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- Nov 15, 2005
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- 1,198
So, I did a review on the Bauer Bandsaw from Harbor Freight and the SWAG v3.0 porta-band stand. I figured I’d put a written version of the review here in case any other novices like myself are thinking about purchasing this combo. I’ve had this combo for about a year now.
Intro / What’s in the box:
The 10-amp deep cut bandsaw from Harbor Freight (item 63444) will run you about $130-$145 (less with their 20% coupon). It comes in a decent carrying case if you plan on traveling to job sites with it or something like that; and it comes with one blade. I forgot the TPI on this blade but it lasted a fairly long time.
The SWAG V3.0 stand will run you about $150 if you’re purchasing the un-coated version (this is the version I went with). It comes in a few parts, but the assembly was extremely easy. An attachment plate hooks up to your bandsaw and this plate is connected to the stand with an easy to articulate knobbed (is that a word?) screw.
Operation / Cutting Experience:
Changing the blade is pretty basic. The tension arm works well. It takes some finagling to get the new blades back in, but all in all not too bad. When using in conjunction with the SWAG stand; changing blades is still easy. Just undo the red knobbed screw and the porta-band comes out easily. To keep the porta-band running; I generally use an spring clamp. The SWAG stand comes with a Velcro strap to do the same function, but the clamp is easier in my opinion.
The majority of my experience with this saw has been in the upright mounted configuration. I’ve used it to cut some fairly thick steel. I’ve used it on 1/4'' angle and 3/8’’ plate so far (these are the thickest I’ve done and the saw performed very well). Using 18 TPI blades have worked out pretty well too; it will cut wood, micarta, steel, etc. It’s a nice tool to have around the shop and I’ve come across random tasks to use it for non-related to knifemaking (plumbing, honey-dos, etc).
One limitation is the cutting depth. I’ve found this to be an issue when cutting out steel or micarta from large sheets. The cutting depth is about 5’’ deep from the body of the tool to the back of the blade.
*Note: The quality of the 44-7/8’’ blades you buy matter… I’ve had some cheap blades that I’ve pushed too far and they have busted during operation… Make sure you’re wearing your PPE when using this tool.
Knifemaking:
I’m far from a pro, so take my perspective from the eyes of a novice. I feel like this combination has allowed me to have a good deal of control verses using an angle grinder to cut out blanks… Not saying one way is right or wrong, but I personally like the bandsaw better. I also use this saw to rough profile handle scales and cut off pins after glue-up. It comes in handy while making Kydex sheaths as well; I’ll cut the rough profile with this porta-band to reduce the amount of grinding work.
So far, I’ve really enjoyed this saw and stand combination. Bottom line is that it’s made my life easier for sure. As I mentioned above, I’ve only had it for around a year so I can’t attest to long term durability. If anything fails on it, I’ll make sure to update this thread.
Cheers,
JK
Intro / What’s in the box:
The 10-amp deep cut bandsaw from Harbor Freight (item 63444) will run you about $130-$145 (less with their 20% coupon). It comes in a decent carrying case if you plan on traveling to job sites with it or something like that; and it comes with one blade. I forgot the TPI on this blade but it lasted a fairly long time.
The SWAG V3.0 stand will run you about $150 if you’re purchasing the un-coated version (this is the version I went with). It comes in a few parts, but the assembly was extremely easy. An attachment plate hooks up to your bandsaw and this plate is connected to the stand with an easy to articulate knobbed (is that a word?) screw.
Operation / Cutting Experience:
Changing the blade is pretty basic. The tension arm works well. It takes some finagling to get the new blades back in, but all in all not too bad. When using in conjunction with the SWAG stand; changing blades is still easy. Just undo the red knobbed screw and the porta-band comes out easily. To keep the porta-band running; I generally use an spring clamp. The SWAG stand comes with a Velcro strap to do the same function, but the clamp is easier in my opinion.
The majority of my experience with this saw has been in the upright mounted configuration. I’ve used it to cut some fairly thick steel. I’ve used it on 1/4'' angle and 3/8’’ plate so far (these are the thickest I’ve done and the saw performed very well). Using 18 TPI blades have worked out pretty well too; it will cut wood, micarta, steel, etc. It’s a nice tool to have around the shop and I’ve come across random tasks to use it for non-related to knifemaking (plumbing, honey-dos, etc).
One limitation is the cutting depth. I’ve found this to be an issue when cutting out steel or micarta from large sheets. The cutting depth is about 5’’ deep from the body of the tool to the back of the blade.
*Note: The quality of the 44-7/8’’ blades you buy matter… I’ve had some cheap blades that I’ve pushed too far and they have busted during operation… Make sure you’re wearing your PPE when using this tool.
Knifemaking:
I’m far from a pro, so take my perspective from the eyes of a novice. I feel like this combination has allowed me to have a good deal of control verses using an angle grinder to cut out blanks… Not saying one way is right or wrong, but I personally like the bandsaw better. I also use this saw to rough profile handle scales and cut off pins after glue-up. It comes in handy while making Kydex sheaths as well; I’ll cut the rough profile with this porta-band to reduce the amount of grinding work.
So far, I’ve really enjoyed this saw and stand combination. Bottom line is that it’s made my life easier for sure. As I mentioned above, I’ve only had it for around a year so I can’t attest to long term durability. If anything fails on it, I’ll make sure to update this thread.
Cheers,
JK
