Cold Saw vs Bandsaw: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to cutting metal for machine shops, there are several types of saws available. Two of the most popular choices include cold saws and bandsaws.

While both have their advantages, the differences between them can be significant depending on the job in question. In this article, the machinery experts at Penn Tool Co. explore the applications for each type of saw.

We’ll also discuss how they work, and compare them to circular saws in order to give you a better understanding of what kind of equipment you may need when setting up your shop. Read below to make an informed decision about which one is right for your shop.

How Do Band Saws Work?

Band saws use a continuous loop of toothed metal blade to make cuts. The blade is stretched over two or more wheels and tensioned according to the type of cut and material being cut.

As the material is fed into the band saw, the blades teeth slice through it creating a clean, precise cut. Band saws are great for cutting curves and intricate shapes as their blades can pivot quickly and easily allowing them to follow complex patterns.

Cold Saw vs. Bandsaw

The main difference between cold saws and bandsaws is in how they make their cuts. A cold saw uses an abrasive disc mounted on an arbor that spins at high speeds up to 3000 RPM to make cuts.

Meanwhile, a band saw uses a continuous loop of toothed metal blade that is tensioned and stretched over two or more wheels. Cold saw blades are primarily used for cutting steel, aluminum, and other metals, and they provide very precise cuts with minimal burring or deformation of the material being cut.

Alternatively, bandsaws can cut a more diverse rang of materials, including wood, plastics, and composites. Finally, bandsaws can’t be sharpened, so they must be disposed once they’re no longer usable.

Band Saw vs. Circular Saw

A band saw and a circular saw are both tools used for cutting. However, the main difference between them is that a band saw uses a continuous loop of blade, usually made from steel or other materials like carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or carbide tipped blades.

This blade moves in an up-and-down or side-to-side motion while the table on which the material being cut sits remains stationary. The width and thickness of the blade determines what size it can cut and how deeply it can cut into any given material; the narrower and thicker the blade, the more precise its cuts will be.

On the other hand, a circular saw uses an abrasive disc as its cutting tool—much like a carpenter’s circular saw. This disc rotates at a high speed and it’s the cutting edge of the blade that does the actual work.

Circular Saws

Circular saws are typically used for more basic tasks like making cuts in wood, although they can be used to cut other materials as well. The advantage of using a circular saw is that its cutting action is much faster than a band saw and its portability makes it easier to use in tight spaces.

In most shop settings, both tools have their place — band saws for precise cutting and circular saws for larger projects or jobs that need to be completed quickly. For example, if you were building cabinets in your shop, you would likely use a band saw for precision cuts along the cabinet surface.

Find Tools for Accurate Metal Sawing at Penn Tool Co.

Knowing the differences between cold saws, band saws, and circular saws is important for shop owners who need to choose the right machine for their needs. Each type of saw has its own advantages and disadvantages so it’s important to consider the type of material being cut and the desired outcome before making a purchasing decision.

With this information in mind, shop owners can make the best choice for their shop. To learn more about bandsaws, cold saws, and circular saws, reach out to our team today.