Handheld band saws

[Brian]

Anybody use a handheld band saw for anything other than straight pipe cuts?

Thinking about getting one - I'd probably go dewalt cordless since I have the batts already. I also saw a stand/rig where they had been set up on a mini-table though I don't know that it's very realistic - it's a pretty small opening. I know it obviously do everything a full size saw would do - just wondering if anyone has any experience. They seem to get great reviews.

[ray1970]

As far as I'm concerned about the only good use for a portable band saw is cutting metal stock. Pipe, rebar, angle iron, etc. And even then I only ever use one if the piece I need to cut is welded to a structure of some sort. Also, I've never tried the rechargeable ones.

About the only other things I could think of that one might come in handy for is doing exhaust work or maybe minor tree trimming.

Honestly, for most tasks I think you'll find a reciprocating saw to be a better option.

[Irving]

I've used mine to cut out my address from a piece of wood. For just straight cutting metal in place, seems like a sawzall would be better.

[Great-Kazoo]

Been contemplating one for a few. Then last night as i was browsing for more parts to sell i came across this tiger saw, i forgot about. With the right blade it should do. I did have two hydraulic 42" units. They got used infrequently so they went by-by

[DangerLee_Industries]

I had a portable Milwaukee that I pounded out for about 8 years and it never gave me issues. I used it to build at least 20 Jeep/Yota cages plus just everyday use and I'm sure the dewalts are just as solid too. I only sold it to offset the price of the fixed unit I bought for the shop but wish I would have just kept it. I also have a Sawz-all if you want to just borrow that for a bit.

You are always welcome to swing by here to make some cuts if needed just text me.

[SideShow Bob]

If you go with a "Porta Band" go with an electric one. I use them a lot on the job and come in very handy.

[rondog]

I don't have one (damn it!), but have had co. issued Milwaukee portabands in the past and loved them. I'd second the recommendation for corded over cordless, the batteries will crap out at the most inconvenient time. And batteries are damned expensive to replace when they die. But we used the saws for all kinds of things. Add a good sawzall and you'd be set. But I found a portaband to be very useful, I find myself wishing I had one quite often. I'd also recommend a larger one over a mini, and the "deep throat" models are even better. Depending on your uses of course, we were putting up structural steel and cable racking in telephone offices, used the saws a lot.

[Wulf202]

Rondog is right. Ive used both everything he said is true. It's worth dragging power around unless your only source is a generator even then a cordless sawzall will cover most of those jobs and is useful elsewhere

We had one stand but it was too top heavy. It's just as easy to throw it in a vice

[Big E3]

I've had a Greenlee porta ban for 20 years. Still works great. The corded one is the way to go if you plan to use it over a long period. Most of the time I use it when building something, therefore, I'm around power for the welder. If I had to do it all over again I would get a Milwaukee just because blades are generally easier to find and cheaper.

[redneck122]

Pretty much what everyone else said. Milwaukee deep cut model will be most useful. I've abused the shit out of mine. And if you want a stand to use it like a small vetricle ban saw, check out Swag offroad.