Band saw, cut-off saw, or plasma cutter

[Zoomie]

I like my Evo Rage II saw for what it is. I hadn't heard of anyone having any issues with these other than blade life. Mine has worked well for well over 100 cuts (so far) with nary a problem and still going strong! I also have a HF bandsaw that I paid $150 bucks for and have used it alot. It's like most HF stuff though, more of a kit than anything but can get you by. Get a couple of good Amercan made blades and throw the one on the bandsaw in the garbage. Also expect to spend a little time getting the drive wheels turning squarely to each other (co-planar!?) Then they do just fine.

[Jason]

hmmm I may have to look into this bandsaw idea. It would be nice to have a vertical bandsaw to use. A HF bandsaw and table from ebay seems like a cheap way to get one.

[Zoomie]

Jason
My little old HF saw came with a small vertical table that you screw on so it'll do duty as a vertical or horizontal saw. I bought a small miter type fence at sears that fit the slot on the HF table that works pretty darned good...

[ducksface]

I hate to bother you over something as silly as a link, but if you can get me the part number for the HF handheld bandsaw, I'll try to get the part numbers for the tables you said came with it, and I'll post them up with costs and such. I may have been unclear; by portable I meant handheld....

[Nikola Tesla]

Yeah,

From my little experience I would say it depends on the type of cut. I had a friend of mine that he always used a hydraulic feed horizonal bandsaw. He loved that thing and was accurate as all get out. Worked for him awhile. I couldnt beleive this guy would wear slippers in his shop. Strangest thing. My luck Ide drop something on my feet. Anyways, Since we are on this topic. Has anybody seen those smaller portabands? I was curious how good they were for cutting. It looks like you dont lose any cutting space on them. Yet they are about half the bulk.

[Canada]

Hey Tony

I been reading some of the posts and I agree with the other posters. What your cutting and the finish required will determine the tool. I believe it was Scooter who stated that cut of saws are slow, dirty and with blade wander. Scooter was bang on. Cut a stack of steel studs (framing) or small light gauge materials, sure it is quick and dirty. Heavier materials you will need patience (a lot!) For me the question gets down to which is the best cutting tool to purchase first. Which tool first? I will give you my favorite answer "It depends". My collection of tools has been built up in two ways. (#1) I have a job and need a specific tool to do it right. I purchase the tool. (#2) I just want the dam thing and have extra cash. I buy it.

#1 was the prime motivator earlier in my career but #2 is gaining!

Currently I still use my torch for most of my cutting but I am looking forward to a plasma cutter. (next tool) When I can build a bigger shop a good horizontal metal saw with self feed and blade cooling is definitely in the picture. Most of the other cutting tools are typically single piece units. With a well designed horizontal metal saw you can put a bundle in, set the cut and go back to other work. To justify that I will be going to a lot of auctions. I could purchase a small cheaper unit and heavy modify it. But with a lower end units, I a fairly certain it will be a lot of work will disappointing results. But then again "it depends" upon opportunity and price.

Anyways I digress. Back to your basic question. My recommendation for a first purchase cutting tool would be an oxy/acetylene torch. A very versatile piece of equipment that you will use. A simple torch set up can cut, weld or heat materials quickly (each action requires a different torch head). Working with a touch is the same as welding. It will require time to accumulated the skill and experience to become proficient with it. In my experience it was well worth the effort. I would follow that (cash willing) with either the band saw or plasma cutting depending on were you are going with your projects or work. A cut off saw only if you find one that is stupidly cheap. ONLY