The metal cutting band saw machine is a game-changer.
How?
This saw has likely forced metalworking, woodworking, and lumbering to make a big change to the way they operate. By cutting a variety of material with a single tool, this certainly hit the bottom line too.
So what exactly is a metal band saw?
A metal band saw is a type of saw that will allow you to accomplish a wide range of cutting tasks. It can cut nearly everything from metal to plastic. This awesome cutting monster offers many benefits to make your cutting task easier.
They are eligible to cut both thinner and thicker materials. Also, making the repeated cut precise and straight is their special characteristic.
Thinking of adding a band saw for metal cutting to your workshop’s toolbox?
Good choice indeed!!!!
But the problem is all the available metal cutting band saws in the market are not premium quality items. And that’s not surprising at all, isn’t it?
Let us help you……
After in-depth research, we made a review of the 5 best metal cutting band saws, which will fulfill your project requirement.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks: What is the Best Metal Cutting Band Saw?
[amazon table=”3624″]
6 Must-Have Facts You Should Pay Attention While Choosing The Best Band Saw for Metal Cutting
When buying any tool, people always look at the price tag before buying it. If you buy a cheap metal band saw, you will most likely miss many features and power that are necessary for your metal cutting project.
Below are a few important things to consider when buying the best band saw for cutting metal.
Adjustable Speed
Metal band saws are available with multiple speed options that make you eligible to handle different metal-cutting projects.
Some material requires high speed, while low speed is mandatory to cut a few other materials. Adjustable speed allows a user to adjust the speed based on the cutting material’s thickness.
Thus, handling different cutting projects is one of the unique features of metal band saws.
Type of Job- Horizontal or Vertical?
Metal band saws are of 2 types: vertical and horizontal.
When the material needs to cut the stock shape, horizontal is better. While a vertical metal band saw is used to accomplish intricate tasks like contour cutting, polishing, filling, etc.
We prefer versatility on the machine as your main aim is to target a variety of cuts with one saw. That’s why we suggest going for the metal saw machine, which is able to cut from both horizontal and vertical angles.
Blade Speed & Angles
The blade is one of the crucial parts of a metal saw. Without it, you can’t cut anything. Apart from blade quality, there is a bunch of facts you need to pay attention like teeth per inch (TPI), speed, angle, etc.
How do I choose a metal cutting band saw blade?
Most metal band saw comes with a variable blade speed option. All the reviewed metal cutting band saws in this article have at least 3 different blade speeds.
When the discussion comes to the blade angle, 0° – 60° is a good range of angles to cut. This range allows a user to make different angle cuts. And don’t forget to check the blade TPI.
Also, select a band saw for metal cutting that consists of an easily replaceable blade. Characteristically, blades will wear out over time. You can’t avoid replacing the blade.
Portability & Mobility
Professional users require to pack and carry the metal band saw to their job site. For this reason, they need a band saw with portability features. Besides, many models are available with a wheel so that the band saw can easily be pulled or pushed around the workplace.
At this point, ensure to pick lockable wheels, which will allow the machine to stay in its place steadily. This also increases the machine’s mobility.
Safety Features
The blade used in the metal band saw is too sharp and rotates fast. This way, it has become a dangerous thing for everyone who operates the saw. When selecting a model, ensure it comes with safety features as well.
The major safety threat comes from the idler of the blade and wheel of the guide. Metallic covers are used to hide these things in premium quality band saws. Also, they are equipped with a blade guard to protect your hand.
Metal cutting band saws are powerful machines that cut solid materials. So, the blade will get overheated for sure. Several models are available with a coolant system to keep the blade cool during an operation.
Automatic shut-off is another safety feature that comes with many metal band saws. The blade automatically stops when the cut is finished. This feature makes a metal band saw safe to use.
Vise and Guide
Ever wondered how a metal band saw delivers a smooth cutting result?
An accurate and smooth cut is ensured with the help of the vise and guide.
It would be best if you looking for a metal band saw that has an easy-to-adjust guide. Also, the guide has to be sturdy enough to stay in place when you are cutting material with the highest accuracy.
In terms of the vise, technologies and designs vary from model to model. However, it is essential to ensure the vise is effortlessly adjustable, robust, and durable.
5 Best Band Saws for Cutting Metal Review
The importance of a reliable saw is crucial in a busy workshop because heavy-duty handling applications are a routine duty of these workshops.
You know what I mean, right?
So upgrade your workplace with the right tool. Here is of 5 best band saws for cutting metal which are actually tested and reviewed by our welding nerds’ team.
