Chop Saw or Band Saw?

So after using the chop saw in class, its pretty inaccurate with its cuts. It may just be a shitty saw or disc on though. Whats everyone using to cut metal for their frames. Chop or band?

chop on frames...band saw for gussets/ brackets.

I find the bandsaw more effective on cutting solid stock. Chop saws are good for quick cuts. Both have there place and I have used each one to cut things that I normally wouldn't cut in them in a pinch. Saws typically aren't for precision cuts, they are just for cutting to lenght and then go to a mill, knee grinder, or the lathe to get brought to size.

Edited: 5/1/2008 10:32:29 PM by iLLblazer

Originally posted by whttrsh



chop on frames...band saw for gussets/ brackets.

I think you might be thinking of a vertical band saw which really isnt comparable to a chop saw at all.

We just got a $35000 CNC band saw at work. Can't wait to try that thing out soon. haha.

We just have a chop saw at the shop though. But as soon as I have space for a small band saw I'll get one because chop saws are a bitch when you need to mitre cut 2x4 etc.

I have both, and I use them both for different things. If I need a fast cut I use the chop saw. If I am making a lot of mitre cuts I generally use the band saw because I can just walk away and set the next one up when it drops off. I use a carbide tipped metal blade on my chop saw, and it doesn't walk as much as a consumable blade. It just needs sharpening every couple of months with heavy use. But it makes really accurate cuts. It throws heavier chips, but doesn't get nearly as hot.

seth, whats the blade called that you get, and is it generic as for which saws it fits? i believe i have the same quick change milwaukee as you do.

cold saw if you can find one cheap

i have one of the milwaukee chjop saws with the cartbide tipped blades.it cuts quick doesnt throw many sparks and not very much of a mess.i love it.

After i bought my band saw I all but retired my chop saw it makes really accurate cuts and with the lennox blade i bought it cuts very fast and never gets cold. I had the harbor frieght band saw but i ended up returning it and buying a delta which although they look identical the delta is superoir