Thoughts on portable band saw?

[JobeFabrications]

Been thinking about adding a portable band saw to my tool stable but not sure on brand or model to get. Been buying Milwaukee lately and have been happy. Would need to be able to cut through at least 1/4" cold rolled steel bar/sheet.

Thanks

 

[Ign]

I've heard the latest generation of Milwaukee portabands aren't that great, but I've not handled them personally. I'm a Milwaukee fan, so no agenda against Milwaukee.

Your requirements are nothing; any portaband can cut 1/4" stock be it round, square or flat bar up to the width or depth of it's capacity. That's the main thing: cutting depth and width of the saw's throat.

I love my cordless M28 portaband, but it's heavy (which means they didnt' skimp on construction IMO). I don't have a lot of experience with corded models.

 

[Zeke]

I haven't seen a cordless porta-band yet. Sounds cool but limited. The high battery use tools like a reciprocating saw last about 5 minutes of continuous use for me.

I have the Portercable brand; it's an oldie but goody. I like all that I see. I'd even buy the HF one.

 

[steel 35]

If you get one make sure SWAG sells a table that fits it. I really like mine.

 

[rlitman]

Would need to be able to cut through at least 1/4" cold rolled steel bar/sheet.

Last night I clamped a bar of 1" square hrs in my portaband, and had absolutely no trouble cutting through it several times with a 14tpi band.

I haven't seen a cordless porta-band yet.

Yeah, there's a Milwaukee M18 that I believe is full sized, and an adorable M12 that takes mini bands. So cute, but not something I'd look at in cordless.

 

[BJ42LX]

I bought a Milwaukee variable speed portable band saw a few months ago. It's amazing.

A hacksaw is like holding hands; A portable band saw is like getting to home plate!

 

[TheGrooveking]

For reference that I have a Milwaukee corded deep cut portable bandsaw and have the following cordless band saws:

Stought XTC-250 18 volt NiCd cordless bandsaw with optional vertical stand.
Bosch 18 volt LiIon cordless bandsaw
Milwaukee M12 cordless bandsaw
DeWalt 18 volt NiCd cordless bandsaw

All of them will cut 1/4" steel rod like butter, so its basically up to capacity you are looking for.

TheGrooveking

 

[machine_punk]

I like the current Milwaukee portable saw. The cool thing about the new one is that is has a continuously variable speed (not just two set speeds). I have the deep cut and I recommend it (for a little more, you get more capacity...I never know what I am going to be cutting.

I built a table and bracket for mine, so I can use it as a mini, vertical, metal cutting saw...
View media item 24133
View media item 24132
View media item 24131
Kev

 

[the gypsy]

For reference that I have a Milwaukee corded deep cut portable bandsaw and have the following cordless band saws:

Stought XTC-250 18 volt NiCd cordless bandsaw with optional vertical stand.
Bosch 18 volt LiIon cordless bandsaw
Milwaukee M12 cordless bandsaw
DeWalt 18 volt NiCd cordless bandsaw

All of them will cut 1/4" steel rod like butter, so its basically up to capacity you are looking for.

TheGrooveking

I am curious, which one of the cordless band saws work best (performance) and which one has best battery time?

 

[RivennHewn]

I have the corded Milwaukee mini.

One of my favorite tools.

Cordless are nice for some applications, but I hate getting half way thru a cut and having to change batteries.

 

[gus1962]

Check out Milwaukee, HF and Dewalt .I have trajan band saw - check Trajan 150 , it's a great looking porta band saw but the price is greater than Milwaukee and HF .

 

[pattenp]

I have a HF portable bandsaw and it does fine for the occasional use I give it. If I cut a lot I may have purchased another brand. I'm sure the HF would not hold up under heavy use.

 

[knobby]

not trying to hijack but have you seen any of the 7 1/4" metal cutting circular saws
I have both a porta band and a circular saw and find that the circular saw is the one that i reach for most often these days as it cuts faster and is easier to handle
just nicer cuts as well
http://www.makitatools.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?Name=4131

 

[Spudland_Dave]

If you get one make sure SWAG sells a table that fits it. I really like mine.

+1 on the SWAG Table Kit.
I got an older Milwaukee portaband on trade for some junk I had...sent it out to have it professionally rebuilt (only thing not new is the plastic & paint )
LOVE it...my go to when cutting steel. Haven't used my 14" DeWalt chop saw since I got it.