A chop saw is a tool to cut wood in straight cuts. It allows cutting in angles. It looks the same as a circular saw. Chop saws are used mostly by cabinetmakers or woodworkers to make precise cuts. There are a few chops saw types used for angled cuts. Band Saw Vs Chop saw features advantages in using a chop saw and it is faster to use that cabinetmakers depend more on the chop saws. There are different blades that allow the chop saw even to cut metals.
What is a chop saw?
Chop saw has its ability because of its power of cutting metals in one session. Here is the common chop saw uses.
- Widely useful in construction.
- Cut steel pipes, bars, and channels as per required size.
- It cuts tough metal bars that a hacksaw or the best band saw fails to cut.
- Use a chop saw for tasks requiring cutting the same length pieces in large numbers, such as fencing.
Pros
- A chop saw absolutely devours anything placed in front. It cuts metal thick pieces.
- The speed is another advantage to cut through metals. Chop saws value power and speed over accuracy. Thus, it features footswitches to feed metal using hands and the work is done speedily.
Cons
- Chop saws are tough to control when you want to make angled, intricate cuts.
- Using a chop saw is a bit difficult than using with caution is a must.
What is a band saw?
A bandsaw is a sharp, long blade, a power saw consisting of a toothed metal as a continuous band. It is stretched between wheels to cut material. It is used in metal or woodworking and lumbering. Most bands saw features two wheels rotating in a plane. It cuts a variety of materials such as metal, plastic, wood, metal, and so on.
A band saw is a versatile machine and one of the useful additions to any woodworking shop. Here is the band saw uses:
- Useful for woodworking for straight or crosscuts.
- Accurate size and straight wood line cut even in a large wood piece are possible.
- Cutting of metal pieces perfectly using a sharp blade.
- Re-sawing of the board as per its thickness
Pros
- Creates more accurate and faster cuts.
- Bandsaws are the safest tools providing precise cutting.
Cons
- It is not useful for simple cuts.
- It is restricted to size pieces.
Difference between Bandsaw & Chop saw (Bandsaw Vs Chop saw)
Chop saws are used for wood and metal. It was traditionally used to make accurate and precise square cuts. The difference in the features of Band Saw Vs Chop saw includes:
Chop saw
- Portability- It is a portable saw that is lightweight and easy to move around. It may be heavy, but do not weigh over 50 pounds, until it is an industrial version.
- Blades- The blades vary in different kerfs and sizes. Chop saw features a round blade and it is easy to quickly change a chop saw blade. These blades are for small, smooth cutting.
- Performances– The chop saw moves fast and handle thick materials. The chop saw is fast, and it is about performance and speed.
- Dust Management- The chop saw leaves the shavings, dust, and debris with the saw and there is a need for cleanup. It is a loud saw.
Band Saw
The band saw is a versatile saw. It is suitable for quick and speed cuts and for a multitude of precision functions of cutting. The features include:
- Portability– The band saw is unique and there are different models out. It is a most portable tool and restrictive to few capacities. There are benchtop and freestanding models that are heavier, but the compact models are portable.
- Blades– The band saw blade is different from the chop saw. The blade saw makes intricate cuts, offering a smoother overlook of the cutting.
- Functionality-Functionality is versatile. The band saw is less powerful than the chop saw. However, a band saw does a lot but is not for speed, and it is the main difference.
- Dust Management– It is friendlier with dust management. It allows operating without getting the dust build-up. Attaching band saws to vacuum hoses ensures keeping the dust to a minimum.
How to use Band saw
Gearing up for cutting
Knowing to safely use a bandsaw is best. Set the workstation ready, keep it dust-free. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, read safety instructions, and get all the essential tools nearby.
Select the right blade
Bandsaw blade varies in material, width, tooth, and functions. There are three blade tooth types, namely regular, skip, and hook. To get the desired result, ensure selecting the appropriate blade for cutting.
Maintain proper blade tension
The blade tension brings a big difference to the cut. It is a crucial technique and may be trickier to spot for a newbie the appropriate blade tension. A carbon steel blade is between 15,000 to 20,000 psi. For higher tension and demanding cuts, you can raise the blade’s tension level.
Adjust the blade guard height
The blade guard keeps the blade aligned. Moving it vertically and setting it as per the material thickness is possible. Lock it before cutting.
Set a speed before operating
Most machines feature single-speed for woods. Considering, Band Saw Vs Chop saw some bandsaw models provide different speeds. Idle speed is 3000 fps for most tasks. A bandsaw featuring multiple speeds may keep it between 2000 to 3000 fps.
Mark the cut to avoid mistakes
Measurement is essential for woodcutting. Mark with a pencil and make appropriate cuts.
Turn to make the cut
Flip the switch and turn the machine on. The machine is powered up and ready to cut material. Keep hands away from the blade. Minimal pressure is enough to turn the band saw.
After work
After work, turn the bandsaw off. Release the blade tension. Always, remove wood waste, dust, and clean the workstation.
How to use Chop Saw
Ensure Good condition
Cut the material with the correct blade ensuring it is in good condition. Check the cord, switch, guards, and clamp base.
Suitable Power
It requires a minimum of 15 amps at 120 volts. You need not choose a small extension cord.
Correct blade
To cut quickly opt for thinner abrasive blades. Buy from a reputable reseller a quality blade for best results.
Employ safety equipment
Using safety equipment helps in cutting so that your face has a shield and there is eye protection from debris, sparks, and dust. Wear hearing protection and thick gloves.
Set upright
Set the clamp vertically using a thin layer. Set on two edges, for angle steel, so nothing to cut flat. Set chop saw on concrete directly, place iron, cement sheet, or even wet plywood beneath. It will keep away the permanent stains. Keep on the ground the saw, depending on the weight and length of the material. Protect windows or walls. Bear in mind, debris and sparks discharged to the rear at high speeds.
Check setup
Use to test the disk face is off the steel. It will allow opening slightly. Never set high your packers or keep it at the level. Do not set a bench. Cutting the steel will cause a sag in the middle.
Keep blades clean.
Change the disk. Use a hammer to dislodge. Do not take a chance at the speed of when cutting.
Make your cuts.
Get accurate cuts by marking the cuts using a fine pencil. Set in position, place tape measure, and bring under the disk.
Use tricks
Heavy material is not easy to move. Nip lightly the clamp by adjusting the material with a hammer. Tighten the clamp and cut with steady pressure.
FAQ
Can a band saw cut steel?
A band saw features a strong blade to handle different kinds of metal.
Can a band saw cut curves?
Yes, a band saw can easily cut curves precisely and comfortably.
Is a chop saw better than a band saw?
Chop saws are dirty and quick. They are faster but require dealing with the mess. With a chop saw there is a need to give a touch-up with a sander or grinder to the cut. Band saws are cleaner, slower, and more precise. Its blade is fine and requires nothing to clean the cut.
Final Word
Chop saws cutting is possible in a timely manner. It is effective at metal cutting, making projects of home improvement easier. Considering Band Saw Vs Chop saw, they are completely different. The chop saw is simple and cuts quickly, while the band saw is designed to be accurate and precise in that it is slow. Both the saws are useful and versatile, while they serve as whole different purposes. The saw suitable for you depends on the time you are working and the task.
On a worksite, a chop saw is ideal. However, for precision and curve cutting, the only option is the band saw. Again, for fast, accurate, and something powerful, the great option is a chop saw.
Hi their! I am working with daily instruments since 2018. I complete my M.SC in Mechanical Engineering. I accomplished with commencement in 2009 from the College of Colorado Denver. Now I am working for a widely known tools firm. Sometimes i write informative article on my blog weeklytools.com & dailytools.com