Hi guys, I have finally got the garage space and free cash to start the locost project I have been itching to start now for AAAAAGES. So I'm just tooling up with a few things I need. One of the most important things for me is and accurate power saw to ensure my chassis pieces are cut properly - first time.

I can see 2 options 1st is a metal cutting bandsaw from machine Mart that can cut in both horizontal and vertical planes - 180 quid.

The other option os a RAGE 3 versatile compound mitre saw. Also from Machine mart for around 150 quid.

Price wise there's not much in it (ecxept that replacement blades for the RAGE saw are 35 quid each!) But from experience, what's best?

Thanks,

Sam

The best option is the cheapest and thats a hacksaw. If you can use one.

I cant cut a piece of tube square to save my arse so I bought a machine mart cut of saw.

well worth it. but it is a bit messy

i think youll find the mitre saw from rage a much better tool than the chop saw , and more accurate .

Seriously an eclipse hacksaw frame and a few decent quality blades is all that is required.

My iccle band saw has been a faithful friend.

I have modified the legs to stiffen it up and fitted a coolant (read fish tank) pump.

It's slow, but will cut spot on square, or whatever angle required, and it's QUIET

Paul G
Rescued attachment IMGP1523s.jpg

i have both,
would say band saw for me all day long!

paul

Bandsaw...no question

bandsaw, but be prepared to spend a few hours setting it all up, the cheap ones (like mine which is the same as paul 907's above) need a bit of shimming on the blade guide usually.

once set, they are great, cut dead square every time and as he said, are peaceful.

The lack of speed is no issue, you leave it cutting while you are welding.

Another vote for the bandsaw. Mine's the same as the one above, and cut all the steel for my chassis, with every single cut coming out perfect - even the compound angles. Chop saws get very hot at the area of the cut, so be careful of cutting tempered steel. whereas the bandsaw cuts are cold, and very clean.

Bandsaw definitely - wish I'd got one at the start of my project. Machine Mart sell one that converts to a vertical bandsaw - great for cutting small brackets & profiles. Cut the 5mm plate on the bottom front wishbones a treat. Best thing of all - your arms don't ache after using it

Bandsaw deffo. If you have the space. Much more useable.

The question you have to ask yourself is are you going to do this again?
Now my solution to the how to cut your tubes was to buy a very cheap mitre saw and some abrasive cutting disc's. as long as you do not use excessive pressure this works brilliantly, giving very accurate cuts I did not have to redress any of the angles on my tubes, My saw cost $45 aud (about 20 quid?)and at that sort of price I considered it disposable especially as i had already built a music studio for my wife with it!
The only thing is that once the abrasive disc wears down you have to pack the work to be cut up to ensure a full thickness not a biggy as by the time you get to that stage you will have enough of cuts to use as packers.
Do it outside if you can and wear ear and eye protection.
Cheers


[Edited on 21/2/08 by niceperson709]

BTW hacksaws are for masochists when it comes to car building

okey dokey - bandsaw it is!

Thanks guys!



[Edited on 21/2/08 by aerosam]