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Portable Band Saws?

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by radshooter, Jan 28, 2018.

  1. radshooter

    radshooter Member

    I am kinda getting the itch for one, but can't really justify the $$ right now.

    I already have a 14" chop saw, 4 1/2" grinder with cutoff wheel, sawzall, and, of course, a hacksaw. I also have a generator if I ever need to do any "remote" work.

    What would/could I do with the portable bandsaw that I cannot do with the tools I already have? I am only a garage/hobby/DIY guy. Nothing fancy.

    Thanks
     
  2. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Nothing, you'll just be adding another cutting option to your collection. I have everything you mentioned plus a horizontal band saw. The biggest plus to the porta band is not throwing sparks.

    I have a Milwaukee that I bought off of CL for about $80 in near-perfect condition, that's how I justified buying it.
     
  3. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    I used to work at a shop that built a lot of handrails. On the job site, nothing cut tubing like a Portaband.
     
    Daryl and 47v6 like this.
  4. Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I worked in the weld shop at old job , when I wasn't repairing machines
    the portaband or milwaukee were the tool that I would use just about every day
    I have a older model portraband for home use
     
  5. 47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have a milwaukee portable band saw. It works great. No sparks, clean cuts. Its not for everything, but i have used it quite a bit. Got it used of course.
     
  6. Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    A portable Milwaukee Band saw and a tristand. Best set up for on site metal cutting. I sometimes clamp the saw in the tristand for a vertical band saw...

    I have two, one regular and one deep throat... :bananatool:
     
  7. Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    I have bought this small tool to work outside or everywhere. Small and useful.
    In fact now I have maybe 6 portable tools on battery and I use them more and more.
    1505-0.jpg outils portail.jpeg
     
  8. radshooter

    radshooter Member

    Thanks everyone...
    Sounds like it would be a useful tool to have. I like the idea of using it for a vertical saw.
    Right now it is more "want" than "need". Budget and space are both tight now so I think I will hold off a while and make due with what I have. Maybe start watching for a used on Craiglist.

    Thanks again
    Steve
     
  9. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    IMO, save up and buy new, unless the seller can verify they rarely used it.

    With lots of use, the parts start to wear and blade tracking becomes an issue. Fixing it becomes more expensive than it's worth. They hold their value well, and even the hammered ones bring a lot of money.
     
  10. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    IMO, buy nice used. I doubt that you will use it enough to justify the cost of new.
     
  11. radshooter

    radshooter Member

    Thanks ITLKSEZ. I may hold out until I retire in a few years and build a decent size shop. Then I think I will get a floor model horizontal saw.
     
  12. radshooter

    radshooter Member

    Thanks Focker....If I catch a reallllllllyyyyyy good deal I will grab it. Like you said, I don't think I would use it a lot. They seem heavy and kinda bulky. It would be a neat toy to have though!
     
  13. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

  14. Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    I actually have one on these tables, just never used it yet. Need too make the legs...

    [​IMG]
     
    Focker likes this.
  15. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

  16. Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    They pop up in the pawn shops around here all the time now really cheap. One of the best tool purchases you can ever make.
     
  17. garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Use my Milwakee portaband on job sites all the time. Most any thing ever.
     
  18. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    It's a "want" now, after you own one it will become a "need." :lol:
     
    Twin2 likes this.
  19. radshooter

    radshooter Member

    Y'all are being too helpful! The Bauer saw is even on sale at HF now and I managed to get out of the store without it yesterday!
     
  20. PieLut

    PieLut Member

    This is one of my favorite tools in the shop. Milwaukee band saw and Swag table.
    [​IMG]
     
    tymbom, timgr, Daryl and 1 other person like this.