Milwaukee porta-band saw

I just picked up a Milwaukee MILN6232-21 handheld bandsaw and a bunch of blades from CPO Milwaukee.

Attachment 10429

First impressions are that this is a 'seriously well made' tool. Has the heft of my older Milwaukee tools. So much so (hefty) that it takes some getting used too in terms of managing saw cuts. I suspect that a small stand like what Swag Offroad sells would be a good option for using this saw. I'm still getting used to how the tool "handles" and will post more comments as I get on with it.

Note: This is my first powered metal sawing tool so you can take my comments from that perspective. ;)

cheers
JohnG

Looking forward to getting your views on it, since this machine is on my "drool" list. But first you need to stop around and try out my ultra-spiffy Harbor Freight abrasive cut-off saw, so you can see what you're missing and have a basis for comparison.:)

I think ChuckE2009 on YouTube recently did a review of this same product, if you want another perspective. On my phone, so sorry no link.

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Originally Posted by joshuab

I think ChuckE2009 on YouTube recently did a review of this same product, if you want another perspective. On my phone, so sorry no link.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIYEq2fgPeo
At 3:30-3:45 there's some serious tool abuse going on! :O

More observations on using the saw:
Works very good for cutting notches but it's not easy making a perfect normal cut.
The LED light is very useful. i.e. would be difficult to use this type of saw without an LED blade light.
There is NO trigger safety on the saw! Since the trigger is part of the rear gripping/lifting handle (and the saw is darn'd heavy) you have to be VERY careful not to accidentally turn it on while lifting the saw. i.e. You should treat this saw like a handgun.......... finger OFF the trigger unless ready to 'rock-n-roll'! :O

cheers
JohnG

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Originally Posted by johnnymg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIYEq2fgPeo
At 3:30-3:45 there's some serious tool abuse going on! :O

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I am pretty sure that Milwaukee sent Lanse a couple of things to review, as he did a review of a Milwaukee angle grinder too. I think that's why he took it upon himself to beat the heck out of the tool and really give it a run for its money. He really torture tests stuff that vendors send him sometimes.

In Lanse's video, it looks like the blade speed is pretty high. I wonder if that'll wear out the blade faster. I've found that most bandsaws will seem like they're doing a heck of a job when they've got a fresh blade, but the real test is how long they will do that for, and how quickly they wear out the blade. Obviously, blade quality has a lot to do with it.

That looks like a new design. I have a "deep" throat 6230 I bought last year, from a reputable pawn shop. It was nearly brand new, if not brand new. Paid 175.00 for it. It's been a labor reducer more than once. Came with a case and everything.

Edit: actually got to thinking about it and it was more like 150.00...but just looked it was a 6 amp. New ones show 11 amp?? The one I have is strong as it could possibly be and will slip the band if I catch it on something. Can't imagine what an 11 amp would do.

Yeah, that is definitely the new design. I have the same 6230 model deep throat porta-band that Mark has and it really is a time saver! I posted a pic of the stand I made for it during the last contest (just in case you decide you want one too....it's a very nice upgrade IMO). I installed a new Milwaukee brand 10TPI blade yesterday and cut a 2"x3.5" chunk of 3/4" thick steel in around 3 minutes, plus the 10ga (1/8") disc shown. I try to cut with my hand hacksaw as much as possible, but I would have been at the bench cutting that 3/4" plate for 2 days with a hand hacksaw!

I use fast speed and fairly low pressure and the saw does just fine. The only gripe I have about my porta-band is the fact the trigger is worn a little and I have to shim it a certain way when mounted in the stand to get full "throttle." Like Mark, I bought my porta-band from a pawn shop on Ebay for around $150 (2 years ago?) with the case and a new blade. It stays mounted in the stand though as that fits in my job box perfectly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johnnymg

I just picked up a Milwaukee MILN6232-21 handheld bandsaw and a bunch of blades from CPO Milwaukee.

Attachment 10429

First impressions are that this is a 'seriously well made' tool. Has the heft of my older Milwaukee tools. So much so (hefty) that it takes some getting used too in terms of managing saw cuts. I suspect that a small stand like what Swag Offroad sells would be a good option for using this saw. I'm still getting used to how the tool "handles" and will post more comments as I get on with it.

Note: This is my first powered metal sawing tool so you can take my comments from that perspective. ;)

cheers
JohnG

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That and a table for it is pretty close to the top of me "get next" list.

Youngnstudly needs a plasma cutter. Attachment 10510

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Originally Posted by zoama585

Youngnstudly needs a plasma cutter. Attachment 10510

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Me too ~~~~~~~~~ :D

To get list:
1.) Swag portaband stand

2.) Maybe fab a 'horizontal stand' for the portaband. Want to see how the saw mounts to the Swag table first. *** Anyone build a 'horizontal stand' for a portaband saw???

3.) Plasma cutter: Either a standalone 50 amp unit or the PowerUltra 250. ???

cheers
JohnG

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zoama585

Youngnstudly needs a plasma cutter.

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Don't we all! Unless you've got one already, in which case you need a bigger one.

I'm liking Andy's bandsaw stand. I'd like to think someone at Milwaukee is keeping track of clever designs that people come up with, even if it's just a photo on a cork board somewhere.

Wow, I want one of those! I've got a chop saw but I really need something else for cutting metal.

You can't have too many ways to cut metal. I have a plasma 60s and I love it so far but there are times when nothing else will do but a saw. I carry a sawzall, portaband,rotobrute dry cut 71/4" circular saw, a cheap HF dual blade 5" saw and a lot of cut off wheels for my 4.5 grinder and I use them all a lot. Portable is the only way to go. Those saws , a plasma, a welder, and a mag drill that uses anullar cutters and you can build anything anywhere. The only "shop tools I have are 20 ton press , a sand blast cabinet , and a 5 hp compressor.
I'm on the fence as far as the dry cut chop saws go. I think they are great but at over $100.00 for a blade I am not sure they are cost effective. For what I do the hand held dry cut works good on large parts. The only bad thing I can say about it is that it is hard to see where the cut is. I have contemplated putting a notch window in so I can see the blade at the cut point.
The way osha regs are now the less you throw sparks the better off you are. Shards good , sparks bad.

I just picked up a nearly new 6225 model (not the deep cut unfortunately :mad:). But for a nearly new tool (still American made, came with the huge metal tool case) I can't fuss too much, I only gave $85.00 tax and out the door for it.

Glenn