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DEWALT(DCS371B)
- Fast charging
- Long battery life
- Lightweight
DEWALT(DWM120K)
- Durable
- High portability
- Excellent accuracy
Milwaukee 2429-21XC
- Powerful motor
- Long-lasting blade
- Lightweight
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If you work with steel or wood, you know that making accurate cuts can be a hassle if you use the traditional methods.
This was one of the main motivators for the development of portable band saws. These saws are designed to cut through materials and produce perfect and accurate cuts faster.
This review article will cover some of the top portable band saws on the market. It contains specifications, pros, and cons for each brand.
Top Portable Band Saw in the Market Compared
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall-DEWALT(DCS371B) |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Premium-DEWALT(DWM120K) |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Budget-Milwaukee 2429-21XC |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best for simple storage-DEWALT(DCS374B) |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best in finishing-WEN 3975T |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best for motor strength-Milwaukee 2429-20 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best in durability-Milwaukee 2729-20 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best for circuit protection-Makita XBP02Z |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best for light weight-Milwaukee 6232-21 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best for cutting speed-Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Best Portable Band Saw
Best Overall - DEWALT(DCS371B)
Key Specifications
- Voltage – 20 volts
- Weight – 10.2 pounds
- Wattage – 20 watts
- Product dimensions – 12.2 x 15.38 x 8.7 inches
The DeWalt 20V Max band saw is highly valued for its excellent performance. The saw features outstanding features that are meant to revolutionize metal cutting.
These features include a blade-tracking system that is adjustable. This adjustment ensures your saw is aligned in the correct position for accurate cutting.
An LED work light system is added and has a delay of 20 seconds. This provides sufficient lighting, which is crucial for accurate cutting.
The saw has dual-blade guide rollers, which help in keeping things steady. With steadiness, you get straight lines, which improves the quality of your cut.
This saw has a long battery life and a fast-charging system. Long battery life provides extended operation time and reduces the need for frequent charging.
Pros
- Fast charging
- Long battery life
- Lightweight
- High cutting accuracy
Cons
- Battery and charger are sold separately
This saw is suited for people looking to make highly accurate cuts. The saw gives accurate cuts thanks to the high level of steadiness from the dual-blade guide rollers.
Best Premium - DEWALT(DWM120K)
Key Specifications
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Weight – 15 pounds
- Product dimensions – 14.25 x 23.5 x 7.94 inches
A good band saw should be able to withstand heavy use and the rough job site environment. This saw is perfect for rough job site conditions.
It comes fitted with rubber bumpers and a steel shroud that is serviceable. With such features, the saw stays free from damage that occurs with job site abuse.
This saw is fitted with LED lighting systems that provide sufficient lighting, which helps in achieving accurate cuts in areas with insufficient lighting.
Hanging hooks are added to provide easy storage when not in use, thus keeping it safe from damage.
Pros
- Durable
- High portability
- Excellent accuracy
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Switch cannot be locked in ON position
This saw is suitable for people working on busy sites with rough working conditions. The saw is built to withstand breaking or any failure in such situations.
Best Budget - Milwaukee 2429-21XC
Key Specifications
- Weight – 12.4 pounds
- Voltage – 12 volts
- Product dimensions – 13.6 x 18.8 x 8.5 inches
You need to consider saws with blade tension adjustment systems. This saw comes installed with a blade tension adjustment system.
This system works by removing tension on the blade, which also removes pressure on it. This helps prevent the blade from becoming fatigued.
This saw has a large cutting capacity, which allows it to be used with a wide range of materials. An LED lighting system is added for increased visibility when working on sites with poor lighting.
Pros
- Large cutting capacity
- Powerful motor
- Long-lasting blade
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lacks variable cutting speed
This saw is preferred for people with a need for a saw with a wide cutting range. This allows it to be used for cutting different sizes of material, thus reducing the need for carrying different saw sizes.
Best for simple storage - DEWALT(DCS374B)
Key Specifications
- Weight – 12.4 pounds
- Voltage – 20 volts
- Product dimensions – 24.4 x 13 x 8.27 inches
The type of storage for your band saw should be considered before a selection is made.
Poor storage conditions may cause damage to the saw when not in use, or it may affect the efficiency of operation from the saw.
This saw comes with an integrated hook for hanging. This hook allows simple but efficient storage that helps keep it free from damage.
The saw comes with an LED lighting system that has a 20-second delay. This is crucial for producing sufficient light when working in rooms with insufficient light.
