Portable band saws are an innovative piece of technology primarily used in lumbering, woodworking, metalworking, and cutting a variety of other materials.
They are commonly found in remote job sites or home workshops to achieve either straight or curved cuts.
Portable band saws are very useful in cutting various materials and easing people off the stress of manual saws for similar purposes.
With the aid of the best portable band saw, you can be assured of uniform cutting and the ability to cut curved and lopsided shapes with precision.
Contents Recommended Portable Band Saw | |||
|---|---|---|---|
DEWALT Portable Band Saw |  Editor Choice |
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Bosch Bare-Tool 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Band Saw |  Best Value |
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Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw |  Budget Choice |
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Factors to Look for When Buying Portable Band Saw
Finding the ideal band saw for your cutting project can be a great ordeal, but don’t worry — all the information you need to pick the right band saw is just a paragraph away.
Here are some factors to consider in your selection process:
The cutting capacity of the band saw
When looking to buy a band saw, one of the most vital things to consider is the cutting capacity of the band saw. The cutting capacity is the distance between the blade and the column when cutting.
There are various band saws on the market, and they all have varying cutting capacities. You need to determine what cutting capacity you need for your job.
Consider the cutting speed (preferably variable speed)
The cutting speed of the band saw is very important. The cutting speed regarded as optimal for band saws is estimated to be 3,500 feet for every minute. However, this depends on the material to be cut.
You need different speeds for different metals and blade sizes, so having a variable-speed tool will help the user change speeds with ease.
Consider the budget of the project
The budget of your cutting project is another vital thing to look out for. If your budget is low, you may have to sacrifice quality, but if you have a larger budget, you may be able to choose a more expensive brand.
If you have a very tight budget for your project, you may consider buying a bench-top band saw, as they are quite cheap and will also save you some space.
Ease of use of the tool is vital
When using a band saw, ease of use is another key consideration. Some people might prefer cordless band saws, as they can be easily moved around.
Certain tools are not lightweight, and this promotes user fatigue, which in turn slows down the user’s efficiency. Getting a lightweight tool will help the user work for longer hours with reduced fatigue level.
Consider the workspace and whether the tool will fit
You should always have your workspace at the back of your mind when you want to purchase a band saw. If you have a small work-space, you will need to make sure you find a saw that you can still use easily.
The amount of work to be carried out
The amount of work to be carried out is also very important — some band saws are heavy-duty and can effectively take on a massive workload without any stress. Be mindful of the amount of work to be done before you buy your band saw to ensure that you get a suitable tool.
Best Portable Band Saw Reviews
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1. DEWALT DWM120K Deep Cut Portable Band Saw
The DEWALT DWM120K is one of the best portable band saw on the market. It is tough, long-lasting, and very versatile.
This tool is made to withstand stress or rough use and complete the required cutting jobs at the same time. It has a built-in 10-amp motor to withstand any form of on-site application and effectively serve you. It has a cut capacity of 5†deep cut for both rectangular and round stock.
The steel is serviceable with rubber guards in order to withstand abuse and effectively resist damage.
Its front handle is adjustable to multiple positions in order to ensure a nice grip of the equipment. Users also achieve precision and accuracy thanks to the design of the multi-position handle in the front.
Based on the type of material you are cutting, there are varying speed dials available. This product has increased accuracy during use and also reduces fatigue for the user
Additional Specification
- Best For: Cutting Performance
- Blade Length: 5-Inch
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Source: Corded-Electric
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2. Milwaukee 2729-20 M18 Band Saw
If you are worried about buying a cordless band saw because of the power limitations, well, you don’t have to worry anymore.
This tool offers the power of a corded band saw with a cordless body. This tool is compact and portable.
It also has electronic variable speed control, which helps in selection when cutting various materials. The saw cuts faster than its corded counterparts.
