A horizontal band saw is a type of a band saw that allows the cutting of any particular material on a ‘horizontal’ platform. The table and the base of the machine lie parallel to the floor plane. Continue to read to find out what might be the best horizontal band saw.
They are suitable both for cutting down stock to size and for rough cutting. A horizontal model helps you make metal cuts that look as straight and professional as the woodcuts of a miter saw.
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Top 5 Best Horizontal Band Saw Reviews
There are many horizontal units on the markets these days, and many reliable companies and manufacturers have introduced these models successfully. People are using horizontal band saws with as much ease as vertical models, and the most popular/best ones include the following:
1. Grizzly G0561 Horizontal Bandsaw
This 12″ metal cutting Grizzly horizontal bandsaw is the first on our list. This is a large unit, but it’s also completely mobile and has a small footprint. Some of the features include a coolant system, blade brush, and hydraulic down feed control. It cuts 7 by 12-inch rectangular stock and 7 inch round ones. It is made out of cast iron and can quickly adapt to your jigs and tables, etc.
If you want to use it in a small to medium shop, this saw is excellent and has good value. But a lot of customers said they bought this tool for their business. You don’t need the most expensive bandsaw to cut stock that’s squaring on a mill anyway.
To get the most out of this unit, you should buy the bi-metal band saw blades. They offer the best performance. I cut 1/4″ angle iron for a test, but I think I needed to upgrade the blades to get better performance.
The G0561 is easy to assemble. The saw’s belt tension could be a little better. It’s just a little annoying when you change the running speed. The saw base set up could be a little better, too, as it’s made with cheap wheels and has a floppy washer. But that’s about everything when it comes to downsides.
This saw’s capabilities include creating very square sharp cuts on the ends and joints of your projects. If you look to square the cut of the band saw, wider is better. For its price range, it has impressive performance.
2. JET 414560 HVBS 712D Deluxe Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
This horizontal vertical band saw from JET has some innovative features. The wide table assembly of 10 by 12-inch infeed expands the support area and can be used horizontally or vertically, mitering 15,30 and 45 degrees. Tool-less stop to create accurate cuts and repeat tasks easily. It has a cutting fluid system with a capacity of 1 gallon.
After going through 500 steel bars, it’s still going strong. It goes like a mower through the grass! The controls are easy to work with.
Not a lot of assembly is required. A downside can be the four useless wheels, and it is somewhat tipsy, but it’s not a big deal. Another downside is the inefficiency of the coolant system, which appears to sprinkle.
Additional features of the HVBS-712D include customizable ball rollers on the blade guides and a warehouse within the base can hold other small tools.
It costs more money than the Grizzly G0561, and it doesn’t have a lot more features. So no need to spend more money on a similar product like this one.
3. WEN 3975 Benchtop Metal Bandsaw
After more than 100 cuts, I’m pleased with this saw. I just squared it up when I took it out of the box. This little tool is suitable for my hobby garage/shop. It’s particularly worth the money if you use a grinder with a cut of disk.
The blade is adjustable for bevel cutting from 0 to 60°. The 3975 T will cut up to 5′′ in diameter or as wide as 5′′x47⁄8″ for square parts.
Years of experience are not a requirement for this tool because it’s a simple machine. Enthusiasts and professionals can use it.
The WEN 3975 model is one that thrives on activities such as cutting pipes and different metals. Thanks to its multi-speed system, it is specifically designed to cut through different metals.
The simplicity and compactness of this product are the two key aspects that we liked. Although it’s not a cheap item, it’s worth checking out, even if you’re on a tight budget.
We liked this product because of its ease of use and compactness. It is very user-friendly and does not require years of experience, so even if you are not an expert, you can work on a project. Regardless of your level of experience, we strongly urge you to read the user manual and take the safety measures seriously.
The price was also a plus for us. Although it is not a cheap piece, it is well worth considering, even if you are on a tight budget. The device’s high level of useful functions, as well as its overall quality, more than justify the price. Furthermore, the blade tensioner is well-positioned and easy to bring the slopes, which is not always the case with other models in the same price range.
While a well-known brand in this industry, their quality control department is a source of contention. Inconsistencies in quality control are not conducive to remaining relevant and trustworthy. Several people have complained about receiving erroneous units, and while this is a somewhat releasable issue, it is certainly not pleasant.
4. KAKA Industrial Metal Cutting Horizontal Band Saw
First of all, this is a good unit for both small business and home use. This may seem like an unusual brand, but this is a good product. It has a 1.5 horsepower motor. This thing rules when it comes to cutting metal. Undoubtedly, this is a light industrial saw.