1. KAKA BS-712N Metal Cutting Horizontal Band Saw
[amazon box=”B07NKXLFXT”]
Clean and accurate in every shot!
That’s the main reason we bought this horizontal band saw beast for metal cutting on this list. This gray shade machine will certainly change your workflow and enthusiasm for the team.
Designed with a block feeder, this is tremendously useful at a time when making a horizontal cut is pretty impossible. As it is controlled by the motor, you can expect high-end capacity no matter how much workload it has to tackle.
Ironically, four cutting speeds make it equally handy for both vertically and horizontally. Wondering what will happen if the speed falls suddenly?
No worry!
The falling speed of the bow is smartly managed by the KAKA’s patented hydraulic cylinder. Rotated from 0° to 45°, this stuff seems pretty flexible to use.
What We Liked Most:
- Prolong service life
- Included a sizing device
- Coolant wheels
What Could Be Better:
- The hydraulic cylinder is simply a nuance
2. WEN 3970T Metal Cutting Band Saw
[amazon box=”B07SR5W6NM”]
Your life will become much easier in terms of handling different materials cutting tasks with the WEN 3970T metal cutting band saw.
Sound cheesy?
Well, it is designed in such a way so that it can meet your work style.
It operates the following 3 operating speeds: 80 / 120 / 200 ft. per minute and variable operating speeds allow you to work with a wide range of materials like aluminum, brass, copper, and many others.
That’s not all……
Cutting pipes with 4” – ½” diameter and 4” X 6” rectangular materials is not a challenging task for this saw. It contains a powerful 4.6A motor that provides enough power to make a smooth cut.
If you have experience in dealing with power tools, you will find it extremely easy to operate.
The tool comes with an ergonomic design. You can easily convert it to a vertical tool with ease by lifting the head and attaching the blade vertically. Moreover, you can store it safely in a convenient place because of its compact design. Furthermore, the automatic shut-off feature stops the saw when a cut is completed.
Too good!
WEN 3970T is equipped with 2 4” never-flat wheels and a collapsible handle. A beveling vise in the stand also ensures firm gripping of the cutting material when cutting. With accurate gripping, you can efficiently achieve an angled cut within 0° – 60°.
What We Liked Most:
- Variable operating speed allows you to cut a wide range of projects
- Easy to operate
- Powerful motor aids to provide a smooth cut
What Could Be Better:
- The table height is low.
3. SHOP FOX W1715 Metal Cutting Band Saw
[amazon box=”B001R23T1C”]
It is one of the best budget metal cutting band saws on the list.
Wait, wait, wait……..
Don’t assume that budget means it has a lack of features.
The truth is all the brilliant features of the Shop Fox W1715 3/4HP Metal Cutting Band Saw will impress you. Let’s look at the features.
You can operate the machine at 3 different speed options: 180 / 108 / 78 FPM. And adjusting the speed is also straightforward as you can do it simply by changing the placement of the V-belt. The built-in mobile base allows you to carry the tool to the required place without any hassle.
And guess what?
Its compact design lets you store it in the corner of your workspace. It is economical, can be used easily and is portable, and can cut many materials, including wood, plastic, ferrous material, and many more.
What about the motor?
110V and ¾ HP motor are so powerful to handle different materials projects efficiently. The construction is solid to give you many years of experience. It also consists of a safety feature such as trustworthy automatic shutoff after a cut.
When the project requirement is vertical cutting, you can effortlessly set up the tool for that. Additionally, efficient production is confirmed since it can accomplish repeated cuts with its cast-iron stop feature during horizontal cuts.
A handle and springs control the feed rate in this tool. To add spring tension, clockwise turning to the handle will let you achieve the slow feed rate. And you will get a fast feed rate while turning the handle anticlockwise. Overall, it is a worth buying product that you will not regret.
What We Liked Most:
- Compatible to make horizontal and vertical cuts both
- Includes auto shut-off safety feature
- Factory-operated blade
What Could Be Better:
- Unavailability of the coolant system
4. JET 414459 HVBS-7MW Horizontal/Vertical Band Saw
[amazon box=”B00004T9KT”]
When you want to aim for both vertical and horizontal cuts, JET Metal Band Saw makes it one of the best items in its class.
You heard that right.
The unique thing about this metal band saw is, it delivers precise and smooth metal cutting in both horizontal and vertical positions.
The 2” thick, durable bi-metal saw blade and powerful ¾ HP motor does all the trick. Whatever the material it is, from plastic to aluminum, nothing can beat this band saw. 5” is its throat depth, and 7” – 12” is the cutting capacity range makes any cutting task easier for the saw.
Here is what it got for speed…….
