Bandsaw vs Chop Saw

JohnnyTK

The Journey of Knowledge Continues
H-M Supporter Gold Member
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I live in a small condo and space is limited, but I have been fortunate to be able have a friend cut stock for me as I work on my steam engine building skills. My space is limited so I was thinking of a metal chop saw to cut copper, brass and aluminium or I can buy a compact band saw that can be put on the shelf and not the larger Chinese floor model that most hobbyist have
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Metal chop saws are at their best cutting thin guage , like electrical tubing. Things over a 1/4" get to be a pain. A bandsaw does much better in heavier solid iron.
 
I would note a band saw like the one you show appears to have a brush motor. It will be louder than a band saw with an induction motor. Apartment/condo living and all that. A chop saw would be even louder.
 
Cutting wheels spark alot, my experience is that they are also louder.
I'd go with the saw.

Daryl
MN
 
Cause Space is an issue for me, what about this model? And after thinking about the whole spark issue etc that plan is now dead. As I will only be working on smaller scale steam engines etc at this time. I know that on the larger ones that have the down feed you can leave them to cut, but space maximisation is a priority for me. As always I appreciate everyone's input and sharing.
Motor: 1/2HP, 110V, 3.4A, Single Phase

Switch: ON/OFF Switch

Cutting Capacity/Throat: 10”

Cast Iron Table Size: 13-1/8” x 13-3/8” (Including Extension Table)

Table Tilt: 0° to 45°

Wheel Construction: Precision Balanced Cast Aluminum

Blade Speed: 2750 FPM

Blade Length: 67-1/2"

Maximum Blade Width: 1/2"

Minimum Blade Width: 1/8”

Maximum Cutting Height: 4-1/8"

Maximum Cutting Width: 9-1/2

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I would go with a bandsaw in my opininion quieter and doesn't throw sparks or chips all over. If you could find a small powered hacksaw I think that would work too. Whatever I bought would be geared toward metal cutting not wood.
 
Obviously it depends on what and how much cutting you intend. In the OP you said, copper, brass and aluminum. How about a scroll saw? They are small, quite, many different kinds of blades are available - and they are very useful for lots of things. Could you still lean on that friend of yours (see the OP) for cutting heavier stock?
 
The bandsaw would be much more versatile and able to cut out shapes as well as just lopping off parts.
 
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