Metal Cutting Band Saw Reviews: 6 Saws Compared
Contents
- Our Best Metal Cutting Band Saws Are:
- 1. Jet 414559 Metalworking Bandsaw – Best Horizontal Band Saw for Metal Cutting
- 2. Shop Fox M1014 Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Best Metal Band Saw for the Money
- 3. Jet 414560 Deluxe Metalworking Bandsaw – Most Versatile Design
- 4. Grizzly Industrial G0561 Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Most Durable Parts
- 5. Klutch Benchtop Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Best Bi-Metal Blade Type
- 6. HRT2 Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Most Versatile Horizontal Design
- Buying Guide
- Cutting Capacity
- Blade Speed
- Special Features
- Safety
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Photo by Asurnipal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Metal cutting bandsaws run a toothed bi-metal blade much slower than a woodworking bandsaw, which lets them cut steel, aluminum and other metals cleanly.
They come in horizontal and vertical styles. Horizontal saws, many of which also tilt up for vertical work, are the most common in home and small shops.
Below are six models worth considering.
OUR TOP PICK
Our Top Pick is the Jet 414559 Metalworking Bandsaw. It is a heavy-duty machine designed for serious metal cutting, and it can be used both horizontally and vertically.
Our Best Metal Cutting Band Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Jet 414559 Metalworking Bandsaw | 1. Jet 414559 Metalworking Bandsaw Our Top Pick | - Flanged cast iron blade wheels - 3/4-inch bi-metal blade - Adjustable ball bearing blade guides - Complete coolant system automatically shuts off after cutting - Cast-mounted adjustable hydraulic downfeed | Check Current Price |
| 2. Shop Fox M1014 Metal Cutting Bandsaw | 2. Shop Fox M1014 Metal Cutting Bandsaw | - 1 horsepower motor - Coolant system - Quick positioning vise - Hydraulic feed control - Automatic shutoff | Check Current Price |
| 3. Jet 414560 Deluxe Metalworking Bandsaw | 3. Jet 414560 Deluxe Metalworking Bandsaw | - 3/4-inch Bi-metal blade - Complete coolant system - Improved width and height - Auto shut-off after cutting - 7-inch by 12-inch cutting capacity | Check Current Price |
| 4. Grizzly Industrial G0561 Metal Cutting Bandsaw | 4. Grizzly Industrial G0561 Metal Cutting Bandsaw | - 158, 213, and 308 FPM Gear Step Blade Speeds - All Steel One-Piece Base - Adjustable Blade Guides - Adjustable Hydraulic Down Feed - Quick-Release Vise | Check Current Price |
| 5. Klutch Benchtop Metal Cutting Bandsaw | 5. Klutch Benchtop Metal Cutting Bandsaw | - 3.3-inch to 4.1-inch rectangular cutting capacity - 3.3-inch round cutting capacity - Bi-metal blade - Precise miter cutting capabilities - Quick positioning vise | Check Current Price |
| 6. HRT2 Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw | 6. HRT2 Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw | - Three speed settings - Quick-adjust vise - Two-position rocker switch - Adjustable blade guides | Check Current Price |
1. Jet 414559 Metalworking Bandsaw – Best Horizontal Band Saw for Metal Cutting
The Jet 414559 is a heavy-duty 7 x 12 horizontal/vertical bandsaw for metalworking. It is also one of the heavier saws in this group.
Specs
- Flanged cast iron blade wheels
- 3/4-inch bi-metal blade
- Adjustable ball bearing blade guides
- Complete coolant system automatically shuts off after cutting
- Cast-mounted adjustable hydraulic downfeed
What I Like About Jet 414559
Its 7 x 12 rating covers round stock up to about 7 inches and wider flat stock, which suits both small and large workpieces.
It features flanged cast-iron blade wheels, which have a flywheel effect and added inertia that helps propel the blade through a metal workpiece.
This model has a built-in quick-adjust vise, which allows for simple clamping for your metalworking projects.
Another great feature is the micro-adjustment material stop, which allows you to fine-tune the exact length for your cuts.
What I Didn’t Like About Jet 414559
Some owners report coolant pump problems out of the box, so test the pump when you set the saw up.
Pros
- Can be used horizontally and vertically
- Adjustable material stop allows for repeatability
- Has large rubber wheels for ease of movement
- Easy to cut at different angles with quick-adjust vise
- Well-built blade guides prevent the blade from wobbling
Cons
- Some reports of faulty coolant pumps
Conclusion
This is heavy-duty machinery for metalworking with all the key features. Check the coolant system during setup.
