Portable Bandsaw Table Build

[@Mikefestiva]

3 different Plasma cutter options below. Amazon Paid Affiliate Links. Bestarc is the one used in the video. amzn.to/3qxE4zx Bestarc consumables Kit amzn.to/3y6oPjD Hynade CUT40 budget friendly 120 volt HF start drag tip plasma. HYC410 amzn.to/3qtA9DN Hynade HYC410 Torch Consumables amzn.to/3594U9v *Anyone looking to buy a Crossfire CNC table should look at this plasma cutter * The Hynade CUT60DN CNC Blow back pilot arc plasma with Plug and play connections for CNC tables. (CUT60DN) amzn.to/3D7k1wN I have been running this exact Plasma with my CNC table and it works really well!

[@rms1154]

Dude! Love the videos... You are easy to watch and listen to, no attempt to project a KZbin persona that feels made for mass consumption. Appreciate all the knowledge you are passing on... Thank you!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Robert I really appreciate your comment! Thank you 🙂👍

[@pedroperenne]

@@Mikefestiva and thanks for the Jazz background!... I really dislike that "metal-rock" that plagues most of the "metal fabricator channels"

[@KowboyUSA]

Never used a portable metal bandsaw until another contractor on a RR job let me use theirs a couple decades ago. Definitely one of the most useful tool inventions of my 3/4 of a century on this planet.

[@MrAsapatrick]

Nobody on KZbin is more rookie friendly than you Mike Festiva. You clearly have a teachers heart. Thank you for posting this video....I never miss one of yours.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you Shannon so much for saying that!!

[@Oh6Torch]

Shocking how nice a simple curved angle and a cut made the right way can give something as elementary as a bandsaw table a fresh new look. Or, ANY tool accessory. From an aesthetic viewpoint, the eye is quickly bored. So, throwing in a few curves from time to time is very pleasing to a room or tools with may right angles. Your table is outstanding! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@FlawedOffroad]

Thats the same saw Ive had for about a year now, its been really good. There was one day I thought it was going to burn up after about 45 minutes straight cutting it started making noises haha. The table turned out pretty slick! I like the clamp Idea better than the stand because space is at a premium in my shop

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video 🙂 I definitely feel the same about space in my shop 👍 Take care

[@AXNJXN1]

What makes your videos so good is you're not pretentious, completely humbled and honest with what you represent; don't change! Additionally, enjoy that you link EVERYTHING... Really appreciate your vids. Hope others learn from your context and keeping it to brevity. 'Subscribed'!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you! I really enjoyed reading your comment 🙂 👍 Thank you for subscribing!

[@frederickshipp8013]

I like your comment,very true. Also not to proud to share his mistakes with us to help others know what to watch for and not make the same mistakes.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

I have a portable band saw. I built a bench top stand that it hangs on by the handle and then bolted a square plate of 1/4 steel to the cutting table. I use it all the time. I like how it mounts to the welding table. That's really clever.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for always commenting Chris 👍

[@terrypen]

The WEN deadman foot switch feels pretty good! It feels like it's all metal.

[@ryan_layne]

Maybe someone commented this but I just saw you using 3-in-1 oil with your drill bit. FWIW I find TapMagic or other cutting oil to work waaaay better. I used 3-in-1 for ages and when I finally switched to actual cutting oil I was amazed at how much better it worked.

[@darkwater482]

I’ve had the same saw for over 3 years. I don’t use it daily, but I use it multiple times per week. I will buy this saw again if something happens. It has earned its keep. It’s loud and it cuts.

[@Mikefestiva]

Great to hear! I’m glad it’s been holding up well! Take care 🙂👍

[@ronfagan7443]

I've watched 5 or 6 of your videos now, I gotta tell you I've learned things in each one. And I enjoyed them all. Keep up the great work.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Ron I really appreciate it man 🙂👍

[@solarfunction1847]

Great job, really like your ideas of turning things into multi purpose items. Perhaps a future addition would be to put 3 sealed deep groove bearings underneath that sit on the blade to give the blade better strength if you are pushing hard on the workpiece to be cut?

[@shawng7902]

Wow!! Having a band saw off the end of your welding bench is awesome. Lean over and cut to fit. What an awesome idea

[@OmarRamirez-xz7eo]

Such a Humble dude. Very cool how you follow up with the info at the end. 👍🏾 ♻️ reusing scrap 👍🏾

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Omar 👍

[@jimgam730]

I took the easy way out and went ahead and bought the Swag table for my porta band. Works nice. One thing I found with that bare metal, it rust real quick. So I took some paste wax for furniture and gave it a good coat of wax. You may want to consider doing that.