Pros
- Sufficient work lighting
- Simple storage
- Long-lasting build
- Long warranty
Cons
- No ON lock for the trigger
This saw is perfect for people with loads of work. The light weight of the saw will offer easy handling, which reduces exhaustion.
Best in finishing - WEN 3975T
Key Specifications
- Weight – 54.6 pounds
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Product dimensions – 29.5 x 18.82 x 15.91 inches
It is worth selecting saws with beveling blades. These blades enable the saw to rotate left or right. With the rotation, you can adjust the saw position to different angles.
The beveling blade also helps in achieving accurate and smooth edges, which is crucial for finishing your workpiece.
This saw has a large cutting capacity and cuts pipes with diameters of up to 5 inches. This large cutting capacity increases its range of usage and minimizes the need to carry different sizes of saws to the site.
Pros
- Compact design
- Beveling blade
- Sufficient cutting capacity
- Strong blade
Cons
- Does not work vertically
This saw is suitable for people dealing with woodwork finishing. The beveling blade will provide accurate and smooth edges that help in improving the look on the piece of work.
Best for motor strength - Milwaukee 2429-20
Key Specifications
- Voltage – 12 volts
- Weight – 6.6 pounds
- Product dimensions – 6.9 x 11 x 7.1 inches
The size and type of motor on your band saw will affect its efficiency in operation. This saw has a durable and robust motor that guarantees full efficiency while in action.
It requires less maintenance and saves on power. The motor does 150 cuts per charge.
Its battery has a long life, which allows long-term use without the need for frequent recharging. The charging is fast and will help in saving time.
Also, the blade has a large cutting capacity, which increases its range of usage.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Fast cutting speed
- Strong motor
- Simple handling
Cons
- Charger and battery sold separately
This saw is perfect for people who need to save time. The saw has a high cutting speed, which is attributed to the strong and fast motor.
The fast charging reduces the time taken to charge, allowing you to get back to work faster.
Best in durability - Milwaukee 2729-20
Key Specifications
- Weight – 13.46 pounds
- Voltage – 18 volts
- Product dimensions – 21.24 x 12.58 x 12.66 inches
When looking for an easy-to-handle saw, this is a great choice. The saw has a light weight that allows you to use it with only one hand. The saw also has a fast cutting blade, so you will finish your work quickly.
Lithium-ion batteries power the saw, and they retain power longer when compared to other types. This saw is durable and built to withstand daily usage on-site even in rough working conditions.
You can get more information from this YouTube video –
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy handling
- Long-life batteries
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Carrying bag not included
This saw is preferred for people with the need to use one hand for operating a saw. The lightweight and fast cutting enhance this feature and reduce exhaustion.
Best for circuit protection - Makita XBP02Z
Key Specifications
- Voltage – 18 volts
- Weight – 15 pounds
- Product dimensions – 14 x 22.4 x 10.7 inches
Circuit protection is crucial for all electronics, as it helps protect against damage. This saw comes with built-in circuit protection. An alert system is installed to give a warning whenever there is a potential problem.
The variable speed control is well-placed and enables you to operate with a speed that matches that of the application.
The motor provides a high cutting speed for the blade, allowing you to save time. Moreover, the body of this generator is durable and sturdy.
You can get more information from this YouTube video –
Pros
- Circuit protection
- Fast cutting
- High-efficiency motor
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- Battery not included
This saw is perfect for people with less experience in operating band saws. The safety features and alert systems will help identify problems quickly.
Best for light weight - Milwaukee 6232-21
Key Specifications
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Weight – 21.89 pounds
- Product dimensions – 7.07 x 21.44 x 14.39 inches
It is wise to consider a user-friendly saw if you lack experience in operating them. This saw has improved user-friendliness, as all controls are clearly labeled with their functions.
The saw is light in weight and enhances secure handling. It can be used for a long time without causing exhaustion.
The unit has a high cutting speed and gives smooth and accurate cuts while consuming less power, making it economical.
The material used on its body is durable and resists failure and breaking. The motor produces a high cutting speed, which saves you time.
Pros
- Power-efficient
- Strong blade
- High user-friendliness
- Locking adjustable shoe
Cons
- Blade not included
This saw is perfect for people looking to save on power costs. Also, this saw is economical, as it saves you on maintenance and power costs.
