Garrett3374
Active Member
What type of Band Saw would you suggest getting? Would one of the small table top 9" saws work ok? Kinda like the Ryobi's?
Two main factors in searching for a bandsaw. Throat depth and speed.
Throat depth is the limiting factor for cutting size.
Many table top saws don't have a very slow speed. If you ever intend to cut steel, you will need the lower speeds. Trying to cut steel with the higher speeds will do nothing but burn up the blade.
Not too worried about cutting steel. I have use of two cut off saws at work I can use for that...
Ok SO I found a used Craftsman 10" band saw.... Whats the recomended TPI (teeth per inch) for cutting aluminum...
Ok SO I found a used Craftsman 10" band saw.... Whats the recomended TPI (teeth per inch) for cutting aluminum...
DanH said:... get good blades. I've tried a variety. The best are Lennox Diemaster 2 bimetal 14-18T variable, easily purchased online. The 14-18 tooth is a compromise, a little too fine for chunk aluminum (like 2" round stock or 3/4" plate) and just fine enough for thinwall 4130. The only thing you can't cut is hardened steel; drill rod, quenched 4130, etc. Drag out the abrasive chop saw for that stuff.
I purchased the Ryobi tabel top band saw. Works well. Make sure however all the rollers are adjusted properly with about a folded paper gap between the rollers and the blade, if these are out, you will be hating life tring to get a straight cut and keeping the blade from wandering.