Question about Milwaukee deep cut band saw

Tom Lewis

Tom Lewis

Joined
Feb 24, 2000
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I got a Milwaukee deep cut band saw and a Swag table to go with it. I have it set up and it works very well. I have a couple of questions.
1. To cut metal how fast should I run the saw. It has variable speed from #1-#4. #1 is slow and #4 is a lot faster.
2. I really had trouble getting the band saw blade on. I had the tension release lever released but still it was a very tight fit. It was almost like the tension was on, but it wasn't.

Any suggestion would be appreciated.
 
I bought that same saw and table set-up earlier this year. It's a little messing around with the blades to get them in and out. But anyhow, I don't think it makes much difference how fast you run your saw to cut metal, it has a lot of power for being a small saw, and cuts well high or low speed. I think the key is buying high quality blades like Lenox or Morse.
 
I bought the Milwaukee brand blades, they are fine. I think the lowest speed possible nets the best results - I seem to destroy blades MUCH faster on higher speed settings. I could have potentially bought shitty blades - sounds like the ones I'm getting might not be the best. I figured OEM - but that might not be right.
 
DustinY said:
I bought the Milwaukee brand blades, they are fine. I think the lowest speed possible nets the best results - I seem to destroy blades MUCH faster on higher speed settings. I could have potentially bought shitty blades - sounds like the ones I'm getting might not be the best. I figured OEM - but that might not be right.
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I haven't tried the Milwaukee blades, but I've heard the Lenox blades last a bit longer.
 
I run my Dewalt on 2.5 to 3 for cutting out blades. 5 for handle materials. The Milwaukee blades are OK, Lennox are a lot better. Used often you'll start loosing teeth on the Milwaukees at the weld. Ya get kinda a bump as you are sawing. I recently had a whole box of Milwaukee blades that were bad right from the get go. Fitting the blade is an experience thing I would guess. I can unmount my saw from the SWAG and have a blade changed out in about a minute or two generally.
 
i have the smaller milwaukee, and the blade just barely goes on, so its not just yours. i use the slowest speed for metal, and faster for handle material.
 
Tom, where did you get your blades? I ordered mine from sawblade.com and two of four of them were welded short. They sent out replacements and they were really great people to work with but there was definitely a difference in the replacement blades they sent out. They easily fit the second time.
 
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I have the dewalt saw. I run it on highest speed with lenox blades. I recently put a fresh blade on and cut 1500 pieces of brass (i reload ammo) and it started a break at the weld. I felt like it should have lasted longer. I might try slowing it down and see if it lasts longer. I always felt the blades broke quickly cutting steel, even though i always cut straight and never try to cut arcs.
 
Yes, Sawblade.com, no “s” at the end.
I've just started using them based on a recommendation by another knifemaker so I have yet to put them to the test.
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The measurement they use is 3’8” and 7/8”
Which is 44 7/8”. They had recommended me a different blade for a portaband but I figured I’d try their recommendation next time.
 
I run mine on the slowest setting. I don't change it as I haven't seen a need to. I bought the foot switch from Swag and that was well worth it.

As far as your blade, I dunno. I haven't had any issues getting mine on.
 
Tom Lewis said:
I got a Milwaukee deep cut band saw and a Swag table to go with it. I have it set up and it works very well. I have a couple of questions.
1. To cut metal how fast should I run the saw. It has variable speed from #1-#4. #1 is slow and #4 is a lot faster.
2. I really had trouble getting the band saw blade on. I had the tension release lever released but still it was a very tight fit. It was almost like the tension was on, but it wasn't.

Any suggestion would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
The first couple blade changes are tough since the rubber wheel covers are very stiff but it gets easier. One thing that is important is after installing a new blade is to "Break-In" a new blade by setting the Teeth...for the first Inch run the saw on low speed with Light feed pressure this will set the teeth without dulling them. I run the saw at 2.5 for steel (stainless is a lot harder on blades than high carbon) and run 4 for wood.
 
Josh, my blade was a Milwaukee blade.
Thanks everyone for your replies and comments.
I really like the porta band and swag table set up. I had a harbor freight type of bandsaw. The kind that was both vertical and horizontal. It was really slow. The Milwaukee portaband even on slow speed cuts much faster.
 
Josh, my blade was a Milwaukee blade.
Thanks everyone for your replies and comments.
I really like the porta band and swag table set up. I had a harbor freight type of bandsaw. The kind that was both vertical and horizontal. It was really slow. The Milwaukee portaband even on slow speed cuts much faster.
 
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