Product Band file

[CWret]

I have a 25+ year old B&D corded bandfile (1/2”x18”). It works great but i have had to repair it recently and also I’d much prefer to upgrade to a battery powered unit. Battery powered for these small handheld tools is ideal.
I have looked at both the DeWalt and Milwaukee bandfiles and prefer the smaller but more flexible M12-2482 from Milwaukee (i have both Milwaukee and DeWalt systems but generally I prefer the M).

As much as i like the M12, it sells for $348 bare tool. Best deal i have seen is when they include a free battery.

So my question:
The M12 is awesome but expensive compared to this Chinese knockoff at less than $100
I’d like your opinion or has anyone tried one of these:

https://a.co/d/0ejRfGwr

or the DeWalt version at about the same price point:

https://a.co/d/0idboFCn

Here’s a link to the M12 bandfile

2482-20 for Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2" x 18" Bandfile Length 15.6 in Height 2.2 in Width 4.9 in, Spot Welding Equipment - Amazon Canada

2482-20 for Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2" x 18" Bandfile Length 15.6 in Height 2.2 in Width 4.9 in in Spot Welding Equipment.

a.co

PS These are very handy tools and IMO they are not fully appreciated until you have had hands on experience. If my old B&D dies I will immediately get a replacement- and this time battery powered.

Edit - for me - as an Amazon prime member - once in my cart both the Milwaukee and DeWalt bandfile knock-offs are close to the same price.

Edit 2: I’m hoping for a BlackFriday deal on the original M12. I saw it at a box store Milwaukee demo day. It is IMO worth the high price but i resist making the plunge since my B&D just won’t die.

 

[PeterT]

I have the Milwaukee 3/8" & love it. (BTW I buy the abrasive sanding belts & texturing belts off AliExprress for a fraction). I didnt know there were 1/2" knockoffs. You just know they cut corners somewhere. But for 1/3 the price & takes the same batteries... might be worth a gamble. I have a 110v Dremel knock-off rotary tool, some no-name or Crappy Tire brand I forget. I went out of my way to abuse it for the toughest jobs to keep my 'good' ones alive longer. It just refuses to die. The brushes are in good shape & I swapped out a bearing from one I had. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes not.

 

[djberta]

I have a air knockoff one and love using it. Its nice to run around corners and inside edges when welding.

 

[DavidR8]

@djberta I've looked at the air ones as my shop is well plumbed for air. If I could find one that too Ridgid batteries I'd snap it up

 

[Doggggboy]

I bought the PA air belt sander for 48 bucks on sale and am shocked at how much I use it and how well it works.

 

[djberta]

I bought the PA air belt sander for 48 bucks on sale and am shocked at how much I use it and how well it works.

I think I have the same one. It works for the amount I use it.

 

[djberta]

Looking I found a couple budget options for guys out there. I think I might buy the wen one.

Wen 6307 Variable Speed Detailing File Sander with 1/2-by-18 Belt https://a.co/d/0ejMGBJr

3/8 x 12-9/16 in. Air Belt Sander

Smooth materials in hard-to-reach areas with this belt sander. It features free speed up to 18,000 RPM and comes with 3 sanding belts.

www.princessauto.com

 

[trevj]

I'll go with "That Isn't a Band File!", for whatever it's worth, Alex!

Belt sander, air belt sander, whatever, but a Band File is actual File segments, used on essentially, a Band Saw frame.

Each their own purposes! Have used both, just never confused one with the other, when the actual names were known...

 

[CWret]

Wen 6307 Variable Speed Detailing File Sander with 1/2-by-18 Belt

The WEN at less than $90 is very tempting but i have been spoiled with the convenience of battery powered tools. For same reasons i don’t want air powered.

I have air in & around the work area and several air tools that just don’t get used because of the hose.

That Isn't a Band File!

Band file may sound like the wrong name for a small 1/2x18” belt sander - BUT - both Milwaukee and DeWalt call their battery powered, hand held compact 1/2x18” sanders a band file! So it is therefore a band file to me.

PS: I like the price point of the knockoff band files but i also very much like the quality that Milwaukee brings to the table. Also - the M12 Milwaukee band files is more compact than the larger V20 DeWalt. PLUS - the Milwaukee is the only one that has a reverse. I’m sure I would appreciate the reverse even though it may only get occasional use.

 

[djberta]

I'll go with "That Isn't a Band File!", for whatever it's worth, Alex!

Belt sander, air belt sander, whatever, but a Band File is actual File segments, used on essentially, a Band Saw frame.

Each their own purposes! Have used both, just never confused one with the other, when the actual names were known...

Yes that is true. I have never seen a true band file in person. I have seen pictures of them. It was an interesting idea of a whole bunch of files on a chain or belt. Like you said on like a band saw kind of idea.