Metal Cutting Bandsaw or Chop Saw? Sizing, Straight Cuts, Blades

Cutting steel with a grinder, or fighting a bandsaw that runs off line and snaps blades? Choose the saw by section, angle and power supply, then keep the blade tensioned, guided and fed gently.

The metal cutting bandsaw range at PartsForMachines has 24 machines from SIP and Sealey, including 17 bandsaws from 6-inch to 18-inch.

Bandsaw, Chop Saw or Cold Saw: Which Should I Buy?

For a mix of metals and section sizes, a bandsaw is the all-rounder. Saws such as the 6-inch 01572 and 12-inch 01573 are rated for mild and stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper.

A chop saw suits quick cuts in steel. The 01307 abrasive cut-off saw spins a 355mm disc at 3,800rpm from a 13A plug and is built for fast work in ferrous metals. A cold saw such as the 01565 turns its blade at just 18 or 36rpm and pumps coolant over the blade and work, but it needs a 400V three-phase supply.

How Big a Metal Bandsaw Do I Need?

Size it on the largest section you cut regularly, at the angle you cut it, because capacity falls as the bow swivels. The SM5 takes 115mm round at 90° but only 60mm at 45°. The 01524 10-inch swivel-head bandsaw goes from 227mm round at 90° to 150mm at 45° and 90mm at 60°.

Treat the rated figure as the limit: if a saw is rated for 145mm box at 45°, don't count on it taking 150mm. If you need bigger cuts only now and then, weigh a larger saw against having your stockholder cut those few lengths.

Why Won't My Bandsaw Cut Straight?

A wandering cut is often down to the blade, the guides or the feed: a dull blade, low tension, guides set too far from the work, or too much feed pressure. Fit a sharp blade, tension it to the manual and bring the guides in close to the workpiece.

Rigidity matters too. Fully adjustable precision guides, as on the SM65 metal cutting bandsaw, help keep cuts accurate and extend blade life, and the cast iron bow on saws such as the 01594 reduces vibration. Make sure, too, that the blade speed suits the material.

Why Do My Bandsaw Blades Keep Snapping?

Blades can break when tension is set too high, the guides are worn or misaligned, the blade rubs on the wheel flange, or the feed is wrong for the job. Set tension to the manual, clamp the work tightly in the vice, check the guide bearings are in good order and in line, and make sure the blade runs clear of the flange.

Control of the head matters too: hydraulic damping, as on the SM35CE 300mm hydraulic-arm bandsaw, stops the arm dropping onto the work. Coolant, where fitted, extends blade life and keeps the cut cool. Break a new blade in with a reduced feed for its first cuts and it will last longer.

What Should I Check Before I Buy?

• The largest round, square and rectangular section you cut, at each angle you use.
• Your supply: 230V single phase, often on a 13A plug, or 400V three phase.
• The blade size (length, width and thickness), and whether you can get matching replacements.
• Coolant or dry cutting, and hydraulic damping on the arm.
• Weight, floor space and the vice: a quick-release vice suits repeat cuts.

Browse the metal cutting bandsaw range, or contact the PartsForMachines team by WhatsApp, telephone or email with your typical sections, angles and power supply.

Product options, delivery options and returns terms are shown on each product page. A 30-day return policy applies to eligible items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use cutting oil or coolant on a horizontal bandsaw?

Use the coolant your saw's manual recommends, mixed to the strength it gives. Coolant carries heat away from the blade and work, which helps the blade last, and it is recommended for cutting steel and stainless.

Can I run a metal bandsaw dry?

Yes, and some small saws have no coolant system at all, the 6-inch 01572 among them. Without cutting fluid, more heat builds up in the cut and blades tend to wear sooner, so ease the feed on tough steel.

Why does my bandsaw head drop too fast after topping up the hydraulic cylinder?

Check the feed valve first: the cylinder should let the arm descend slowly, and on many saws its rate is adjustable. Then check the oil level and grade against the manual before you cut again.

Will a metal bandsaw run on a 13A socket?

Many do. The 01599 18-inch single-phase bandsaw, for example, runs on a standard 13A supply. Others, such as the 15-inch 01530, need 400V three phase, so check your supply before ordering.

Can I cut angles on a metal bandsaw?

Yes, on swivel-head models. The 8-inch 01520 and the 01524 swivel to 60°, and the 15-inch 01530 turns 45° left and 60° right. Capacity drops at an angle, so check the angled figures before you buy.

Can a metal bandsaw cut stainless steel and aluminium?

Yes, with the right blade speed: stainless needs a slower blade than mild steel, and aluminium a faster one. Multi-speed saws make this easy; the 01594 offers 22, 33, 45 and 65 metres per minute, and the 01526 is variable up to 90.

Does a new bandsaw come with a blade?

Often, yes: several SIP saws such as the 01594 come with a bi-metal vari-pitch blade, and the SM35CE has a bi-metal blade as standard. Replacements must match your saw's length, width and thickness, such as 1638 x 13 x 0.63mm on the SM5.

Why does my new blade keep jumping off the wheels?

Check the tracking and tension. The blade should run close to the shoulder or flange of the wheel without rubbing on it. Tension the blade to its setting, follow the tracking procedure in your manual, then reset the guides.

What happens if the blade jams or the power cuts out?

On some saws the motor won't restart by itself: the SM5 and SM65 have a no-load voltage switch for a power cut or jam, and the SM353CE cuts power if the blade jams. Several SIP saws add a 24V control circuit as a safety feature.

How heavy is a metal bandsaw, and can I move it myself?

Small saws such as the SM5 weigh about 60kg on a stand with two wheels. Larger ones need help: the 01594 weighs 140.6kg on a wheeled base, and the 279kg SM353CE needs extra hands to unload safely.