[@tjf1531]

Had my swag for about years and love it

[@nuttfarmgarage6434]

Great idea, I use my portable band all the time, but usually just clamp the handle in a vise and zip tie the trigger. You have inspired me to up my game, I’m sure I can cobble together sometime like that. Thanks for the video!👍

[@MagaRickn]

Nice! I bought one of those portable band saws for my Son as a gift. I got to use it the other day. I may need to get one for himself. My Son mentioned they make 'tables' for the saw, and when I caught your video, it made sense! Very informative. Thanks.

[@danielchambers1958]

I love the build . . . I purchased the Swagg unit last year. The pedal is very nice . . . I love it on mine.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on Daniel 👍

[@juancampos1826]

Plain simple nothing complicated. Thanks Mike.

[@kendesign3622]

9:13 Mike, I'm running a Swag table and a deep cut Milwaukee. I found the extra clearance around the blade can be more of a problem. Small pieces can fall through and get caught between the blade and the roller bearings most of the time breaking the blade, It usually happens just after you put on a brand new one🤣. I actually tig welded the slot with some silicon bronze and then recut the slot with the actual band saw blade. Think about a big metal cutting band saw, they have blade guides that deflect the material outward keeping it off the tires. Anyway good stuff as always. Keep up the great content 👍

[@surefootaerial1004]

Mike, you are one of my favorite instructors - I always learn so much from you! THANK YOU. Jim (Twin Cities area, Minnesota)

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you so much for saying that! Right on i appreciate it 👍

[@codyharring9812]

Will see if I end up doing this. Have looked at the Swag one for awhile but have not pulled the trigger. Don't know why I have not thought about a vise clamp option, really only seen the table top. Great work as always Mike!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you Cody

[@jpsimon206]

You mentioned putting a guard on the foot switch. I don't know if you have used one often, but those loops get in the way quite a bit more often than they save you accidental triggering. What I have found to work unusually well is to simply mount the foot switch to a heavy base, something at least an inch thick. This stops the pedal from scooting away from your foot, but oddly, it also prevents accidental use. Because it is up on a one or two inch board or brick, you won't naturally step on it. It's also comfortable to kick under the bench and pull it out with your toe. It's a tiny detail but it's a big improvement while working. At least for me, the lightweight of the pedals is a much bigger complaint, I often had to lift my hood and look in order to get my foot in the guard before I modified it

[@orbitalair2103]

Plasma cutters are awesome and fun.

[@tonnyplaysgames220dailygam5]

Gosh I like this. Great way to have a band saw at the ready!!! Thanks Mike 👍

[@mikehart9634]

I like your easy going demeanor

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very nice job turned out very well. Hopefully you get great use out of it for many years to come my friend. Can't wait to see more videos soon. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Weld on. Fab on. Keep fixing. Keep repairing. Keep making. God bless.

[@steamfan7147]

If you're on the fence about making one, just do it! I've had mine for a couple years, it quickly became one of the most used tools I have. Good job Mike!

[@mick2383]

Mike, Mick here. Outstanding mini build idea for bandsaw.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Mick! I appreciate it 🙂👍

[@MrGixxer1300r]

Awesome video to help someone who has basic tool. I just bought a used deep cut Milwaukee band saw that I plan on building a table for it. Thanks for the awesome content!!

[@johngray8250]

Mike, you continue to make excellent informative videos that display your very helpful skills in teaching as you build. I'm a great fan of your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@Mikefestiva]

I appreciate that!

[@kevintaylor113]

Mike I’m totally dwn with ur bargain build plan, esp. hanging it from ur Langmuir Sys’s Table!!! When not in use it can be stowed away and not occupying valuable bench or table space. Weld on brother, be safe

[@jerrydemas2020]

I did this to mine----I used 2 1/2" pipe clamps on metal support (LOLLY) columns in my basement. the clamps had arms that i used to hang my saw with.

[@1979augistine]

Excellent to see you back in the new year hope it's a good year for you

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks buddy 👍 Happy New Year to you too!

