Milwaukee Band Saw Stand: How It Works and Where It Fits
You own a Milwaukee portable band saw and you want to use it as a stationary saw. A stand converts your portable saw into a benchtop tool, which is useful for repetitive cuts in the shop. You see several stand options including Milwaukee’s own stand, SWAG stands, and generic stands. You need to know what is available and which one fits your saw.
A Milwaukee band saw stand holds the portable saw in a fixed position, allowing you to feed material into the blade like a benchtop saw. This is useful for repetitive cuts in the shop where a portable saw’s handheld operation is tiring or imprecise.
Types of Stands
Vertical Stands
A vertical stand holds the saw with the blade running vertically, like a traditional vertical band saw. The workpiece is fed into the blade on a table.
Best for:
- Contour cutting and irregular shapes
- Notching and trimming
- Small parts that are easier to feed by hand
- Work that requires a table for support
Horizontal Stands
A horizontal stand holds the saw with the blade running horizontally, like a horizontal metal cutting saw. The material rests on a table and is pushed into the blade.
Best for:
- Straight cuts in bar stock and pipe
- Repetitive cuts of the same length
- Work where a vise or stop block is helpful
Milwaukee Band Saw Stand Options
Milwaukee Portable Band Saw Table (48-08-0200)
Milwaukee’s own vertical stand for their portable band saws.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | 48-08-0200 |
| Type | Vertical stand |
| Compatibility | Milwaukee portable band saws |
| Material | Steel construction |
| Table | Built-in work table |
| Mounting | Bolt-on to saw |
Pros: Designed specifically for Milwaukee saws. Good fit and finish. Cons: Limited to Milwaukee saws. May not fit all models.
SWAG Stand
SWAG (Stand for Working with Angle Grinders) makes stands for Milwaukee portable band saws. SWAG stands are popular for their solid construction and versatility.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SWAG |
| Type | Vertical or horizontal depending on model |
| Compatibility | Milwaukee deep cut and compact saws |
| Material | Heavy steel plate |
| Table | Included |
Pros: Heavy-duty construction. Available for both compact and deep cut saws. Well-reviewed by users. Cons: May require some assembly. Not made by Milwaukee.
Hercules Stand (Harbor Freight)
Harbor Freight sells a stand that fits some Milwaukee saws.
Pros: Low cost. Cons: Fit and finish may not match Milwaukee or SWAG. May require modification to fit properly.
Generic Portable Band Saw Stands
Several manufacturers make generic stands that fit portable band saws from multiple brands.
Pros: Widely available. Often less expensive. Cons: May not fit perfectly. May require shimming or modification.
How to Choose the Right Stand
1. Check Compatibility
Make sure the stand fits your specific Milwaukee model. The deep cut (2729-20, 2929-20, 6232-20) and compact (2829-20, 2629-20, 6230-20) have different body sizes. A stand for one may not fit the other.
2. Choose Vertical or Horizontal
Vertical: Best for contour cutting and work that needs a table. Horizontal: Best for straight cuts in bar stock and pipe.
3. Consider the Table
Some stands include a table, others do not. A table provides support for the workpiece and improves cut accuracy.
4. Check Construction
Look for heavy steel construction. A flimsy stand will vibrate and produce poor cuts. The stand should be rigid enough to hold the saw firmly.
5. Check Mounting
The stand should mount securely to the saw. A loose mount will cause vibration and inaccurate cuts. Check that the mounting hardware is included.
Setup
Mount the saw. Follow the stand manufacturer’s instructions to mount the saw. Make sure the saw is securely bolted to the stand.
Check the blade tracking. After mounting, run the saw briefly and check that the blade tracks straight. The mounting should not distort the saw frame.
Set up the table. If the stand includes a table, position it so the blade passes through the table slot. The table should be square to the blade.
Install a fence or stop. For repetitive cuts, install a fence or stop block on the table. This ensures consistent cut lengths.
Using the Stand
For Straight Cuts
- Mark the cut length on the material.
- Position the material against the fence or stop.
- Start the saw and feed the material into the blade smoothly.
- Do not force the cut. Let the blade do the work.
For Contour Cuts (Vertical Stand)
- Mark the cut line on the material.
- Start the saw and guide the material along the cut line.
- Feed smoothly without forcing.
- For tight curves, use a narrower blade.
Limitations
Not a replacement for a dedicated band saw. A portable saw in a stand is still a portable saw. It does not have the rigidity, power, or blade guide precision of a dedicated benchtop or floor-standing saw.
Limited blade width. Portable saws use 1/2 inch blades. This limits the minimum cutting radius for contour work.
Single speed (most models). Most Milwaukee portable saws have single speed. The 2929-20 has variable speed, which is better for stand use where different materials are cut.
No coolant. Portable saws do not have coolant systems. For production metal cutting, a dedicated metal cutting saw with coolant is better.
FAQ
What stand fits the Milwaukee 2729-20?
The Milwaukee 48-08-0200 and SWAG stands both fit the 2729-20. Check the stand manufacturer’s compatibility chart before buying.
Can I use my Milwaukee portable band saw as a stationary saw?
Yes, with a stand. A stand converts the portable saw into a benchtop tool. It is not as rigid as a dedicated saw but works well for light to medium work.
What is a SWAG stand?
SWAG makes heavy-duty stands for portable band saws. They are popular for their solid steel construction and good fit with Milwaukee saws.
Should I choose a vertical or horizontal stand?
Vertical for contour cutting and work that needs a table. Horizontal for straight cuts in bar stock and pipe.
Can I use a Harbor Freight stand with my Milwaukee saw?
Possibly, but check fit carefully. Harbor Freight stands are designed for Harbor Freight saws and may require modification to fit a Milwaukee.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “Portable Band Saw Table 48-08-0200.” Milwaukee Tool Product Catalog.
- SWAG Offroad. “Portable Band Saw Stands.” SWAG Offroad.
- Harbor Freight. “Portable Band Saw Stand.” Harbor Freight Tools.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Milwaukee Band Saw Stand Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
- Tool Box Buzz. “Portable Band Saw Stand Comparison.” ToolboxBuzz.com.
