Hercules Portable Band Saw Stand Assembly + Tips + Overview ( HH78S HF 59640 )

[@rivertrader2143]

Greetings... Thank you for your review.. I recently picked these one up a day or two ago 5 /23.. I was considering making one.. this is a dream come true...

[@midwestcyberpunk]

Yeah it's a steal. I bet they end up going on sale for 79.99 eventually but whatever, a bird in the hand etc.

[@lloydprunier4415]

I bought one about a month ago and it is probably the best thing I have ever bought from HF. Went back and bought a tool stand and now have a very versatile set up for doing stuff I've needed for a long time. Funny thing is the Bauer band saw I've had for about a year now smoked like it was at the end of it's life when my son was using it one day. It is still going strong and is way more useful with this setup and can still be easily used as hand held.

[@1aview]

The video I've been looking for. So much more information and answered all my questions. Thanks

[@erikwilson7622]

Just bought this today. And after assembly, I found your video! Yep, the instructions could be used in the outhouse, and yep, the on off switch was a brain fart. And,, when I purchased the band saw and this stand, they were the only ones in stock.

[@212caboose]

Thanks for posting this! I've been trying to find an affordable alternative to getting a "full size" metal band saw. This is much more versatile!!

[@ronpage101]

I had the same experience trying to find one. Asked if they had one in the back, they did. Last one. If you payed yourself $50.00 per hr, or even $20.00 per hr, there is no way you could build this for $99.00. Parts alone would be more than 1/2 the price. Extreme value from HF. Thanks for sharing.

[@fredbecker607]

My local store didn't even know they existed when I got there. I had to show him the email with pictures and number. They still had to look all over the store until I found one on an upper shelf.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

@@fredbecker607 I think A. they don't have a spot for them yet. and B. they might be waiting to release the 18v hercules bandsaw with it later this july (2023)

[@amp12345amp]

Exactly!!! My store actually had two of these in stock. I bought one of them but should have bought both!! Just waiting now for them to release the cordless Hercules bandsaw thereby further reducing any modifications I would need to make .

[@midwestcyberpunk]

@@amp12345amp Yeah I returned my bauer saw but kept the HERC stand. Also waiting for the 18v bandsaw. Hopefully it's under 200, I'm betting $179 - $199

[@keithtappe6505]

I had the same experience. Went toy loca. Harbor Freight after seeing this online and could t find it anywhere so I asked and they had one in the back. So far it works great with my Milwaukee corded deep cut band saw. Still trying to get it fully dialed in for perfect cuts but I have no doubt this thing is going to be a big seller

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I assume they just haven't made room for them on the floor yet, it's a big box. Glad to hear it worked well with your Milwaukee.

[@alangomez7592]

Just bought one myself. You are right. There is not another video on it yet. According to the instructions you use the adjusting bolts (step 4) in order to slide arm back until you clear the platform (Step 11). Pretty much need to sit there and play with it until you center it.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

replying to your original comment if you didn't already figure it out - set the stand up in its vertical position then flip the bottom horizontal base up in the air so it's parallel with the saw. you can then see the bottom of the saw and square it up that way. It's definitely one of those set it and leave it fixtures, I wouldn't want to take it out and set it back up every time although if I did it enough, I might get the hang of it.

[@paulstone6969]

I made a stand from the plans on KZbin, spent a few hours a couple of days on it. Made it exactly to the plans and I mean exactly. It sucked, this stand from Harbor Freight is stupid easy to put together, works great, is well made, very adjustable, and an excellent value for the money. I should have done this in the first place.

[@robjones2655]

Great video! Just purchased both. Excited to get started here. Feeling more confident after watching this video.

[@datguy2730]

Thanks for taking the time to put this video together! Just purchased that same setup...

[@geno617]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I picked mine up today and like you, I purchased the only one they had in stock

[@M70ACARRY]

Just bought one an hour ago. They had several in stock. Lancaster, Ohio. I'm using mine with a WEN corded bandsaw.

[@markhedquist9597]

Man, harbor freight is really making a push. They are no dummies, for sure. It's been my plan to make my own portaband stand (heh-heh), but I will have no shame in buying this one. Gonna check out my local HF today. Thanks for the video.

