cutting help

[scottyd]

what are some examples of what a bandsaw could be used to cut,a skill saw, a reciprocating saw,a plasma cutter, and a torch? what is each one best for?

[cope]

Re: cutting help

Originally posted by scottyd
what are some examples of what a bandsaw could be used to cut,a skill saw, a reciprocating saw,a plasma cutter, and a torch? what is each one best for?

Brief overview.

A. Bandsaw cuts round, square, angle and barstock. Typically limited to 4"wide and 6" tall cuts.

B. Skil saw or circular saw is for wood and similar materials, to cut dimensional lumber and sheet goods.

C. Reciprocating saw cuts wood, light metals, etc. Best for rough cutting as in cutting through a wall for remodeling. Not best for precision cutting.

D. Plasma cutter is for smooth cutting on steel, stainless and aluminum. Gives a smoother cut than cutting torch, but limited in thickness it can cut. Expensive in relation to cutting torch.

E. Cutting torch, either oxy-acetylene or oxy-propane is for cutting round, square, angle and barstock. It is not as smooth as the plasma cutter, but is cheaper to purchase and is capable of cutting thicker material. This isn't important to most people since the plasma cutter will cut thicke enough material for most fabrication.

Cutting torch and plasma cutter are also useful for cutting interior openings in sheet steel or aluminum.

[scottyd]

so for a limited price up to 100$, if i have a torch, what would be the next best to get?

[morpheus]

Re: cutting help

a bandsaw .... I have a 4x6 bandsaw and it use it to cut round/square/angle stuff of all kinds of thicknesses.

a skill saw ... with a metal cutting disc in mine I use it to cut sheet steel to length. cleanest/easiest way to cut large thin (up to about 14ga) pieces of metal I've found.

a reciprocating saw ... works good on sheet metal, bolts, and stuff. I'm sure others cut thick metal with theirs but not me unless the space is limited or something. too time/bone jarring on thick metals.

a plasma cutter ... I don't have one. but it seems it will cut most anything as long as it's not rusty/painted and within the machines working range.

a torch ... most anything. I use mine to cut 3/16" and up thick metals

what is each one best for? ... really depends on the situation. hard to answer it otherwise. that's kind of like saying when would you use a pair of pliers or a box wrench or end wrench or crescent wrench or channel locks. the situation really dictates which is best in what situation.

one tool you don't mention is a portaband , I have one and love it. many uses for that tool !

that said you can NEVER have enough tools

- j ack

[scottyd]

since a torch seems to do everything a vertical bandsaw can i think im gonna get a metal cutting bandsaw for more precise cuts . anyone think of somthing else instead?

[scottyd]

since a torch seems to do everything a vertical bandsaw can i think im gonna get a metal cutting bandsaw for more precise cuts . anyone think of somthing else instead?

[Guest]

Yeah, a 5" grinder with a .040" thick cutoff wheel....it has replaced my cutting torch, sawzall and chopsaw...almost.

[Snidley]

The one thing about the bandsaw is that while it's not the fastest way of cutting you can do other things at the same time.

Like watch how nice its cutting.
Have a coffee while its cutting.
Plot you next move while its cutting, or realize that you screwed up a measurement and the piece is wrong that it's cutting.

[moT]

plazma cutter

Just one note regarding plazma cutters: They will cut rusty and/or painted metal perfectly well. I have recently even cut parts from 16ga porcelain coated steel without a problem!

[Planet X]

Originally posted by scottyd
so for a limited price up to 100$, if i have a torch, what would be the next best to get?

A good Hi-tension hacksaw- http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/MAN47_TTW92.html
And some Starret brand bi-metal blades.
Take the $$ you have left buy some steel, build something, sell it thus turning your time into $$ for your cool tool fund.
There is a picture of a weight rack in my 'some welded stuff' post in the projects section of this kick-*** website,those are 2x4 .120 wall rect tubing, every cut done w/hacksaw.
I used a cheap plastic miter box to help keep cuts straight then flushed the ends even with a ******* file.

Once you get the $$ I would recommend a stationary bandsaw if you cut a lot of tubing in your projects.

[Srubrn]

If you were going to cut alot of tubing and sch.40 pipe would a band saw be faster than a chop saw?

I am planning a little business venture and I will be cutting alot of both.

[cope]

Originally posted by aweaver
While a good chop saw MIGHT cut it faster (some matter of opinion there) the band saw will no doubt require less cleanup of the cut.

Aaron

Aaron is correct. The only way to cut quicker is with extra pressure on thechop saw and that increases clean-up time. Band saw lets you start the cut and go back to welding or fitting. The sound of thefalling steel will alert you that its time to set up for the next cut.

[Guest]

Actually, a circular saw would be faster, and with no clean up.

[Snidley]

For round tubing and angle iron, a chop saw is quick to set up and cut. On larger size square tube and flats, it can be quite a chore to cut thru.

I think the band saw gives you more options and versitility when it comes to larger stock.