The Precision Matthews PM-712G bandsaw has been a staple in my shop for years, but I’ve never truly highlighted it on the channel. Today I’m showing it in action! 

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About the PM-712G 

Every gunsmith running a rifle barrel shop needs a metal-cutting bandsaw.

I cut most of my barrel blanks to length on this saw prior to putting them on the lathe.

From Precision Matthews:

Main Features:

• • HIGH QUALITY, PROFESSIONAL LEVEL band saw, built for years of use
  • Oil filled geared transmission for long life, with QUICK CHANGE LEVER SPEED SELECTION – Change speeds in a second by only moving a lever. No belts to mess around with – Compare Carefully – With our model, you simply Stop the saw, move lever, re-start saw to change blade speed.
  • Coolant System Included Standard (2 gallon capacity)
  • Work stop included for fast, repetitive cuts
  • Quick Acting Vise, much faster size changes, no seemingly endless cranking. Just slide to position, and tighten. Vise can go from full open to full closed, or full closed to full open in less than 1 second
  • Adjustable hydraulic down feed cylinder allows straighter, more precise cuts than gravity feed alone
  • Vertical table included, making it a truly universal saw
  • Wheels included as shown, can be easily moved around the shop
  • Uses standard 110V power
  • Power Connection: Approx. 6′ cord, standard 120V Plug w/Ground
  • High quality saw, made in Taiwan
  • Backed by an industry leading 5 year warranty
  • Click here for replacement blades: Band Saw Blades

Main Specifications:

• • Max Vise Opening: 12-1/4”
  • Coolant Capacity: 2 Gallons
  • Blade Speeds: 125, 215, 270 FPM (Quick lever change selection)
  • Capacity(HxW) @ 90°: 7″ Round, 6.5″x11″ Rectangular, 2.75″x12″ Rectangular
  • Capacity(HxW) @ 45°: 4.375″ round, 4.375″x7.125 Rectangular
  • Motor: 1HP
  • Blade Size: 3/4 x 0.035 x 93″
  • Blade Speed (3 Speeds): 125 / 215 / 270 FPM

I consider this Taiwanese machine the ideal combination of capacity, capability, and quality.

It has a one horsepower motor with a three-speed gear box (125 / 215 / 270 FPM).

Changing speeds is very easy, but sometimes you may have to carefully jiggle the blade by hand while turning the selector lever.

A two-gallon coolant tank rests underneath the saw while a separate coolant switch allows you to turn it on or off for each job. 

The PM-712G also has hydraulic down feed with two controls.

The first step is to turn the fine-adjust all the way down and completely open the valve. Position the machine where you want it with a loosening motion on the control before shutting it off with the valve. 

This saw has adjustable blade retention and accepts ¾” x 0.035” x 93″ blades.

I’ve cut a variety of things on this saw including 4” aluminum for a lathe spider, but barrels are the most common. 

Take note that Precision Matthews offers accessories for the 712-G that I don’t personally have, including a work stop for cutting a number of items to the exact same length. 

Barrel Cutting Demonstration

I placed a barrel between the jaws of the vise, using shims to account for the taper of the barrel.

I turned on the coolant and adjusted the down feed appropriately.

The machine did the rest of the work, shutting itself off once it had cut through the barrel.

I use my machine horizontally, but it can also be employed vertically. 

Conclusion

The versatile PM-712G has more than proven its worth in my shop.

Having a quality bandsaw is incredibly useful for cutting large or small pieces of metal, whether for fabrication, general gunsmithing, or barrel work. What bandsaw are you using? 

Get the Gear

Order the PM-712G Horizontal/Vertical Band Saw directly from Precision Matthews! 

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Thanks,
Gavin Gear