Metal cutting band saw ?

[Adk Mike]

I spend my weekends in my heated shop. 500 square feet . I like metal working . I do some welding. Currently I’m Building a utility trailer. I think I need a band saw. My question what do you guys like ? With limited floor space I’m thinking a Milwaukee Porta Band. But friends tell me to get a floor mounted unit like they sell at Harbor Freight. Anybody have a suggestion on what you’d get?

 

[LXCam]

I have everything you can imagine for cutting metal. And if I were only allowed to keep one, it wouldn't take more that a half a second to decide on keeping a Milwaukee deep portaband. It's the most versatile unit there is and there's hardly a day goes by it doesn't get picked up and used.

 

[tarmy]

This...


Accurate, clean cuts...versitile. Great vise too.

Now, if I could get the damn photo in correctly...

 

[vertguy]

And if you go with a portaband, the Swag tables are a must have option. Never knew how much I needed one of these until I bought a Dewalt along with a Swag table.

http://www.swagoffroad.com/SWAG-Portaband-Tables-Accessories_c_35.html

 

[kkroger]

The little 4x6 Harbor Freight saw does a fair job, change out the gear box oil and get the big chunks out of it... do the alignment process on the blade guides, I never worried about the down feed it works fine as is and mine gets a workout believe me. Second would be the Portaband I honestly don't know how I ever lived without one.... I am trying to get an Ellis 4000 you can cross cut 20" on it... A shop I deal with regularly has one for $2k... it is a $6k saw...

 

[sqznby]

You really cant go wrong with a porta band, especially with the lack of space. And like vertguy suggested the swag table is a must. Its versatile and functional.
Tarmy also suggested a great saw as well. But, the cost factor is quite the spread compared to the porta band.

I have a porta band and just got myself a swag table. Really cant beat it.

 

[2oolhound]

Here you go Tammy - (second photo I've flipped in the last 10 minutes here)

I have a Hem clone top right and a small porter cable, top left, I keep on a table (which gets a ton of use) as well as a small floor mount. I just rebuilt the floor mount HF type so I haven't used it enough to give an opinion but it does take up some space compared to the bench models which can be stored out of the way easier. My Hem clone was handy as hell but I hated installing the small table for hand cuts in the vertical position every time I needed it so I picked up the porter cable unit which I keep mounted permanently on the vertical stand. I use it more than the Hem clone now which just does straight or angle cuts on stock. The floor model will be used for heavier stock or when I need to do a lot of cuts.

 

[tarbellb]

How are you guys cutting straight + square cuts with those porta bandsaws? Just using a scribed line and pushing it through, fence, ?

I get the appeal of the small bandsaws but rarely do I ever need a non straight+square cut?

 

[tjb836]

Not hard to do. Just go slow and don't try to force the saw.
You can get a straight cut with a little practice.

 

[Jon69RagTop]

I too have the hem saw, it’s awesome and can cut 1/16” slivers off square tube. Awesome saw.

 

[2oolhound]

Not hard to do. Just go slow and don't try to force the saw.
You can get a straight cut with a little practice.

Yep, the guides (bearings) are adjustable so you can set them to cut straight.

 

[kmacht]

I like my hf 4x6 but you need to build a new base for it. The sheet metal one is just way too flimsy.

Keitg

 

[sweetk30]

love my Milwaukee port-a-band and my swag offroad table kit .

1st pic installed .03/2015

2nd and 3rd pic just a few weeks ago and still going great . 12/2017

 

[sqznby]

Not hard to do. Just go slow and don't try to force the saw.
You can get a straight cut with a little practice.

The Incra miter qauge is very nice to and makes the job that much easier.

 

[cspcrx]

+1 on the Femi/Hem saws. I have the small one, 782xl, and am very impressed. I picked it because it will cut anything I will ever need to and it goes vertical. They sell a table that clamps into the vise and turns it into a vertical band saw also.

Cut quality is amazing. Made some 16g picture frames with 45deg corners and the fit was super.

 

[matt_i]

My vote is for Wellsaw 58, its 7x12 capacity but has large transit wheels (similar to a 2-wheel hand truck). Made down the road in Michigan.

If you have the space, a Dake/Kysor/Johnson Model J is a really nice saw. It kind of looks clunky but its pure functional goodness.

