*Perfect band saw for the hobby enthusiast **MyBest.Tools** Easy to set up and square. Had it running in 10 to 15 minutes. Quality of cuts will depend on the quality of the blades.*

Use cutting oil RIDGID, the dark one is OK, less expensive than the clear one. And if you want to save more, use SLUGGER, this is a water base oil which you can mix with water. With one gallon you can make two or three gallons. The oil gives you a smooth cut and extends the life of the blade. With time you will have that saw all greasy and this will help fight corrosion when the saw is outside exposed to humidity.

Thank you for the info. That is very helpful. It would be able to make some radius cuts but not others.

Thank you.

Nice video. Sounds like a reliable saw. Thanks.

Your saw is kind of loud. You can reduce the noise by putting rubber bumpers on the frame where the blade cover is. Plus, put a band around the belt cover to keep it from vibrating and making noise. I built a wooden stand for mine and found it prevents a lot of noise also.

my blade keeps popping off of the wheels every single time, what is the problem??

@jfbrink

7 жыл бұрын

I would guess that you need to crank the tension -- the big knob at the top of the saw when it is in the upright position -- more tightly. Crank it pretty much as tightly as you can with one hand.

Does this model come with a table/platen for vertical cutting?

thanks for the vid. So does it chop pretty precise?

@etownandrewg - I cut almost all of my curves as a series of straight-line tangents and clean the piece up on the belt sander. But, I just did an experiment to answer your question. On an 1/8" thick piece of steel I was able to cut a 3-1/8" radius (creating a 6-1/4" circle) with the 1/2" blade at a normal feed rate. Smaller circles may be possible, but you'd have to cut very slowly. As to the smaller blades, they will fit, but I can see how they might ride themselves out of the guide bearings.

@huckleberryhillfarm - The blade is not so new in this video, although I am still using it happily 3 months later. This is at maximum speed and maximum feed. These saws are not fast, but the argument is that their set-it-and-forget-it quality makes up for that a little. I definitely set up my workflow so I have something to do on the side as it cuts.

@Paul - Yes, it does. I used it two days ago.

@fall22123 - Yeah, it was never intentional, but I just don't have anywhere to keep it inside. I live in Southern California, though, so it's not too harsh an environment. I throw a tarp on it when the rains start.

Hey, i cant see the video thanks to buffering but I want to ask about the capacity. I need something that will cut 4 inch square stock with 1/8 walls. Will this handle it? 45 degree cuts? Thanks

How much can you move around the metal to cut an arc with the saw in the vertical position and using a 1/2" blade? Have you tried to use narrower band saw blades in the vertical position? I was wondering if it could use 3/8" or 1/4" blades.

@brandonGCHACHU - The 4" square stock will be no problem. I've done 4" x 3/16" on mine in both horizontal and vertical format with no problem. I also just checked on mine and it looks like a 45-degree cut will work with everything clearing the 4" square workpiece, but I can't guarantee that.

I was surprised to hear you keep it outside. Whatever works, I guess.

@jsrnf - Sure, but I'm never so far away that I can't hear the sound of a jam. It's happened a couple times, and I got over to the saw before any damage occurred.

idezilla - Sorry for the slow reply: YES, the saw has a table for vertical cutting. I use it all the time, but forgot to show it in the video.

Can adjust the table to cut 45 degrees? It looks like it is possible, but I can't quite tell. Thanks agian for sharing this.

@jfbrink

7 жыл бұрын

Yes, although the larger the angle, the narrow the maximum width you can cut (because it interferes with the guides, not because of limitations of the saw).

What were you cutting 2x2 1/8"? Seemed a little slow, is that a new blade?

very good saw and video ! but how i can speed up the cuts?

@jfbrink

7 жыл бұрын

@juan pablo - Well, the saw has three speeds, which you select by moving the drive belt between pulleys. But, all the speeds are slow. You want slow because it keeps things cool and extends the blade life. Just plan your project so you have other things to do while it saws.

@stakone - I can consistently cut to within .030. Which seems pretty darn good to me.

Set it and forget it is not a great idea, I've seen blades jam and motors burn up.

I had one of these saws and it just would not stop jumping the blade. Tried everything, finally just junked it. I see some people have had good luck with them but that was not the case with me. I would not recommend this saw to anyone.

@jfbrink

6 жыл бұрын

@Greg - Yeah, that's interesting. I am on my ninth year of using mine daily with no trouble or maintenance beyond blade changes. I even stored it outside partially covered for the first 8 years. My dad bought the latest version from HF about 9 months ago, and it is even better than mine. It's more accurate and whisper quiet. My only complaint about the one I have it that it's really loud.

They no longer carry parts for this saw. Mine is 7 yrs. old, has a bent motor plate and they can't replace it.

@jfbrink

9 жыл бұрын

Dewey Radabaugh - Yes, I've found HF to be pretty terrible for parts. Most people just make their own replacements.

I think the people who say harbor freight junk just like spending a lot more money on the same thing