Need a band saw

[farmtruc]

Hey guys, in the market for a band saw.
I'd like to be able to cut a decent size tube/pipe, maybe up to 4" to 4.5".
Auto-stop/shut-off would be nice too.

I've found many, I don't want to spend a lot for one, but want something decent.

Any of you guys recommend one out there?

thanks,
allen

[TATERNATOR]

get a slow speed wet saw

[foggy]

try here Harbor Freight Tools


Allen did you get my email for the tune?

[GasGuzzler]

Too bad you didn't need some of this type stuff before October before my FIL's shop went down due to economy.

[DamnYankee]

I'm with Taylor on this - if you're primarily cutting pipe I would go with the wet saw just for the factor of square cuts.

If you're looking to cut angles and such in the pipe, then a band saw would be a good option and I would personally go with Grizzly. Good quality products made in the U.S. at reasonable prices.

Jet also makes a really nice product but kind of pricey.

Not to butt heads with Foggy but if it's something you're going to use a lot, I would steer away from Harbor Freight. Decent tools for occasional light use, but not really for day-in day-out use in my opinion.

[Frenchy]

Are you after a vertical or horizontal?

[farmtruc]

Keep the suggestions coming guys.
I cut 10-18g stainless steel tubing that ranges from 1.5" to 4.0".
I also cut quite a bit aluminum tubing, ranging from 2..0" to 4.0".
The problems is, I use my typical chop saw, then have to debur and clean it.
I understand there will be some cleaning involved after cutting, but I now a wet slow saw will do better, plus I hate how crazy the hi speed chop saw is.

I don't mind which ban saw to get, hori or verti, as long as it cuts well.

After I'm done cutting, have any of you used a deburring tool? I saw one of these online, pretty damn neat, that would save some time.

Also, one more tool, I need a bead roller or a device that accomplishes the same job, for example, a machine that puts dimples, about 4-6 of them in the end of the tubing. Obviously to keep the hoses from coming off.

thanks guys, all opinions are welcome, I want to hear worst and best cases.


allen

[DamnYankee]

I would seriously consider Grizzly. Read reviews, they tell the story.

[jcb]

I use a slow speed wet saw, very clean cut, hardly any burr.
cutting longer lengths, gotta watch for coolant running down the inside of the tube and dribbling on the shop floor.Make sure you get the right blade for the job, had some that are really good on mild steel but won't touch stainless steel.sometimes a steel cutting blade not so good on ally, rubs through rather than cut. treat the coolant with respect your skin can become sensitive to it, don't have coolant feed so high that it's splashing on your clothes.I Also use this dry chop saw that I'm setting up with a toothed blade and going to fit an inverter to it so I can vary the speed, will be better for cutting ally, I hope


I use tungsten deburring tools in a air die grinder and they are very good, eye protection is a must tho'

for angle cutting i prefer swivel blade fixed vice, the one in the picture is oppisite.

[jcb]

I got this bead roller off e-bay came with cutting rollers and 6 sets of rollers, I've not used it much yet but it was on it's limit on this test piece of stainless, needs to be mounted on a thicker piece of steel. Should be ok on ally tho'







wet saw in the back ground, swivel blade,old but good.