Recommendation? Which Bandsaw is best?

NickHFSS

NickHFSS

Joined
Jun 26, 2020
Messages
164
Hello everyone , I want to buy a portable metal bandsaw with swag table.
My question is which one is the best ? I'm looking at milwaukee but which model should I go for? I'm looking for regular one with cable as power source

budget 400-500$

Thanks
 
I have a Dewalt and never had an issue with it. The limiting factor for portaband saws is the throat depth/cutting capacity. I'm not familiar with the Milwaukee models, but I would recommend getting the corded model with the largest capacity.
 
I guess “best “ is relative. I got the harbor freight because of cost, and because I had not used one and did not know if I would like one - but fully expect it to break at some point . After using it (along with a swag table), I could not imagine being without one! If I need to get another one, I will get a better/more expensive one. I think many have spoken well about the Milwaukee.
 
I have two of the Bauer (HF) models, one at work and one at home. Both are on the SWAG table and have foot switches. I have had ZERO issues with either.
 
I also have the HF model and bought a Swag Table and it works amazingly well.

A couple of caveats. If you buy the HF Portable Bandsaw, you have to get the SWAG Table V3. Not V4. It won't fit. Also, check the knob they package with the table. They sent me a knob for the V4 by mistake and I had to shave the screw down so it sat flush with the table.

Lastly, don't buy the foot pedal from SWAG. Get it at HF and save yourself $25. Exact same pedal. Works great. Highly recommended.
 
I've used an older corded Milwaukee with a foot switch for knife malking for years and have a few of the larger cordless Milwaukees in my truck for field work. Get the biggest capacity 44-7/8 bandsaw you can.

Lenox 10/14tpi blades for wood and steels thicker than 1/4" and higher tooth count Lenox (18-24tpi) for thinner metals. After trying many different blades I now only use Lenox.

The USA made metal foot switch is nice and durable - from river site : SSC Controls S100-1501 Foot Switch
 
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I have a Milwaukee and it’s great. I’ll check the model number for you when I get home, but it’s the one with the largest throat capacity. I don’t use Milwaukee blades.
 
The throat capacity of these small saws is a problem.
One option, if you have room and time to wait a little, is to look for a used floor standing unit with something like 14" sideway capacity. No limit to depth behind the blade (well maybe your wall).
I eventually sold my table top metal band saw and went this way. I don't regret it a second.
The Swag table will be quite costly with the shipping, added VAT and import duties to your country, I believe.
 
You can not go wrong with Milwaukee and Dewalt. Milwaukee has 5 year warranty and Dewalt 3.
 
Thanks for the advices , I live overseas so I was planning to order one in USA then ship it here and put voltage adaptor , I also found a makita 2107f locally for 500$ would buying one from USA be justified for all the hassle?
 
I think it depends on how many knives you plan to make and available space. Horsewright makes about 50 knives at a time... he NEEDS a band saw.
I make about 1 knife every 2-3 weeks. I don't have a ton of extra space so I never bought one.
I consider the few minutes spent hacksawing the profile as "getting to know the steel".
I can profile one or two blades very quickly.
 
NickHFSS said:
Thanks for the advices , I live overseas so I was planning to order one in USA then ship it here and put voltage adaptor , I also found a makita 2107f locally for 500$ would buying one from USA be justified for all the hassle?
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You can get it (the saw) from Europe no problem.
 
Fwiw,
Milwaukee has worldwide presence. Forget the adaptor. You should just buy their 230V version for europe.
 
Richard338 said:
I don't have a ton of extra space so I never bought one.
Click to expand...

I think the footprint of the HF Portable on the Table is less than 2 square foot and not very tall. It's really worth it.
SWAG also sells a small table top for it without the legs and I've seen people mount the portable unit to a wall with a swing out hinge.
 
Yes I know but I usually order everything from USA , the price will be about the same a bit less for buying it locally and guarantee , is makita a durable brand and is milwaukee worth the extra hassle?
 
Ron Raducanu said:
I think the footprint of the HF Portable on the Table is less than 2 square foot and not very tall. It's really worth it.
SWAG also sells a small table top for it without the legs and I've seen people mount the portable unit to a wall with a swing out hinge.
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I know, and I can use an industrial band saw at work if I want to, but I rarely bother.
I can make 20" of cuts in 15-20 minutes with a hacksaw and most profiles only need a few inches (I don't buy big sheets of steel).
 
NickHFSS said:
Yes I know but I usually order everything from USA , the price will be about the same a bit less for buying it locally and guarantee , is makita a durable brand and is milwaukee worth the extra hassle?
Click to expand...
I would not hesitate buying Makita.
 
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