If you are really wanting to spend some bucks, go after a DoAll if you can find it good used. Everything is heavily built. And there are higher end saws than this...

The difference I like with a horizontal stationary saw is that you setup a cut and then go do something else while the saw runs. The guides are easily tweaked for squareness. The PortaBand station requires constant attention and there's the inevitable disappointment in squareness when you are faced with cutting a 2" solid round. In 304 stainless.

 

[Threadkiller]

Wow, those hem saws are expensive! Anyone know someone that makes a cheaper version? I cant spend $500+ on a saw even though im sure its completely worth it.

 

[Chicken]

I've got a Milwaukee portaband and SWAG table. Works well, it's all great quality..but i Just don't use it as much as I should for what I spent on all that stuff!

Also it's loud. That's one thing that I dislike. otherwise great package with small footprint.

 

[dr_clyde]

How are you guys cutting straight + square cuts with those porta bandsaws? Just using a scribed line and pushing it through, fence, ?

I get the appeal of the small bandsaws but rarely do I ever need a non straight+square cut?

I'll be very honest with you, it is very difficult to get a consistent, square and straight cut from a portaband freehand. Possible, yes. But still difficult.

I use one almost daily to cut sanitary stainless tubes in the plant. I use a tube saw guide to keep a straight cut. They are expensive and specific to a size of tube.

A portaband is a great tool. But they are not a replacement for a regular horizontal bandsaw.

 

[E.Marquez]

This...

Accurate, clean cuts...versitile. Great vise too.

How about that

 

[2mJps]

I have a 4x6 band saw its great. I have used alot of high dollar saws and my chaep one will do every thing they can as long as it fits in the saw. I have thought about a biger one but the blades are cheaper for what i have.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have the old SWAG mount and a Milwaukee portaband and it's a sweet setup. The blade definitely isn't square on the saw, so making straight cuts when holding the saw is a *****. When using it in the SWAG mount as a vertical bandsaw you can make some great cuts.

 

[cspcrx]

Trick the little brother can do the larger Femi/Hem cannot. I do not ever see me needing to cut something larger than 4 in so this one was perfect for me.

Untitled by Victor M, on Flickr

 

[Adk Mike]

Wow. Thanks for all the advice. I see no easy answer. I have to give it some thought. I do not mind buying quality. I’m leaning toward a Porta Band. But those other saws look good too.

 

[mrobins297aaa]

take a look at a used Rockwell portaband with the stand, its quite a saw.
In the sheet metal trade we used these saws 8 hrs a day everyday for cutting angle iron thread rod for hangers for ductwork.
They lasted forever, we also had the Milwaukee porta band but I hate to say it but the Rockwell was a much better saw. You need to find one with the stand it makes it a completely different saw. You won't be sorry.

 

[2oolhound]

My porter cable saw has that same stand ^^^^^ although I'm using the saw on a vertical table and that stand is being stored.

 

[buildyourown]

I have a bench mounted portaband and it really is a great tool and very compact. My shop is cozy so I cant give up the space for a horizontal. I use a real $10k Do-all everyday at work so I am well aware of the differences. For hobby stuff its hard to beat for the money and space.
If you are handy dont bother buying the SWAG kit. I made mine in about 30min.

 

[steel 35]

How are you guys cutting straight + square cuts with those porta bandsaws? Just using a scribed line and pushing it through, fence, ?
I get the appeal of the small bandsaws but rarely do I ever need a non straight+square cut?

I leave the line and it cleans up very fast with the belt/disk & guide Finnish is very accurate I had a early version mount tried the guide one time, Then when I could not change the blade alone any longer, made my own table mount as well. The new one's look much nicer! I'd trade.

 

[BD1]

My REAL saw is a ELLIS 1600 , but not cheap. Milwaukee portabands cannot be beat for sure. I bought the HF horizontal 4x6 bandsaw many years ago . It still cuts straight but quality blades really help. It is really slow but you can do other things as it cuts.
I vote for a horizontal saw and a Milwaukee portaband on a stand with homemade table or buy the swag table . I made a couple stands for the portabands. Bought them used on Craigslist for $75 each. I do have one for hand holding too. AWESOME TOOL .

 

[Cypherian]

Wow. Thanks for all the advice. I see no easy answer. I have to give it some thought. I do not mind buying quality. I’m leaning toward a Porta Band. But those other saws look good too.

