I live in NYC and am about to order a TAIG mill for my apartment. I'd like to be able to cut bar-stock of 6061, etc to prep for the mill.

The only thing I've come across would be the Proxxon Micro Band Saw (example: http://cgi.ebay.com/PROXXON-37172-MBS-MICRO-BAND-SAW-METAL-WOOD-HOBBY-CRAFT_W0QQitemZ180131523680QQihZ008QQcategoryZ41369QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem)

It's small. I'm sure I would have to be patient cutting with it, but it's better than nothing.

Any other suggestions, thoughts or creative solutions?

Thanks!

this will make quick work of it, you'll just need a bench vise to hold the stock.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42707

Thanks!

I hadn't thought of something hand held. Certainly is smaller. Even though it might not be as stable, I suppose that is less relevant since almost anything I cut would be going on the mill...

... I hadn't thought of something hand held. Certainly is smaller. Even though it might not be as stable, I suppose that is less relevant since almost anything I cut would be going on the mill...

If you are considering something hand-held maybe try a "high-end" :) variable speed bandsaw like:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47840
$79.95 - and its guaranteed!

(but it probably will wake up your neighbors. Tell 'em its just your food processor. -you do the process and it puts food on your table.)

Good luck, Pres

if you want a "high end" portable bandsaw, this will do.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100489490&N=10000003+90401+502011&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125
this Milwaukee HD portable (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100011885&N=10000003+90401+502011&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125) will last longer than the Harbor Freight models.They make a table (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100059645&N=10000003+90401+502011&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125)for it too.
If you really want to keep the noise down, there is always this (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100001868&N=10000003+90106+500737&marketID=106&locStoreNum=4117):)

If you were interested on bigger one we could be helping to you supply from www.uzaymak.com

also check out www.use-enco.com they have one on sale right now 5X6 3 speed with vise that is 199 free ship if order by the 30th. It will also do both vert and horizontal cutting.

Mine is arriving tomorrow. (does happy dance) Not too bad for ordering last Friday!

Had incorrect info, it is actually a 5X6 I had wrote 4X6... basically click the link and it is on the front page.
Granted it is not THAT compact, but not huge either, and does at least have a rolling platform so it would be easy to move.
I clicked that link on Ebay, and if you are looking at something that expensive, get the Enco one, it is cheaper and a lot more capable.

I rough chop AL with a cheap off brand wood 10" compound miter box with carbide teeth. I also have one of the harbor freight $199 specials vertical or drop cutting I use for steel it kind of sucks but it works. you get what you pay for. Check my last post on NYC groups or individuals before you get evicted