A metal band saw can be a powerful ally for manufacturers and workshop operators, whether you are just starting a business or are looking to expand. With a wide range of models and specifications to consider, choosing one is not always straightforward.

 

To streamline your decision-making when buying a metal band saw, here are the key characteristics to consider as you make your comparisons.

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Price

While price and performance are not intrinsically linked in this context, it is worth remembering that you can still aim to get good value for money when ordering metal band saws thanks to how competitive this market has become in recent years.

Perhaps the biggest way to save cash is to buy second hand units, rather than solely focusing on new equipment. Checking out Revelation Machinery’s saws, for example, will open up a world of used gear that is cost-effective and does not compromise in terms of quality or functionality.

Orientation

Some band saws will be limited to operating along only one plane; either horizontal or vertical. Others will be able to switch between these orientations to give you more flexibility when tackling more complex cutting duties.

You should not only check to see which kind of setup a specific saw favors, but also how easily it can be changed to secondary modes to determine how much downtime will be involved during operations.

Power

The motor power of a metal band saw will determine how quickly it can work the blade and also how much grunt is behind the movement of this component itself, so in general a more powerful motor will mean that a machine is potentially more productive and reliable when tackling tougher materials.

Portability

The convenience of a metal band saw can be increased a lot if it is able to be maneuvered with ease, especially if this fits in with your needs and you have limited space available.

For this reason it can be worth checking to see whether a unit features integrated casters or wheels, or if it is built to sit flush with the floor. The latter approach may be less portable, but does provide a sturdier base while lessening the likelihood of movement occurring during the cutting process due to the vibrations this creates.

Capacity

Clearly the capacity of the saw you select will determine the size of the materials it can be used to cut. Bigger machines can accommodate larger pieces, but will of course be heavier and costlier in their own right.

Once again it is all about balancing your needs against your budget and the options that are on the market at the moment.

Usability

If you or one of your employees is going to spend hours on end using your metal band saw, it needs to be both intuitive and comfortable to work with. Take the height of the working table onboard when ordering and determine whether this is suitable for your needs.

You will doubtlessly have your own desired specifications and features to consider before you buy, so factor these in alongside the broader considerations to ensure satisfaction.