David Pidwerbecki wrote:
I've been looking for a 14" floor model bandsaw for my hobby metal working
shop. Almost all that I've found look near identicle. The HF model is sold
as being lighter in weight, however it has a 4 speed sheave relative to the
single speed Jet bandsaw. I really don't need a super heavy duty band
saw - mostly for cutting up to 1/4" steel (max) for brackets, etc.

The HF band saw can go down to 600 fpm blade speed. Is this slow enough for
metal?

NO!!

Well, yes, but definitely not steel. You can cut aluminum at those speeds.

Those are woodworking saws. Only. Period.

For 1/4" steel you might get one of those $1000 wood/metal ones, or you can
just buy a little 4x6" saw and stand it up in vertical mode. Those are like
$150-200 depending on where you get 'em. Try http://www.ipstool.com I think
I saw one there for $129 recently.

GWE