porta band

[tpic402]

Anyone have any opinions about harborfreight cheapo porta band metal band saw for occasional use. Tired off cutting metal for projects with hacksaw chopsaw always gives me to much mess and angled cuts.     Thanks

[KN]

If it's some thing I'm not going to use very often I would be tempted. If I'll need it on a regular basis I would pass and shell out for a decent one. Most of their power tool are pretty poor quality but every now and then I'll come across some thing worth the money. I bought one of their soldering iron kits, pistol type and pencil. Figured it would be ok for my use. WRONG! I'll be picking up a good one next chance I get.     KN

[Hairtrigger]

If you are looking for square, straight cuts keep looking.
I have not used the cheep version but use a Milwaukee porta band saw and find it tough to cut square in most cases

[Old Syko]

Even the quality of brand name porta-bands is seldom what I would like to see.  A porta-band is one of those items that has to withstand more than we think even under light use conditions.  Even if you only choose to use it very lightly and only occasionally it still may be a crap shoot.  Bought one of the cheap floor model cutoff saws at a local farm supply that has held up well and does a great job for about $150.  Might be something to consider.

If you decide on the cheap porta-band I would like a report on how it turns out.

Bought a 15" scroll saw from Harbor Freight probably 20 years ago or more that is all cast iron and been the best I've ever owned.  Outlived many other brand name items I've owned.  Go figure!

[Beers]

If your budget is an issue, it's always a better idea to save money by looking for used or reconditioned tools made by a quality tool maker, rather than buying an off brand. You can save just as much in many cases, and believe me, there's not a damn thing wrong with reconditioned tools.

[ro]

i have two Milwaukee porta band saws, we use them in the shop and on the job everyday, if you are going to use it alot get a good one, more money but will last for years, for angle and large runs of cuts i have a floor model fluid cooled horizontal band saw it will cut up to 10" stock.

[tpic402]

Thanks All   am going to find used as I have friend who can recondition for me for the cost of parts.     Thanks again

[sharpeblades]

I am a full time knifemaker and i have 2 of them i made a bracket and have them mounted on the wall they are the most used tools inthe shop i bout them both from pawn shops and they looked like new when i got them they are milwaukee brand i gave $100.00 each

[Drilling Man]

  I have two porta bands...  A Milwaukee and a Delta model...  Both have been good to me, i do like the two speed feature the Delta has...  I keep the Delta model in a tri-pod stand that holds the metal to be cut so you can walk away from it.

  My brother bought the HF cheapo model, and so far it has held up for him...  It may die tomorrow, or who knows???

  DM