Micro Mark Band Saw

If you're only going to be cutting relatively handle materials and maybe some thin sheet metal, It would probably be fine.

Yes, I think they're exaggerating the practical capacities of a saw in this category. I have a hard time imagining cutting a shape out of 3/8 steel plate with this thing

If cost is a big deal and you're planning to cut steel, you should probably spring for the Harbor Freight vertical/horizontal bandsaws. They're about $150 on sale, usually. A good price for one of the better tools in their lineup.
 
That's exactly what I'm thinking about the exaggerations. I've heard some down sides to the Harbor Freight ones, but honestly I'm not planning on precision cuts, just roughing out my blanks and such. Just trying to save a few $ on belts!
 
TekSec said:
That's exactly what I'm thinking about the exaggerations. I've heard some down sides to the Harbor Freight ones, but honestly I'm not planning on precision cuts, just roughing out my blanks and such. Just trying to save a few $ on belts!
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You won't find me recommending too many HF tools. There are a few that are good and some that are surprisingly good for the money. I think that little convertible saw is a decent unit. I've seen it used as a secondary saw doing pretty regular duty at a real steel house I frequent and it's been going strong for years. I had one for a few years and was satisfied with it for the most part.
The stand is pretty poor. A lot of folks mount the thing on a more stable platform. Put a decent blade on the thing, keep things tight, and away you go.
You'll have a hard time getting more saw for the money--even used.

Having said all that, I'd still spend a little more on a nice, used 14-inch floor-standing Wilton, Powermatic, Dayton, or whatever. You can pick up a really nice saw for $500 if you bide your time.
 
The blade speeds are way too fast for steel, and very low for wood. Sears sells like machines, for about half this price. So does ryobi. (HomeDepot) If you don't have a harbor frieght close, tractor supply sells a similar saw to the one mentioned above for under 200. Mike
 
Jet 14". I bought a small benchtop Craftsman 1st and was very disappointed. Glad I went to a larger 14" floor model. Lot less frustrating.
 
I have a 14" Delta which I recently acquired and I love it. I just wish I could cut metal! Wilton has a very nice wood/metal model which I have heard good things about. They are around $1,000 new.

I would steer away from that one. It is very expensive for what it is and it doesn't even give a blade length. Those blades are pretty high priced for such a short length.

My bottom line is don't get it.

Good luck! Keep and eye on ebay!
 
I love my little HF band-saw. With good bi-metal blades I have less than $75 in it. I had difficulty with the one I bought after several months contacted HF they replaced it without question and paid the freight. I have only cut 5160 and O-1 and mild steel with it thus far
 
That's what I was thinking, too much for what you get. I guess I'll run to HF next big sale. Like I said, I don't need precision, just roughing it out. Thanks for all!
 
While on the subject of band saws, has anyone used a portaband that are used on construction sites all the time?
 
jll346 said:
Check this one out. I think it is far above the one you showed. Planning on getting this one myself.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0622
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That model sports a nicer paintjob than the harbor freight model and its 150.00 dollors more plus the 73.00 bones for shiping.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93762

With the right coupon I have friends that have gotton one for less than 150.00 out the door.

For the money as stated its a good saw the stand does suck......between me and a friend we have cut out around a 100 knives mostly 154 cm ...1/4" stock, a good Blade and it will go go and go some more

sar
 
I have a HF about 3 miles from me, so with that in mind it makes it hard to spend money on something else that has to be shipped. Plus, I'm an impulse buyer. I hate having to wait for something I've bought.
 
I just bought the harbor freight model for 159 dollars tonight. It said 209 on the price tag. I haven't got it set up yet. I will write more on the quality in the next couple of days.
 
I bought the Harbour Freight model a month ago for $149. Stand, table, and stand suck, but it works great for what I wanted; cutting out blanks. I figure it will pay for itself after about 25 blanks just in belts alone.
 
I didn't get mine from HF, I think it may have been Enco. I would highly recommend getting the H/V metal cutting bandsaw, I think its 6" capacity.
Anyway it runs the 1/2" x .025" x 64 1/2" blades. Ive had mine for at least 10 years and its still going strong.
Del
 
Tommegow said:
I love my little HF band-saw. With good bi-metal blades I have less than $75 in it. I had difficulty with the one I bought after several months contacted HF they replaced it without question and paid the freight. I have only cut 5160 and O-1 and mild steel with it thus far
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I'm still in shock. I've had this saw for at least a year and its still working. My first impression of this saw was "What a piece of crap". I used a Milwaukie Portaband for years and just loved it but it was lost in a fire. The upper grip can be removed and I replaced it with a 1/4" X 1 1/2" X 8" piece of flat steel. I used the grip for the hole layout and used the mounting screws to fasten the bar of steel. The bar of steel goes in a vice to hold it verticly and it can also be used the way it was intended with the bar attached. It will cut fingers so keep that in mind.
 
Raymond,
Thanks for the input on the portaband. I could get more use from that than another floor or bench model. And besides, I could put it a drawer when not in use. Do you think the variable speed or two speed is of any benefit?
Thanks
Richard
 
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