[@dennisrockwell7834]

DID'NT KNOW THEY HAD SUCH AN ITEM, THANKS FOR THE INFO!

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I just bought one today, I was going to fab one. But after seeing it in an email I wanted it, for the money it easier to buy it than build it. I subscribed. Thank you for talking the time to make this video. 😀🛫

[@midwestcyberpunk]

yeah. In all honesty I returned the Bauer saw but I kept this stand because it's that good. I'm waiting for the Hercules portable

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

@@midwestcyberpunk in past when I bought HF tools they were purchased for one job in mind if I was able to use it again it paid for it self. I have cheap disk grinder to cut off a lock with 20 years ago it still works noisy and I still have the back up brushes. The Bauer saw I bought several years ago it by now probably has 25 hours on it. I trashed the blade and bought some good ones. So far the Hercules line seem to be pretty good.😀🛫

[@KoJaksKranium]

Hey MC, very nice detailed, encompassing and basic video. I'm going to go pick one up today. Thanks and I'll check out more of your creations. KK

[@FAhmad1782]

I have this exact Bauer model. I wanted a small band saw for the garage and this popped up on the HF site. Looks like a great way to get dual usage out of the portaband. Thank you for the unboxing.

[@eksine]

I had problems with the on/off lever too, so much the design engineer saw my review and asked. for the Bauer you have to invert the lever so it sits at a diagonal angle and the bolt is now sitting on top upside down as intended. I exchanged the bauer for the hercules, first one had a wobble on the non powered wheel side, second one was perfect. funnty thing is if you look at the bandsaws spinning, they jerk a bit, you would think they would run perfectly straight and true but NO

[@midwestcyberpunk]

Nice. I thought about getting the new hercules 20v. I assume you like the Herc corded version more than the bauer?

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I ask because Its like $100 more

[@eksine]

@@midwestcyberpunk it's double the price but when I saw the first hercules wobble i checked the bauer and it could have been just as bad or worse. the second corded hercules was balanced so I kept it. the light is handy too. it's not like I need the extra $75 difference really

[@eksine]

@@midwestcyberpunk I also considered they would have a coupon within 90 days but if not not a deal breaker. the cordless model didn't seem to be available, but I like the extra power and not worry about batteries going bad. I make 100k so I need to look at quality over price for low cost items

[@mattrinne]

Thanks for showing it in upright position and some cutting. Looks decent!

[@craigguinn5423]

I picked up one in north Ga after scouring about ten stores. Well made. The trigger control was weird, I probably screwed it ip. I ended up welding an extension. Anyway, solid unit - a little long for vertical; but good multi function.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

yeah i liked the trigger at first but it ended up being a pain. Good idea on welding an extension

[@jimmytate7587]

as of 7/01/2023 hf still has few of these. i saw a display stand but nothing on the shelf gor sale. i asked and a guy went back and after several minutes he came out and had one. i think they jumped the gun on this and want to wait for the hercules saw to come out before pushing it.

[@minermike61]

I just bought the same setup. Trying to rebuild my sliding storm windows and neither a sawzall or a hacksaw will stay straight enough for clean cuts. Oddly enough, Harbor Freight has a full size band saw for about the same money. Oh if I had the space for it.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I have the red 4x6 bandsaw. Once you get it adjusted it's pretty decent

[@xLAZY666]

funny i was just looking at this, and i wanted to check it out on youtube first. Thanks for the upload.

[@luiserodriguez7442]

Awesome review, thanks 😊 for sharing

[@leebarker539]

I became intrigued with this device but it was not available at my "local" store--20 miles distant. I checked online ordering and the shipping was only 8 bucks! It was on its way the next. day. My bias that their shipping costs were more than I wanted to pay has dissolved.

[@Dan-cr3zb]

Thanks much for posting this video. The assembly instructions do need improvement. Removing the stop plate is a must to get everything setup correctly. The picture in the instructions are vague and seem to imply that it needed to stay on the unit. The stop plate pushes the entire saw too far back for rear rubber clamps and puts the On/Off switch in the wrong location. Thanks again.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

yeah. I got it all set up and working for the video and then the switch mechanism fell out of alignment when I went to adjust. I returned the bauer saw and sold the stand. I'd like to try again with the hercules saw.