Go with the Porta band variable speed and Swag kit. Keep you eyes peeled in CL or Fleabay for :
This will work:


This is the better choice.


Make sure if you get the horizontal you get one with the hydraulic cylinder they can not be purchased anymore . Some bits and pieces but no complete units. You could modify one from other models if need be but make sure you take it off your price if your buying one with out it .

I have both plus the Milwaukee Porta band variable speed and swag kit. The first two are ok for cutting stock to length etc but for doing brackets and detail work the porta band and swag kit are the best . I use cut off wheels too but in the cold weather it is nice not to have to hold a freezing tool while trying to make delicate cuts. YMMV

Cypher

 

[nh_yota]

I have an older Porta-Band that I bought cheap at a yard sale last year. I don't do any welding and rarely work with metal, so to me the Porta-Band is one of those tools that I may not use regularly but it comes in really handy when I need it.

Comparing a Porta-Band to a stationary band saw is like comparing a cordless drill to a drill press. Both can drill holes but one is portable and the other is more accurate, so they both have their pros and cons. If you can only have one saw I would go with a Porta-Band because you can mount it on a stand to improve its accuracy whereas you really can't make a stationary band saw portable.

 

[seanc_mt]

I love my HF saw with a good blade. cuts fast square and straight. Two best things are: Set it to cut something and walk away, and I can still hear the TV when working on metal projects. Saves your hearing over time.

 

[Adk Mike]

I really appreciate all the input. The porta band and the Swag table will use up 500 bucks pretty easy. I’m going to take my time sometimes good deals fall in my lap when I have the cash in hand. If I have to spend 500 I will.
There’s always tools to buy.

 

[E.rodz]

here is another great option for you and your limited space a cold cut chop saw.way easier to miter cut with it nice sq cuts.

https://www.toolfetch.com/evolution...MI0vfOoN7N2AIV0LXACh2Oeg_eEAQYASABEgJSdvD_BwE

 

[bullnerd]

I think if your first project is long trailer parts, you'll want a horizontal or a cold saw style like Rodz posted. With the deals on CL these days, just buy both.

 

[zmotorsports]

I'll be very honest with you, it is very difficult to get a consistent, square and straight cut from a portaband freehand. Possible, yes. But still difficult.

I use one almost daily to cut sanitary stainless tubes in the plant. I use a tube saw guide to keep a straight cut. They are expensive and specific to a size of tube.

A portaband is a great tool. But they are not a replacement for a regular horizontal bandsaw.

^^This. I know the portaband is quite popular and has a healthy following. I have a few friends that have them as well as utilizing the SWAG table. I have used them when working at their shops, however, they are no substitute for a good horizontal or even vertical bandsaw. Granted I know they are at different ends of the financial spectrum but you will also get different results comparing one to the other.

 

[tarbellb]

here is another great option for you and your limited space a cold cut chop saw.way easier to miter cut with it nice sq cuts.

https://www.toolfetch.com/evolution...MI0vfOoN7N2AIV0LXACh2Oeg_eEAQYASABEgJSdvD_BwE

I started out with this, bought it from Lowes actually.

Its technically a "dry cut" saw, big diff between a "cold" and "dry", you can search the forums for more info.

Anyways, I have used almost every Dry Cut saw on the market now and that Evo 14" metal specific is absolutely a great buy. Better then most, and lower cost too.

Good luck, interested to see what you get.


PS someone really should combine all the Band Saw pro/con and Dry Cut pro/cons together. Would be a pretty useful thread to read.

 

[shawhite]

I originally wanted a dry cut saw but after using a friends I decided I want a horizontal band saw. I have been eyeing the baileigh portable band saw. It’s very similar to the hem but have variable speed instead of just 2 speeds and has a larger cut capacity and larger miter.


https://www.baileigh.com/portable-metal-cutting-band-saw-bs-127p

 

[Slednut]

My SIL just sent me these pictures of some cuts he did with his new cold saw.

 

[Richard D]

Go to the pawn shop and buy two $100 Milwaukee portabands. Put one on a SWAG table. That'll do 90%(or all)that a hobbiest needs to do. I assume you have angle grinders/cut-off wheels. Buy more elaborate stuff later.