Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Harbour Freight band saw...
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hoffman
09-06-04, 04:35 PM
They have this little cutoff saw that pivots up for use as a band saw. I think It'll cut 4x4 box steel. I've been wanting an abrasive chop saw but this little dude is on sale for $150 and it'll be more versatile than a chop saw. If it's worth a crap...
Anyone have one?
Anyone have one?
GregH
09-07-04, 06:20 PM
Is this what you are talking about?
<img src="http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/37100-37199/37151.gif">
Image credit:harbourfreight.com (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=262&pricetype=)
<img src="http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/37100-37199/37151.gif">
Image credit:harbourfreight.com (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=262&pricetype=)
Lugnut
09-10-04, 02:41 PM
Yes, I own one from harbor. They work fine for home projects. They are not a good replacement for a chop saw. Each does it's own thing. Band saws cut 'smooth' and slow for joining and welding. Chop saws cut rough and fast. You will find that you will 'want' both. More often than not, you will use a chop for simple welding projects. Note that this band saw does NOT come with an oiler. Which is a most desireable feature on metal band saws. If you have lots of cuts to make (typical) then the chop saw is much much faster and easier to use. My harbor saw has never given me any trouble (knock on wood).
GregH
09-10-04, 03:56 PM
I've looked at these saws as I only have a 14" chop saw but Lugnut is right about the oiler.
The blades will last probably 5x as long if oiled.
The saw pictured doesn't even have a reservoir.
I'm personally going to hold out 'till I can justify a better one.
hoffman,
Honestly I think you might be better off with an abrasive saw.
The blades will last probably 5x as long if oiled.
The saw pictured doesn't even have a reservoir.
I'm personally going to hold out 'till I can justify a better one.
hoffman,
Honestly I think you might be better off with an abrasive saw.
hoffman
09-10-04, 06:58 PM
That's the one. I just brought it home today and I'm gonna assemble it tomorrow. The chop saws are cheaper so it'll be easier to round one up later. They often have them on sale for $50 or so. I wanted something better than the sawzall for building a fan guard to go on my compressor after I get the kinks worked out.
I've worked around some nice cutoff saws and I know the importance of cutting oil. It would be nice if it had a reservoir and coolant system but for $150 ya gets what ya pays for. I also got a cool automatic air hose reel just like at the fillin' station
I've worked around some nice cutoff saws and I know the importance of cutting oil. It would be nice if it had a reservoir and coolant system but for $150 ya gets what ya pays for. I also got a cool automatic air hose reel just like at the fillin' station
GregH
09-10-04, 08:42 PM
I'm sure you will be happy with it.
You could always fabricate a small pan and just use cutting oil from a hand dispenser to make the blades last longer and cut faster.
You could always fabricate a small pan and just use cutting oil from a hand dispenser to make the blades last longer and cut faster.
hoffman
09-11-04, 06:29 AM
This guy turned his into a really nice little machine:
http://www.frugalmachinist.com/bandsaw.html
http://www.frugalmachinist.com/bandsaw.html