[@dwhallon21]

Been looking at them on line. Dont have one in my local store yet, they said it may be a few weeks. Looks like a good stand for my Milwaukee

[@midwestcyberpunk]

It's pretty solid. it looks pretty similar to this: www.amazon.com/Portaband-Pro-Deluxe-Milwaukee-Portable/dp/B09WNKB9KY

[@markhedquist9597]

@@midwestcyberpunk Holy cow! $469 for this?? Hercules, here I come.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

If you don’t use a portable band saw every day for work I would say the Herc is the way to go when it comes out. As for the saw stand I am impressed it is stout constructed very well. And thought out well for adaptability. 😀🛫

[@MagaRickn]

I am having difficulty with my Hercules bandsaw blade twisting and cutting at an angle. I even contacted Harbor Freight, and they just said take it back. Well I have had it too long for that. So I am looking for ideas as to how to make the blade run true. I have been cutting steel, not plastic, as I am restoring an old car. My son has the same problem with his saw, with a Bauer bandsaw. We welcome ideas to make the blade run true.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

how off are they?

[@MagaRickn]

@@midwestcyberpunk Well, let's say I am cutting a 2" piece of angle iron. By the time the blade gets to the bottom of the cut, it can be off as much as an 1/8" inch. It's like the blade cuts back in towards the material, rather than out. I have actually held a cold chisel against the top of the blade to try and keep it perpendicular!! That does help some.

[@wingflying]

Great Video. Thanks for making it.

[@morenothing4u]

Demand is high and supply is low for these. I know that in my area the store employee says people call for these every week. I got lucky and called the day after they unloaded their delivery and have not gotten one in the pass 3 weeks.

[@jadeddragon4254]

I had to drive 85 miles to get one after checking daily and waiting for months. People are scalping these on eBay for almost 400 bucks 😂 it is a very well made tool for the price

[@davidstagg6348]

This is a fantastic kit, how can I buy Harbor Freight's New Game Changing Tool! Portable Band Saw Benchtop Table in Australia

[@Mindhacker1961]

Thank you. Nicely presented.

[@locgps]

My local store finally received one after more than a month of checking. So I grabbed it asap. I’ve run into a figment issue tho. I have the Bauer saw, maybe a little more than a year old that doesn’t fit. The saw housing is tight against the upper arm while trying to center the blade. I started to trim some material from the upper arm but decided to go at it again later. Yes, I’m using the Bauer bracket etc. Anyone else have trouble? **UPDATE** I went back and re-read the instructions and noticed I tightened the bracket bolts on the saw more than finger tight per instructions. After I loosened those, I was able to get it aligned, albeit not perfectly but good enough for now. The important thing is the blade nor the blade wheels are rubbing

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I ended up returnimg my bauer saw. Waiting for the hercules 18v

[@ZX3-4-ME]

Mine is tight on the top/right side too but the wheel on the bottom/left of the saw rubs the miter adjustment and base. I'm unable to position it so it has clearance and when cutting thru material it will damage the stand and saw. HF tech support linked me here but it's going back in the box. I've asked 2 other competent people and don't have a solution using the Bauer saw and brackets...

[@midwestcyberpunk]

Honestly I returned the Bauer saw and kept the stand. I'm waiting for the Hercules 18 or 20v portable that should be out soon.

[@smileyionut4604]

Nice little chopper

[@JPM1956]

Does the Harbor Freight bandsaw stand feed the cut automatically or does the operator have to press down on the handle throughout the cut? I'm interested in cutting solid bar stock that takes some time.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

if you remove the gas strut, it auto-feeds but there's no auto-off feature when it's done cutting, you would need to do that manually.

[@SonOfLibertyLGB]

Great video. I wish I saw it before I put mine together! The instructions were shite lol. I have an older Milwaukee model and had to get creative. I used the Bauer bracket. Where did you get that clamp that you have on there? I need one.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I got the clamp at HF but I later found them at Menards (if you have one of those near you) Also, of course on amazon as "drill press clamp"

[@SonOfLibertyLGB]

@@midwestcyberpunk Thank you sir. I have both nearby so I'm sure I'll find one!