I have nothing but positive things to say about how well the bandsaw operates. It’s easy to use, and it provides precision cuts. The rollers on which it sits are cheaper and smaller, though.
The unit gives you the versatility you’d be looking for in a band saw. Depending on the needs of the project, you can shift between vertical and horizontal modes. You’ll also love the fact that the BS-712N band saw has a roller cabinet to store materials and equipment.
It is great for home-based metalwork because it has a lot of safety features. A few of those features include guards, a coolant system, and automatic shut-off, which are great to prevent accidents while you work.
5. Fox Shop W1715 Metal-Cutting Horizontal Band-Saw
This inexpensive, compact, functional 3-speed unit is an ideal alternative for large or small projects in which several metals, wood, or plastics need to be cut. This one is amongst the best price-to-quality units.
It provides variable speeds for various RPM settings with its 3/4hp motor. You can then change the pace of the blade according to your needs and materials. The speed can be controlled by adjusting the V-belt location, allowing the machine to cut material of different densities.
The legs are not the best, as others have said. You want to develop a new foundation when you move the saw very often, as it tends to tip quickly when turning about.
Many other models come with a stand, but the quality of these stands not really that good. This model comes with a very effective one and can manage challenging tasks.
There were a few things about this model that I liked. The first is its adaptability and flexibility in almost every application.
The second feature we like is how simple it is to use. It appears complicated and even intimidating to inexperienced users, but they can rest assured that it is fairly simple and straightforward as long as they understand how to use the features properly.
People who use these horizontal machines on a regular basis may be concerned about the lack of a coolant. In other words, blades frequently snap after several hours of use. It is not a big deal for most people who have time to wait until you cool down, but it is quite annoying for enthusiastic professionals and contractors.
While the engine appears to be adequate for most enthusiasts, some will find it lacking when it comes to power. It’s not a flaw in and of itself, but it can cause issues in the long run, especially if your business relies on consistency.
Why use a horizontal band saw?
There are practically no differences between the working of a vertical and a horizontal band saw; the only major difference is its physical appearance where the entire machine is in horizontal form and can be ‘settled’ on the ground. Some of the reasons why you must opt for this type of model can be found in the list of features mentioned below:
What are some of its features?
ALL Ideal features of any band saw. As mentioned earlier, there are no features or properties of the overall best saws that may be found missing in a horizontal model. A horizontal model has all the following features:
- Made of tough cast iron material that gives it strength and rigidity.
- Powerful motor with strong horsepower.
- Variable speed options for the user to increase and decrease the speed whenever needed to suit the material he is using.
- Highly versatile and multipurpose.
- Adjustable roller guides and table position to adjust the machine’s various components to bring it at the required position.
- High capacity that allows deep cutting.
- Automatic shut down and cooling system that does not heat up the machine after prolonged use.
- It comes with a strong base so it can rest on the ground and withstand all the tension that creates whilst operating the machine.
- For metalworking go for a metal horizontal band saw.
The first and foremost thing that you must consider is the space around your workspace to select between the five types. A horizontal band saw generally takes up more floor space than a vertical one and purchases one only if you have the space that can allow it to rest.
Other Features
Another thing that you must evaluate is you’re your position and requirement. If it is for commercial use, you must also consider how exactly it will be used and how intensive the usage is.
Balances weight in an ideal manner. Since a vertical model is standing, you need to pick up heavy planks and sheets and place them on the table. Balancing is necessarily required since this added weight may wobble the machine, or some mishap might happen. But while using a horizontal model, you can keep all the heavy items on the floor nearby, and no effort will be needed to pick up and raise them to a higher level. This will lead to applying lesser effort from the side of the user.
Ideal for long duty hours and the elderly. As this is a horizontal model, a chair or workbench can be placed in front of it to sit and perform his task. This is best suited for an elderly workman or someone suffering from any back or leg pains. Similarly, if the work requires hours of duty, it is feasible for the user as the vertical ones may lead to more exhaustion since they only allow work to be done while standing.
Horizontal Bandsaw Buying Guide
Most people will look at the price of a horizontal band saw before looking at anything else. If you only buy the cheapest band saw, you risk missing out on many of the functions and power you need for your projects, as well as losing money if your cheap saw (or not) doesn’t work as good as you wanted it to.
The Material’s Size
When choosing a unit, it’s critical to get the correct size. The HD 375LR, for example, cuts a diameter of 300 mm, but it’s always best to add a little more to your calculations, so that the bandsaw doesn’t work to its limit. Consider that if the machine miters it also reduces the capacity and that requires additional budget.
Miter Cuts
You can choose between machines that are linked to the left and right or miter machines that are connected to the left and right. If you want a cheap unit and don’t need many miter cuts, you can get one that miters one way and can counter the material in other ways if necessary.