Cutting solid materials will never be a difficult task with this because of its 4 adjustable speed options: 85 / 130 / 180 / 285 ft./minute. All you need to do is, simply choose the speed settings manually and use the machine either horizontally or vertically.
But the most impressive thing is it can be used for heavy-duty tasks for many years, and it never shows any poor performance. It maintains consistency in any given task without fail.
The sturdy construction will satisfy you more. It can accommodate different materials since the roller blade guide and material stop is adjustable.
What else can you expect from a metal cutting bandsaw machine?
It consists of many safety features to keep the user safe during the metal cutting operation. After every cut, the tool shuts off automatically. This way, an unwanted accident can be avoided.
The blade remains cool throughout an operation as it receives cool air from an included coolant system. Additionally, a built-in chip tray positioned in the roller tray keeps the workplace dust-free.
What We Liked Most:
- Full of different safety features
- Versatile and consistent performance
- Durably constructed
What Could Be Better:
- The base is shaky
5. Grizzly Industrial G0561-7″ x 12″ Metal Cutting Band Saw
[amazon box=”B00012WUBE”]
In the large tool industry, Grizzly is a champion manufacturer and no other metal band saw can beat the Grizzly Industrial G0561-7” X 12” Metal Cutting Band Saw.
No doubt about it!
This high-quality industrial band saw is an answer for those who are looking for an efficient metal band saw for large projects.
Firstly, we want to start with the design of the band saw.
Hydraulic feed control is a significant feature of this saw. This feature allows you to operate the machine without worrying about nuisances, such as muscle fatigue or pain. Automatic shut off is another exceptional feature. It allows the user to work with it independently.
Even an operator can do other things when the saw is cutting a material. Durable and sturdy materials are used to manufacture the saw, which ensures long-term service.
Next worth mentioning feature is variable speed settings.
According to the material density, you can fine-tune the speed settings between 4 different speeds: 80 / 130 / 180 / 235 FPM. In general words, correct tuning of the speed option will give you a wide range of smooth and effective metal cutting results. The ¾” wide and 93” long blades is too sharp and delivers consistent cuts every time.
One interesting flaw……..
The included blade is suitable for cutting plastic and wood. You have to buy a separate blade to cut metal, and it is readily available.
Look:
Since it is a heavy-duty machine and consists of a powerful motor, the blade will get overheated when used. Keeping this point in mind, the manufacturer added the coolant system to it. During the operation, the blade will remain cool with this feature, and this way, you will get an extended period of service from the blade.
What We Liked Most:
- A powerful unit that can handle heavy-duty tasks efficiently
- The stock setup is easy and quick
- Coolant system
What Could Be Better:
- Blade speed adjustment process is hard
Sum Up…….
Undoubtedly, with these best metal band saws, your metal cutting project will be effortless.
Hopefully, this article will lead you to the right path in picking your required metal cutting band saw for your project. The above reviewed band saws for cutting metal are the best in their type, and with all amazing features, they are capable of meeting any project requirements.
Though we already made our shortlist, here is our honorable mention- Klutch 2701S039, the best benchtop metal cutting band saw we came across.
Metal Band Saw vs Wood Band Saw
Many beginners can’t understand which saw to buy for their material-cutting project. This section is specially designed for beginners.
Through the definition and uses of both saws, we will let you understand what is the difference between a metal and wood band saw and which type of saw will be good for your project.
Wood Band Saw
A wood band saw is a versatile machine that is preferred by both professional and beginner woodworkers.
Workshops use the small-sized stationery wood band saw while timber mills sue large scale wood band saw. Wood band saws can easily cut wood which comes with a larger diameter.
Characteristically, wood saws cut less dense materials compared to a metal band saw. Since they cut less dense materials, they don’t create much heat when cutting wood, and thus the blade speed becomes high. With high blade speed, you can accomplish wood cutting quickly. Wood band saws typically come with one-speed option – fast.
Metal Band Saw
A metal band saw is a suitable tool for cutting solid materials.
How to Work with a Metal Band Saw?
As stated earlier, metal band saws are designed to work with solid and tough materials. When cutting solid materials, it generates a lot of heat. For this reason, you will be required to adjust the speed depending on the material type. Thus, metal band saws come with variable speed features.
Furthermore, the forces used in a metal band saw is much higher. Which means metal band saw blades are stronger than the wood band saw.
Speed is the key difference between metal and wood band saw. Also, depending on your project type, you have to choose either metal or wood band saw.
If your project is to handle only woodworking tasks, go with a wood band saw.
On the other hand, if the project requirement is to complete different materials from wood to steel and non-ferrous materials, picking a metal band saw will be a wise decision.
