Had to choose between a new band saw or a new grinder for my shop

My old band saw blade kept jumping the track, and my grinder was getting slow. I had about $1200 set aside and couldn't get both. I went with the grinder, a 1.5 horsepower model from a local supplier. It's been two weeks and sharpening knives is way faster, but breaking down whole lambs is taking longer by hand now. For those who had to pick one major tool over another, how did you make it work short term?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannah4006d ago

Honestly the real question is which one would make you more money or save more time right now. Sharp tools mean you can take on more finishing work, but a slow breakdown process kills your whole workflow. Maybe you could rent a bandsaw for the big jobs until you save up again, some equipment places do weekend rates.

knight.dylan6d ago

But what's your actual breakdown bottleneck?

morgan.rose6d ago

Renting is a smart middle ground. It lets you handle the big cuts without the huge upfront cost. That way your sharp tools keep making money while you figure out the long term plan.