There was a thread here recently about the saw being demoed at Tormach's recent Workshop and rumor has it that Tormach is suggesting that the price may come in at $5k or a bit more.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/tormac...w-product.html
An email came today from Tormach announcing a soon to be released AF50 bandsaw with auto stock feeding. Coincidentally I have been considering replacing my current saw (Ramco RS-90P) so seeing this today was of great interest. No Pricing yet that I could find but the auto stock feed part caught my attention. That is a very cool feature. Most saws have some sort if controlled descent cylinder on the cutting head but to actually feed the stock- that I haven't seen on small home shop size machines. We have an Amada HA-250 auto feeder at work that feeds stock but that is in a completely different league both size and price.
My short list of possible replacement saws so far are
Kama EV-996 manual down feed.
$3,400
Kama EV-97 hydraulic power down feed.
$4,500
We have an EV-97 at work about 15 years now and it's been an awesome little machine. Very compact foot print and wheels around as needed. The power down feed is really nice too but $1k more makes it a tough add.
Ellis 1600 manual down feed.
$3,000. Nice looking and good reviews but my issue with the Ellis is its a bit bulky- primarily why I want to sell the Ramco.
All of these are about $1,000 too rich for my budget. At least in my mind at the moment
Will be curious to learn more about the Tormach saw and where it comes in price wise.
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There was a thread here recently about the saw being demoed at Tormach's recent Workshop and rumor has it that Tormach is suggesting that the price may come in at $5k or a bit more.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/tormac...w-product.html
I have a Harbor-Freight 4x6 I've been using a LOT for nearly 20 years. It cuts dead straight, and was dirt cheap. Zero complaints, given that it cost all of about $200. It ain't pretty, but it sure gets the job done. For bigger work, I have a "Carolina" bandsaw I bought for $100, barely used. Once tuned up, and fed a good Lenox bi-metal variable-pitch blade (for all of about $35), it'll cut through anything.
Regards,
Ray L.
+1 on what Ray said on the HF 4x6....... I owned mine for about 10 years, best $125 I have spent on tools. A little tune up, a good blade and you are good to go.
Robert
Got mine at Northern tool for $1000. I needed to cut 12" alu plate. I've also cut 3" 304ss round bar. Had it a couple years. No complaints. .
Have you ever seen a Roll-In vertical bandsaw? The saw gravity feeds through the stock. They are quite versatile with a good capacity and reasonable footprint. New they are more than you are willing to spend but can be had used for a good price. There are several companies who make similar saws.
Vertical Band Saw for Cutting Metal, Plastic and Wood - Roll-In Saw Model EF1459
bob
I'm getting one, the auto feed feature is a win. Standing in front of the saw cutting 12ft stock into 1.5-5" pieces is a pain in the ass. Can't wait. Bring on the automation.
RAD. Yes those are my initials. Idea, design, build, use. It never ends.
PCNC1100 Series II, w/S3 upgrade, PDB, ATC & 4th's, PCNC1100 Series II, ATC, 4th
I agree with what you posted regarding angle cuts on long stock. It is awkward when you have to swing stock around.
Just so someone reading this in the future doesn't get the wrong idea I just want to clarify that the table on a Roll-In band saw is fixed. The saw moves into the work.
bob