Metal cutting saws - project enabler

[rock_breaker]

I have recently been involved in several projects that, as most do, involve sawing metal, for me it is up to 1/2" plate and 2" shafting. My thoughts were that I wouldn't even attempt such work when I only had a hand held hacksaw. Things took an up turn when I purchased a "Saws-All" but even that has limitations. Approximately 6 years ago I was given a dual speed Delta wood/metal cutting band saw that really changed the scope of my projects.

I recently had a fabrication shop make cuts through some 5" drill stem with a 3/4" wall, a project that was too big for my band saw and the hoisting abilities. The deal started out by me agreeing to replace the shop's saw blade if it broke. Fortunately I knew a little about this material, so agreed. I am not sure about the metalurgy but I think it is similar to 1018, any way the shop"s saw cut through it like butter.

My only point is that we probably do not appreciate or give much thought to this step in our projects but for me it has certainly been a great addition to my shop.

Ray

 

[PurpLev]

oh... I appreciate that step - believe you me.

I have been using a hand saw for the first 2 years I got into machining and cut up to 1-3/4" 1018 round stocks and 5/8"x4 flat stocks by hand. these took time and efforts to cut through and obviously I had to get past that step in order to do anything with the (yet to be cut) stock material.

once I got the bandsaw I couldn't believe it took me so long to get one. I appreciate it every time I start a part and cut the blanks.

 

[Tug]

I have a nice Jet band saw in the wood shop which I considered bringing into the metal shop, but decided on one of the cheap import horizontal band saws I found on Craigslist very reasonably. It is missing the table, but that just provides me with yet another project opportunity. I use it all the time. I can't believe I went without for so long. Just picked up a 14" Milwaukee metal chop saw this past weekend for a song, too :thumbsup:

 

[DMS]

I was using a hacksaw for about the first year before I got my 4x6 bandsaw. The thing is horrible, mostly because it keeps me from getting the exercise I used to get from chopping up 2" aluminum stock

These little saws are a great deal. I too am glad I plunked down the cash for it. I think I paid about $180 for mine brand new.

 

[itsme_Bernie]

I think roughing metal to size is the most commonly overlooked process when people are getting started.

It is understandably much more exciting to purchase a mill and lathe. But one of my favorite purchases to this day, is my little power hacksaw, and a variable-speed-adapted Walker Turner Bandsaw.

Between both of these, I complete a lot more work instead of hacking my arm off or milling a few thousandths at a time something that should be cut quickly and roughly and then finished in the mill.

But I will say that all that extra milling at first gave me a lot of practice!


Bernie

 

[fastback]

I'm with you guys there is nothing like having a band-saw. In my case I have two band saws. One is a 4 x 6 horizontal and I also have a homemade 12 inch vertical that I made a few years back. In addition, I have a 14 inch abrasive cut off saw I like to use on angle iron.


My equipment is spread out in three different shops. One is strictly wood working ( I have a 14 inch vertical in there, for wood only), the other is my barn where I have my automotive equipment including my fastback. I also keep all of my stock in there as well as my 4 x 6 saw. I keep the 12 inch in the machine shop and use it all of the time to size material before machining. It saves mill time.