So I already have a 14" abrasive chop saw for cutting metal. Our local paper has had a horizontal bandsaw for sale for a couple weeks. It's about 50% the price of new ones, according to a quick Google. What is the advantage over my chop saw? I like adding to my arsenal, but only if its something I will use.

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Horizontals are great, way more versatile than a chop saw. They are great for sheet metal and bar stock, alloys and plastics. Plus with a band saw you are cutting material and with a chop saw you are grinding material. Chop saws are limited in what you can cut both in material and size. The only advantage a chop saw has is it will work on harder materials and is compact.

They're really different beasts. As Crazy said, most band saws will cut larger stuff. Band saws are likely to be more accurate if set up well.

If I had to choose, I think I'd go with a band saw too. The friend of mine who helped me install my Atlas had one and it was cool to walk over, setup the metal on the saw, start it and walk away. It would shut off when the cut was done, with far less noise, mess, and way cleaner cut. A great tool to have around if you're doing a moderate amount of metal cutting.

Thanks for the advice. I brought it home.
Now that I've seen how it works, I'm sure it will be my "go to" metal cutter. Needs a blade, but otherwise in good shape.

My dad has a horiz. band saw that we use all the time. Use it almost as much as the plasma cutter. You won't be sorry you bought it.

Good get! Make sure you get a good quality blade. Saves a lot of time and aggravation.

So I wanted to update this. I haven't even used it much, maybe 10 cuts. It's waaaaaaay better than a chop saw. More accurate, less noisy, and no shower of sparks. Money well spent.

Bandsaws rock, I bought a porta bandsaw at the Murdoch sale and love it.