Bandsaw vs Chop Saw

[jimbob]

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
..View attachment 249121

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
..View attachment 249121

 

[jimbob]

This is what I use. Cheap and simple. I did add a table from an old small band saw.

 

[Alittlerusty]

Nice simple setup jim bob. How is the table setup?

 

[menace]

I have all of the above mentioned types of metal saws, chopsaw being dirtyist. My favorite is my Milwaukee deep throut hand held saw. I use them all,but the deep throut is the quietest and very versatile great for metalwork.

 

[jimbob]

Nice simple setup jim bob. How is the table setup?

The table fit was easy. Used the original 2 bolt holes to mount it. Just drilled the table and counter sunk the Allen heads, plus a little nip and tuck on the table. Just lift off the wall mount, take the 2 bolts lose and it's portable.

 

[JohnnyTK]

Thank you all for your input, with exchange on the US dollar etc think I will end up going with entry level band saw. Just means I have dispose of something the wife will not notice missing, to make room.

 

[neilking]

Thank you all for your input, with exchange on the US dollar etc think I will end up going with entry level band saw. Just means I have dispose of something the wife will not notice missing, to make room. View attachment 249292

I bought a used harbor freight 4x6 for $100. I'm glad I did. Made a dolly and a horizontal table for it. Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

 

[TXShelbyman]

Band saw. Much more versatile. Try trimming up a piece of 16gauge with a chop saw and you will wad it up and break the cutting disc. Ask me how I know..... I use my band saw for everything.

 

[skrewd]

Old post but if you are only making small steam engines what is wrong with a hacksaw and a vise? You don’t need a bus to drive your one kid to school.

 

[Hawkeye]

I have two portable bandsaws (plus several verticals and a horizontal) The cheap portable is similar to what you'd find at HF. It works well enough, but is extremely noisy. I always needed hearing protection when using it. The Milwaukee deep throat that menace mentioned is my every-day saw and is MUCH quieter.