Help needed Mounting a Porta-band and work table advice

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duffy99

duffy99

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Apr 2, 2011
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I want to mount a older model makita porta-band, I know a lot of people have done this and I'm looking for advice? I'm not a very good carpenter and don't own a table saw/mitre saw etc. I know I can get home depot to cut wood to the lengths I need. Also if anyone has advice on building a simple design work table for my 2x42 and bench drill press and my vice. Or to build a stand for a drill press maybe , I'm going to buy a ryobi today I think. I'm 5'9 so should I adjust the table height to say my belly button or lower. I know this is a lot to ask , thanks in advance.
 
I just have a chunk of 2x6 bolted to my portaband so I can clamp it into my big vise when I need to cut. Otherwise I stow it away to save bench space. This setup is crude but has worked for me for a few years without any problems.

A workbench for me usually starts with whatever lumber I have laying around, and I buy what I need to finish it, so I'm not sure my approach would work best for you if you are starting out in the hardware store. It also depends on the size, a small work surface can usually be done with minimal framing to support the top, a big, wide surface will need heavier framing to keep it from sagging. A key point for me is plywood panels or diagonal bracing on the legs, I can't stand a wobbly workbench.
 
This is from my portaband file. One thread is basically on mounting and the other is about putting a table on the mounted bandsaw. If I remember correctly there is at least on pic of a Makita in the first thread. I will look up the Makita and see if there is anything that I might be able to contribute to you on mounting it!

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/634110-Portable-Bandsaw-Mounting-Pictures-Needed

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/844277-Table-for-DeWalt-Portaband-(dumb-question!)

This is a pic of how I mounted mine. The Makita may be sligthly different in how it will mount!
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I just looked up the Makits here is a pic of it.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=RBAjTsrUD8WutwfQxJmzAw&ved=0CF4Q8gIwAA#
It should work just like the Dewalt. You remove the handle and fabricate a braket to replace it and mount the bracket to hold the saw. There is one in the first thread that shows it mounted to a 4x4 in someone's garge. So there are many ways to mount up one. I like the method I used as it allows the whole setup to be moved from bench to bench if needed. I have the switch tied down and it plugs into a floor switch for power. That way I have hands free for holding the piece and don't have to worry about being able to stop the blade.
A word of advice always unplug it when changing the blade, it is easy to accidently get your foot on the floor switch, :eek: (don't ask how I know) and a second with a finger on the running blade is a second to much! :mad:
 
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I found a sturdy and simple enough design a few years back that I use for all my benches. Can't find it anymore but I have a copy saved. Let me know if you want it and I'll email it to you.
 
The small stand made by Swagoffroad.com is worth every penny. Can not recommend it enough.
 
Ok I just spent 3 hrs at Home Depot getting them to cut the wood for two 24"x60" work tables. Now I have a 2009 Lancer GTS loaded to the tits with wood. Here is the design for the work tables I'm using, just a lot of screwing to assemble but first I gotta get the wood outta the car and into the basement. The mount made by Makita is $400 , I know because the guy who sold me the porta-band took the rubber wheel covers so I had to go to the Makita service center and buy them. I guess I should make sure I know what to look for when buying tools second hand. I also noticed that a lot of people don't understand the concept of depreciation with used tools , if I can buy the same thing brand new with warranty for $50 to $100 more.

http://www.eaa1000.av.org/technicl/worktabl/tablefig.htm
 
If you are getting a cordless drill, get the cordless saw too. They go together like cinnamon and sugar, and can normally be purchased as a set for little more than the cost of the drill, charger, and two batteries, which is what you get with a drill only.
 
I just last night mounted two brackets onto the handle of my HF portaband, effectively making it free standing. It would be a VERY easy step next to mount those to any sort of table/stand.
 
As mentioned above, put some cross bracing to keep your bench from swaying back and forth a little. If you are having some trouble getting it built, ask a buddy to give you a hand. If your friends don't do any woodworking, get some new friends. Nah, just kidding around. listen up around your house on the weekends. You will probably hear a circular saw going. Find that guy and ask him for a hand. Or even a guy at a construction site. He would probably put it together for you for a six pack of something. If you find that it is a little too tall, don't start cutting off the legs. Lay some pieces of plywood(or 2x4 or books or whatever ) of the same thickness on the flor and stand on them. Build it up to a comfortable height. When it feels right, measure the thickness of the books you are standing on. That is the amount of wood you want to cut off. Hope this helps.
 
HF mount
IMG_0059.jpg


2x4 leveled and mounted to studs in wall. Thick metal straps found in the decking and fencing area of home depot mounted to holes in metal case of saw then straps screwed into 2x4s. Metal guide with few extra holes drilled with a 1'x1' piece of wood attached as table area. Wire on trigger and a foot peddle from hf attached for on/off. Really cheap.
 
Very nice , I'm going to try to keep it as simple as possible . Assembling a work bench, General floor 14" drill press (121 lbs by myself and bad back) and the craftsman 2x42 and my vice i today hopefully. Then next project is this .
 
Hi there, by any chance did you make a cutting table for that saw yet.
If you have one I would like to buy one.
Please contact me anytime
 
First, this is a year old thread. I am sure he finished his project by now.

ctec9 - Buying and selling is not allowed on Shop Talk. Also, no one can "Contact you anytime" if you haven't enabled email (do that in your "Settings").
 
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