M12 Band Saw- best tool I purchased in 2013

BIMsparky · Nov 21, 2013

I had a project that required lots of branch conduit and lots of 1-5/8 and 7/8 strut. I don't mind using a hacksaw for smaller projects but when making a lot of cuts all the time I want something to speed up the process. Well, I have always been a big fan of metal cutting circular saws, but they make a mess and cost a lot. Since I was looking to cut strut, rod and small conduit neatly and quickly I started looking at the M18 bandsaw... already had the M12 batteries and driver so I decided to give the little tiny 12v a try for 1/2 the price (or so). This thing is the best tool I bought all year, possibly the best value for the money I have ever gotten from a cordless tool. The first day I had it I made cuts all day for 3/4 EMT, deep strut and 3/8" rod. Battery lasted the whole day and into the next! And I was using the standard M12s, not the 4 AH fuel ones. I love this thing and highly recommend it. Its so small and light it looks like a joke. I assure you it's not!

Bbsound · Nov 21, 2013

I have had one about a year, and it is great

BIMsparky · Nov 21, 2013

Did you buy yours as a kit with the extended batteries? And do you like any other M12 tools I should look into? If the M12 impact and drill motor are anything like the band saw I wouldn't hesitate to get them. The driver I have is 1/4" quick chuck only but it was basically free..

DIYer4Life · Nov 21, 2013

Yes, the bandsaw is great. The M12 Fuel line is also really good, pickup the impact gun and the drill with a 1/2" chuck (not common on 12V tools) next.

I have the non-Fuel M12 guns and they are great, the Fuel are even better.

MTW · Nov 21, 2013

I've decided to make the switch to all M12 and M18 stuff.

Bkessler · Nov 21, 2013

MTW said:
I've decided to make the switch to all M12 and M18 stuff.

What were you using before?

JoeKP · Nov 21, 2013

I tossed my ryobi 18v set for m12 and never looked back. I have always used Milwaukee for corded tools and loved them. Time to get back to brand royalty.

sburton224 · Nov 21, 2013

I don't even pull out my M18 tools anymore. The M12 line takes care of business. I wouldnt trade my fuel impact for anything. I work commercial cutting lots of pipe, strut, rod, etc. and unless I need a deeper cut the M12 band saw is all I use.

captkirk · Nov 21, 2013

sburton224 said:
I don't even pull out my M18 tools anymore. The M12 line takes care of business. I wouldnt trade my fuel impact for anything. I work commercial cutting lots of pipe, strut, rod, etc. and unless I need a deeper cut the M12 band saw is all I use.

I was thinking of picking up a m12 impact for bobby...his dewalt is going dead...

MTW · Nov 21, 2013

Bkessler said:
What were you using before?

I've been using Makita for the past 4 or so years. I still like Makita stuff but Milwaukee blows them away with selection and availability.

fp.unit · Nov 23, 2013

dumb question is it this? - http://m.homedepot.ca/Product/productdetails.aspx?ProductId=966536&lang=EN

I need something other then a hacksaw. I have Makita 18v tools and batteries but a bare tool alone is 120 or so, for 20 bucks more i am thinking of this. All I really cut is emt and strut, should I go for that tool for 140? it's not a fuel

sbrn33 · Nov 23, 2013

DIYer4Life said:
Yes, the bandsaw is great. The M12 Fuel line is also really good, pickup the impact gun and the drill with a 1/2" chuck (not common on 12V tools) next.

I have the non-Fuel M12 guns and they are great, the Fuel are even better.

I love the M12 screwdriver but the impact has no comparison the the Dewalt 18 volt impact. On the other hand, it is very rare that I need that much power.

sbrn33 · Nov 23, 2013

JoeKP said:
I tossed my ryobi 18v set for m12 and never looked back. I have always used Milwaukee for corded tools and loved them. Time to get back to brand royalty.

You don't count

DIYer4Life · Nov 23, 2013

sbrn33 said:
I love the M12 screwdriver but the impact has no comparison the the Dewalt 18 volt impact. On the other hand, it is very rare that I need that much power.

The large Dewalt 18V impact gun has 1,330 in-lbs.

The little Milwaukee 12V Fuel impact gun has 1,200 in-lbs.

Not bad considering it's tiny.

sbrn33 · Nov 23, 2013

DIYer4Life said:
The large Dewalt 18V impact gun has 1,330 in-lbs.

The little Milwaukee 12V Fuel impact gun has 1,200 in-lbs.

Not bad considering it's tiny.

Have you used both?

DIYer4Life · Nov 23, 2013

sbrn33 said:
Have you used both?

Yes. Are you targeting me tonight?

BIMsparky · Nov 23, 2013

fp.unit said:
dumb question is it this? - http://m.homedepot.ca/Product/productdetails.aspx?ProductId=966536&lang=EN

I need something other then a hacksaw. I have Makita 18v tools and batteries but a bare tool alone is 120 or so, for 20 bucks more i am thinking of this. All I really cut is emt and strut, should I go for that tool for 140? it's not a fuel

No that's not it- this is it: http://m.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-...=203349800&ci_kw=&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=298346236

sbrn33 · Nov 23, 2013

DIYer4Life said:
Yes. Are you targeting me tonight?

Who is this?

EBFD6 · Nov 23, 2013

sbrn33 said:
I love the M12 screwdriver but the impact has no comparison the the Dewalt 18 volt impact. On the other hand, it is very rare that I need that much power.

So what you're saying is the 18 volt impact is more powerful than the 12 volt impact? It's these types of astute observations that makes us lucky to have a man of your caliber around here.

sbrn33 · Nov 23, 2013

EBFD6 said:
So what you're saying is the 18 volt impact is more powerful than the 12 volt impact? It's these types of astute observations that makes us lucky to have a man of your caliber around here.

Do you have a 12 Volt impact?

M12 Band Saw- best tool I purchased in 2013

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