[@darkwater482]

Harbor freight has 2 foot pedals. One is on only when you step on it, the other clicks on and clicks off. I’ve been using it with my saw and with my forge blower for over 2 years, no complaints.

[@Mikefestiva]

I found the HF pedal after finishing this video, there pedal is much better then the Amazon one for sure 👍

[@jasondavis3288]

Mike I have to take another trip to Harbor Freight now!! 🤣🤣

[@itsa67]

I have seen a lot of these table built - but this the best one! Great Job Mike!

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on thank you 😊

[@justusrogers7473]

Thank you Mike, I've been meaning to build one myself but haven't got around to it yet. Now that you made a video, I think I'll make one this weekend. Justus

[@msears101]

LOL.Mr Safety officer...... Love your sense of humor

[@landengreen6982]

I don't know how I've survived all these years without a band saw... I just like doing it the hard way I guess. Definitely got me thinking! Great job Mike, as always.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Landen

[@jpsimon206]

Granted I have not used a portable band saw, but I have restored quite a few normal band saws. I would not widen the slot if I were you. Usually over time, the set of the bands chews the groove wider and wider. It's nice to have it very tight for when you have to saw very small items. Traditionally, many band saws employ an aluminum puck in the center that can be easily replaced after it gets badly chewed. If you do go with a wider slot, may I suggest you make sort of a bushing so to speak that drops in to the slot making it nice and tight for small work? I came back after you mentioned the idea of smaller bits going down the crack. You don't want this! They get embedded in the tires and screw up the tracking. Trust me, keep the slot as narrow as you can. You can always make drop-ins if you go with blades with a different set

[@TheHomePros6221]

I already have a foot switch and a saw I just gotta make a plate thanks for sharing!

[@ebc1f7]

Nice, short and sweet video. Love the lofi sound track. Always love ur videos.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Joel 👍

[@sgttripod6381]

Great upload Mike. I've been on the fence about getting a table for my DeWalt Portaband. Now I'm going to just make one. Thanks.

[@Mikefestiva]

I think you will enjoy having one 👍 It will help for quick cuts, I wanted one to be somewhat portable and convenient for simple cuts 🙂 Thanks for checking out my new video!

[@jamesbush268]

I watch your channel to be inspired. It worked!

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on 🙂👍

[@oldmoparbarn]

I built one of these a couple years ago, they are awesome. Harborfreight had a metal pedal like your looking for. 👌

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video 👍 I found one of those HF pedals and it’s much better then the Amazon one 👍

[@garylightning8740]

Happy new year Mike , I wish you great success. Fantastic viewing pleasure. Blown away by your wealth of knowledge , skills, experience. Thank you. Regards Gareth Wiltshire UK. Gratitude. Quality. Respect.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Gary 👍 I really appreciate it! Happy New Year to you and your family 😊

[@Ryan_hall]

Home Depot carries a little plug that has a switch on it if you want to try something like that instead of the foot pedal. Also that’s a nice table I’ve got to try this too 👍

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

Awesome idea ! Thanks Mike !!!!!!

[@TheMbn1972]

I find your channel invaluable. Thanks for sharing!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊 I really appreciate it 👍

[@DingDongDrift]

Holy cow that's sick, i need to check the clearance at harbor freight more often!

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha definitely a spot I try and check every time I’m in there 👍 I have even got the managers to bargain down the price on occasion with the open box stuff, but I always talk with them and they know me by name 🙂 Thanks for checking out my new video!

[@babyduckmilitia2186]

Love it. I have been wanting the swag unit, or to make one but I haven't ever seen a porta band pop up for cheap. The idea of "quiet" cold cutting is very alluring.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

I'd really love to get one of those welding tables like you have.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

Harbor freight carries two models of foot pedals or at least they used to. One model you have to step on the foot pedal and keep your foot on it for the electricity to continue the other model it's more like a switch you step on it and turns it on and then you step on it again to turn it off. I have the one that you have to continuously stand on and it seems pretty solid and reliable and stuff I have no complaints.

[@Mikefestiva]

Hi Chris! Thanks for watching 👍

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Mike that is a pretty cool table there. You scored that saw! Maybe you could set up a Pull On-Push Off switch to mount next to the saw so you pull it on with your hand and use your hip to push it off when done.

[@FJ80Coop]

Looks and appears to work great Mikie !! Simple,easy,and cheap,wait we talking about me again ??? 😁 But seriously that's just how I like it..built on the cheap and simple but works like professional equipment at stupid costs...

