I use a portable band saw for cutting small things. I clamp what I am cutting in a vice. That way I can see what I am doing and my fingers aren't in danger. I have a large horizontal oil cooled band saw that we use all the time for cutting large things. But we could live without it on anything that needs cutting on a pickup. The band saw table looks pretty neat, but for cutting small stuff it wouldn't be much safer than a chop saw. And its not big enough to tackle big jobs. If I had only a chop saw, I would look at buying a portable band saw next and take the big stuff to someone who has a big band saw. If you find yourself needing a horizontal band saw, I would save money for a horizontal band saw next. The attachment looks nifty, but I just don't think its very practical. As far as around a ranch, you would be surprised how clean you can cut with a torch with some practice. If I need to cut something straight, I clamp a piece of square tubing to it and use that for a guide. And freehanding is a lot like welding. Watch the cut and move the torch at the right speed.
