Band saw dilema

R

rscoffey

Joined
Sep 12, 2006
Messages
109
A couple of years ago, I bought a Ryobi (Home Depot) bandsaw. Truthfully, I was never satisfied with it's tendency to wander while cutting. Anyway, while trying to adjust the guides, I leaned a little too hard on one of the screws and snapped off the pot metal guide sleeve. Rather than try to go through the hassle of trying to replace the part and still have a saw that doesn't cut straight, I am considering replacing the saw entirely with:

A) A Northern Tool vertical bandsaw. This has a vertical and horizontal position and should do any metal cutting I should encounter.

B) A Milwaulkee or similar portable bandsaw and a stand from Swag Offroad.

I would like to be able to do some wood cutting with the saw as well as profiling, etc. and I think the portable is readily able to do that. Unfortunately, budget will not allow the purchase of two saws.

Looking for some input. Anyone?

Thanks,

Bob
 
I have used the Northern tool and it is decent for the price. I personally have the Harbor Freight model and it has worked really well. I had a 20% off coupon and caught it on sale walked out the door for 180 bucks. I used a portable before these 2 but I just didn't like it.
Dan
 
I have a DeWalt with the Swag offroad stand - I like it a lot.

The only thing I wish was different: due to the twist in the blade, it can only rip about 4" before the cutoff piece hits the back frame.
 
Tait_

Thank you that is just the kind of information I was looking for. Appreciate it.

Bob
 
Either saw should cut wood easily albeit slowly. If you have the room I would go for the bigger saw. Only downside is the time necessary to convert horizontal to vertical on the bigger saw.
I must admit now that I have a dedicated vertical bandsaw I love it.
CW
 
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