The HF bandsaw thread prompts me to ask, how about PorterCable vs Milwaukee? How do they compare? Let's just say the HF one is in a class by itself? :-) (I am no HF snob, I own lots of HF - some great values and decent quality there)
I'm partial to the PorterCable mostly because of my dissappointing history with the Milwaukee 14" chop saws.
I think there will be a PC "big capacity" saw in my near future!
Jay
snipped-for-privacy@nadasppam-yahoo.com (jj) wrote in news:43c5b3c1.1792776515 @news2.flex.com:
IMHO, Milwaukee has the lock on the portable bandsaw market, with good reason. Just check out what your area contractors use, that's a very telling sign. We have 2 at the plant, heavily used (and abused), they just keep on going. I have one at home, never had the first issue with it.
The bandsaws made by Milwaukee, Dewalt, PC, etc. are heavier and appear more rugged than the HF version. I don't know if they cut any better. Milwaukee and PC are about the same in terms of features and haven't changed in years. Dewalt recently came out with theirs and it supposed to have a few improvements over the others.
Milwauke recently released a 28V (lithium ion) cordless bandsaw. But it is extremely expensive. Around $500.
I have used both Porter-Cable and Milwaukee. and can't find a reason to choose one over the other. I also now have a H-F, which, not unexpectedly, is not as good, but it makes a good backup in case of emergency.
Do spend whatever extra money it takes to get a variable speed model. On tough material, the blades last much longer at low speed. I learned this the hard way.
I recently purchased one of the new Dewalt portable band saws and just love it. The reason I chose Dewalt was that its variable speed can be set with a control knob as opposed to the trigger controls which I find difficult to use consistantly having dulled a few blades with a few second slip of the trigger . Also it has a built in work light so you can see the cut in low light situations. It is typical Dewalt industrial quality.
snipped-for-privacy@nadasppam-yahoo.com (jj) wrote:
I recently purchased one of the new Dewalt portable band saws and just love it. The reason I chose Dewalt was that its variable speed can be set with a control knob as opposed to the trigger controls which I find difficult to use consistantly having dulled a few blades with a few second slip of the trigger . Also it has a built in work light so you can see the cut in low light situations. It is typical Dewalt industrial quality.
snipped-for-privacy@nadasppam-yahoo.com (jj) wrote:
Looks like you've already decided.
I sure like my Milwaukee deep-throat, but I've heard good things about the PC bandsaw too. If you prefer PC you might not want to tarry too long, because I think they were recently bought by Black & Decker.
None of my friends would let me come around anymore if I didn't buy the Milwaukee. The deep cut and 0-350 rpm one.
But I do know a guy who bought a much less expensive Metabo and likes it. I have used it and have no complaints.
Pete Stanaitis
--------------------------
jj wrote:
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required