[@051biohaz]

I gotta stop watching your videos man, I just don’t have the time for all the projects you have inspired..:) thanks for the upload dude

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha 😂 Thanks for checking out my videos man! I really appreciate it 🙂👍

[@tmurray1972]

Awesome job Mike. I thought about this as well, but ended up ordering a Swag table. I built a permanent wooden stand to mount the Swag to at the right working height. I also wired a 110 switch to the front of the stand and saw plugs up and the back of the stand. A problem I had was the air blowing off the motor fan was blowing chips all over me when cutting something, I fixed that by fitting a plastic tube over the exhaust port and directing it out to the side, that works great. In my experience a “zero” clearance slot would be best, as to not get small slivers wedged between the table and the blade, possibly breaking the blade. I also found the 12 to 14 TPI blades work best for general cutting, I have some 18TPI blades as well. Mine is a Milwaukee deep cut saw, and has worked great. I enjoy your videos.👏🏻👌🏻🔥🔥

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video and mentioning your thoughts on blades and the table slot. I really appreciate it 🙂👍

[@tmurray1972]

@@Mikefestiva Let us know how your slot modification works out after using it for awhile, I would be interested in knowing.✌🏻

[@Ants_Pants]

A very good build Mike. Good job, turned something super cheap and affordable into a very useful tool. Thanks for sharing.

[@Mikefestiva]

Hey! Thanks for watching 👍

[@calimesacox]

Nice to see some build video...

[@flapwheat]

Great project, Mike! Love the magnetic rulers too!

[@cullendolan5619]

I like the foot switch

[@ttoy3603]

Great project you have inspired me to work on this next weekend.....Keep them coming

[@Mikefestiva]

Awesome to hear 👍

[@frederickshipp8013]

👍Good job Mike, little surprised you didn't weld up those two "extra" holes though. LOL

[@marcusbostrom7298]

Nice as always! Thanks for sharing!

[@MikefromMOMichaelTurner227]

Mike from mo here. Nice project Mike! I was thinking of a stand for mine but clamping to the workbench makes makes sence! Portable and solid! Thanks for the idea,, im going to copy it 😊

[@Mikefestiva]

I think you will enjoy having a compact saw close to your bench, it’s really convenient 🙂👍

[@gonracn]

Been meaning to build a table like this and really didn’t see any designs that I liked so thanks for the vid!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video Chris 👍 I have wanted to make one for a while, once I found the deal on the bandsaw it was on. Real simple project and you could build one out of scrap metal you have sitting around. Take care 🙂

[@roberthowland4503]

Thanks, Mike great idea

[@melgross]

I recommend you don’t widen the slot. Ah, I see you’ve already done it. Well, my two cents anyway, now that I’ve started. In using bandsaws for too many years, I’ve found that a wider slot encourages small pieces you cut off partly drop into the wider slot, and often jam against the blade. A really narrow slot is similar to the “zero clearance” insert we also use in woodworking saws. That’s really intended to prevent splintering, but also makes sure nothing falls into the machine. It also, on a bandsaw, serves to prevent the blade from wandering, particularly on a portable saw like that where the guides, such as they are, are far away from the part being cut, and so allow the blade to twist.

[@colemine7008]

Harbor freight has a pedal. I don't know how good it is but I was considering it. I just picked up a used SWAG table with a foot pedal and the miter. My pedal worked two times and then stopped working. I was thinking of ordering the HF version and then take apart the SWAG one to see if I can see what is wrong and fix it. I wanted to figure a way to mount my table next to my welding table. Thanks for this video. It gave me an idea or two.

[@skinnywheelz]

Pretty cool little diy gadget! Great video, Thanks for sharing!

[@johnp1966]

great video, i've been wanting to build one for a while, because i'm too cheap to buy one. thanks for the motivation.

[@bradharris8307]

Great video as always Mike thank you. Hope you and your family had a good holiday season.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Brad! Happy New Years 🙂👍

[@Ebikelover]

Another cool video Mike, that pedal is cool. nice to know about it now.

[@davesmith8936]

Grat minds... I have a little storage project I'm orking on and I need to split a bunch of thin wall metal conduit. I could do it with an angle grinder or a sawzall but both are sketchy at best Last weekend Harbor Greight had 15% off any Buaer corded tool and I just got my Swag Bench top band saw table.. I also was in the market for a plasma cutter and after seeing your video I pulled the trigger on that same model you bought. Works great! Thanks for your videos. Build on!

