I broke down and bought a power tool

[formariz 11,849]

I must be getting really old. Got tired of the hacksaw and decided to get a portable metal saw along with table and foot switch. Got the table to clamp in vise since I don’t use it often it’s easier to just take it out and put it in the corner somewhere. It really takes the drudgery of the metal work specially on the yokes . Did not need anything real heavy duty so the whole thing was at $200.00.

 

 

[Handy Don 10,609]

36 minutes ago, formariz said:

I must be getting really old. Got tired of the hacksaw and decided to get a portable metal saw

Hooray!

I was gifted a Milwaukee 12v Fuel metal cutting band saw. It is a total game changer even though limited to 2+ inch throat. I simply would not have attempted some of my recent WH enhancement projects without it. SO much cleaner and with better control than a cutoff wheel.

As an FYI, I have also used a Diablo metal cutting blade in my 5-¾” Milwaukee 12v circular saw with good results for straight cuts on soft steel plate up 3/16”. Slow but sure.

[SylvanLakeWH 24,152]

56 minutes ago, formariz said:

decided to get a portable metal saw along with table and foot switch

 

 

I thought I saw a pig fly by my window earlier today...!!! 

 

Nice looking setup. Should aid with your continued amazing work! 

[ri702bill 7,331]

Nice!! Did you have to run an extension cord into the house to use it!!!!  

The table looks rugged - does it track well?

[squonk 38,937]

Nice! Where did you get it Cas?

[formariz 11,849]

23 minutes ago, squonk said:

Nice! Where did you get it Cas?

Amazon. Was looking at saws then saw the package suggestions. Two days later everything was here. No hassle. 

Edited September 19, 2023 by formariz

[formariz 11,849]

3 hours ago, ri702bill said:

Nice!! Did you have to run an extension cord into the house to use it!!!!  

The table looks rugged - does it track well?

Table is really rugged. Full 1/4” steel. Saw tracks really well mounted on it.  My need for it is mostly for long cuts in brass and bronze bars 1/8” to 3/16”thick. Used to do it by hand or sometimes with a jig saw which is kind of violent on something that thin. Saves me a lot of time. 

[ebinmaine 63,157]

Nothing wrong with conceding to ease and efficiency Caz!!

 

 

 

I've had to make some changes the last few years whether I wanted to or not. 

Have to admit.... the power tools are nice when I have limited energy.  

 

[ri702bill 7,331]

1 hour ago, formariz said:

Table is really rugged. Full 1/4” steel. Saw tracks really well mounted on it.  My need for it is mostly for long cuts in brass and bronze bars 1/8” to 3/16”thick. Used to do it by hand or sometimes with a jig saw which is kind of violent on something that thin. Saves me a lot of time. 

Years ago, I learned to use a sacrificial piece of either scrap wood or lexan under the good piece. It's all about speed & feed rates, as you know......

Bill

[Horse Newbie 6,859]

1 hour ago, formariz said:

Two days later everything was here

Totally Amazingzon !

[SylvanLakeWH 24,152]

57 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

I've had to make some changes the last few years whether I wanted to or not. 

Have to admit.... the power tools are nice ALWAYS...

 

There, fixed it for ya... 

 

Just clocked in at 60... my hands, wrists, knees, legs... er... everything ain't what they used to be...  

 

Power tools do help... 

[formariz 11,849]

Guys, this was basically a “senior moment” because of a cold unfriendly material. Aside from it everything is as usual making love to wood the old fashioned way. 
 

[squonk 38,937]

2 hours ago, formariz said:

Amazon. Was looking at saws then saw the package suggestions. Two days later everything was here. No hassle. 

You got a link Cas? I looked on the jungle and didn't see it

[formariz 11,849]

30 minutes ago, squonk said:

You got a link Cas? I looked on the jungle and didn't see it

So while I was looking at saw, on bottom they had the table and foot switch with saw saying “ frequently bought together “. That is what I got. Now I see saw with foot switch but not table.You can get table separate. 

 

[Mickwhitt 4,153]

I have the Milwaukee fuel portable bandsaw too. It is a fabulous piece of kit. As said before much better than a disc cutter and so much easier than a hacksaw. 

May have a look at making a table extension to bench mount it for certain tasks. 

[ebinmaine 63,157]

8 minutes ago, Mickwhitt said:

May have a look at making a table extension to bench mount it for certain tasks. 

 

I'd HIGHLY recommend that. 

I have a DeWalt corded portable band saw with a little table. Swag brand I believe. 

 

It's a whole different tool with that table.  

 

[Pullstart 59,733]

This all reminds me, I need some new blades for my band saw!  I haven’t used it in months, when I used it weekly before.

[WHX?? 46,797]

15 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Swag brand I believe. 

Check their website they have alot of interesting stuff for H presses. 

[ebinmaine 63,157]

44 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Check their website they have alot of interesting stuff for H presses. 

Oh yeah 10-4 I've looked.  

Pricey stuff but looks to be great quality.   

[WHX?? 46,797]

Tell ya one thing they had that was not real pricey EB was these nifty little star wheels that press on the valve of most bottle jacks. Beats having to fish around for the back end of the pump handle. 

Was only 12 bucks when I got it tho... 

https://www.swagoffroad.com/products/swag-machined-thumb-knob-for-round-hydraulic-bottle-jack-release-valves?_pos=1&_psq=jack&_ss=e&_v=1.0

I know @prondzy got one of their press metal jigs for making things... yah pricey for just a hobbyist. 

Edited September 21, 2023 by WHX??

[lynnmor 6,783]

When using those newly acquired power saws a pusher like this would be a good safety reminder: