A metal bandsaw is a power saw that has long, sharp teeth along the edges of the blade that are used to cut metals and other materials. Metal bandsaws are primarily used in woodworking, metalworking and lumbering to cut wood and metal to the desired shape and size by running the material along the bed and into the path of the blade.
There are a wide range of brands that manufacture band saws, including Ajax, Bomar, Everising, Eximus, Mastercut, Hafco Metalmaster, Steelmaster, Cosen and many more. Each of these manufacturers have their own unique designs and their products have their own advantages, so it's important to do your research prior to purchasing.
Metal bandsaws also come in a range of sizes, from the smaller bandsaws ideal for tighter spaces and quicker projects, through to commercial-scale large bandsaw machines, such as the column and double column bandsaws. They can also be semi-automatic and fully automatic, which helps speed up the process and requires less manual labour.
Metal bandsaws can be fitted with different blade types for varying results. They also come in vertical or horizontal configurations. The thickness and width of the band determines the curve it can produce on a material.
A vertical bandsaw is more ideal for domestic and small business use, and are the tool of choice for complicated cuts, shapes and angles. The main downside to the vertical saw is it is less precise than the horizontal bandsaw, due to the inability to clamp both sides of the stock.
The horizontal bandsaw is generally larger in size, and therefore suits more commercial applications. They are much quieter than other saws, are precise and create less mess. These saws can usually be set up to cut automatically, which allows the operator to perform other tasks while the material is being cut. However, the horizontal bandsaw cannot cut curved lines or complicated shapes like the vertical bandsaw can.
To choose the right bandsaw for your needs, you should consider whether you require cutting curved lines or shapes, or whether you need to straight-cut larger blocks of materials. You'll also need to take into account the size of the machine and your available workshop space.
