Band saw recommendations

[garyk]

Hey guys, I'm hoping some of the fabricators here can provide some input. I decided to get a small band saw to help with cutting various materials for my projects. But, the sticking point is I really want to be able to cut steel for chassis brackets and tabs.

Anybody have the Harbor Freight (Central Machinery) 9" band saw, or the Wen model 3959? They're similar but use slightly different length blades, 62" and 59.5". I see replacements in both lengths, but not sure if either of these saws will be up to cutting steel. Probably the thickest I'd cut is 14g.

Thoughts or recommendations? Thanks in advance!

 

[mikemcE]

I don’t have either, But my old craftsman 10” used 60” if I remember correctly. I looked up the length and number of teeth (F,M,C)and ordered the metal cutting blades at my local welding supplier.


Hang up and Drive

 

[garyk]

Thanks. I'm searching for used band saws also, might be worth waiting for a deal to pop up.

 

[Jeff6x6]

Thanks. I'm searching for used band saws also, might be worth waiting for a deal to pop up.

The best of both worlds would be a variable speed. Slow for aluminum and faster for metal. You could get larger teeth for aluminum,wood and plastic. Smaller teeth for metal. Cast iron is heavier which gives you little vibration. Check all the big retailers including Sears.

 

[frdtrkguy]

I have a dewalt deep cut port o band with a swag offroad table mount. Love it!

 

[Gula]

I have the harbor freight portable bandsaw. Mounted onto something it works well, blades last a while. Limited to 4' width/depth of cut.