Are we thinking of the same thing? I thought you were talking about something like this.



I'm considering either that or a chop saw. Haven't decided yet.

 

If you buy a horizontal band saw (the grizzly link) make sure it isn't a total piece of ****. I bought one, only to have it throw the blade every 30sec of cutting. I took mine back and bought a 14" makita chop saw. I like the size and versitility of my chop saw. That portable bandsaw looks like a pain in the *** to try and use and is probably slower than Hustler's mom.

For aluminum I'd like to try cutting it on my compound miter saw or table saw. I've used a jigsaw and sawzall with OK results already.

 

oops, sorry i was drunk. but yes that will cut 3" pipe, most will cut something like 4"x6" or a little more.

 

I've been giving that horizontal bandsaw some serious thought lately. There is a huge community of people that have bought them and modified them. There are plans to build a better stand and everyone says that with new blades it cuts through metal like butter.

 

If you get a bi-metal blade from Starrett, it will last you a year of reasonable use. I actually have had good luck with the Grizzly bi-metal blades, too. Just picked up a new one this week when I was in the showroom.

Mine is now 6 years old and going strong. I use it all the time. I use a small machinist's square to set the fence to 90* after cutting an angle. Good blades will cut straight verically. If one doesn't cut straight through, it's most likely the blade. I've had to use the standard blades before in a pinch and they dont do well.

 

Thats really good to know. I think i've read enough about it to just go ahead and buy it instead of a chop saw.