Hand held band saw

[larrynjr]

Does anyone use this type of band saw? What are some of the drawbacks to a hand held type compared to any other type? I was considering buying this one from Northern Tool
Northern Industrial Portable Band Saw
but wanted some second opinions.

Thanks Larry

[Covforge]

Larry,
I have a few tools from Northern. Most are ok. Some not.
The main thing to check is if you can get blades. i've heard sme people say some of there saws carry an odball blade.
Travis

[Pault17]

Larry,
I have thought about one of those as well.I could easily see a fabbedhorizontal or vertical mount for it.rube goldbergish 'but doable

[hdwarner]

larry check out my gallery , i mounted mine as a vertical stationary
bought from hf for 69 dollars threw the factory blades away and bought morse brand blades
satisfied
going to make a better table soon,
for what i do this is good enough , just a slice here a slice there ,
i used it to saw one of those crosses everyone sems to like i even think you posted one
chuck

[hdwarner]

a couple pics of my 10cent saw mounted vertically

[markb]

I have a milwaukee porta-band. I use it a lot more than my chop saw. I can put a piece in the vice and cut, no sparks, but you are limited to size, I think mine is 4" sq. limit and the variable speed is nice also, plus you can take it to the work. It's one of my favorite tools.

[keykeeper]

I used one similar to this at a hammer-in last fall. The host had fabbed a mount for it, to mount it vertically on the wall. He also fabbed a nice little table for it, and an on/off knob with lever that engaged the trigger switch using a cam like action. Pretty nice little piece for small jobs.

I enjoyed using it, and wish I had taken pics of it, to use for ideas in my shop. I think you will be happy with one like that.

[larrynjr]

Thanks everyone, that's what I was wanting to hear. I check on the blade size and make sure I can get them readily before commiting to the N.T. brand saw. I liked the Milwaukee brand one but it cost as much as a table type band saw.

[Covforge]

I've got the Milwaukee deep cut. I made a table that also holds it in the vice. Works great that way. I also put one of these floor switches for a christmas tree in a cord so it's foot control.
Travis

[Ten Hammers]

Although I don't own one, a porta-band is a handy tool. Look at an intersection of square tubing that has been welded ( say 1 1/4" 11 ga tubing). Say the joint is not square. Saw through the weld and then grind and re-tack. Fix the issue fairly nicely. I have used one of these ( Milwaukee ) saws a fair bit and would like to own one but like everything else it is only money right ?