Port a band recommendations

Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Power Tools). This thread is read-only.

NC-FordguyMember since Mar 2014Apr 9, 2014 12:45 AM CT

Hey Folks,

I went to the local steel re-seller to pick up some c channel and angle for a project.

The guy cut of some 2×4 c channel for me using a Milwaukee brand port a band. I couldn’t see the model number but this thing was the bomb. I decided I need a port a band.

Now question is what brand/ model do I want?

Rather than start a this brand is better than that brand flame war, what are you guys using, how do you like it and what are you cutting with it?

Conductor562Member since Nov 2011Apr 9, 2014 10:22 PM CT

Are you wanting electric or cordless?

NC-FordguyMember since Mar 2014Apr 10, 2014 8:48 AM CT

Conductor562 wrote:
Are you wanting electric or cordless?

Electric

mustang347Member since Mar 2011Apr 10, 2014 2:01 PM CT

I’m out on a job site today and don’t have the model number but I have had the same Milwaukee deep cut Porto band for 15 years or longer and it just takes a beating and keeps on going. Only thing I’ve had to do is replace the blade every now and again. Three guys use it multiple times a week. We cut all kinds of stuff with from demo to fabrication. Angle iron, strut, pipe flat stock etc.

DR99Member since Nov 2012Apr 10, 2014 2:05 PM CT

mustang347 wrote:
I’m out on a job site today and don’t have the model number but I have had the same Milwaukee deep cut Porto band for 15 years or longer and it just takes a beating and keeps on going. Only thing I’ve had to do is replace the blade every now and again. Three guys use it multiple times a week. We cut all kinds of stuff with from demo to fabrication. Angle iron, strut, pipe flat stock etc.

I think the deep cut Milwaukee has the largest cut capacity out of all the portable band saws.

Gatorb888Member since Nov 2013Apr 10, 2014 3:37 PM CT

::Cough:: http://www.dewalt.com/tools/metalworking-band-saws-dwm120k.aspx ::Cough::

Conductor562Member since Nov 2011Apr 11, 2014 12:12 AM CT

The Milwaukee 6232-21 is pretty much the standard. I don’t own one, but I have used it a few times and can’t really complain at all.

Or there’s that yellow one Gator’s coughing about. If you can stomach all that yellow 😉

NC-FordguyMember since Mar 2014Apr 11, 2014 1:36 AM CT

Well, The dewalt does have 2 five star reviews.

The 1st reviewer didn’t speak highly of the blades but then again cutting steel will break blades rather easily

Keep ’em coming guys

DR99Member since Nov 2012Apr 11, 2014 1:59 AM CT

This Milwaukee has 7 5 star reviews. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Deep-Cut-Band-Saw-AC-with-Case-6232-21/203261029

regopitMember since Feb 2013Apr 11, 2014 7:15 AM CT

I have the Milwaukee corded and I got it second hand from a weld shop 12 yeas ago and it has never failed me yet. The only thing that I have had to do new brushes and rubber on the wheels.

syrplumberApr 27, 2014 7:43 PM CT

I have a dewalt corded that I think is great my shop has burnt up a bunch of the new milwaukee ones the older ones where way better so with that said I vote for the dewalt one

KraneMember since Jan 2014Apr 29, 2014 5:57 PM CT

Go cordless

FazzmanMember since Apr 2014May 1, 2014 11:29 AM CT

have used a milwaukee porta band for years. We cut steel with them all the time. You just gotta let the tool do the work and use the proper blades.

opcruzerMember since Apr 2013Jul 3, 2014 9:16 AM CT

I have the m12, m18 and just ordered the new fuel M18 deep cut band saw, also the corded deep cut bandsaw so I would have to say Milwaukee. The Makita cordless version just didn’t come down enough in price otherwise I would have one of those.