View Full Version : Portable band saws
Search didn't turn up a whole lot, a couple people said Milwaukee was awesome (no surprise), and there was mention of the HF saw and a cordless one.
I'm looking to hear opinions on the best corded portable bandsaw. My first inclination is always Milwaukee, but upon looking at the specs it'll only cut 3.5" round stock, while the Makita will cut 4.5" round stock.
I'm not usually a Makita fan but was thinking it might be cheaper than $300 for the Milwaukee. I found the Makita for around $270, so not much difference. Also Metabo makes a nice looking unit which will cut 4.25" round stock, and Ridgid makes one that might be promising as well.
When it comes to cutting, I'd think the wider the better; the round stock capacity just seems to indicate the width of the saw's throat. So while I might never be cutting any *round stock*, ie tube, larger than 3.5" it seems I might someday want to cut something that's wider than 3.5"............and it seems to make sense to shop for a saw with the widest available cut.
WILLIE
10-19-2004, 02:15 PM
I have the milwaukee deep cut band saw. I think it will cut 4.75" by 4.75". I use the hell out of this saw and haven't had any problems with it yet. Model # is 6232-6
morpheus
10-19-2004, 02:30 PM
I have the Porter Cable variable speed model and really like it. That said I've used the Milwaukee vari-speed deep cut alot and actually prefer the way it works. If you compare the two you see that the motor stands up on the PC and back at angle on the Milwaukee. For some reason I can make a straight cut easier and better with the Milwaukee ...
I've looked at the HF saw and for the price, $39 or $49, it's on sale right now. At that price it appears to be a decent saw ...
If you compare the two you see that the motor stands up on the PC and back at angle on the Milwaukee. For some reason I can make a straight cut easier and better with the Milwaukee ...
Yeah, Milwaukee talks about how they've tried to balance the weight of the saw so it's easier to make a straight cut. From what you've said, perhaps it's true.
Willie, thanks for the info. That was my problem, I was looking at the wrong saw. I found the model # you list for as little as $287 online, seems like a deal to me. I found this:
http://www.powertools.com/WdWkMac/Bandsaw/6232-6.asp?var1=6232-6
which claims the saw is avail from Woodworker's Supply for $287 and free shipping.
Part II: I was thinking this would be good for shaving, ie cutting (& plating), a diff. I've read where people have used jigsaws or recipro saws, but seems like this would have a better chance at a straight cut? Anyone used a portable band saw to shave a diff?
morpheus
10-19-2004, 03:08 PM
I would not use it to actually cut the diff. I used my grinder and a cutoff wheel and had the cut made straight/clean/smooth in a 1-2 minutes. That diff was unlike any metal I've cut before... I guess because it's cast.
ChiScouter
10-19-2004, 04:29 PM
I own a milwaukee deep cut and recently used the porter cable model that has the motor sticking out on an angle. The pc actually flexes less than the milwaukee and is lighter and much more compact, but just doesn't cut as straight or as easily and has a cheap feel to it. I was at a big tool store the other day and they had another pc that has a similar motor design as the milwaukee. The saw was a lot more compact than a milwaukee, and I really liked the look and feel of it. They also had a DeWalt that I really really liked the feel of. I have never seen a DeWalt portaband before but I was very impressed with the one I saw. The Milwaukee cuts well and all but is way oversized, heavy, and awkward. I think it is overdue for a redesign
Milwaukee Deep cut bandsaw is the best tool I have ever bought. Check ebay. I got mine for like 150 or so in great condtion. I see new ones for around 200 or so
Check this site
http://band-saws.com/s/Milwaukee_Band_Saw/
I have used both the milwakee and porta cable, both excellant saws, used em for few years. Now for my cheap ass budget at my work, have been using a HF band saw for a year. Have cut 3" round stock, 3/4" thick plate numerous times. For light duty it works pretty good, besure to get better blades though. And I think they are sale for around $70 right now. But, with that said usually you get what ya pay for.
Hmm, I'm having a hard time telling the difference between the 6230 and the 6232-6. Milwaukee's own site even has a "compare" feature and all the specs look the same. The tool weight is even the same (claimed at 17lbs) but the shipping weight is different by 5.5 lbs and I can't tell why. Maybe just different cases?
tj40ounce
10-20-2004, 09:59 AM
Hmm, I'm having a hard time telling the difference between the 6230 and the 6232-6. Milwaukee's own site even has a "compare" feature and all the specs look the same. The tool weight is even the same (claimed at 17lbs) but the shipping weight is different by 5.5 lbs and I can't tell why. Maybe just different cases?
the 6232-6 comes w/a hard plastic case, the 6230 comes w/out.
Fastenal has a private lable "import" saw that has the same cutting capacity as the Milwaukee for much less. Part #0253312. I've sold a couple of them and didn't hear any complaints. Definitely not a Milwaukee though... Perfect tool for weekend warrior type use.
I would not use it to actually cut the diff. I used my grinder and a cutoff wheel and had the cut made straight/clean/smooth in a 1-2 minutes. That diff was unlike any metal I've cut before... I guess because it's cast.
Yeah, cast is easy to cut. Others have reported a jigsaw cuts it like butter, so I'd think a bandsaw would rip right thru it.
In this instance the cut is wide enough I have to cut each side separately,and I'm concerned about keeping it straight and even on both sides......like using a chop saw to cut, say, a piece of 2x4 steel vs a grinder where you can only cut one side at a time. Clear as mud?
TJ40, thanks for clearing up the model # issue
Old Scout
10-20-2004, 10:57 AM
Yeah, Milwaukee talks about how they've tried to balance the weight of the saw so it's easier to make a straight cut. From what you've said, perhaps it's true.
Willie, thanks for the info. That was my problem, I was looking at the wrong saw. I found the model # you list for as little as $287 online, seems like a deal to me. I found this:
http://www.powertools.com/WdWkMac/Bandsaw/6232-6.asp?var1=6232-6
which claims the saw is avail from Woodworker's Supply for $287 and free shipping.
It'sa 269 with free shipping here:
http://www.toolking.com/milwaukee/view.asp?id=3423
It'sa 269 with free shipping here:
http://www.toolking.com/milwaukee/view.asp?id=3423
Thanks Old Scout, I actually found that yesterday. After their $6 "handling fee" and $8 Colo sales tax it's about $3-4 cheaper than what Woodworker Supply claims. But I'm cheap enough that I'd be fine with saving $3.
The toolseeker site claims you can get $10 off at Tool King using coupon code TK1010; I tried it and it had no effect on my subtotal in my shopping cart. Maybe its' expired...........
Old Scout
10-20-2004, 01:30 PM
How far away is lakewood from you ?
toolking:
11111 West 6th Ave
Lakewood
CO, 80215
Yeah, I know they have several stores in Denver but I'm 7 hours or so away from Denver. I'm gonna watch some of the eBay units, but generally speaking I hate ebay, it's just that it can be a lot of effort for a questionable product with very little safety net. I hate having to watch auctions and proxy bidding doesn't work due to sniping. There are a few Buy It Nows I'll research. And then one place in PA wanted $30 to ship to CO, which I believe is at least a little inflated for a 30lb package. And don't get me started on Paypal LOL
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