Complete Guide to Bandsaws for Metal
Choosing the Best Metal Cutting Band Saw for Your Workshop
- What metal-cutting bandsaws do
- The difference between horizontal & vertical bandsaws
- Why bandsaws are essential for modern metal workshops
- How automated and semi-automatic saws increase efficiency
- Key features to look for when buying a band saw
- A full breakdown of the premium MEP and Hydmech bandsaws available at Power Machinery
- How to choose the best machine for your workshop
What is a metal cutting bandsaw?
- Structural steel
- Pipe and tube
- Solid bar
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Mild steel and fabricated sections
- Bundles of material
- Straight, clean cuts
- Consistent repeatability
- Faster production times
- Minimal material waste
- Safer and quieter operation than abrasive cut-off saws
Types of bandsaws for Metal
1. Horizontal Bandsaws
Horizontal bandsaws are the most common machine in fabrication and engineering environments. They are ideal for cutting:
- Structural steel
- Pipe and tube
- Bar stock
- Bundles
- Sections and profiles
- Aluminium and stainless
A hydraulic or gravity-fed saw swings down through the material, providing:
- High accuracy
- Controlled feed pressure
- Safe operation
- Long blade life
- Consistent cuts
Best for: Production cutting, repetitive work, heavy metal fabrication, and workshops where material size varies.
2. Vertical Bandsaws
- Contour cuts
- Slotting
- Trimming
- Irregular shapes
- Toolmaking
- Fabrication of small custom components
3. Manual, semi-automatic or automatic Bandsaws
- Modern industrial bandsaws are available in different automation levels.
Manual Bandsaws
The operator lifts the head, positions the material, and manually brings the saw down or starts the powered descent.
- Lower cost
- Ideal for small workshops
- Good for occasional cutting
Semi-Automatic Bandsaws
The saw performs most of the work automatically:
- Hydraulically clamps the vice
- Controls blade descent
- Stops at the end of the cut
- Lifts the head automatically
These saws have:
- Excellent balance of speed and cost
- Ideal for small–medium fabrication shops
- Great for repetitive production jobs
Fully Automatic Bandsaws
Automatic band saws handle:
- Material feeding
- Clamping
- Cutting
- Head return
- Indexing multiple components
They also allow programming of multiple jobs.
- Highest efficiency
- Lowest labour cost
- Best for production environments
Why Bandsaws Are Essential for Metal Fabrication Workshops
A high-quality band saw improves every part of the cutting process. Here’s why they are so widely used across Australian fabrication and engineering industries.
1. Cleaner, Straighter Cuts
Bandsaws cut with a continuous blade, which produces:
- Smooth finishes
- Minimal burr
- Accurate angles
- Perfect mitres
- Less post-processing
This reduces grinding time and improves downstream productivity.
2. Faster Than Abrasive or Cold Saws
- Solid bar
- Thick steel
- Stainless
3. Lower Operating Costs
Band saw blades last significantly longer than abrasive wheels. They also cut cooler and safer, reducing machine wear.
4. Safer Cutting Method
- Fewer sparks
- Less heat
- Lower noise
- Better stability
5. Ideal for Heavy-Duty Industrial Environments
High-capacity bandsaws can cut:
- Large beams
- Heavy sections
- Solid bar up to 500mm+
- Multiple tubes at once
- Bundles of material
This makes them indispensable in industries like mining, construction, transport, manufacturing, and engineering.
Key Features to Look for in a Metal Cutting Band Saw
When comparing bandsaws for metal, consider these essential features:
1. Cutting Capacity & Envelope
Measure capacity in:
- Round
- Rectangle
- Square
Larger workshops cutting beams or bundles need higher capacities (e.g., Hydmech V25APC).
2. Build Quality & Frame Strength
Industrial fabrication requires rigid machines with cast iron components and solid frames.
3. Vice Design & Clamping Power
Hydraulic vices ensure consistent clamping and safer cutting, especially during angled cuts.
4. Automatic Controls & Programming
5. Blade Size & Tension System
Larger blades handle heavy-duty cutting better.
6. Cutting Angles / Mitre Capability
Single mitre, dual mitre, or vertical models support structural fabrication.
7. Coolant System
Essential for increasing blade life, reducing friction, and maintaining cutting accuracy.
6. Cutting Angles / Mitre Capability
Premium Bandsaws for Metal: MEP & Hydmech
Power Machinery supplies two industry-leading brands known for reliability, precision, and durability: MEP (Italy) and Hydmech (Canada/USA).
