Metal workers - looking for metal band saw advice.

I am looking to get a small dedicated band saw for cutting thin metal. I do mostly woodworking, but my recent project involves cutting out mild steel that is too thick for snips. There are some detailed cuts and the jig saw I am using now is just too aggressive, and requires constant re-setting of the metal in my jig with a clamp. I know the jig saw is not ideal, but I try to safely adapt by using what I have.

Does anyone have any suggestions of what brand to pick up? This is mostly thin stock detail work that will get forged to shape once it is cut out. I don't need anything too big for thicker stock. I seem to recall seeing a bench top saw with an adjustable speed controller. From what I read 70 feet per minute up to 300 is ideal. I have a Delta bandsaw for wood, but I don't want to go tinkering with the speed and getting it all junked up with metal bits.

I may look into a speed controller on a bench top wood band saw if the motor allows and if I can find a metal cutting blade to fit it.

Thanks for any advice or help.

 

About 1/8" - 3/16" at the most. Hobbyist level, not shop fabrication level. Plasma will probably be overkill and maybe light the basement on fire at the same time.

I found a couple of scroll saws with metal cutting capabilities. A little spendy though. A far as radiuses, there are a few concave cuts that I am going in from each direction and finishing the round with a file. Kind of small radiuses or is it radii? for a nibbler.

Kinda roughing it here with metal working tools, but it is getting done. Just slower. And suckier. And not gooder.

 

Any decent bandsaw with speed control should do the trick. Get a good steel cutting blade and learn what it can and can't do. Should be able to adjust the temp easily with the speed control. Be aware that cutting mild steel in tight turns is gonna be touchy as it can bind and doesn't want to cooperate like cutting wood or plastic will in a turn. It can be done but causes a lot of heat. Usually have to relief the outside of the turns a bit too.

 

10-4 on the tight corners. The jig saw got caught a few times and bent the heck out of the stock. Some choice were spoken after that. The project is at a stall because of the tedious factor. Thanks for the tips.

 

I wouldn't rule out a small plasma cutter. They are mighty handy and might cost the same as a decent bandsaw. I've been searching for a good used bandsaw without any leads for a couple months.

 

I won't be getting rich off this. Just artsy fartsy stuff to sell at a show in May. I'll put up some pics when done. Get yer popcorn out. These hobbies are costing more than to keep them going. I have three days off next week where I will be working in a metal shop. They have a plasma cutter, so maybe I will bring a piece with the pattern cut and see how it goes.

 

Lots of upright wood band saws and horizontal band saws on CL out here. I'm at a premium with space, so I think a bench top model that can get stored easily would be good. The variable speed scroll saws and band saws are running 300 - 600 FPM on the low end may be too quick.

 

Selling stuff here and there is keeping my hobbies going. I'd quit my day job if the economy and money was good enough to support the family and everything else.

 

I am hoping a crappy metal cutting band saw can make me a few thousand. I make one-offish hand-crafted type things.

 

With Pintrest and other social media outlets out there, original ideas are copied so quickly that the original creator does not get the credit. Then the item is copied, prices undercut and the intended originality is lost. I like word-of-mouth commissions with a smaller customer base. Neat and tidy.

 

Would a Portaband on a on a stand work? I love mine. Its cheap. and the saw can be removed in seconds for storage or to be used freehand on larger stuff

 

Is that a custom made base? I really like the looks of that space-wise an portability. Blade availability is really a big plus for that set up. Those are on CL here quite a bit. Thanks for that idea.

 

do you have a bandsaw for woodworking ? if so how about a metal cutting blade for it , i know grizzly has many options.