Matt@RFR
Titanium
- Joined
- May 26, 2004
- Location
- Paradise, Ca
We machine a lot of Ultem 1000, Acetal, etc. We normally get our blanks pre cut from Boedeker, and that's worked very well for years. Now that we're seeing some supply issues with plastics, it's time to look in to buying bulk plate and cutting the blanks in house.
My question is what band saw to buy. Looking at new vertical saws unless one of you know of a good used saw local to me. It will be dedicated to this task only. I would like to stay under $1,000, but up to $2,000 is fine if needed. The thickest plate we would cut is 3/4" and I figure a carbide tipped course blade would be best. Blank size is from 1/4" plate, .275" x .700", up to around 3/4" plate, .700" x 2.700".
It almost seems like I could get away with a cheap benchtop saw and make an adjustable fence on cheap linear guides and a digital scale. I normally buy higher end new equipment, but this just doesn't need a $5,000 saw that we'll use for 5 hours a month, if that.
My question is what band saw to buy. Looking at new vertical saws unless one of you know of a good used saw local to me. It will be dedicated to this task only. I would like to stay under $1,000, but up to $2,000 is fine if needed. The thickest plate we would cut is 3/4" and I figure a carbide tipped course blade would be best. Blank size is from 1/4" plate, .275" x .700", up to around 3/4" plate, .700" x 2.700".
It almost seems like I could get away with a cheap benchtop saw and make an adjustable fence on cheap linear guides and a digital scale. I normally buy higher end new equipment, but this just doesn't need a $5,000 saw that we'll use for 5 hours a month, if that.