Blade Speeds
Blade speeds are critical in determining which machine you require. The lower-cost devices usually have two speeds: a slow speed of 35 meters per minute and a fast rate of about 70 meters per minute. For stainless steel and mild steel, this is acceptable. You can choose a machine with speed-variation if you need to cut a variety of materials.
Capacity
A horizontal band saw can only cut up to a certain size of the material. Furthermore, some materials simply will not fit. You don’t want to spend $1,000 only to discover that your wood or metal is too large for your band saw. The average horizontal band saw has a horizontal and vertical capacity of 5 to 7 inches.
Table
If you choose a horizontal band saw, make sure it has a large enough table to hold your materials. The table must also be the proper height for you to work comfortably. A smoother and shallower table is preferred because it makes handling the workpiece easier. Horizontal cast iron or solid steel band saw tables are the best because they can withstand regular use and are stable enough to support the materials.
Safety
Given the exposed and fast-moving blade, it should be obvious that using a horizontal band saw poses a significant risk to you and those around you. You should provide security features before deciding on each model. The idler and guide wheels pose a significant security risk, so a good horizontal band saw of metal covers in the frame is recommended. A blade protector is also necessary because it protects the fingers.
Because cutting harder materials causes different parts of the band saw to become extremely hot, you’ll want to make sure the model you choose has a good cooling system so that things like the pulley system don’t overheat. The blade is turned off automatically when the device is turned off. When the cut is finished, the tool can be used more safely.
Extra Features
These are excellent features that are not required for every band saw but are certainly beneficial.
Coolant system – A coolant system is essential for larger machines that make larger cuts because it extends the blade’s lifespan.
Hydraulic down feed systems are preferable to the basic spring systems used on smaller machines. This is because they maintain a constant sealing pressure during the automated function.
Swivel head vs. swing cabinet: For miter cutting, some machines have swivel vices instead of pivot heads. This is good, but it lacks the precision of the swivel head alternatives.
Adaptability
If you work in different rooms, portability comes in handy. You may need a portable metal cutting bandsaw if you want to use the same one for your work and take it home to your garage. When it comes to portability, a horizontal band saw is a way to go. Because these band saws are smaller, you can easily transport them in your car and use them. Before you buy one, make sure to check the weight.
If you decide to purchase a vertical band saw, make sure it comes with wheels. The wheels make it simple to move the band saw around without exerting too much effort. All you have to do now is make sure the wheels have locks to prevent accidental rollers. If you don’t want a metal-cutting belt saw without wheel locks, unless it has another mechanism that prevents the tool from moving during use, look for another option.
FAQ
Should I purchase both a horizontal and vertical band saw?
We don’t believe that purchasing the vertical and horizontal band saws separately is necessary. Some models have both options. You can use a horizontal band saw as a vertical saw after purchasing it. Both horizontal and vertical band saws have advantages. However, purchasing both machines could not only have a significant impact, but it could also take up a lot of space in your shop. Today’s best products are hybrids of the two, allowing both horizontal and vertical cuts.
How important is horsepower?
When choosing a horizontal band saw, the first consideration should be the machine’s power. This tool, on the other hand, does not require a lot of strength to operate. If you’re working with thin metals, you shouldn’t need much more than 0.75 watts. If you want to cut thicker metals, you’ll need something with more power.
Is it necessary to sharpen the band saw blade regularly?
It all depends on the application. We recommend do it at least once a year if you are a serious or experienced worker.
Which one is better – Horizontal or Vertical?
This is the question that you must have in mind right now! Well, to be honest, both of them have equal precision and accuracy, and I will say that it’s best to evaluate your own basic needs, the space you have, and the intensity of usage you require. Suppose you are an older person yourself or your industry requires someone to operate this machine continuously. In that case, a horizontal one is highly recommended for you as it requires lesser effort from the user’s side.
Conclusion
So now that you have read all about the best horizontal band saws, it’s time that you make a decision regarding which one to choose for yourself! Think and evaluate wisely and take your time. You can read more relevant articles guiding you to make the best decision in a timely manner.
Each of the models we’ve discussed has something to offer to the buyer. Whether you’re looking for a professional performance level or a few extra features, there’s always something you’re looking for and can find at a reasonable price. We made every effort to keep it as low-cost as possible. The main thing to remember is the distinction between cheap and affordable, as these are not synonymous. These machines are not cheap, and if you ever find yourself in a situation where the price is surprisingly low, you should probably avoid it at all costs.
Take a look at our full reviews if you’re interested in a more in-depth look at the models we’ve chosen to meet. Always keep your safety in mind when using a device and set it up correctly. Otherwise, you could cause serious problems and injuries.