Overall Rating: 4.5
2. Shop Fox M1014 Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Best Metal Band Saw for the Money
The Shop Fox M1014 is a 1 horsepower metal cutting bandsaw that suits small shops and hobbyists.
Specs
- 1 horsepower motor
- Coolant system
- Quick positioning vise
- Hydraulic feed control
- Automatic shutoff
What I Like About Shop Fox M1014
This product has large circular and rectangular cutting capacities at 90-degrees, which is great because you can work on both small and large workpieces.
It has a small footprint and a mobile base. The compact design makes it a perfect choice for a small shop.
It comes with a vertical cutting table with a miter slot, which is a great combination that allows you to work on jobs that require you to cut vertically.
Ball bearing blade guides above and below the table help keep the blade from wobbling or drifting.
What I Didn’t Like About Shop Fox M1014
Its top blade speed is on the slow side, which matters most when cutting aluminum and other soft metals.
Pros
- Great circular and rectangular cutting capacities
- Easy to cut material vertically
- Blade guides ensure there is no wobbling or drifting of the blade
- Compact design that doesn’t take too much space
- Built-in coolant system
Cons
- Maximum blade speed is a bit slower
Conclusion
Shop Fox M1014 is a good choice for both hobbyists and professionals who mostly cut steel.
Overall Rating: 4.4
3. Jet 414560 Deluxe Metalworking Bandsaw – Most Versatile Design
The Jet 414560 is the deluxe version of the 7 x 12 Jet, built for both small projects and production work.
Specs
- 3/4-inch bi-metal blade (for wood, see our 9-inch bandsaw picks)
- Complete coolant system
- Improved width and height
- Auto shut-off after cutting
- 7-inch by 12-inch cutting capacity
What I Like About Jet 414560
It has a large infeed table that extends the working area, and it cuts in both horizontal and vertical positions.
The vertical mode handles small metal parts. For resawing and curves in wood, a dedicated 14-inch woodworking bandsaw is a better tool.
It has a tool-free quick lock and release vise with preset miter positions.
A complete coolant system keeps the material and blade cool, and an adjustable hydraulic downfeed controls how fast the blade drops through the cut.
What I Didn’t Like About Jet 414560
The coolant tray is small, so expect some coolant on the floor. Put a drip pan under the saw.
Pros
- Has a big infeed table setup
- Bi-metal blade provides more cutting versatility
- Cast-iron blade wheels are highly durable
- Quality bandsaw coolant keeps the material and blade cool
- Machine shuts off automatically after cutting
Cons
- Collection tray is small and may mess your floor
Conclusion
This metalworking bandsaw is a solid cutting machine, which you can use both in the horizontal and vertical positions. But it could be better with a larger collection tray.
Overall Rating: 4.2
4. Grizzly Industrial G0561 Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Most Durable Parts
The Grizzly Industrial G0561 is a large-capacity metal cutting bandsaw that is mobile and has a small footprint.
Specs
- 158, 213, and 308 FPM Gear Step Blade Speeds
- All Steel One-Piece Base
- Adjustable Blade Guides
- Adjustable Hydraulic Down Feed
- Quick-Release Vise
What I Like About Grizzly Industrial G0561
It runs on a 1-1/2 horsepower motor with three gear-step blade speeds (158, 213 and 308 FPM).
Cast-iron wheels on ball bearings add mass that helps the blade keep moving through the cut.
Adjustable blade guides keep the blade from wobbling when cutting metal.
This tool features a quick-release vise that will hold your workpiece firmly in place and releases it quickly once you are done cutting.
What I Didn’t Like About Grizzly Industrial G0561
Some owners report trouble keeping blade tension after a blade change. Recheck tension and tracking after every swap, with the saw unplugged.
Pros
- Allows for safe vertical cuts
- Three blade speeds improve versatility
- Coolant nozzle helps to keep the blade cool
- Quick setting and release vise
- Auto shut-off feature improves safety
Cons
- May fail to maintain blade tension
Conclusion
This is a fairly decent bandsaw for metal cutting hobbyists and professionals. But it is not the fastest model, in case you are looking for higher surface feet per minute.
Overall Rating: 4.0
5. Klutch Benchtop Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Best Bi-Metal Blade Type
The Klutch Benchtop Metal Cutting Bandsaw is a compact model for small stock, including non-ferrous metals like aluminum and brass.
