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Chinese Bandsaw or Power Hacksaw?

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kvom:
If I could have only one type of powered saw it would be a vertical bandsaw, as with one you can cut irregular shapes.  So far my big horfizontal saw has been used only to cut 2" brass rounds a few time.

bogstandard:
Nick,

You don't have to go to great expense, I used a small angle grinder for many years. Cost less than a tenner, and cut thru almost anything with the right blade.

They are noisy, sparks and dust all over the place, and somtimes you can change the hardness of the metal, but definitely stops all that arm aching work. If you want to cut big stuff, get a 9" one, I did, and also found a multitude of uses around the house and garden for it when I was remodelling the place. It would chew thru 3" stock in a couple of minutes. I still have them both knocking about the place somewhere.

So really there is no excuse for aching arms any more.

So if budgets or space are really tight, that is a good acceptable option.

John

John Hill:
I have a big(ish) machine I dont use much, it is a cold saw with a 2hp motor and a circular HSS blade which turns really, really slowly,  the blade is blunt and I am not sure if I can get it sharpened?  It is about 10" diameter and has about 8 teeth to the inch, maybe more.  I fear a new blade might cost as much as a Chinese bandsaw. :scratch:

NickG:
John, that's a good idea. My dad bought a fairly cheap big angle grinder, he got discs so that he could cut paving flags I think. Never thought of using one mainly because they've always scared me a bit with the sparks going everywhere! I always worry about discs shattering so never really used one. I'll have to get used to them soon though if I start the escort project once moved house.

I actually like the idea of the power hack saw as those old ones I saw are a good price, would just need to swap the motor as they are 3 phase, think I have a couple of single phase suitable motors though.

People have tempted me with the bandsaw, the idea of a table to cut sheet metal sounds good as that's always a pain too.

Plenty of food for thought anyway.

Thanks,

Nick

Darren:
Nick,
Angle grinders are great, I've had a 4.5 & 9" types for the last 20yrs or more.

I've also had a couple of accidents with them too. Even though I always wear welding gloves, saftey glasses etc and take the best care I can, you cannot predict a disk breaking up.
In my exp it happens quite often, but I was at one time using one so much that they would only last 3mths or so before burning out.

Once a chunk of disk broke off, hit my jeans front pocket and cut it's way right through into the top of my leg/hip area.

It could have been worse.....it was close.... :thumbup:

They are good for what they are, but I will only them as a last resort.

20yrs and I'm still very wary of them....

YMMV

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