Our vintage 2 speed, Porta-Band (Model 725) works like a dream. Used the saw last week on SS, Al, and Ti with a well used bi-metal blade. Purchased via CL as few years prior for $100. Had a short in the (original) power cord at the tool's interface. Removed the original cord, inspected, chopped off a 1ft, re-tinned/soldered the Green/White/Black connections. She again cuts like butter. Time to treat her to some new blades.

These machines are nice and have read about folks restoring these vintage Porter Cable saws. Just so you know, you can obtain most of the OEM parts online. However, a new 115v armature lists for $115 and a 115v field (stator) lists for $110.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

Thanks for the info. It looks exactly like the one you posted. They want $100.

 

I think they only have a SHALLOW CUT model. They don't have the deep cut capabilities as the Milwaukee or the Dewalt. My area they are around for $50.00 with case. The blades are the same dimensions as Milwaukee and Dewalt saws. If you do not have one and it is reasonable, buy it. Then get a deep cut one later. The low profile of the shallow cut could be handy in tight spots where as the deep cut takes more room. You could always set it up with a table instead of the guide in a stand and use it verticle. A MUST HAVE TOOL FOR SURE !

 

@ AR. Hillbilly - Rip it! After a test run during checkout, your gut will tell you if she's worth it. Bet'cha she is.

 

I've got an old 2 speed Rockwell Porta Band. It became the Porter Cable porta band when they split off the portable power tool division. It's built like a tank. Here's a picture of mine while I was rebuilding it.

Before I got it the saw was dropped off a 2 story roof and landed on concrete. Some assembly was required on my part but the thing still cuts metal. My advice is get it you'll like it. They take the standard blades you can get at any hardware store.

 

I've got an old 2 speed Rockwell Porta Band. It became the Porter Cable porta band when they split off the portable power tool division. It's built like a tank. Here's a picture of mine while I was rebuilding it.

I bought an old single speed Rockwell years ago. I'm sort of bummed that I loaned to to a guy to use and he had it all rebuilt as a thank you and they changed over the old Rockwell tag to Porter Cable as part of the rebuild. The thing ran quite well before and runs just fine now even after who knows how many years of hard use. I honestly don't think it really needed the rebuild. I think if he'd just bought new guide wheels and stop, it would have been fine.

 

@ Ian P - Rad bro! Nothing says vintage Made in USA quality like withstanding a free-fall event and living to fight another day.

 

It took some time but it followed me home today. I cleaned it up a bit and gave it a try. I had some 1/2" round cold rolled I needed cut up and it did well with the wore blade it came with. I have questions about maintenance? I took the blade off and the tires look good and all the guide rollers seem in good shape. Does it have some type of gear grease I need to check and if so where and what type? Any blade recomendations? This is my first portaband. It's a 725 extra heavy duty.

 

Don't quote me on this, but I think it takes a 44 7/8" porta band blade like fits most Milwaukee, Dewalt, and others. I use Lennox because I can pick them up at Lowes pretty handy like. 14/18 TPI.