Specs
- 3.3-inch to 4.1-inch rectangular cutting capacity
- 3.3-inch round cutting capacity
- Bi-metal blade
- Precise miter cutting capabilities
- Quick positioning vise
What I Like About Klutch
It runs on a standard 120V outlet.
The bi-metal blade combines a flexible backer with hardened teeth, so it resists wear and breakage better than a carbon steel blade.
It comes with quick-positioning and quick-release vise, which holds materials firmly in the ideal cutting position for effective operation.
An automatic shut-off stops the motor when the saw head reaches the end of the cut.
What I Didn’t Like About Klutch
It has no coolant system, so on long cuts you may need to pause and let the blade cool, or apply cutting fluid by hand.
Pros
- Compact and easy to move around
- Quick-positioning vise improves cutting position
- Bi-metal blades have high cutting edge stability
- Automatic shutoff at the end of the cut
- Good rectangular and round cutting capacity
Cons
- Does not have a coolant nozzle
Conclusion
This is a compact metal cutting bandsaw that is suitable for a small shop. It has strategically positioned controls that are easy to use.
Overall Rating: 4.0
6. HRT2 Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Most Versatile Horizontal Design
The HRT2 bandsaw cuts a range of metals in both horizontal and vertical positions.
Specs
- Three speed settings
- Quick-adjust vise
- Two-position rocker switch
- Adjustable blade guides
What I Like About HRT2
It has a 1 horsepower motor for cutting steel and aluminum.
It features three speed settings, which means you can adjust the speed with respect to your application.
It has a beveling vise, which offers a firm grasp on the material you are cutting, allowing you to produce angled cuts from zero to sixty degrees.
This saw also features fully adjustable blade guides and ball bearing supported blade wheels for added longevity and durability.
What I Didn’t Like About HRT2
The stand is flimsy, so you may need to reinforce it or bolt the saw to a sturdier base. For a stable woodworking saw, see our Ryobi 9 bandsaw review.
Pros
- Has a powerful motor for cutting through steel
- Three speed settings improve versatility
- Beveling vise allows for angled cuts
- Adjustable blade guides maintain blade stability
- Compact size does not take too much space
Cons
- Comes with a flimsy stand
Conclusion
Apart from the flimsy stand construction, the HRT2 Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw is a reliable choice for cutting different types of materials.
Overall Rating: 4.0
Buying Guide
Metal cutting bandsaws run far slower than wood bandsaws, and many have a hydraulic downfeed that controls how fast the blade drops through the cut. Good results depend mostly on the following:
- Choosing the correct saw blade
- Running the bandsaw at the correct speed
- Feeding the work to the saw at the correct rate
Here are the factors to weigh when shopping for a horizontal band saw.
Cutting Capacity
This is one of the most important considerations. A metalworking bandsaw features two cutting capacities: circular and rectangular at 90-degree and 45-degree angles.
Usually, the cutting capacity is displayed in the product name, such as (7” x 12”). This usually means about 7 inches of round stock and flat stock up to about 12 inches wide. Check the spec sheet, since the exact rectangular limits are often a bit smaller.
The larger the two numbers are, the more capable the bandsaw is for cutting larger metallic workpieces.
Blade Speed
Different metals need different blade speeds: slower for hard steel, faster for aluminum and brass. A saw with several speeds, whether step pulley, gear or variable, lets you match the metal.
Many home-shop metal bandsaws run somewhere between about 80 and 300 feet per minute.
Special Features
Bandsaw coolant: A coolant system carries heat away from the blade and workpiece, which extends blade life and improves the cut.
Quick lock vise: A good vise that locks and releases quickly allows you to strategically position your workpiece for angle and precision cutting.
Adjustable blade guides: The best blade guides will prevent your blade from wobbling or drifting. This keeps cuts straight and square.
Safety
Unplug the saw before changing or adjusting the blade. OSHA's power tool guidance says to disconnect tools before servicing and when changing accessories such as blades.
Wear safety glasses, clamp the work in the vise rather than holding it, and keep hands away from the moving blade. OSHA notes that unguarded machine parts can cause severed fingers and lacerations, so keep the blade guard in place.
Final Thoughts
After this detailed analysis, our overall best horizontal band saw is the Jet 414559 Metalworking Bandsaw. It is a very versatile model that can be operated horizontally and vertically.
It has a large cutting capacity, several blade speeds, a coolant system and an adjustable material stop, on a rigid body.
In general, look for a model that works both horizontally and vertically, with a large cutting capacity, more than one blade speed and auto shut-off.
Sources
- Hand and Power Tools (OSHA 3080), Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Machine Guarding: General Requirements, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
