Portable bandsaw and stand question

[jproaster]

Want to maximize tool efficiency since my workshop build is small; and it's mostly about hobbies. However, not hobby related, I'd like a setup for cutting some right angle and square tubing soon to fab some metal frames for various projects at the coffee shop where I work.

Given space limitations, I am considering buying a portable bandsaw and a stand that would do the duty of a cutoff saw and a bandsaw. I've read some threads and watched a few vids. But, I'd like your thoughts.

Relatedly, I like the Milwaukee ac/dc 11amp corded saw for $279 at Northern Tool ($300 w/case).

Thanks
John

 

[lis2323]

IF your primary use is cutting tube and angle for frames your best bet would be a dry cut saw for your $300 price range.

Of course everything is a trade off. In a perfect world you’d have a horizontal bandsaw, plasma cutter ....

 

[jproaster]

If a port bandsaw can do well as a dry saw and bandsaw, I'd like to go this route.

 

[Firebrick43]

If a port bandsaw can do well as a dry saw and bandsaw, I'd like to go this route.

As owner of a dewalt portaband at home and user of milwaukees at work the will never perform as well as an abrasive or cold cut saw for making square cuts for tubing or structural shapes. And neither one of those will beat a horzontal band saw of decent quality.

A portaband is useful where you can't take the material to be cut to the saw.

It may be merely ok for home use in a small shop. Hell many have built planes/cars/farm machinery with hacksaws for the first 5-6 decades of the last century. Just don't expect perfect square cuts or cuts that are fast.

 

[Craftfab]

OP this thread may be helpful if you have not seen it yet. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=403521

For the deep 11 amp Milwaukee corded w/case($280 on sale at CPO btw) plus a purchased stand, you are getting close to $450. This benchtop horizontal band saw is often recommended at $499: https://www.trick-tools.com/Femi_78...QeomgByVp-B9WvCKap7uBsrY-lfspUm0aArHwEALw_wcB

 

[jproaster]

Anyone able to give their testimony on the Femi Hem 782?

Thanks guys.

 

[Firebrick43]

I can't give you a testimony to the Femi itself. I have a 225$~ knock off the "looks" identical. I am not impressed. Straight cuts are ok. Angled cuts will veer off. I can do better with my portaband. Of course maybe they didn't copy something just right by the geometry of the pivot looks suspect to me.

 

[kazlx]

The Femi saws are nice. I would go that route before a portaband setup.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Anyone able to give their testimony on the Femi Hem 782?

Thanks guys.

It's the best you are going to do on a benchtop, no doubt.