Vertical Band Saw - Paleez Enlighten Me!

I need a vertical band saw. I need it for metal cutting/fabricating. Other than the vertical capacity, what should I look for? Good brands, bad brands? I need a floor standing model. I have a lot of experience using one, but the one I have used is a huge industrial model, so it's not much help. Any experience with smaller models would be great.

bravenrace wrote: I need a vertical band saw. I need it for metal cutting/fabricating.

Are you sure? I bought a horizontal band saw from HF to cut the tubing for my locost-datsun-thingy. (If I had it to do over, I might do the same, or might get a chop saw.) When I enrolled at the local votec to learn how to weld, they had both horizontal and vertical saws....the vertical one was rarely used.

I always used a horizontal saw or a chop saw, never had a problem. Check Craigs List. For occasional work, the cheap ones are fine.

cheap saw, check the tolorances, good blade. for most non-constant use like that of a shop or school, you'll be just fine.

For cutting stock to length - Horizontal.

For cutting brackets and stuff out of flat material - Vertical.

A vertical can take the place of a horizontal. Not so the other way around.

DILYSI Dave wrote: A vertical can take the place of a horizontal. Not so the other way around.

I've got a cheap bandsaw that has a larger guide plate for vertical use. Just stand the saw up and go. I seldom use it now, since I got a 14" cold saw.

I recommend good blades, and the heavier the frame the better. Also watch for decent bearings that hold the blade straight.

DILYSI Dave wrote: A vertical can take the place of a horizontal. Not so the other way around.

I have a horizontal band saw that I can flip up to a vertical and attach a table to...it works great. I dont know who makes it and im not going out to the shop to look...its still too damn hot outside!

I've also used a turn pro, and I like them...

Streetwiseguy wrote: I've got a cheap bandsaw that has a larger guide plate for vertical use. Just stand the saw up and go.

I should have mentioned that....My cheap horizontal saw from HF can be used as a vertical. Yesterday I was cutting rod on it horizontally. The day before, I used it vertically.

The big thing I found about the HF tool is that the angle gauge is inaccurate. They can work, though, if you use cardstock to make templates, measure twice, etc. Here's a comparison of cuts made on the votec's fancy horizontal and my cheap HF saw. http://pennyanteracing.com/updates/view_entry.php?start_at=27&parameter=start_at Obviously, working carefully is more important than which saw.

Thanks for the responses. I have a horizontal saw, and need a vertical, which is why I asked specifically about vertical. I need something to cut plate steel for brackets, etc... What about Craftsman or the Porter Cable saw they sell at Lowes? Any experience with those? I don't buy from HF anymore - Too cheap for me, and too many bad experiences with their tools.

Pretty much all the cheaper vertical bandsaws work well enough. You'll go slow, and you'll have some trouble with blade slippage on the wheels if you lubricate things much. But, they all work.

Friend has an old three wheel Craftsman bandsaw that he's had for years. Works just fine.

Lot of shops going out of business- check for auctions. Also, government sales. MilSurp, schools.