Harbor Freight Portable Bandsaw Review - Does it cut railroad track?
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- Опубліковано 13 вер 2017
- This is a review of the Harbor Freight portable band saw, also know as a portaband. This is the same band saw that was used to make the Metal Cutting Horizontal/Vertical band saw in a previous Making Stuff Video. Watch and see, will it cut railroad track? Which blades work the best?
Used in this video:
Bauer Band Saw: amzn.to/2fynjCA
Replacement Blades: amzn.to/2x5G7zo
CRC Cutting Fluid: amzn.to/2wt3y1Y
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#harborfreight
#harborfreightbandsaw - Наука та технологія
Nice, fair review. It's great to actually watch an unbiased review from someone who obviously knows what they're doing. Keep up the good work, bro.
Thanks for doing this video. I’m new to metal work, just got my first welder a couple weeks ago, and am on a tight budget for tools. I’m always skeptical of HF tools but this video just may have convinced me for this tool. Thanks again! 👍🏻
I totally agree with your review. I purchased the older model a few years ago and build a stand to serve as a bench band saw. I was happy with it's performance.
When the newer model came out from Bauer I purchased it from Harbor Freight. What a big difference! Well build, heavier, and a more powerful motor. I also have this saw in a stand to use as bench saw. This is one of the most used tools I own. Yeah, I agree too with the notion of tossing the original blade. I purchased a few quality blades and this saw is a monster! Thanks for the review.
Really good review, cutting the railroad rail has me convinced that this saw is the real deal !! Great job
I have subscribed .!
Thank, glad you liked it.
I've had my bandsaw (the same one as in the video) for just over 48 hours and it's great. I've already used it to make a sheet metal break, and the chop attachment for the bandsaw that you made in the first video with it. I can't wait to start all my other projects using it. And it's all to your review. Thank you.
I have had and used one almost daily for over a year. I love mine and have recommended it to several people.
I bought one... love it! Works great with a top end blade, which I would put on any tool!!
Just bought my 2nd one first one still going strong but the price is right ! Great job on the Video !
BTW, this is the recommended customer video on the harbor freight band saw page. ;)
It sure is, thanks for letting me know.
Finaly someone who wasn’t outsmarted by a bandsaw blade...
Yes😂👌
lol,
Gran documtal
No blade included now
@@jimkb8tbiMaybe if the blade is crap, it's just as well. That said, I'd be curious how many cuts the crap blade would have been good for.
After this video i purchased one. Ingoring Chucky 2009 review if You can call it one. You are right, the blade went in with no difficulties. Cuts like a champ. Thank you so much for posting. I'm a subscriber to you now.
I'm a grandmother of 6...just learning to use the bandsaw...mine is Milwaukee...but I do not know anything about it...I enjoyed your info...thanks
You got my thumbs up.
I've been waiting to see if this saw goes back on sale, and finally today it has, so I just ordered it. Thank you very much for this review.
You are welcome, thanks for watching.
Very good informative video - I am convinced now it is a good purchase - Thanks!
By the way, I very much admire and complement you for not trashing the "other" reviewer even a little (after all he's a Good Guy like you). Kudos for that, too! Well done and helpful.
I have a HF Porta Band saw and it works well with good blades. I’ve had my saw for about a year so far!
I've owned mine for over 6 months and use it weekly and was really excited to see you do your last video using the Bauer to make the diy vertical/horizontal band saw. I will be buying another Bauer to make mine with and recommended it for the small home diy home projects.
Glad you like it, thanks for watching.
Clearly a excellent review. Outstanding opinion of blade replacement. Thanks for sharing
I love it I have hade it for 6 month and using it almost everyday.
I like your video style! I found one on the scratch/dent "3 day only return" table and grabbed it for $35 w/ the case and blade. Brought it by my buddy's house who has both the DeWalt and Milwaukee corded models and he was surprised. Put a variable pitch metal blade on it, and helped him with several welding side jobs where I was cutting plenty of 1/4" plate with it. No worries! Still on first blade too.
Mine works just fine with a professional grade band saw blade! I'd buy it again! Thanks for the review!!!!
Just bought a Milwaukee and kinda wish I had saved $200.00 and went with this unit.
Great, honest review. Thanks for posting.
Watched a negative review and I feel your review was unbiased.. That's a hell of a bandsaw for $99.00!
thanks Ray B. i checked on amazon, and here in Alberta canada, that same (or very similar) porta band saw is about 329.00 but i'm snooping on Kijiji, for a good used one, for about 190.00
@@petersack5074 In Canada, the King KC-8377 is almost identical to the Harbor Freight saw and sells for about $220 Cdn. King also sells a miter saw stand that fits that saw, it costs about $100
@@85rocco wow thanks, mr rocco 😇
Good honest review, thanks for making it!
Your review was done in an unbiased manner. Very well done!!!
I was impressed, I own one and haven’t put it through that much, good job.
Works for me. I actually want to build the vertical/horizontal stand in your other video and, in that I'm a beginner metal worker, this saw seems perfect.
I'm getting 1.. I had my angle grinder pull my sweat shirt in last week.. gotta get this!
Are you still glad about getting one? Did you get this brand?
GREAT review ! I just bought one of these bandsaws but haven't used it yet. Looks like I made the right decision. Thank you for the review.
Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!
i have the same saw . and I've used it several times. and i love it .and i still have the original blade and it still works great
Great video... I don't make my living with my tools, I love my Harbor freight tools because they never fail me for my weekend projects... I watched the "other" video as well... Total bash Harbor Freight video... I appreciate your honest review.
I bought this same model shown in this video and adapted as a vertical band saw. It's worked great so far (even with the crappy blade). I had one of the rubber wheel covers jump off (likely due to some debris getting down in the lower wheel assembly). I pulled the lower wheel assembly apart and and surprised to find it full of a good quality grease. The chain was a little slack, but seemed like it wasn't going to jump the shark so I put it back together and been great ever since.
Thanks for the Honest review. I had to stop watching the other reviewer. Your practical use of the saw was a good example of proper use, without abusing the tool.
I have the Chicago Electric version that is a couple of years old , used the chop saw maybe twice since getting this!
Yeah I think I'm going to sell my chop saw. Don't need it anymore.
Thank You for the honest review on this particular saw. I have the Chicago Electric one, and I am happy with it ,for the use I have gotten out of it. I hear you on the blades, as I bought, their blade. I must also point out that I bought this unit 4 years ago and only started using it a year ago. I bought all my power tools, I wanted before I retired. (Because after that you can't afford these luxuries,) From Harbor freight Nailer's to drill and impact drills. When I lived in Vancouver it was a 20 min drive to get to Harbor Freight. Now its takes me almost 6 hours, to drive their as I live on the prairies. We have Princess Auto here in Canada. Its like harbor fright. I bought most all the tools when our monies, where par. The idiot you are referring too, can't even undo a bolt, if its upside down from his point of view. And I can't honestly say, that he has ever said anything good about anything. And generall bitches about everything. Its not the tool it how you us it, that's what's important. I have very cheap tools, and I have my professional Snap On tools and Tool boxes. When I got into the aviation business in 1969, Cheap tool where that, But over the years, when sears and Canadian tire, started backing their tools, I bought them also. Yes in some cases Snap On are better quality with thinner wall on their socket and you can get them into places the cheap tool can't. Anyway that's my Nickels worth.
Dude thats not bad! with decent blade she works good. thank you for honest review and testing.
Loved the review ,i got mine 2or3 yrs ago and havnt used it yet but the blade tip is a good one ,thanks !
Great review. I paid $400 for my Milwaukee back in 2000 and had it for years, but I have used Bauer on my job and I have to say I too was impressed with the quality. Also you are right on target about the blade that comes with it. I threw out the one that came with the Bauer as well and went back to Harbor Freight and bought a Bauer brand blade, it cut like crazy, but I am amazed yours cut threw the railroad track. I have made anvils out of those before because they are so hard. I have to say the Bauer portable band saw was as good or better than my Milwaukee.
Yeah it's a good saw, I have two of them.
Good objective review! Cutting through the railroad rail is proof that this saw can do the job.
Right in the manual it says the 14TPI blade is for thick/soft materials (not steel). They should have included some type of recommended blade speed chart too. This saw has a max speed of 420 SFM....but for most metal cutting you should be in the 200-250 SFM range. Even slower for very thick metal. Faster speeds are fine for plastic or wood.
I think I'm going to go ahead and get one. Angle grinder ate my shirt one to many times, maybe time for a new toy. Thanks for the unbiased review.
Thank you for an honest review.
Thank you love the video was wondering about purchasing the saw for exactly to cut Railroad rails you have put me at ease thank you and have a blessed day
Thanks for watching!
Awesome video! I seen the "other" review and felt it was more anti HF as well.
Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!
1D10CRACY I agree
In the other video the saw didn't break the reviewer took the tool apart and broke it that way. So his claim that it didn't survive the review is false it just didn't survive a non qualified person working on it. Besides he think HF tools are made for commercial use, anyone with a lick of sense knows a $100 bandsaw is not commercial grade.
My experience with HF’s QA could be improved and the 2nd version of a tool gets a lot of the major glitches resolved. So for my money I’d buy it (as I otherwise would be using an angle grinder to cut metal) and return it if any issues arise like not being able to get the saw blade on cleanly. To me the real issue is if I didn’t buy the HF model would I revert back to using an angle grinder for cutting metal.
I didn’t think the other evaluator was being totally unfair to HF as I would have returned the saw when I couldn’t get the blade on cleanly and see if a second saw had the same problem.
1D10CRACY v",n.mm
". . "
Great honest review!
Hey, good, honest review. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for the honest review. I'm totally getting one of these. I'm so tired of angle grinder/cutoff wheels.
I actually set my shirt on fire last night with one... that's enough for me :)
I've done that more than once. 😂 I'm seriously considering the HF bandsaw.
Only those with burned shirts can claim status as a metalworker.
I purchased a portable bandsaw from HDC in 2004 for $59 I'm thinking (older model with vertical motor. Last year it gave up due to the main housing being made from plastic that became brittle. I laugh at Chucke sometimes and the way he reviews stuff. Great review on this HF product.
Well, the only saw type of this I've used is the HF. unit and is now one of my go-to tools. Built a slide table and several holding tools .. can cut a 32in sliver of a 1inch rod with repetitive accuracy. I have not used a Lenox blade on it but will have to do very soon.
May have to cut some railroad steel too.
I just picked up the Bauer saw, a Swag table, and some Hercules blades from HF. Im thrilled with it. For my DIY needs, its perfect. I got the nice Swag table included for less than a Milwaukee or DeWalt would cost without any table
Good deal!
I also own one. I purchased it after using one on an industrial electrical job after making thousands of clean cuts on 6" rigid conduit. The one on the job site out lasted two Milwaukee saws, and kept on going, so I bought one for myself
for the price point thata hard to walk away from if you want or have a need for one of those and I'm thinking about one! your review helped alot,thanks
Thank you for your video review. Going to go buy this saw today thanks again!
Glad I could help!
Changed to Lenox blade and it suits my needs well.
Thanks for the video. I'm planning to buy one and your review is helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
I bought the pre-Bauer Chicago Electric screamer about 13 years ago and immediately put on a Milwaukee bimetal blade (3 for $18 Amazon). It's still screaming along over a decade later, with light use. I'll have to try cutting some of that RR track I have lying around very soon!
The rail way track is what i need to see cut. That is what i need it for. will be buying one ,thanks for the review.
Glad I could help
Good straight up review!
Satisfying video reply.
I was disappointed with the over-the-top bias of Chuck as well as in the comments by his unwillingness to accept obvious operator error.
Thanks for the rational review.
I have a length of rail track that's been sitting the bush for years, now I may buy a portable bandsaw and do something with it... mini anvil? badass bumper? Work-table legs? light pole? some kind of tool-bed? ...
Excellent vid! I agree the other vid was a bit brutal. Thanks for the second look.
Good product. good unbiased review. you are an honest, truthful man. 👍👍
I appreciate that!
Yeah the saw is no joke just got it and we are cutting through quarter inch plate like it ain't nobody's business. It's not as loud as a cutting disc Norris dangerous it seemed so far sure as hell a lot less mess. Appreciate your honesty review definitely worth a hundred bucks
Thanks for watching!
This was an awesome video that should come with the saw when you purchase it.it has a lot of instructional value as to how to put on and off the bandsaw blade which is totally important. Your review was totally unbiased and very well received I have the same song I'm in the process of trying to figure out how to mount it to my workbench I've been watching all kinds of videos including yours but everybody Weld's and I don't have any kind of equipment for welding or any knowledge of how to do it properly I need to make one just out of wood if that's possible so I can use screws and that's it but thanking you again for this awesome video and I am subscribed to your channel
Wow torture test with the railroad track. Good review.
I own one and would buy again. Great channel by the way!!!
Awesome video. There are too many "reviews" out there financed by the big manufacturing companies. Refreshing to find your channel.
Thank you!
Liked your review. Honest and more importantly unbiased. I own lots of name brand and HF Tools. To me it's more of how often will you use it and how long do you expect it to last. That is what decides the quality I'll buy. Use it a couple few times a year no sense spending big money. Use it daily and your better off buying something better. IMO
Good review. I like your projects.
Thanks for watching!
Good review and i agree with your views on the tool and Harbor Freight
I think you gave a really unbiased review I was impressed with it cutting the railroad track
Almost bought one today 1/26/20, seems good enough to cut 1/4, 5/16 even 1/2". Enough for my needs. I love that bench mod however. Thanks great review.
Thanks for watching!
Excellent review. That’s for the video. You just gained a sub! 👍
Thank you!
Good review, I know the other reviewer you are talking about, I watched his video and basically laughed at him. The one thing I wanted to mention concerns the 20% coupon from harbor freight, if you look at the small print on the coupon it says it doesn't apply to any Bauer tools.
Thank you. Great honest review ,For 100.00 I am sold on it.Thanks for the blade info.
You are welcome, thanks for watching.
I just bought one of these Harbor Freight Bauer Portable Band Saws and the case that it comes in is fantastic. What you get with most of these tool companies now like Dewalt and all the others as well for drills, impact drivers and the like is a GIRLY BAG, that doesn't even hold the tool adequately that comes in it. They're squeezed into the bag and you can't expand on the kit, like carry a larger selection of drill bits, perhaps hearing and eye protection, there just isn't any room. I am going to fabricate some kind of table stand for my Bauer.
Hardrock I did build a stand for it so I cutting metal like with a bandsaw. Yes the blade that come with it did not last long at all.
Real BigSwede
I went ahead and bought some DeWalt metal blades for the Bauer off of Amazon, cost me like $32. for a pack of 3. They're fine, I think the blade that comes with the Bauer is sort of a general purpose, I haven't used it at all. I'll save it for when I have some other oddball job with wood that it might be more convenient to use in place of my other saws. I still have to build a stand but I have just had too much on my plate to get to it. I've been redoing my 12X32 deck using Trex Composite, put in a couple of runs of Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing (ENT) for some line voltage cable and the other one which is 1 1/2 inch diameter for cable TV, speakers, phone, security cameras and some Cat 6 wire. Also got my dining room in a state because I put up some beams and I'm doing some drop crown molding all around with rope lighting behind, after which I have to put in my dining room pocket doors. And here we are just before Christmas and I have these Christmas gift projects on the go. I'm making my design, crate like wine boxes as gifts, that will include the wine, some cheeses, crackers that kind of thing. These things are going to be hinged, stained and I'm thinking of adding something else to them, like a clock perhaps, we'll see. Best of luck with your new metal cutting band saw assembly. I'm going to be using mine to cut out some knife blanks which isn't going to be for a while.
I've cut a lot of metal with mine- even a railroad rail as you did- 3 times. That was two years ago- still going strong.
If I were to need one for commercial work, I'm sure the MW would be my choice.
1K thumbs up. Subscribed. Thanks for the review
I have one and love it. It's solid, cuts straight and plenty of power. Like any cutting tool, don't force it. Let the blade do its job.
My very old Porter Cable blade tensioning is also non-locking as are some of the new brand name ones. This looks like it could be a good one.
Harbor Freight tools range from exceptional buys to dumpster fill.
I think this is a reliable review for this great cheap tool
An honest no BS review.
I have bought a lot of Bauer tools from Harbor Freight and they have never disappointed, to date I have a Bauer demolition hammer, I have a Bauer cordless drill, a Bauer random orbital sander and a Bauer trouble light and I can tell you that they are quality tools. The demolition hammer I used to drive an eight foot copper rod into the ground for house ground and I cut several 900+ lb steps that had been sunken into my backyard that had to have been put there 40 or more years ago. I cut them into thirds and hauled them away using my gorilla cart for my riding lawn mower, I have pictures if anyone is interested and I also used the demolition hammer to drill a hole through my foundation to run a ground wire to that copper rod I mentioned. The cordless drill, trouble light and orbital sander I have used on many projects without failure and the batteries last a good long time a recharge quickly. I really liked your review of the Bauer portable metal cutting band saw. I have just bought the Chicago Electric vertical and horizontal metal cutting band saw and the same thing applies to the blade(it's junk), but the band saw itself seems pretty good. I may go after the Bauer portable at some point but I may buy a plasma cutter first. No, not the Harbor Freight one, it's still to high of a price, there is a descent no touch from Suncoo 50amp dual voltage 110/220 volt for $264.00. Anyway, thanks again for your review, I found it most informative! 🖖😎
Yeah I have had much better luck with the Bauer products. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video, I'm going to look for that coupon ... I am Jim a retired steamfitter local 486 and you sold me.
Good honest review
I appreciate that, thanks for watching!
Good and fair review. I'm buying one next trip to HF. Not sure, exactly, which blade (or blades) to get. Especially if I want to cut 20 to 10 gauge stainless. And a piece of railroad track, or three....
I have one and agree with you on the blade. Got my blade at ace. The bandsaw works great.
Nicely done. I've been wanting to get a portable bandsaw but they're either pricey or at a store which doesn't have a good reputation for quality products. Thank you.
Wxcellent review. With the proper blade you can cut almost anything. I have a Milwaukee that I purchased for less than a hundred $$, but if it craters, I just may purchase a Bauer. Thanks for giving us a "real" world demostration.
Thanks for watching!
I have one and it's been great I've had it for about a year now
Yea, I chucked chuckie I,ve been using tools for over 50 yrs. So I mite know a thing. Great video, just keep it fair and honest and I,ll keep watching👍
Great video. I'm getting one. I believe that if you're a home hobbyist or mechanic, you don't need the expensive brand name stuff. These will work and you will have cash left to get you some other cool tools.
I cut through rail road iron. With the harbor freight blade and lots of half in plate and about 10 lawn mower blades before it broke. The teeth was still good the weld failed. So I think maybe they might be doing a better blade now. But I love it. I would be lost without it now
DAMN. That thing is cool. Great video. I wish I had a use for one however I'll wait until I need one. A new Harbor Freight just moved in 5 minutes from my house. YES. Good job on the video
Thanks for watching!
At last a man who can do a good review!
Thank You!
Just bought one today.. I didnt see any fit & finish issues.. Its solid as the case
Good product I been using one for over year
Great info bro! Thanks!
No problem 👍
Bought one of these earlier this week. Mine didn't come with a blade or brushes(unconcerned tbh). I bought a 3pk of 18TPI blades from Lowe's, and used the saw to cut 2.5" exhaust pipe. It cuts the pipe like it isn't even there. I'm satisfied with it. I plan to turn it into a horizontal/vertical setup eventually. For now, doing freehand cuts for this exhaust job, it's made the work come out cleaner and straighter than I was getting with an angle grinder. Way less burring, less prep for welding. The only thing I could think to add to it would be a light of some kind, shining on the work being cut, but again, that's kind of cosmetic and ultimately unnecessary. It works for what it is, and it will be better when I have a setup to cut precise angles on long materials, like a horizontal cut table with a variable angle fence
Just found your channel! Great review!
New Sub!👍👊
Thanks for the sub!
Been thinking about and wondering about this saw. I think I will take the plunge.
i think this was a fair and honest review..better than the other one..