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on thanks Dave 👍

[@tombeauchamp806]

thoroughly enjoy your videos. thank you for taking the time to make em

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Tom I really appreciate it 🙂👍

[@rrtownsend6432]

Great video. Thanks RT

[@scotthansen4073]

Hey Mike, GREAT BUILD !!! I really like to repurpose as well. That table looks great and is VERY functional !!! I wish I had the same piece of "scrap" to copy your build !!! My neighbor and I got frustrated with the early "Covid Lockdown" so to curb our "cabin fever" we built me a welding table out of a 2" x 2" square tubed table/bench. Took a bit to cut it all up into usable pieces but it worked out great. I can't mount my saw build the same as yours but I'm going to figure something out !!! Great build you did, thank you for sharing it. Great video skills as well !!! If I knew how to attach a pic of our "COVID PROJECT" I would. It turned out great, pretty proud of the outcome !!! Thank you, Scott

[@Mikefestiva]

That’s awesome Scott! Oh man I’d love to be able to see a picture! You can also send it through instagram! Thank you Scott

[@scotthansen4073]

@@Mikefestiva wish I knew how to do that ... Never did Instagram... This smartphone is definitely smarter than me !!! Lol !!!

[@Homemadelathemachine]

Great job 👍

[@crichtonbruce4329]

Nicely done project and video. As a long time bandsaw user I suggest you re-think widening the blade slot. It is far better to have as close to zero clearance as possible as small bits often get trapped in the slot wedging against the blade. This is not good! I just use a cheap paintbrush to sweep the little bits away

[@spencercreekenterprises7703]

Like the build. I did the shortcut more expensive route and bought the Swag unit that fit a HF portable band saw, works very well. Also you might check HF for one of their toe switches. Works very well on my set up and was reasonably priced. Keep em' coming. New subscriber.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video Spencer! Yes I ended up finding one of those foot switches at HF and it seems like a better switch for sure 👍 Thanks for subscribing 🙂 I definitely appreciate it!

[@mocarp1]

"Hold on Safety Officer..." Mike, you didnt think you were going to get away with showing the orange extension cord with the plug pulling away from cord without somebody noticing? I wouldnt havent noticed if you hadnt said something about the zip tied trigger. Not being critical just having fun with you. Besides I have several cords that must be "cousins" because they look just your cord! Thanks for the video.

[@Mikefestiva]

Ha ha and thanks for watching

[@gavster89]

My thoughts exactly!

[@radamesrodriguez2681]

Hello ! I love your projects , they are very instructive, greeting from Puerto Rico.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks so much Radames!!

[@charleswilson925]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@gshelton]

Great video! Love the DIY solutions.

[@gadgetshouseofbuild1554]

Excellent build !!! Love the videos I have a swag one as well I do love it but thinking of making a quick one for my table as well I love the idea of attaching it to the table great idea!!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@1rustytree]

Nice build Mike! I guess its time to get mine off the "2 hooks between studs" system!

[@Mr402TA]

I use the same foot switch setup on mine. Works great! I think I got mine at Rockler

[@CloudProductions]

Thank you!

[@deanomachineo7281]

Nice Mike, I bought a SWAG a year ago, very happy with it, yours is as good or better, very cool...

[@bobbendt1698]

Good job Mike. I like how you just used some scrap pieces laying around. I've been thinking of getting one of the HF bandsaws and doing the same thing. Plenty of use around the garage for sure.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Bob 👍 Definitely a useful tool and good to salvage when you can 🙂 Take care

[@thebeardedhomesteader]

Cool idea i do need a bandsaw

[@homemadetools]

Nice job. We shared this video on our homemade tools forum this week 😎

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊 I really appreciate it!

[@Dale-ix6go]

Great job as always Mike!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man 😊👍

[@BenNawrath]

i just got the swag one. Real nice ( I also don't have a welder). Great idea using a speed square! I should go pick up a cheap one at the Haaabah too!

[@dogpotter]

I was looking through my latest Harbor Freight e-mail and saw some of those foot switches. they show the momentary and the on -off style. may be the same thing as you have but just as an FYI thanks for sharing this video I really enjoyed it

[@c.mikelongo6628]

Great build thanks.

[@bobbyfairways490]

Awesome video, Mike