M12 band file. Which one?

[Plastikosmd]

1/2”x18” or 3/8”x13”

Which do you have or would you choose?

(I know this is GJ so “both” is likely going to be the most common option!)


I’m leaning to the longer length for access but narrow at a reasonable length is also attractive….

 

[RTM]

I can put 3/8” x 18” belts on mine (dynabrade) with a skinny nose wheel.

 

[Renegade1LI]

1/2”x18” or 3/8”x13”

Which do you have or would you choose?

(I know this is GJ so “both” is likely going to be the most common option!)


I’m leaning to the longer length for access but narrow at a reasonable length is also attractive….

Neither, I would get the dewalt, I think the m12 will be underpowered, I just ordered the dewalt so I'll see how it is.

 

[GeoBruin]

Neither, I would get the dewalt, I think the m12 will be underpowered, I just ordered the dewalt so I'll see how it is.

Nah. The drive wheel diameter on these is so small, they have plenty of torque. The belt slips on the wheel before you can stall the motor.

As for dewalt vs milwaukee, the designs are just different. The big guard/shroud on the dewalt looks like it limits the effective length of the arm, which in my opinion is one of the advantages of a band file. I have a hacked 3/8 x 13 (made from an m12 cut-off tool and a pneumatic 1/2 x 18. I use the electric more because it's handier but I prefer the 1/2 x 18 form factor. If I were going to make or buy another electric, it would be the 1/2 x 18 and if I were going to buy one, it would be the Milwaukee. And that's coming from someone with lots of dewalt 20 volt tools.

 

[Plastikosmd]

Ok, will, will start with the 1/2 and grab the 3/8 later, if needed

Thx

 

[Plastikosmd]

The decision was easier as HD had the 1/2 in stock and my pneumatic is 3/8, providing more options


I doubt I will be using the 3/8 much.

The 1/2 has plenty of power, reversible, illuminated and 2 speed. It ground down a 3/8 bolt to dust quickly. It should be perfect for those “tough to reach” spots/ welds.

Very pleased

 

[GeoBruin]

The decision was easier as HD had the 1/2 in stock and my pneumatic is 3/8, providing more options


I doubt I will be using the 3/8 much.

The 1/2 has plenty of power, reversible, illuminated and 2 speed. It ground down a 3/8 bolt to dust quickly. It should be perfect for those “tough to reach” spots/ welds.

Very pleased

When you say 2 speed, does it just have two discrete speeds, or do the speeds act like a limiter and you can further vary the speed with the trigger?

 

[NoahG]

I’ve been pretty happy with the 1/2”x18” Baxters from HF.

 

[Plastikosmd]

Good question, I wasn’t clear



Trigger varies the speed within the range (1,2) selected

 

[GeoBruin]

Good question, I wasn’t clear



Trigger varies the speed within the range (1,2) selected

Excellent. It was my understanding it was truly variable speed and I have touted that as (one of) the reasons to purchase this over just doing the hack with the cut off tool. I have the hacked version and the go/no-go trigger on that one is less than perfect.

 

[GeoBruin]

I’ve been pretty happy with the 1/2”x18” Baxters from HF.

I have and love the Baxter as well, but I admit the convenience of cordless makes me reach for that one first