Portable bandsaw recommendation

[acs55812]

Are the Harbor Freight/Grizzly brands good enough for a hobbist that doesn't like problem tools (ie the concept is certainly basic enough but if the tracking ect is a problem to adjust and keep in alignment that would be very frustrating)

I like the DeWalt D28770K for it depth of cut in case its ever needed, however for the few times that depth might be necessary maybe the metal could be turned over and cut from the other side?

Is it worth it for the better name brand or is this one tool where moving the blade is all that counts?

Thoughts?
thanks
Dan

 

[NewToy]

Never had any experience with the Harbor Freight stuff but I can vouch for the Milwaukee brand. I picked one up used at the Flea Market and it has been a great tool. Saves a ton of time over the old "hack saw".
John

 

[Dallas_Lilly]

When I built my horse pen and shelter I first bought a No Name Brand from Fasten-All and was very dissapointed in it. The tracking was horrible and would pitch the blade from time to time. I got lucky and with out any problems at all exchanged it for the Milwaukee and have zero complaints. I will pick up my portable band saw to cut metal before I pick up any other cutting tool. The best part about it is that it can be run off of my gas driven welder / generator which is 3.5KW ( I Think) where as my Dewalt chop saw is marginal.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I've used a Milwaukee that is owned by my friend, I own a Porter Cable. Both are great portable band saws. I've had no problems with the tracking of either brand and can recommend either one of them.

 

[txdon]

I have the Milwaukee portable band saw with the stand made for it. The front handle disconnects and you use that hole for mounting on the table stand. The table stand really makes this saw easy to cut perfect 90s every time. I have used mine for the last 6 months cutting 2" pipes and 4" purlins for my building. It broke (gearing rattles and does not turn) on the last cut Saturday. I'm taking it in tomorrow - it has a 5 year warranty. I love that saw and stand. (The stand was avalible at Home Depot Online only.)

 

[txdon]

I cannot recommend the Milwaukee portable band saw. When I took the 7 month old saw in for service today (120 mile round trip), I found out that Milwaukee replace a metal part with a plastic part in their new saws which does not hold up. The service department was warned by Milwaukee that they would be getting more repairs. They said they have been getting more broken saws. Home Depot SHOULD offer an in-store exchange and Milwaukee should have a recall since Milwaukee knows about the defect. I will be calling them tomorrow with my complaint about the quality of their saw.

 

[Jagmandave]

I've had a Milwaukee for over 8 years now with no problems at all, and I've cut miles of mild steel and stainless with it. I'd recommend it with no hesitation, but since mine is older maybe the problems txdon is having are due to them "cheapening" the newer saws?

I find that I use my cutoff wheel on my 4 1/2" angle grinder a lot now tho, especially if it's a small cut or a really heavy piece.............

I also have a 6" bandsaw that I use for anything requiring any precision........

 

[txdon]

I spoke with Milwaukee today, they said they said it was not a plastic part but that they had one bad week of METAL in the in the worm gear. They have isolated it to the saws made the 47th week of 2005. The problem was corrected and there are no saws with bad worm gears being sold now. I ask them how many they did sell and he said they did not know. So, it looks like I can recommend the saw.

 

[Marine1]

I too would go with the Milwaukee. I have used several in my trade. They go through heck and still cut with no problems and with precision. Very good saw.

 

[Kubotasrking]

Milwaukee!

I have one, and both my friend and I have used it extensively. He built a cyclone fence...cut every post to the desired length (around his 5 acres). I rebuilt my wife's hot-walker recently and had a blast using the saw.