Milwaukee recently announced two new corded portable band saws that they say are 2X more durable than competing models.
On the outside, Milwaukee uses a special composite to armor-up the saws, providing what they describe as impact-absorbing crush zone barriers. On the inside, there’s an all-metal drive system that should last longer and with less servicing than chain-drive setups.
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Inside, there’s a clutch that absorbs high impact forces should the blade lock up, protecting the completely sealed direct drive gearing. The motors have also been redesigned with a new higher density winding configuration. This allows for a slimmer motor housing that leads to increased cut line of sight and improved tool balance.
ETA is Jan 2012.
Specifications:
- 11A motor
- 120V AC
- 5″ x 5″ cut capacity
- 14.5 weight
Models 6232-20 and 6232-21 will have 0-380 SFPM variable speed control, and models 6238-20 and 6238-21 look to have only two speed settings, 300 and 380 SDPM. Both -21 models come bundled with a carrying case.
Milwaukee Deep Cut Band Saws via Amazon
fred
So here’s a “case” (pun intended) where I like the Milwaukee product – but not so much its bulky – not much room for anything else – blow-molded case. If the new saws are anything like (or dare I hope an improvement over ) the ones we already use from Milwaukee – then these should be a good purchase for anyone who cuts strut, and rough cuts pipe and steel in the field. Certainly not the equal of a shop saw (like our big Marvel or Do-all) – but far better than a reciprocating saw.
While I’m on the subject – our old Porter Cable (when they were a full service professsional made in the USA brand) Porta-Band Saw – was every bit the equal and came with a sturdy metal case that had plenty of room to carry quite a few extra blades etc. – while taking up a minimum of room in the truck. I guess that manufacturer’s don’t think anyone values (or would be willing to pay for) a metal case enough to continue to provide them. Maybe they are right in today’s marketplace where consumers seem to buy as much at HF as elsewhere – and may have lost (or never had) any expectations about tool longevity
Stuart
I’m not really a fan of blow-molded cases at all. Some tool cases are designed to accommodate a limited range of accessories, but I don’t often find myself utilizing such space.
A couple of brands do offer metal cases, but as separate purchases. I know that there are a few Bosch models over at Amazon. Does your Milwaukee case look like this one? It is advertised as being molded to fit the band saw (which one?) and accessories to “keep everything in one place.”
I’m not sure when things changed, but these days it looks like manufacturers shave as much costs off the bundled cases and kit boxes as they can, for more competitive pricing. Brands must have done A vs B testing at one point and saw that if given the choice most buyers would opt for the cheaper kit. I remember seeing a number of different metal cases years ago, but low demand led to low availability.
Things might be changing, but maybe not. More brands need to partner with Tanos or Sortimo to make Systainer and L-Boxx kits more available in the USA at reasonable prices. I’d like to see Dewalt bundle some of their tools with ToughSystem cases as well. But to be honest, Dewalt’s tool cases are about the highest quality I’ve seen as it is, just behind Makita.