Too many questions.

M

mpj13

Joined
Oct 5, 2001
Messages
108
I know, I know I keep asking questions. I just like to research and get opinions as much as I can. I found a really cheap Aerotek portable bandsaw. My question is has anyone ever tried to use a portable bandsaw with any success? I'm sure a horizontal saw is better but a portable should do the job too. Here are the specs...

"This powerful Portable Bandsaw is perfect for cutting everything from soft brass, to rugged alloy. The bandsaw has a cutting capacity of 4 1/2" x 4 1/2", wih its 1/40 x 44 7/8 x 1/2" saw blade. It also features a powerful heavy duty 710 Watt motor, that delivers a blade speed of 230 FPM. Operation of this portable bandsaw is easy and effortless, with its lightweight structure, and easy to grip handle. Every workbench needs a bandsaw, so buy yours today, and make cutting projects a quick and effortless experience.

Features:
Voltage: 100V @ 60 Hz
Power Input: 710 W
Blade Speed: 230 FPM
Max. Cutting Capacity: 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Saw Blade Size: 1/40 x 44 7/8 x 1/2"
Weight (w/o cord): 24 1/4 lb. "

Edit: Typo
 
I've seen in knife making books where folks even built a stand to bolt the portable bandsaws in the upright position. It should work fine.
 
Don't ever stop yourself from asking questions. Especially here, if someone doesn't want to hear it/answer it, they won't read it or reply.

Also remember there is the "search" function that allows you to search the archives of this forum as well.

My only reservation on the portable saw is how you will hold the work relative to the saw. You really won't want to have to hold the work (via a bench vice or the like) and the saw in your hands. It's very slow cutting knife steel.

As Michael said, you might want to make a stand for it if you do indeed get this saw. And then you will need to fashion a work table for it, as every portable I've seen has no table at all.

But really, it better be cheap, because you can buy an import metal bandsaw like a Jet, Harbor Freight, etc (they're all the same) for about $170-250 depending on where/when you get it.

Just another idea :)

Good luck,
Nick
 
I have used portabands quite a bit and they dont seem to hold up very well. The parts wear quickly and the motors dont last well even on the high quality ones. Plus, they're terribly noisy. I just traded for a horizontal, identical to the one you can get from Northern Tool for about $180, I cut a piece of 1/4" plate and made a table out of it. It bolts right on with no modifications and works great now I have a horizontal/vertical saw. Just my .02
Good luck
Leonard
 
There are a lot of ways to cut your profile out of blank steel. I'm not real fond of bandsaws, so I use a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade. I just lock that steel into a vise and trim off the excess just like I would sculpture ice or granite. Always use a fresh blade on each knife (or when they appear dull). The blades are cheaper than bandsaw blades!And you can use the saw for other projects! Jonesy has a great tutorial on making a blade and his method of cutting the profile is even different than mine! It'll all work-you just have to figure out what you want to try!
 
I use a Milwaukee portable bandsaw for most of my rough cutting. Works great for just cutting things into chunks. I recently used it to cut up some railroad track for a jewelers anvil and a flatter. Took about ten minutes per cut. My chop saw won't do that.
 
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