Band Saws

Portable band saws cut metal with a continuous blade running around two wheels, which produces a slow, quiet, sparkless cut and leaves an edge that usually needs no dressing. That is why they have largely replaced abrasive cutting for conduit, strut, threaded rod, cable tray, unistrut and pipe on occupied or fire-sensitive sites: no sparks, no hot slag, no abrasive dust, and a cut that is cool enough to handle. Deep cut saws take the larger capacities — heavy pipe, bar and section — and are the choice where the material dictates the tool. Compact saws cut a smaller capacity but can be used one-handed and in places a full-size saw cannot reach, which on electrical and mechanical work covers most of the day; dual-trigger designs keep both hands on the tool where that is the safer way to hold it. Blade speed and tooth pitch have to suit the wall thickness being cut — too coarse a blade on thin wall strips teeth immediately. Blades are consumables and worth stocking; they are in Accessories & Consumables.