Project #3 Milwalkee Band Saw Stand

I got this plan from the Weldingtipsandtricks.com web site and decided to try it out. It took me about 2 hours to make. it was deceptively harder than i thought to get the rear supporting legs the right length to make the table level and took some fancy grinding to make it bolt up to the existing saw holes. I suggest you have all the parts ready to go before you start. I also suggest that you only do this project if you have a porta band sitting around unused and really need a small band saw. If you have the room and money you would be better off getting a used table top or stand alone band saw off Craig's list. for about the same price you would pay to buy the saw and do this project. the last thing I want to do is be the guy who tells you how great a project this is when it was really just ok.... in the end I didn't really need a portable saw. and I have the space for a bigger saw.
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The two side legs are 14 gauge 1" x 1" 12" long. The spreaders are 9" wide they also serve as the support for the flat spot on the bottom of the blade guard. I self adhesive felt pad under the blade guard and 4 rubber feet to absorb vibration. I got away with just putting one washer in under one of the rubber feet to level the stand. you may wish to use adjustable feet but they cost more. the rear supports are just 11 gauge by 1" hot rolled. put it in a vice and hammer a little 90 ear. you have to drill the hole close to the edge so you can get it in the slot to catch the saws housing bolt hole. you will have to round off the corner too.
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I got this aluminum plate from the scrap pile at my steel store. It was 1/4 inch and should be long enough to catch the rear bold hole from from the original guide plate. it should not be thinner than 1/4 inch as you have to counter sink 3 #10/24 bolts to hold it to the blade guard. you won't be able to reuse the existing bolts unless you go really thick.(they are Pan Head) I suggest taping the old bolts to the old base plate and putting it somewhere safe in case you ever need to go portable again....
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I used a Sawzall to make the cut but I suppose you could use your band saw.
good luck and feel free to ask any questions.

Keep in mind you will have to rewire the switch with a toggle or something to bypass the variable speed switch on the saw. Or just do what I do, make your kid pull the trigger for you, They think they are being a big help..

have you used it yet? I have the 4x8 band saw, I would like to have a large vertical band saw for cutting metal.

Nice project, gotta build myself one of those!

That's Exactly what I need!!! I'm always needing a vertical band saw and my saw doesn't have a plate to rest the material.
Good job on the stand!

Thank you CGCNI, I basically just copied what I saw on weldingtipsandtricks.com. I haven't been welding or fabricating anything for the last 10 years or so, I thought I would try to get back to it with something easier.
I like the quote at the end of your signature.

Thanks, just a few pieces of scrap, the aluminum plate was in the scrap pile too, already cut to size....

Hey Sean, I am not familiar with the 4x8, is that a horizontal band saw? yes this one works well for small pieces, I was amazed how much faster it was then trying to use a sawzall, I think I truly hate the sawzall it just vibrates the heck out of you when using it on steel...

nice project!, gotta build me one of those!

very nice. Might have more fun building one than buying one.

Glenn

Made this one with some scrap, works great. Bought a HF band saw and 2 Milwaukee blades from Home depot all for just under 80 bucks. It's amazing how often I use this thing. It just slides up and out of the round stock, no fasteners and it's real snug and sturdy. Just another fun project with the PP 205.

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Originally Posted by azsprint6

Made this one with some scrap, works great. Bought a HF band saw and 2 Milwaukee blades from Home depot all for just under 80 bucks. It's amazing how often I use this thing. It just slides up and out of the round stock, no fasteners and it's real snug and sturdy. Just another fun project with the PP 205.

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I really like the slide in setup. I know for me, it would get a lot less use if I had to fool with fasteners every time I wanted to take it in and out. I'll have to add that to the never ending list of projects.
Really nice shop you have there, too.:cool:

+1 for the easy in / easy out setup. AZSprint6, do you mind posting one or two more pics of the uprights? I'd like to see how it engages with the saw.

Down to two band saws (horizontal; sold the two verticals due to space) so I am with DaveO. Might build one here too. How are the Milwaukee blades working for you? TPI?

Shop is nice and clean. What do you have on the lift?

Maybe not to clear but you should get the idea. One pic it's slid partially out, there are 2 round stock pieces on the short leg and 1 on the long leg, also just a small L bracket on the base. When you slide it down it cannot move and with the holes in the base I can bolt it to the table.
The Milwaukee blades are 24 TPI and so far I haven't been able to kill the first one.
The one pic is just some of the daily drivers, I need to post some pics and questions about the 65 Cobra 427 roadster replica I've got 8 years into it so far.Attachment 11566Attachment 11567Attachment 11568Attachment 11569

Beautiful work, I love the quick in and out. I was going to buy one, but now I think I will build it instead. Thanks for the inspiration.

Glenn