[@midwestcyberpunk]

@@SonOfLibertyLGB They're only $7.99 at menards, surprisingly, HF was $9.99

[@patricklacson]

I now the well is 5"x5". For a 45-degree cut what is the widest tube that it can fit?

[@jon_raymond]

Great review!

[@jpfortin12]

I wonder if that could work with the compact ridgid bandsaw 🤔

[@midwestcyberpunk]

you might have to make your own mounting bracket but it's worth a shot

[@jerbusf]

great video ty

[@midwestcyberpunk]

YW

[@petermaus1026]

What tool / equipment I would need additional to be able to cut pipes?

[@reidn5185]

I noticed you posted this after the "jig to cut alu extrusion square" video - did you have any luck cutting extrusion square using the horizontal bandsaw, or do you still use your jig?

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I mostly use one of these: www.harborfreight.com/horizontal-vertical-metal-cutting-bandsaw-93762.html (I had it before the hercules setup. ) It's usually not perfect though so I finish a few pieces of extrusion at a time so they're all almost identical in length

[@reidn5185]

​@@midwestcyberpunk I wish I had the room for that! CA really does suck sometimes. I have one of the swag tables + portabands, which acts as a half decent vertical bandsaw but still sucks at cutting square, something about the blade jiggle or something causing the cut to mildly curve, probably similar to what you were seeing. I'm planning to build a version of your jig soon, thanks for the inspiration. I came across the video on accident (youtube's algorithm) and it has been a godsend because we've been putting extrusion one by one onto our tormach and doing the same thing, albeit muuuuch slower.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

@@reidn5185 Ideally we would all have a manual mill in the corner of our shops but until that day the jig works great for what it is

[@Gadget0343]

I needed a small vertical band saw to make small clamps and things. I had a DeWalt corded saw I have only used a couple of times and thought this would be perfect. Well, set it up a couple of days ago. The stand worked fine. The DeWalt saw did something unexpected. The drive wheels for the blade have a rubber surface on them that the blade rides on. The rubber dissolved and got a gooey and balled up the saw. About the third time I have ever used it in a bunch of years and now I need to replace it. Anyone seen of heard of such a thing?

[@senseisambo]

I had the same thing happen! After quite a while I finally remembered to do something about it and got some replacements off Amazon. Hopefully they last

[@Gadget0343]

@@senseisambo Excellent! Thanks!

[@jerrykey9053]

Do you think it will work with codeless

[@3vil3lvis]

Frankenstein it together with the hercules beam cutter to build a finger remover 9000!

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I have to admit after seeing a demo, I kind of wanted one. I've never cut anything bigger than 4x4 though

[@3vil3lvis]

@@midwestcyberpunk I can only give you bad ideas for future video's, I cannot glue your fingers back on.😜

[@MySpam-v1t]

6:30 How to cut an emt 1/2 pipe with this horizontal bandsaw setup in the best way?

[@MySpam-v1t]

I tried to cut a 45 with 2x2 inch angle iron.... well that works on the 1st side but sadly not on the 2nd side :(

[@jamisonlm3]

How thick is the steel these are made from? They look like they're around 10 gauge or thereabout.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

about 1/8"

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

It is solid with out a doubt. If Milwaukee offered this same stand you would pay $400.00 🤣🛫

[@petermaus1026]

Is the Bauer corted bandsaw better than the Hercules one?

[@rachellocks1623]

I’m having trouble positioning my Bauer band saw so that the switch mechanism will work. It seems to be sitting too low on the switch to get it depressed. I can’t move the saw any lower, as it bottoms out where it is. Any suggestions?

[@midwestcyberpunk]

Right after shooting the video it must've moved slightly but I'm having the same problem now. Before that though, when i had the saw locked in place tightly I would move the switch bar to different slots with the trigger fully pulled back at the same time until I found the perfect position. Instead of messing with it any more I'm just going to ziptie the trigger so it's always on and put an inline on off switch between the saw's power cable and the outlet so I don't have to use the stand's switch mechanism. If you haven't already, make sure the stand's switch bar is the correct orientarion with the taller elevated part on top.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

something like this: www.amazon.com/CLEESINK-Stainless-Visibility-Contact-Machinery/dp/B0BGSFKRFN

[@nomotiv74]

Does it have a list of band saws that its compatible with? I own a Ridgid brand.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

It has mounts for: Milwaukee, dewalt, bauer and when its released - hercules. The mounts are pretty basic though, you could make your own.

