Will either of these bandsaws work for cutting profiles?

A

avs3323

Joined
Oct 28, 2015
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They are both good saws but Id suggest the 120v and not the battery operated if possible..Unless you have to have battery powdered? We have ahd the 10amp dewalt saw for 5 years or so and its been a good'un..
 
I'd probably steer clear of battery powered saws for profiling.
As for the corded saw, it will probably work for smaller knives and cuts, but you'll probably be wanting a deeper throat pretty quick. I've got an old porter cable with a relatively narrow throat (still a little larger than those listed I believe), and while I've made it work for the last few years, there have been dozens of times that another inch of throat clearance would have been so helpful.

Believe me, that extra money you spend on a bigger saw will not be missed when you start using it, and not having to strategize every single cut to make it fit the saw.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-D...963317?hash=item41a31567f5:g:wkUAAOSweW5VDt3Y

Here's a deep cut, reconditioned for about $20 more than that last saw you posted.

I'd also check around craigslist for either used porta-bands, horizontal/verticals, or even dual speed wood/metal saws in the 14" range.

Also, don't forget that the HF 4x6 horizontal saw can be had for about $200 to $250, and it can also be set up to do what you're looking for.
 
Also, fill out your profile. It helps to know roughly where you're located when recommending were to buy tools, knowing what's available, etc...
 
Hi,

The reconditioned saw is a good idea. I would like to stay away from anything non-portable because I don't have a ton of floor space.

Thanks for the advice
 
avs3323 said:
Hi,

The reconditioned saw is a good idea. I would like to stay away from anything non-portable because I don't have a ton of floor space.

Thanks for the advice
Click to expand...

Just some extra thoughts on something like a 4x6: They are "fairly" portable, in that they have wheels and can be shuffled around fairly easily. I've also seen some guys take them off the base and mount them to a bench or a wall, similar to what you would do with a portaband, and you have a longer blade that will last, well.... longer, if broken in properly. That said, the deep cut PBs are very capable, and do a great job.
 
the Milwaukee and new model HF portables have the blade kicked off to the side, so you have about 2" to the left of the blade to pass by the motor housing on long cuts. I would think the blades on these units are more readily available then the compact models you linked to. Just my $.02
 
The first one is too fast and not variable speed. You need to go slow around 80 sfm for most stainless steel blades. I suggest the horizontal/vertical from HF. It's pretty economical and with a few modifications works like a beast.
 
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