Help with Band saw purchase

[TMC81277]

I am in need of a new band saw. I have a nice Grizzly 4x6 now but need another one in the shop to handle small 1/4" avg. product. I dont want to spend a fortune as this will not see that much use so I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on these two saws.
Grizzly "portaband"
and HF red 4x6 (dont want to order this and then have an issue and have to ship it back.
They are both very inexpensive, and as I said I have used a Grizzly 4x6 for sometime and have been happy but was wondering about there smaller saw.
The HF Red 4x6 I have heard from a few that they had issues and a few that did not (only 2 that did and 3 that did not)
So any comment you have would be welcome as I have done searches and come up empty.

[Bob Hatfield]

I have used the HF red for over 2 years to cut out about 70-100 blades. O-1 to S30V steel, 1/8 to 1/4 thick with no problems. Had to do some minor adjustments with the rollers and guide and it has been working great since. I prefer bi-metal blades with 18 teeth per inch. Any finer seems to take longer to cut out the blade profile.

Bob

[Ray Rogers]

Your research seems to indicate the red HF saw may have as high as 40% failure rate. That's not great odds. As long as you are prepared to do some tweaking and minor repair as Bob was you could be OK with it.

I have the Grizzly 4x6 also and it has been problem free for 12 years. Maybe you should consider getting a second one. I haven't checked the prices but it could easily be worth the extra money if the HF saw does have a problem. As for the porta-band, many guys have been very happy with them but the main reason I hear about why they would choose one over a 4x6 is the space available in their shop. Some guys build stands to hold them and some clamp them in a vise. The blades are shorter and the mechanics of the saw are somewhat complex, neither is an advantage if the size doesn't matter.

The Griz 4x6 seems extremely reliable but it never hurts to have a spare. Many times I have wished I had a second one so that I could leave a different blade mounted on it ...

[IronMonkey]

Get a portaband. Either milwaukee or porter cable. The difference in the smoothness of cuts and safety is unreal. Ask plain ol bill or Ed Caffrey. Plus the blades, good ones, are inexpensive. No tracking issues, quick blade changeout etc. Dan

[Thingmaker]

DeWalt also makes a portable band saw. It feels more comfortable using (to me anyway) than does the Milwaukie. I've not tried the Porter Cable.

The DeWalt also stands up better to abuse from the average construction gang. That shouldn't matter to one-man shop who takes good care of tools!

[AcridSaint]

Well, I don't think you'll have problems with the red HF saw, it's nearly identical to the old green ones they sold. If you're worried about having it shipped, see if you can find a local HF store, they're all over the place. Then you can save yourself the shipping cost all together. Just make sure you print out the price you find on the web, they will honor it, but only if you have a printout.

[Txcwboy]

I bought one of the HF 4x6 for 149. So I guess we'll see how good it is. Still putting it together ! sighhhh

Dave