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View Full Version : Chop Saw or Band Saw?



Nordic1
03-14-2005, 03:32 PM
Saw this POR thread and wanted to see what you guys use...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335374

nate
03-14-2005, 04:37 PM
I've used both.

The bandsaw is nice, but it's slow compared to the chop saw. It's fine it your cutting thick material, but to cut some 1/4" plate or pipe, etc the chop saw is WAY faster.


It depends what your needing it for. For mild fab work, chop saw is the best way IMO. If your needed to cut like 3-4" thick steel, bandsaw, or if you need to be real accurate.

Cost. Decent chop saw, like $150-200. Decent band saw... $500-600. You can get the cheap Harbor Frieght ones for around $200, but that is pretty much the worse quality stuff there.

OverkillZJ
03-14-2005, 05:28 PM
I've found more need for a chop saw than a band saw. Too bad I don't have a chop saw.

Jim311
03-14-2005, 10:21 PM
A chop saw is high on my list. They're great. You can find a Milwaukee chop saw for 150 bucks on Harbor Freights website.

AprilzWarrior
03-14-2005, 11:25 PM
Ive got a Ryobi Chop Saw for sale... I dont need 2 of them so ones got to go... Chase hit me up if you want to offer some $$



Jerod

JeepinHank
03-14-2005, 11:40 PM
Band saw's are nice for the reasons stated in that POR topic.

However, I've seen very few situations where my chop saw wouldn't get the job done.

If you can get a good deal on a band saw - go for it. Nice ones aren't cheap. They're quieter (you'll appreciate that after a few hours of cutting with a chop saw) They're cleaner - not nearly as much dust or sparks as a chop saw. If you're looking for a band saw - look for one with the auto shut-off - you can start the cut, and walk away - it'll shut off when its done.

JMO