[rustywrangler]

I get norton or whatever brand HD sells. I have gotten one down to about 9" across but that was with arm stop removed. 10" is usually where I swap out.

 

[rustywrangler]

I don't have an Orshlens nearby but I do have a Home Cheapo.

I use Norton products for my 4 1/2" angle grinder and they work just fine. Do you use the 1/8" or prefer the 3/16" thick blades?

My gut says go with the thicker abrasive saw blade just for safety alone but this is kind of new to me so I'd rather get told what is better and why from more experienced folks.

Actually, I have had good luck with the 1/8" blades on thin wall stuff, like the square stock for the roof racks I build. On thicker stuff, like box tubing, I switch to the 3/16" blade.

 

[rustywrangler]

So there would be no harm using the thicker blade all the time? I move so slow now so I gottta keep it simple when I can........

I don't see why not.

 

[rustywrangler]

Mine is collecting dust since I got a band saw. The cuts are in a different league, not to mention being able to walk away and do other stuff while it does the work!:laugh:

Martin

I am getting the HF band saw real soon. Been looking for a long time now and with some small tweeks, I can make it work like a dream.

 

[rustywrangler]

Which one? What kind of tweeks? Id like to get one.

This one: Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw
I have a 25% off coupon right now.

Lots of info on the "tweeks" here:
4x6 Bandsaw Yahoo Group - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts
Problem with HF red bandsaw - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

 

[rustywrangler]

That HF bandsaw can be a nice addition to a home shop. I wouldn't mind having one.

I already have a slide out drawer that it will fit right into at my center bench and all I have to do is roll the drawer out and start cutting. lol

 

[rustywrangler]

Thats the one I have. Took @2hrs to get it perfect, but it is worth it's weight in gold IMHO.
Patrick if you get one, get some decent blades, the HF ones are truly junk. Orschelins seems to have some good ones so far!

Martin

WOW we sure have hijacked this thread.

I plan to replace the blade after I get everything lined up and working right. Local welding supply sells several different brands in all sizes.

 

[rustywrangler]

Hi Rusty,
The only thing that is bad about hijacking this thread is, I just bought a 3 1/2HP chop saw from HF that was on sale (reg $149.99) for $99.99 but the blade was garbage. I bought a Norton disk today from Home Cheapo....NOW you guys got me thinking about a band saw.......

I just found a 35% off coupon for harbor freight in the latest petersons. tis time for the band saw. lol

 

[rustywrangler]

I have a one stall garage that is bit wider than normal. The YJ sleeps in it and all my mechanics tools along with all my woodworking tools are in it. It is tight in there. If you fart in my garage it will not leave your body until you step out of the garage.... Annnd I am getting old so I should be unloading tools, or at least I should quit buying tools.......but instead I'm thinking I now need a second angle grinder for my flap disk wheel in addition to the one I now have that has a cutting wheel on it. Now I can just switch angle grinders instead of swapping disks. I just bought a chop saw for more accurate cuts....now you got my brain locked on a bandsaw. Something is wrong here. I know what it is.......I need more garage space...

I don't even have a garage :rofl: