Way back in the '80's I used a sawzall and did not think much of it, but bought one many years latter. Now I love it! I can't think of all the time it has saved me in the last couple of years. If you go the sawzall route, make sure you get the vareable speed model, that is where you get better control.
As a prior poster said "you can't have too many tools". Like the pipe cutter I reccomended, every tool has it's proper application and many fairly suitable misapplications. These are both versitile cutting tools. Here lately handSheld is more appropiate.
Porta band's are very limited due to their size and they're slow, and sawzalls aren't that accurate. I have both but I love my Metabo with cut off wheels. It's extremely versatile and fast. Try to cut out a dash with a portaband or sawzall. This was done with my Metabo. Holes with a hole saw of course. Anybody interested in a like new portaband, mine's for sale.
i'm surprised nobody brought up how you can make a stand for the portaband turning it into a mini upright band saw.
I use a piece of 10 gage hat channel 1 foot wide with 2 legs 3"s deep make a notch where your blade goes and drill a couple countersunk holes to bolt it to the portaband throw it in the vise and there it is. There is a foot pedal attachment for this kind of idea,but I just tape the trigger down,and use the outlet for my on and off!!! something like this>>>>
makes it more accurate i think. it's easier to creep up on your cut line guiding the piece with two hands instead of holding up the heavy *** saw. it can be dis***embled easy enough for larger jobs. i thought there was someone on here either selling plans or the pieces to make a stand.
that's awesome. As far as a sawsall goes I built a lot of roll cages with one, easy for unusual angles.
I made mine,pretty simple!! But if you google (portaband/bandsaw) I do believe there is a place you can buy all you need!!
I have a Sawzall and a Portaband saw. I use them both quite a bit but I use the Portaband saw a lot more. The stand is made out of some 1/4" plate and 2" angle and it works great.
Actually, you'd be better off doing it the other way around. The sawzall can be used in any application for which the portaband could be used, plus many more. You'll just need to be more diligent in keeping an eye on your cut line. Since you're just starting out, buy the sawzall first.
I have both. As a contractor I have been through a few Sawzalls and use the heck out of them. The PortaBand is an awesome tool especially in conjunction with the stand from Tigman. If you are just putting some tools together I would probably go with the sawzall. A grinder with a cut-off wheel is practically irreplaceable as well. There is certainly more than one way and more than one tool to get the same job done. check-out Tigman's stand http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=323369
I've been using Lenox brand blades. I pick them up at our local supply house, but I'm sure you can buy online cheaper. IMO they cut better and last longer than the dewalt/store brands. Johnboy
Got my PortaBand yesterday and I'm in love with it. I quickly made me a stand and that thing makes it wonderful.
I bought a DeWalt saw and made one of these stands to mount in my vise. This thing is one of those "how did I ever get along without it?" devices. I've been building my own exhaust system and this thing is terrific for making cuts on the tubing. If you don't have a PortaBand and you do much metal work, get one and make yourself one of these stands!
Is the porta - band Harbor Freight has on their shelf worth buying or would you go for their cheapie $25 Sawzall?
I dunno, I do a lot of woodworking and metal fabricating and for me nothing is more accurate and simple to use than a chopsaw. When cutting tube, it's easy to follow a line with the Sawsall or Portaband, but the other side of the cut, on a larger diameter piece, can get iffy. The Sawsall, in particular, has a mind of it's own sometimes and will wander off of the line on the backside as you concentrate on the front of the cut. Jigsaws will also do the same. I have all of the tools, but I'll grab the chopsaw every time unless there is a good reason not to.
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