We have talked about the successful redesign of the 11amp & 13amp Milwaukee Grinders that happened this year in this post, in use in this post and a head to head video in this one (sorry deal from that post is over). Much of the technology that made the motors so powerful and compact in the redesign has now made its way to their very popular Deep Cut Bandsaw 6232-21 ($299, Ohio Power Tool).
The compact motor actually moves it out of the way for a clear line of sight to the cut. This is not possible with any other portable band saw on the market and makes for more accurate cuts. The addition of an LED light also helps make the cutting area more visible.
The saw gets a wider mouth at 5” capacity, tool free shoe adjustment and loses 3 lbs of weight for better user performance. Overall durability is increased dramatically thanks to a sealed metal direct drive system (currently chain drive), Job Site Armor composite guards and tire brush for better blade contact.
The new saw will replace the existing 6232-6N ($299, Ohio Power Tool) in early January 2012 at roughly the same sale price. We will certainly be taking one of these into the field shortly and will report back as soon as possible on what guys think.
In the mean time check out the video below of Mike, our fellow Coptool author, making a few cuts with it in the Milwaukee booth at the recent STAFDA trade show. For even more info, the full Milwaukee Tool press release is below that.
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Tool Corporation continues to demonstrate a focused commitment on corded product with the launch of four new Deep Cut Band Saws that provide 2X more durability while still delivering on the heritage of long-term reliability and performance that make Milwaukee Band Saws the industry standard for professional tradesmen. The new Band Saws also deliver best-in-class power, revolutionary cut visibility and the industry’s largest cut capacity.
“To achieve 2X more durability than the competition, our new Band Saws focus on a combination of external and internal developments,” says Andrew Plowman, Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool. “Externally, the Job Site Armor™ Technology is comprised of a proprietary composite material and crush zone barriers to absorb impacts. Internally, an all metal direct drive system provides maximum tool life and requires less servicing than the chain drive alternative. A gear protecting clutch extends gear and motor life by absorbing high impact forces caused by blade lock-ups, and the completely sealed design of the direct drive protects the internal gears from water and debris contamination over time.”
In addition, the new Band Saws feature Milwaukee’s new patent pending motor technology that packs more copper in a smaller amount of space. “More copper results in more power,” says Plowman. “The new Band Saws deliver the most cutting power in their category at 11 Amps.”
This motor technology also allows for a much slimmer motor housing, which increases the user’s line of site to ultimately deliver more accurate cuts. Balance is also improved with this design, allowing the tool to rest naturally and comfortably in the user’s hands to provide better control. At only 14.5 lbs, the new Band Saws are 3 lbs lighter than the existing models to further improve balance and comfort.
Additional features include an LED light that illuminates the work surface for increased accuracy and productivity, and a tool-free locking adjustable shoe that allows the user to quickly adjust from an extended shoe to no shoe in seconds. With the largest cut-capacity in the category, the new tool has the versatility to cut up to 5” x 5” material in one pass while the adjustable shoe allows for less tool rotation when cutting material above 5”.
The new Band Saws will launch in January of 2012, delivering industry leading durability, performance and ease of use as they join a legendary line of MILWAUKEE® metalworking products. Milwaukee’s commitment to best-in-class durability is backed by the MILWAUKEE® Heavy-Duty 5-year warranty.
Specifications (6232-20)
11Amps
120V AC
0-380 SFPM
5” x 5” Capacity
14.5lbs
Includes AC Deep Cut Band Saw
Specifications (6232-21)
11Amps
120V AC
0-380 SFPM
5” x 5” Capacity
14.5lbs
Includes AC Deep Cut Band Saw & Carrying Case
Specifications (6238-20)
11Amps
120V AC/DC
300/380 SFPM
5” x 5” Capacity
14.5lbs
Includes AC/DC Deep Cut Band Saw
Specifications (6238-21)
11Amps
120V AC/DC
300/380 SFPM
5” x 5” Capacity
14.5lbs
Includes AC/DC Deep Cut Band Saw & Carrying Case