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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    ACT, Australia
    Posts
    8

    Default Buying a horizontal bandsaw - what to consider

    Hi brains trust,

    Looking to buy a horizontal bandsaw to make cutting off quieter and more accurate than an angle grinder. I would like something that I can leave running and it will automatically switch off at the end of the cut

    I am looking at 2 options. One has a swivel base, and a bigger cutting capacity. Other than the price, are there any downsides to the more expensive option?
    https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/B002
    https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/B003

    Also, what other online stores can I check out to find different options?

    Thanks,
    Andrew

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    134

    Default

    I have a BS-4A, and kind of wish i had bought the BS-5S. Don't get me wrong, the BS4A is a great saw. But i do a lot of mitred cuts and the swivel head would be very useful for my garage layout.

    Either way plan on the stand being multiple levels of junk. My BS4 stand tore apart while moving it one day. So budget for building a new stand for them.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    Hi AndrewMP,

    Pros

    Horizontal bandsaws are quiet. As you said, they can (quietly) cut while you are doing other work.

    You can cut at 10pm and not upset your neighbors.

    Once set up correctly the precision cut lasts for ages.

    Per cut they are cheaper per cut than a friction wheel. This is over the maximum life of the blade- not if you screw it up!

    As noted ,with a swivel head there s no need to move the material. Can be hard in a packed shed with a non swivel jobbie.

    Cons

    The new blades need to be run in.

    Blades are specialist made-generally need to come from a saw shop. Not off the shelf like Bunnings.

    If you have a range of different cut thicknesses you may need different blades with different TPIs.

    The saw has a fairly big footprint-takes up some room.

    As takai said ,stands are crap.Too short for most people and p/poor design.Usually you need to make a proper one.


    Grahame

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,945

    Default

    As Grahame mentioned, cutting at 10pm is possible, just need to place something soft under the saw, so that when the metal lands on the floor it doesn't make a sound.
    DAMHIKT at 3.00AM!!!!!! Get the BS5A it's far superior, as others have mentioned, the pressed metal frame is RUBBISH.
    I'm constantly cutting 45 and 90 degree cuts, to the point it became a nightmare to reset, so I made a 45 degree angle block out of 50 X 5 FMS, saves a lot of time.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,444

    Default

    Hi Andrew,

    I got hold of a second hand 6X4 Identical to the BS4 and did a refurbishment job on it ! Its a very nice bandsaw.
    However the tin stand is total rubbish. This is a link to the write up I did and also the new stand.

    https://metalworkforums.com/f65/t203...hlight=bandsaw

    See Page 5, Post 73.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Age
    56
    Posts
    1,416

    Default

    I have the 100x115mm standard type bandsaw and have been completely happy with it. Over the years I reinforced the stand and added coolant.

    Like others have said you have to set the vice for angles and if your machine is in a spot against the wall between things you will have to rotate the machine to suit the angle your cutting for longer lengths. I use mine mostly for shorter pieces for the lathe or mill so it's fine, if I'm doing a bigger project I wheel it outside to give me room.

    My son bought the swivel one and seems happy with it, I haven't used it so can't comment.
    Using Tapatalk

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Drouin Vic
    Posts
    633

    Default

    If you are going to have to make a new stand for your saw, why not consider incorporating a swivel system into the stand? I agree with others that a swivel system is very worthwhile, I have an old dinosaur of a bandsaw (dynosaw?) and love the quietness and ability to do other stuff while it cuts, but angle cuts are a problem unless starting from short lengths. I mounted my abrasive cutoff saw to one of the shed columns and incorporated a swivel in the mounting system, angle cuts are a breeze there, the material stays parallel to the wall. Would be great to have the same on the bandsaw. I think I just found another future project...

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    A little rush of excrement to the brain,here.

    If a bandsaw stand has to made, what features should be incorporated in the new fabricated stand.

    I'll start with some I used but i am sure the heaps of our bandsaw owners have more features that could be incorporated in the build.

    * From post above Pete O,s suggestion, swivel capability built into the frame.

    * Correct height.I made mine using the rule for anvil stands. My knuckles on the work deck. Less aching backs from stooping.

    * A longer frame length than original (under the motor) to stop those saw wrecking back flips possible from the original model frame.

    * Locking Swivel castors on each leg. It then easily maneuvers into a tight space when not in use.

    * Scrap/cutoff catch drawer.

    * Hooks /cleats (on a leg) for the extension to keep the plug off the concrete which is often wet.

    For our new potential band saw owner, Ok guys what extra features did you build in to your band saw stands?

    Grahame

  9. #9
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    7,183

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Grahame Collins View Post
    For our new potential band saw owner, Ok guys what extra features did you build in to your band saw stands?
    Grahame
    A larger coolant lube trip tray.
    IMG_6158.jpg

    With space for Hydraulic down control
    IMG_1904.jpg

    And somewhere to put a coolant/lube system
    Complete.jpg

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    Sa
    Posts
    24

    Default

    I have the BS5S which I'm very happy with, the swivelling head was the main consideration when I purchased it, but geez, they've gone up in price, I paid $650 when I bought mine. Why not see if you can find a second hand one.

    I didn't think much of the bolt together stand or it's low height, but, considering the work involved in building a new one, I didn't see the point. The BS5s has a lip around the outside periphery which makes it easy to install a coolant system which I highly recommend. I just drilled a hole in the table, turned up a drain on the lathe and hooked up a cheap pump, coolant is contained in a five litre petrol container. I also cut up a rubber gasket and sandwitched it between the small plate above the guide bearings and another I made, this wipes the blade and stops the coolant travelling along the blade and out the back, to be deposited on the floor. I also installed an angle iron bracket behind the switch box to stop it leaking in that area. As a result, I have a coolant free floor.

    I also installed four wheels on the legs so I can move it around to clean underneath and move it forward for longer stock. The wheels are at a slight angle but it rolls well.

    Once you've squared up the cuts a few times, it's quite easy and quick. Blades are readily available at Hafco and probably your local machine shop.

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