Not for metal and $500 there isn't.
I'm looking for a high quality band saw to use for rough-cutting aluminum in a home shop. I've seen a lot of $200 import bandsaws with mixed reviews (i.e. ryobi, hitachi, jet, grizzly).
I would probably prefer vertical (instead of horizontal) due to size and would be willing to spend up to $500 if it were a high quality saw.
I'm looking for something that's 1/2 - 1 HP. Will be used to cut small pieces of aluminum, so no specific size requirements on the actual band saw.
Any recommendations for brands or saws? Is there a high-quality, American manufacturer?
Tormach PCNC 1100, SprutCAM, Alibre CAD
Not for metal and $500 there isn't.
www.integratedmechanical.ca
Oh yeah? Good to know. What kind of price would a good one cost? Any brands? Just looking to learn more before I pull the trigger.
FYI - It's only aluminum, not steel. And almost all cuts will be rough-cut before being milled, so quality of cut (or speed) isn't necessarily as imperative.
Tormach PCNC 1100, SprutCAM, Alibre CAD
If it`s straight cuts only you want,you may be better looking at non-ferrous cold saws.Small footprint and extremely rapid.Doubt you will get something decent for $500 though.
Unfortunately cannot use a coldsaw in this space. Trying to focus my research on bandsaws. Can anyone suggest a vendor or brand? There must be American equivalents or better quality... no?
Tormach PCNC 1100, SprutCAM, Alibre CAD
Try $4500 for a metal cutting bandsaw.
www.integratedmechanical.ca
My 1.5 hp jet did a nice job on 1/2 6061 t6 I used to corcse of a blade but it did ok
Kevin - thanks! You were happy with the quality of the Jet brand?
Tormach PCNC 1100, SprutCAM, Alibre CAD
This is the only jet branded tool i have ever used. but i do like it If i had to use it all day everyday i would buy a better saw. powermatics are nice and so are some others .At $1500. for a 18 inch saw this one is good. i payed $500. for mine it was used for 1 year before i got it . its a wood saw but did a nice job on alum. even using the wrong blade
Those machines you are talking about generally run way too high SFM (because they are meant for wood).
The machine I had waaay back when, was the same as the Jet and it worked acceptably using a 10X gearbox reduction. If you have a gearbox, belts, pulleys and spare time laying around it doesn't cost a whole lot. If you don't you could easily put another grand into modifying the machine.
I would watch auctions and dealers for a big old metal cutter and buy it, you wont regret it.
www.integratedmechanical.ca
Darebee - Thanks for the explanation. What's an appropriate SFM for 6061 aluminum?
Tormach PCNC 1100, SprutCAM, Alibre CAD
You would have to talk to your blade manu about your usage to determine that appropriate blade and SFM thereof.
I cut alu at 300 - 350 and CRS at 150 - 200.
I use expensive blades but use the saw very little.
(not the little Jet "type" - it is long gone)
www.integratedmechanical.ca