Porter-Cable 97724 Band Saw
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br /I've owned one of these since November 1993, and can't think of a single thing that needs improvement.
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br / - I've never had a blade pop off, break, bind in the work, or slip. Once it's mounted, it stays put; once you start cutting, it keeps going. Blade wheels have rubber "bands" on them for blade traction, similar to what you find on wood cutting band saws. (Store the tool with tension released so as not to damage the rubber bands or stretch the blade.)
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br / - designed for right-handed users, as the blade is on the left where you can watch it.
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br / - variable speed works flawlessly, but isn't like what you find on a hand drill, where the trigger controls the speed. On this tool, you set the speed dial from 1 (slow) to 6 (fast) or any point in between, based on what you're cutting - when you pull the trigger, the machine soft-starts and quickly attains the selected speed. This action allows you to gently set the blade on the piece, then pull the trigger. The speed dial clicks as you move it, so it won't slip to a different speed by itself.
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br / - ergonomically perfect for my large hands - there are no sharp places or pinch points; fit finish is 1st rate. Front and rear handle are just right for getting a solid grip on the saw.
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br / - the steel tool case is very nice (it's also huge: 11" x 10.5" x 24.5", but it's a big tool). Has metal clasps and an all steel, rounded handle for comfort.
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br / - cuts very fast when the blade is sharp.
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br / - low profile design allows it to fit in tighter spaces than most other portable band saws. With the motor in the rear, your view of the material being cut is better than machines with the motor in the middle of the unit.
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br / - maximum cut is 4 3/4" by 4 3/4", the same as the other deep cut portable band saws.
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br / - exudes quality. Mostly metal, no vibration when in use, no sparks, smooth as silk, sounds like a quality machine when it's on, everything works as expected.
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br / - blade is well controlled with three roller bearings on each side of the opening.
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br / - blade changes, which are very infrequent, couldn't be simpler or faster. Release the tension (front lever), slip off the old blade, slide on the new one slipping it through the blade roller bearings, re-tension blade.
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br / - even the electric cord is just right - soft flexible rubber, 3-prong, and 10' long.
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br / - have never needed more power.
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br /Summary:
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br /Unquestionably a 5 star tool. First rate in every aspect.