Portable Band Saw Stand WIP

Varga Knives

Varga Knives

Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
1,302
I couldn't decide if this should go here or in Hammer and Tongs...

I finally bit the bullet and bought a port-a-band. Obviously not the best brand and more than likely the worst but I figure for the price and how simple it is maybe a Harbor Freight would fit the bill. It seemed to be just fine with most reviewers so what the heck. I spent a total of $82 for the saw, $9 for the scap metal and $3 for the nuts and bolts for a grand total of $94 (I had the base plate). I think it turned out to be well worth it. The reason I went this route is that I don't have a wall stud to mount it to and have really limited space so this allows me to conveniently stow it when not in use. One thing I hadn't realized was how freaking loud this thing is. Ear protection is a must and it's by far the loudest piece of machinery in my shop.

Caution: Unlike some other ways of mounting this saw, this way is not reversible without obvious effects to the original equipment. I haven't read the warranty but my guess is that this would void it.

Anyway, not a Nick or Nathan WIP but here is the saw out of the box: 1.jpg

I removed the cover (four screws), blade and bottom pulley (one screw) and marked two holes in the bottom where i thought the mounting holes should go. Make sure you allow for clearance of the blade when reassembled. I aligned these holes on a piece of 1/2" plate steel my buddy gave me and countersunk. 2.jpg 3.jpg
I had to shave off the bottom lip of the blade cover shield so that the frame would butt up to the base without the cover interferring. My belt grinder made quick work of this. 4.JPG
A lucky find at the scrap yard was this angle iron with 90 flanges at the bottom all pre drilled nicey nice. 5.jpg

con't
 
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I bolted the saw to the base and had to shim it under the motor to get it perpendicular. 6.jpg
I butted up the angle iron to the saw but not all the way to the edge of the shroud to allow room for the lip on the shield and marked and drilled the holes in the base. 7.jpg
Then everything got painted and attached with the areas removed from the angle iron for the screws to attach the cover back on. Hard to explain but the pictures should clarify. 8.jpg
I clamped it together and drilled the holes right through the angle iron and the saw. Then two bolts to hold it together. 10.jpg
This is where I didn't take enough pictures but the table was fairly simple. I removed the crappy little table that came with the saw and drilled and attached my table right to it. The slot was cut out using the band saw. 12.jpg

I am no fabricator but, like I said, I think it came out just fine for my purposes. It's solid as hell and I used it right on my bench without clamping it down and it doesn't budge. The blade can still be changed just as before.

Hope this helps someone.
 
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This is a very detailed process. Thanks for posting. Good job on the modification in your band saw. Looks like the table is strong built.
 
might have to do something like that with mine. is the blade cover shield really necessary? I tend to operate mine without it on, and by tend I mean I never use it. I just vacuum the dust out of it.
 
That came out sweet! I just lash mine to a pole and go for it. This seems like a much better idea.;)
 
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