Bandsaw vs. chopsaw ...opinions???

[tonka.scout800a]

I was cutting some metal today using a cut-off disk with my angle grinder and realized just how hard it was to get a straight or square cut. This isn't so bad on flat metal, but square or round tube is a PITA. I had planned on getting a chop saw, but then I got to looking at the porta band type saws today. Now I am thinking these might be better. Less sparks, noise etc. Main concern I have is the stock size limitations. They do have the Deep Cut versions available Just wondering what everyone else prefers

[CADplans]

Porta-Band!!

[darryljs]

A band saw gives a nicer cut and won't burn the metal. I use one that has a 6" x 6" cut and I can cut most everything I need to. Any bigger than what the band saw will cut --- out comes the torch.

[tonka.scout800a]

Originally Posted by darryljs

A band saw gives a nicer cut and won't burn the metal.I use one that has a 6" x 6" cut and I can cut most everything I need to. Any bigger than what the band saw will cut --- out comes the torch.

That's what I'm thinking, too.

6" x 6" ?? Is this a porta band? or a horizontal/vertical bandsaw? The ones I've looked at so far are 5" x 5" biggest ...Milwaukee and Dewalt

[jimbob200521]

FYI: A miter saw will work fine as a chop saw, however; the gears and motor aren't sealed so if you use a miter saw for extended periods or chop a lot of steel with it, it won't last as long. But for the occasional cut, a miter saw will work just fine. For as often as I cut steel with it, my miter saw works just fine

[darryljs]

Originally Posted by tonka.scout800a

That's what I'm thinking, too.

6" x 6" ?? Is this a porta band? or a horizontal/vertical bandsaw? The ones I've looked at so far are 5" x 5" biggest ...Milwaukee and Dewalt

It's a horizontal/vertical band saw off brand from TSC that I got a couple years ago.

[tonka.scout800a]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

FYI: A miter saw will work fine as a chop saw, however; the gears and motor aren't sealed so if you use a miter saw for extended periods or chop a lot of steel with it, it won't last as long. But for the occasional cut, a miter saw will work just fine. For as often as I cut steel with it, my miter saw works just fine

I do have a 12" Compound Miter Saw and had thought of changing the blade for metal cuts. But I would really have to watch it as it's bolted to the workbench and there's lots of sawdust

[tonka.scout800a]

Originally Posted by darryljs

It's a horizontal/vertical band saw off brand from TSC that I got a couple years ago.

Is this the Black Bull brand ? They are on sale now for about $150.

[darryljs]

Originally Posted by tonka.scout800a

Is this the Black Bull brand ? They are on sale now for about $150.

That's the one, I couldn't think of the name. I do have a chop saw, but I hardly ever use it since I have the band saw. I had to fuss a bit with it so it would cut square but it works great. The cut is thinner than a chop saw also. No sparks to worry about but may take a little longer to cut stuff. Once you start the cut, you can go do something else till it's done. It will shut itself off when the piece is cut off.

[Sam Mac]

This is what I use for a chop saw, just put an abrasive blade on it. Been using it for 4 or 5 years so far. Had to take the bag off, it caught on fire LOL. Also have a Milwaukee Saws all