[@ricardoooo1969]

I have one. It’s great and the on off mechanism works great very simple. Good video kind of cringe at the end. I was waiting for you to slice a finger off.😂

[@midwestcyberpunk]

😂😂😂

[@davidschlarp1606]

Seems like you could take off the gas strut and let the weight of the saw do the work to cut

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I tried it but it doesnt have an auto off switch like the stationary models have (turns off when the cut is done) sadly so I put it back on

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

@@midwestcyberpunk easy enough put a normally closed micro switch on the base when the cut is completed and the saw goes the the lowest point the switch opens thus stopping the motor. If I did that I would want an enter lock that prevented the motor from starting once lifted. Still easy enough to do.😀🛫

[@midwestcyberpunk]

@@TheFalconJetDriver yeah I was thinking about adding a limit switch like that.

[@pasqualeparente9776]

I just wanted to point out that Tick Tool came out with this model for Milwaukee and Harbour Freight just copied it I believe. So I believe the accolades go to Trick Tools.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

Do you mean the Portaband Pro? The HF version is similar to that one.

[@jimmytate7587]

at $889 i prefer hf at $99

[@pasqualeparente9776]

@@jimmytate7587 I am not saying you have to buy the expensive one. I was just pointing out that HF did not invent this, but more like copied it. And by all accounts I am happy that they can make it less expensive...

[@lukehofacker6576]

looks like a good product but I have a cordless makita

[@agguilarmetalwork4494]

Will this work on a old Milwaukee saw?

[@midwestcyberpunk]

Try it out. You might have to modify it a little but it should work after that

[@kevinboothe1075]

Does this work with rígida bandsaw

[@midwestcyberpunk]

it doesn't come with a rigid mounting adapter but it wouldnt be hard to make one

[@Ghost-lo6ij]

Got One and NOT looking back 1. PORTABAND PBP-MILWAUKEE at $379 compared to $100. No brainer 2. Good gauge metal (Structure) 3. PORTABAND PBP-MILWAUKEE doesn't have the capacity to jig a Dewalt Cordless Bandsaw, Hercules does. 4. PORTABAND PBP-MILWAUKEE dropped the ball with the pricing I do understand there a small company, but the pricing was out of a lot of people price range, and Harbor Freight is going to clean up. 5. Harbor Freight came thru.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I saw the Portaband on Amazon before I bought the Hercules. It looks like HF ripped it off pretty well. I thought maybe they were made in the same chinese factory at first but the Portaband says it's made in the USA.

[@bobearl7859]

I worked on mine for 6 hours. Trying to get that switch to work. I could even come close to getting the trigger to get pushed in with that switch. I sent it back it's a piece of junk

[@midwestcyberpunk]

The switch mechanism does take too much fiddling.

[@jimmyrogers4177]

Move your picture so it doesn't show your head. Other than that it was good information.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

yeah, I realized that after I had recorded.

[@tomsexton4880]

They’re sold out within 100 miles of me 9/23

[@gx.santiago9604]

anyone try it with an milwaukee m12 band saw ?

[@stevenbarts330]

mine cuts crooked as hell

[@thomaspotthoff3139]

Frustrating to assemble. Once you get it, it's very cool.

[@resav3228]

Maybe get a different angle for some parts of installation. Not always fun having to look down and your head. Thanks for the upload though.

[@Martin-cm9gy]

Should really watch getting those fingers too close. Saw a guy on a construction job cut himself with a portaband. Not a pretty sight. Altogether different type of wound than a normal sharp edge cut.

[@midwestcyberpunk]

I was seeing how far I could take it for the sake of the video. I wouldn't want to get bitten by one of these

[@RandyRatliff-b8p]

Don’t be a soy boooooooooyy!

[@drofmah3836]

I had to stop watch as I'am not interested in seeing the top of your scalp

[@midwestcyberpunk]

Glad I could be of assistance