Bandsaw vs Chop Saw

[JohnnyTK]

I live in a small condo and space is limited, but I have been fortunate to be able have a friend cut stock for me as I work on my steam engine building skills. My space is limited so I was thinking of a metal chop saw to cut copper, brass and aluminium or I can buy a compact band saw that can be put on the shelf and not the larger Chinese floor model that most hobbyist have
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[Downwindtracker2]

Metal chop saws are at their best cutting thin guage , like electrical tubing. Things over a 1/4" get to be a pain. A bandsaw does much better in heavier solid iron.

 

[Robert LaLonde]

I would note a band saw like the one you show appears to have a brush motor. It will be louder than a band saw with an induction motor. Apartment/condo living and all that. A chop saw would be even louder.

 

[Uglydog]

Cutting wheels spark alot, my experience is that they are also louder.
I'd go with the saw.

Daryl
MN

 

[dlane]

Get one that cuts steel also

 

[JohnnyTK]

Cause Space is an issue for me, what about this model? And after thinking about the whole spark issue etc that plan is now dead. As I will only be working on smaller scale steam engines etc at this time. I know that on the larger ones that have the down feed you can leave them to cut, but space maximisation is a priority for me. As always I appreciate everyone's input and sharing.
Motor: 1/2HP, 110V, 3.4A, Single Phase

Switch: ON/OFF Switch

Cutting Capacity/Throat: 10”

Cast Iron Table Size: 13-1/8” x 13-3/8” (Including Extension Table)

Table Tilt: 0° to 45°

Wheel Construction: Precision Balanced Cast Aluminum

Blade Speed: 2750 FPM

Blade Length: 67-1/2"

Maximum Blade Width: 1/2"

Minimum Blade Width: 1/8”

Maximum Cutting Height: 4-1/8"

Maximum Cutting Width: 9-1/2

 

[Eddyde]

I have both, if I could only have one for metal, it would be the bandsaw.

 

[tweinke]

I would go with a bandsaw in my opininion quieter and doesn't throw sparks or chips all over. If you could find a small powered hacksaw I think that would work too. Whatever I bought would be geared toward metal cutting not wood.

 

[Chipper5783]

Obviously it depends on what and how much cutting you intend. In the OP you said, copper, brass and aluminum. How about a scroll saw? They are small, quite, many different kinds of blades are available - and they are very useful for lots of things. Could you still lean on that friend of yours (see the OP) for cutting heavier stock?

 

[Alittlerusty]

The bandsaw would be much more versatile and able to cut out shapes as well as just lopping off parts.