Latest addition Portable Variable Speed Band Saw - HF

[middle.road]

Harbor Freight time. Has anyone tried one of these Portable Variable Speed Band Saws? -=-LINK-=-
Shoulder just isn't what it use to be so I figured what the hay. Reviews are positive and the cost,
at ~$63 with their 25% off coupon, I figure if it lasts a couple of years I'll have it made.
(It's still in it's box... Gotta get some shop time.)

_Dan

 

[den-den]

I have one and am very happy with it.

 

[Hawkeye]

I have one like that, and a Milwaukee 5x5. The Asian one works well, but is noisy enough that you should always use hearing protection. I can't believe that I used to spend all that time with a hacksaw.

 

[V31JoePalooka]

I am, also, considering one of these varible speed band saws. I only have to cut stock occasionally, but that may increase dramatically in the near future. One concern/question is the kerf when cutting. Primarily, I will be cutting 1/4" & 1/2" brass to length and some 1/4" to shape. I have seen several table addition modifications that might make one of these ideal for me. Joe "Palooka"

 

[V31JoePalooka]

I did it! With ground shipping and a 25% off coupon, $74.94 total.
But I will pay some freight from Houston to Belize. And, I should
get the free blade from M K Morris with my next VA medications
shipment from my daughter. Back to the shop. I have some Delrin
to cut and turn. Joe Palooka

 

[kevin]

I bought one of these some time ago, and have been using it successfully quite a bit. So far I have broken one blade (probably my fault for applying too much pressure).

I also made a vertical/horizontal stand for it (see link below). I have been experimenting with different blades, with some success. Finally: It's noisy - pick up some hearing protectors (also available from HF).

https://sites.google.com/site/lagad...thes-mills-etc/tools---portable-bandsaw-stand

 

[V31JoePalooka]

Thank you, Kevin. I had seen you table conversion before, so thank you. I won't have to go hunting again for it. ) Also, appreciate the band saw updates. I know when using hacksaw blades, lower TPI was best for soft material, but higher TPI gave smoother cuts. Now that this is ordered, I have to order some brass for my prototypes. Then work on my lathe mill adapter. If all goes well, I will have to acquire a mini-mill, but all in time.

 

[george wilson]

That certainly is a great price!! I'd love to have one WITH power supply when I visit the junk yard!! We used a Milwaukee for years when I was the toolmaker in Col. Williamsburg,for cutting wagon tires to length,then welding them. The wheelwrights were glad that I brought this machine to their attention. They never knew such a thing existed,and were hack sawing 1/2" x 3" steel tire material before that.

 

[V31JoePalooka]

Maybe, one of those light weight 900 Watt generators with a good extension cord, you could crawl all over the place and chop away in the junk yards. I hear that many of these are noisy, including this one. I wonder if there is a cure or a way to reduce the noise. Something I will look into after its arrival.

 

[gjmontll]

I've had one of these HF saws for a year or two, it's okay, but so far haven't used it too much. That table modification looks like a useful project. I've wondered about using cutting oil with these tools? I always use cutting oil when hacksawing steel, shouldn't I also do so with the bandsaw?

Greg