MEP Metal Bandsaws
MEP is a global leader in industrial cutting equipment, known for reliability, accuracy, and exceptional build quality.
Our most popular MEP Metal Bandsaws are:
MEP Shark 281CCS (Manual)
- Gravity-fed manual bandsaw
- Robust cast-iron construction
- Ideal for small workshops
- Smooth, accurate cutting
- Compact footprint
MEP Shark 282SXI (Semi-Automatic)
- Semi-automatic hydraulic bandsaw
- Heavy duty cast iron construction
- Mitre cutting from 45° right to 60° left
- Automatic return of saw head
- Large cutting capacity
- Integrated coolant system
- Best suited for repetitive production jobs
MEP Shark 331-1NC and MEP Shark 332-1NC
- High-volume, precision metal cutting
- Set and store multiple cutting lengths and quantities for unattended operation
- Consistent feed pressure, stable cutting, and exceptional repeatability
- High-speed automatic bar feeder
- Large cutting capacity
- Mitre cutting capability from 60° right to 45° left
- Rigid cast-iron structure
- Integrated coolant system and blade cleaning brush
- Reduce labour costs, speed up output, and achieve consistent results across large material batches
Hydmech metal Bandsaws
Hydmech is known worldwide for manufacturing some of the most advanced and durable industrial bandsaws available. Their machines are exceptionally well suited for large-scale workshops and demanding production environments.
Hydmech V-Series and S-Series
- Available in semi and full automatic
- Ideal for large beams, structural steel, and steel supply centres
- Available with CNC programming with up to 99 jobs
- 3° canted head for faster cuts and longer blade life
- Mitres dual direction 60° left and right
- Shuttle feed vice with 1000mm automatic stroke
- Automatic multi-indexing
- Hydraulic vices on both sides of the blade
- Designed for high-volume industrial cutting
- V Series greatly improve material handling
This model offers unmatched productivity for workshops that process large steel sections or need heavy-duty automation.
Hydmech S Series (Horizontal Saws)
- Heavy duty cast iron construction
- Mitre cutting from 45° right to 60° left
- Automatic return of saw head
- Large cutting capacity
- Integrated coolant system
- Best suited for repetitive production jobs
These models are ideal for general fabrication, engineering, manufacturing, and production cutting.Hydmech bandsaws are premium machines engineered for maximum durability, perfect for Australian workshops needing the highest cutting performance.
MEP VS HYDMECH - Which Brand is Right for you?
| Workshop Type | Recommended Brand | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small Fabrication Shops | MEP Shark 281 or 332 | Reliable, Affordable, Easy to operate |
| Medium Industrial Workshops | MEP Shark SXI Hydraulics | High accuracy semi-automatic systems |
| Heavy Fabrication Workshops | Hydmech V, M or H Series | Dual mitre, Heavy duty, Long-term precision |
| High Volume Production | Hydmech APC or MEP CNC or Velocex | Fully automatic, programmable |
| Structural Steel Fabricators | Hydmech V-Series | Exceptional mitre range + hydraulic controls |
How to Choose the Right Bandsaw for Metal
Before purchasing a metal cutting band saw, consider:
✔ What materials you cut most frequently (e.g., tube, RHS, SHS, beams, plate)
✔ Volume of daily production (single shift vs continuous production)
✔ Automation level needed (manual, semi-auto, or fully automatic)
✔ Required mitre capability
✔ Cutting accuracy and tolerance requirements
✔ Blade size and hydraulic power
✔ Workshop space and layout
Power Machinery can help assess your workflow and recommend the ideal model.
Why Purchase from power Machinery?
Power Machinery has been supplying Australian workshops since 1972. You benefit from:
✔ Decades of industry experience
✔ Full service, support, and spare parts
✔ Access to Europe’s and North America’s best machine brands
✔ Reliable, long-lasting machines
✔ Demonstrations and expert advice
✔ Australia-wide delivery
Your investment is protected with machines designed to last in demanding environments.
Conclusion: The Best Bandsaws for Metal
Whether you’re upgrading your fabrication workshop, replacing an old saw, or expanding production capability, choosing the right bandsaw for metal is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
A high-quality metal cutting band saw from MEP or Hydmech will:
- Improve accuracy
- Reduce cutting time
- Increase blade life
- Lower operational costs
- Enhance workshop safety
- Increase total production capacity
Explore our full range here: https://www.powermachinery.com.au/metal-bandsaws/
Or contact our team for recommendations tailored to your workflow on 02 8445 8555 or info@powermachinery.com.au