band saw for metal

[RootBreaker]

Ok guys,. i had a thread on drill press and you guys helped me out greatly "thumbsup"

next band saw.. im always wanting to cut something and my jig saw on the floor doesnt hack it..

on CL there is a 12 craftsman band saw.... with stand... i know I need a metal blade and maybe will need a gear pulley to slow it down....
anything else...

 

[Charlie-III]

I look for:

Variable speed (stepped pulley or DC motor control)
Ball bearing guides for the blade
Big enough table area

Lots of metal kills vibrations.
Metal tends to hold tolerances better than plastic
Bigger motor tends to hold blade speed better

A larger used older Delta makes a nice unit for about the same price as a newer crappier unit.

 

[bob1961]

having used many a band saw in many different jobs, plus trying to use the little ones for 99.00 bucks from Lowe's and home depot....when I get a place big enough for a band saw i'm not going under a 14" grizzly brand band saw "thumbsup" ....I did make a table that held a jig saw upside down with the blade pointing up, cut through 1/8" alum nice with tight turns....

 

[fordsuperduty]

I use a dewalt portaband with a swag offroad table so its the best of both worlds.
but if you want a good bench bandsaw a proxxon cant be beat, dont go with the small skil it spins way to fast and is hard to keep blades on.

 

[RootBreaker]

ok thanks for all the inputs...

but my question is not what to buy.. but should i spend $60 for a 12" craftsman that is available right now!!!!!!

 

[rangercat23]

ok thanks for all the inputs...

but my question is not what to buy.. but should i spend $60 for a 12" craftsman that is available right now!!!!!!

I have one at work, it works well with aluminum, plastics and wood. A bit to fast for steel.
$60.00 seems reasonable if it is in good condition. "thumbsup"