Best for cutting speed - Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B
Key Specifications
- Weight – 7.1 pounds
- Voltage – 18 volts
- Cutting capacity – 2½” by 2½”
LED lighting is used in many band saw brands for improving operational efficiency. This saw has an LED light system that illuminates the line to be cut. With this line being illuminated, you can easily achieve accurate cuts.
The saw has a large cutting width, allowing it to be used with large diameter pipes. The cutting speed is improved, as the motor is strong and moves the blade with high speed, which then reduces cutting time.
You can get more information about this saw by watching this YouTube video –
Pros
- Compact design
- LED lighting systems
- Efficient motor
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Charger sold separately
This band saw is preferred for use in overhead cutting and in tight spaces. The illumination of the line improves visibility and ensures you get an accurate cut.
Portable Band Saw Uses
The uses of portable band saws span a wide range. The blades on these saws can perform several functions. They include the following:
Cutting structural steel
This type of saw provides fast cutting of steel. Steel is hard, and if cut by other traditional methods, it may take more time. The blade on band saws are sharp and durable, and the motors drive them with high speed. Thus, cutting is quick.
Making notches
Purlins and notches are crucial for woodworking. A band saw is used to make notches, and using the blade at a 30-degree angle produces better results.
Cutting truss circles
Truss circles improve the look of a roof, and band saws are perfect for creating truss circles.
Cutting meat in butcheries
These saws can be used in the meat industry to slice meat. They cut large meat pieces faster, as the blades cut through bones smoothly and do not leave fragments of bones in the flesh.
Best Portable Band Saw For Wood
The WEN 3975T band saw is the preferred saw for woodworking. This saw has a beveling blade that is perfect for finishing wood workpieces. It has a large cutting capacity of 5 to 8 inches.
It also has a light weight, which allows for easy handling. You can use a single hand for a long time without exhaustion.
You can also move with the saw or transport it easily, as it has a compact design.
Since the saw is electrically powered, you can use it for as long you want. There is no restriction on the running time.
The motor is strong and drives the blade with a high speed, which makes it cut faster.
This saw has a heavy-duty build and can withstand breaking and failure in rough working conditions.
The WEN 3975T portable band saw is built to last and guarantees you of long-term service with the 2-year warranty that is provided.
Best Portable Band Saw For Metal
The DEWALT Portable Band Saw is the best brand for metal works. The design of this saw is heavy duty and strong enough to withstand frequent handling in a busy and rough site.
This saw features a steel shroud that is serviceable. It has rubber bumpers that prevent it from damage.
The blade is made strong and sharp to enable it to cut through metal smoothly. The motor is powerful and runs the unit at optimal speeds for the best cutting experience.
This saw has an LED lighting system that allows you to work in dark rooms or sites with limited lighting. The LED system illuminates the cutting line, enabling you to make accurate cuts with ease.
Storage is secure as hooks for hanging are added. This hook allows you to hang up the saw when not in use and prevents it from damage.
FAQs
Not all saws require charging. Some are electric and do not have batteries to charge. The manual of the saw will indicate whether the saw is electric or battery-powered. Battery-powered saws can be used without being limited by the length of the cord, while the amount of charge does not limit the operation time of electric saws.
These saws require minimal maintenance, as they are designed to be economical. The motors are durable and do not require regular maintenance. You should, however, routinely replace the blade to keep your saw working at full efficiency.
Maintenance also involves repairs if problems arise. Make sure you call a qualified technician to fix it.
The most effective method of storage for these saws is hanging. Some brands may come installed with hooks. However, if your saw doesn’t have them, you can purchase them to allow for better storage. You can also store them by their teeth, but make sure they are well supported.
Not all saws have LED lighting systems. This feature varies in different brands. You can check in the included manual to see if it has this feature. LED light systems help in improving accuracy, as the cutting line is illuminated.
Your saw needs to be cleaned depending on what it was used to cut. It can be cleaned by blowing dust from the saw. Any rust should also be removed – apply a coat of wax on the blade and remove it, then clean it with a wire brush.
Meat can be cleaned by removing the top cover and soaking it in water. You then scrape off dry blood and meat pieces from the saw with a knife.
Summary
This article has covered all the information you need to make the best selection on a portable band saw. Making a selection should, therefore, not be a challenge by now.
Storing the saw by hanging it on hooks will keep it safe from damage when not in use. If your saw develops problems, call in a qualified technician to fix it.
If the warranty has not expired, you can visit the company website for more information on how they can help you.