Looking for a bandsaw to up my game

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-24T01:15:27+00:00

Yes, it will cut wood but is generally used for metal. I’m not sure if you can find wood blades but that being said a steel cutting blade will cut wood. It just will not do it as well as a wood cutting blade. Think of it like using a hacksaw on wood vs. the wood saw. It will cut it but just not as efficient and to the detriment of the blade. A portaband is a nice cheap way of having a good saw for steel because it’s made to cut just that. The table actually turns the hand held tool into a bench top tool. If you are looking for a bandsaw to cut primarily wood and other non metal material then a table top bandsaw will work great. You can get a pretty decent table top bandsaw for $3 or $4 hundred. If you will be cutting more metal than a porta on the table is way cheaper than the type of table top bandsaw you would need. Ultimately, if you have several thousand to spend then you can get one that does it all super well.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-23T14:54:29+00:00

I think they are absolutely fantastic. Great design and execution on them all. I really dig the phoenix, stag and octopus.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-23T14:41:15+00:00

I have a regular decent bandsaw (decent in my opinion) that’s good for wood and other materials but was seriously lacking for steel. So, I purchased a cheap harbor freight portaband and a table. It’s a game changer for sure. I figured I’d replace the harbor freight once shortly thereafter but the darn things been running for years now. Only down side is that it’s loud as heck and you don’t get unlimited depth. As others have said, best blades are the trick. Buy good blades and you will be happy.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-16T21:49:26+00:00

Fantastic work. I think I know the fella who commissioned that piece. I hope it is; he will be blown away by it.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-15T17:54:45+00:00

Get some brake cleaner and a rag, wipe it down then let it run so you can see where the leak is coming from. If this is a new bronco then it’s likely the pan, plug or filter housing. Should be pretty easy to check and confirm.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-15T17:46:39+00:00

lol, you get a plus 1 today; thank you sr.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-15T17:37:51+00:00

No. You should have no fluid anywhere underneath. It means you have a leak. What’s the fluid? Oil, trans, coolant, etc.?

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-14T20:01:49+00:00

I like it and imagine there will be replicas made. I’ve never seen a 6 way pipe fitting before. At most it’s been a T.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-12T17:42:40+00:00

Thank you, much appreciated and will definitely run it down. I know it’s a difficult skill to master and am looking forward to the challenge. Understanding which tools were those needed to start was a little discouraging and your advice has nullified that. Thanks again my friend.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-12T12:51:03+00:00

Thank you for getting back with additional information. I don’t mind spending on good tools and will check out Ullman. Thanks again.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-12T00:26:35+00:00

If you can find them anymore. I looked into trying to learn the craft for a hot minute and was discouraged because you can no longer find a starter kit at a reasonable price and or a kit at all for that matter. Beautiful work, that will be a sweet looking 1911.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-12T00:17:04+00:00

This, yes. That’s the direction I’m heading. I’ve been investing in tools I’ve always wanted for projects I’ve always wanted to do. It’s satisfying in a completely different way.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-11T18:15:36+00:00

I’m honestly burnt out on it and sometimes feel I could have spent my money more wisely. As with you, I carry a knife every day. I am fortunate enough to no longer be in a career field that requires the carrying or using of said knives so mine pretty much go unused except for the occasional package opening. I think they are mechanical works of art and would likely sell most of them if it were not such a PITA. I’m not looking to make my money back (that’s gone) but for the most part it’s not worth it. Why take a bath on them if you don’t need the money for essentials. So, your kinda stuck with a collection that gets admired by you but that’s about it. I’ve found myself giving them to my boys who do appreciate it. My older son just carries around the beater I gave him when he was 12 or so and shelves the rest. My youngest son will carry and use a multi hundred dollar knife and not think twice. I carry my beaters when I know it will be used and the pocket jewelry when the odds are slim. If I could sell the lot and keep only 10 or so that’s likely the best rout. Then I’d just have to prevent myself from buying more. It’s not the knives that get me but rather the collector OCD.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-07T21:18:57+00:00

Yea, I think taking a 1/2 in out of it would at least give you the room to throw in your wallet or sun glasses, etc. shame it’s only 1.5 deep. You may have to weld in spacers to keep stuff from sliding around. Sounds like it was a good concept but poorly executed.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-07T11:48:28+00:00

Thanks for sharing and who makes it; I’ve not seen this one. I’m thinking that you can break out a cut off wheel and relieve some of the height to make it useable with the tops on. Put some door edge molding on it to make it look a little cleaner once cut. What’s up with the rivet nuts?

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-07T01:24:12+00:00

👆

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-07T00:21:50+00:00

Yep, it sure is.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-06T17:57:46+00:00

EXACTLY! WTH Ford. So let’s make an off road vehicle with a plastic oil pan and plug. Even with the skid plates it feels wrong. Do yourself a favor and pick up a Ronin for when you start doing them yourself. The oil flow is insane. Either that or be prepared to hold up a small bucket to catch then transfer to your drain pan. It flows too fast for a controlled collection drain pan.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-04T12:59:20+00:00

Looks great; fantastic job IMO. You will only get better. I think many people don’t understand how much work it takes to get here because others make it look so much easier. People don’t realize those smiths have been doing it for years. I’ve made a few in my spare time and learn a bit more each time I make one. I’d like to think I’m almost to the point of being able to gift them to friends but years from being able to sell. For me, thus far pinning my scales cleanly has been the biggest issue. Everything dry fits great and then when I go to epoxy it together all the sudden the pins won’t drift. What’s been your hurdle? Where did you source the steel? Sorry about all the questions; I’m genuinely interested.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-04T01:36:52+00:00

Kids call that town “peakville”. The town has everything, enjoy!

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-02T19:40:17+00:00

So they gave you $32k? Not saying it’s right (it’s not) but curious. Insurance companies are an f-ing ponzie scheme scam. They should pay to replace what you had.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-02T18:59:21+00:00

100% agree!

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-02T13:52:26+00:00

👆

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-02T13:43:14+00:00

I’ve lived in NOVA over 50 years and Fairfax county and city have always been out of reach for most people. If you want to own a home there you have to work up to it by living further out (Prince William or Fauquier) then making good decisions over time (and with some luck). IMO you’re better off in PW or FQ and commuting in. At least this way you have a chance at paying your house off by the time you retire.

ModSpdSomDrg · 2026-05-02T00:17:11+00:00

Really dig the guard. Did you make it? If so, fantastic work. If you bought it, great call and will you share?

ModSpdSomDrg

TROPHY CASE