Metal bandsaw PC port-a-bend?

[mercifiknow]

So in my new shop my car project will be taking up most of the floor space along with car lift (hopefully) and I was considering get a bandsaw for the welder I will be getting soon.

I’ve had to cut metal before and, given my arm strength, pretty much made me useless the rest of the day. I was considering getting an old PC Port—A-Band 725 (USA made) off eBay or CL or somewhere and make a stand for it. It’s compact enough to put on wall and the stand I’m think about making, I can also hang beside it.

Different Make/Model? Thoughts? Helpful comments?

 

[Mintgrun]

Here's my Milwaukee "Portaband" using a vise/table pedestal as a stand and a string running over the trigger, to a pedal on the floor; making a variable speed foot control. The aluminum table was made to replace the little steel bar that came on the saw. I have not used the Porter Cable model, but am a fan of this one.

 

[Nutria]

I use mine a lot-- Milwaukee on a SWAG table with foot switch. But I missed having a Porta-Band free of the table too, so I found an old Porter-Cable Rockwell 725 and overhauled it for more mobile use. Best of both worlds, and still less space consumption than a dedicated vertical or horizontal metal bandsaw.

 

[mercifiknow]

So you both recommend it. Great! Can I repair the 725 or 7724?

 

[Nutria]

One thing to remember is that the Milwaukee Porta-Bands use a grease in the gearbox, whereas the Porter-Cable Porta-Band has a worm gear arrangement that requires oil. If you buy used, it's worth checking the condition of the brass worm gear, if you can. Past that, it's the usual dissasembly, cleanup, and bearing replacement for the most part-- for both machines. My sense is that the old Porter-Cables are a bit more robust than the Milwaukees, though the latter are strong tools too. James Huston, who posts here, and particularly over at owwm, is the real guru on old Porter-Cable machines, and he may weigh in.

 

[mercifiknow]

Great news Nutria! I figured as much about the bearings. most of the ones I’m seeing need a new electrical cord.

BTW, you’re not from Louisiana are you?

 

[Nutria]

Great news Nutria! I figured as much about the bearings. most of the ones I’m seeing need a new electrical cord.

BTW, you’re not from Louisiana are you?

Yep, from Louisiana-- not so many nutria out here in the desert.

Other replacement items: Tires, usually. Sometimes the wheel bushings need replacement. Both are generally available. And the bearings in these machines seem to hold up really well, given the low speeds. I have replaced some and left/regreased others. The bearings in the old Porter Cables in particular tend to be high-quality. Watch for cracks in the wheel housings, though they are usually not a deal-breaker.

That brass worm gear on the Porter Cables is key. If you can't see the gear, do at least check to see if there is oil in the gearbox. Skilsaw wormdrive oil is fine for replacement when the time comes.

 

[mercifiknow]

Thanks! I’ll be checking the flea bay.

 

[Nutria]

Happy hunting. Thought of two other things: the blade guide bearings often do need replacement-- easier on newer saws, can be harder on others. It's also good to check to see if the stop is there and intact, though it's pretty easy to find or make a replacement.

 

[mercifiknow]

Bought a PC Porta Bend 7724 with case off of eBay. Will post pictures when it arrives. Will check out the things y’all mentioned.

 

[Nutria]

Congrats. You're going to really like it. Downright fun to use.

 

[MJK]

PC Port-A-Bands are top notch. You'll love it. Congrats.