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-   -   Band saw + blades recommendations? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=118149)

GeraldC 10-07-2014 08:10 AM

Here's the blade I use for that bandsaw:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0078YA3HQ

It's not exactly 60" but it fits just fine. It works ok now after adjusting the guide bearings a bit. Also, cut a piece of plywood about the size of the bandsaw table, run it half way through the bandsaw, and clamp or screw it into place as a base. It works better than the base that's there.

I'm just about finished with the fabrication for the RV-14 tail kit and the bandsaw worked great. So far I've only used the metal snips to cut the straps on the crate and to open a few of those obnoxious plastic packages things come in. I haven't touched a piece of aluminum with them.

MauleDriver 10-07-2014 09:20 AM

Yes, you definitely want a band saw. I have a Sears from quite a few years ago (80s) that I absolutely hate, though I finished a '10 with it.

Now my wife is using it a good bit and I still hate it. No matter how much I adjust it the blade cut will never align with the table, the light flickers, it's just cheap. The Ryobi may be a step up.

But for you tool fools - who makes a good/high quality bandsaw? Brands, models?

BTW, I also have a recent vintage Sears combination belt and disk sander. Works fine but the safety switch failed on. :eek::eek:

I'm so done with Sears stuff. I'll go the HF for cheap stuff, just don't know where to go for good stuff.

rmartingt 10-07-2014 09:50 AM

I'm actually really pleased with my Craftsman 10". Of course, I had been using a Black & Decker 3-wheel that was ancient when my dad bought it refurbished in '97.

RV7Guy 10-07-2014 10:06 AM

Any cheap one!!
 
As has been recommended, get a reasonably cheap one. It will get you through your project. Don't rely on using the fence for cutting straight. They don't work well on a band saw unless it is a commercial version.

Also, required is a belt sander set up like Mike S noted. This will be used to true up the band saw cuts. I use the cheaper belts from Harbor Freight. They are cheap and don't last long.

Regarding blades, definitely spend a little more and get the better blades. The Powertec sold on Amazon are junk. Read the reviews on any of them. Most will show they cut fine on plastics and wood but when you go to aluminum they don't work. I bought some and dulled one out in a few minutes cutting some .060 aluminum for a mounting bracket. Forget anything over 1/8" thick. And, they aren't much cheaper that "name brand" blades.

I personally like the Dewalt blades from Lowes. Pay a little more and eliminate a headache source. The Craftsman blades are best but they only make sizes for their saws. Bummer.

bret 10-09-2014 01:58 PM

I have a video of the Grizzly band saw that I bought for the project on my build site, I use it for a ton of other things also, this is the BEST tool I have ever bought!


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