It is long-lasting and also rugged, due to its construction materials. It also has a built-in metal drive to help maintain the life of the tool with little maintenance. It has the power to drive through difficult materials, which makes it suitable for a wide range of jobs.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Easy to Use
- Blade Length: 44-7/8†x ½” x .020″
- Weight: 13.64 Pounds
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Power Source: Cordless
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3. Makita XBP02Z -Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw
The Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT is a very efficient tool — it delivers cordless power to the job site through an 18V lithium-ion battery, making the cutting and carrying process of the tool easier than with some other band saws.
The tool is very durable, thanks to its thick protective rubber. This tool is ideal for cutting a wide variety of materials, including multiple types of metal.
It has a built-in motor to ensure faster speed during use — the speed varies from 275-530 ft/min with this tool.
In order to ensure a well-lit working environment, it has a built-in LED light. The blade, which is ¼ inch thick, is razor-sharp and as hard as nails — this feature allows for long-lasting sharpness without having to change the blades.
A protection circuit ensures that your tool is long-lasting and an over-torque motor protection warning avoids hasty damage. It also has a tool hook to protect it when not in use.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Metal Cutting
- Blade Length: 44-7/8-Inch
- Weight: 15 Pounds
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
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4. Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 – Compact Band Saw
This is one of the lightest band saws on the market — it is half the size of most traditional band saws. Its very compact size allows for one-handed cuts.
Despite its weight, this tool has a very powerful motor to assure the effective cutting of your desired material. It can cut through ¾ EMT in 3 seconds and can deliver as many as 150 cuts when the XC lithium battery is fully charged.
The blade is adjustable to suit whatever you want to cut. It also has LED lights, which act as a highlighter for the cutting line — this helps to ensure precision during cutting.
A variable speed trigger is infused into the tool to help trigger the tool at different speed limits based on what the user requires. This product has a 5-year warranty.
Additional Specification
- Best For: One-Handed use
- Blade Length: 27†x ½†x .020″
- Weight: 12.4 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
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5. Milwaukee 6232-21 Deep Cut Band Saw
The Milwaukee 6232 deep cut band saw gives out 11 amps of power, which helps users make deep cuts without much trouble.
This tool is reliable — you can rest assured that it’s going to last for a long time. It is very rugged and can withstand a whole lot.
The body is designed to give the user a good grip on the tool during handling. It has a built-in metal direct drive system, which ensures maximum life expectancy and reduces your frequency of servicing the tool compared to a chain drive.
This tool is said to have the industry’s largest cutting capacity with the versatility of up to 5†by 5â€. It does not weight much, considering its size, which makes it easier to carry. All of this helps to cut down on the user’s fatigue level. It has an LED light to increase productivity and accuracy.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Plastic, Wood, & Metal
- Blade Length: 44-7/8-Inch
- Weight: 21.89 Pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Source: Corded Electric
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6. DEWALT DCS374B 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw
The DEWALT DCS374B is highly versatile and long-lasting. This tool is very powerful —the blade goes 490 feet in a minute.
The blade is 14 feet and 7/8 inches long, which makes it last a very long time. It also has a brushless motor, which ensures optimum performance and durability.
It is cordless and has amazing battery life. It can be used on a wide variety of materials as a result of the high variable speed that it offers — this gives you control to carry out your job effectively. It is easy to change the blade or make other adjustments with this tool.
It is capable of carrying out a whole lot of activities when you are in the field. It is a solid choice if you need a durable and effective band saw.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Highly Versatile
- Blade Length: 44.87-Inch
- Weight: 12.4 Pounds
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
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7. Milwaukee 6238-20 Portable Two-Speed Band Saw
If you are in need of a portable band saw that can accurately and easily handle most of your cutting projects, then the Milwaukee 6238 might just be the perfect tool for you.
With this product, you don’t need to worry too much about maintenance, as it has a metal drive that increases the lifespan of the band saw. The product is very easy to use and requires little or no technical know-how to operate.
It has an 11-amp power source that guarantees high performance and durability. The tool requires less servicing than the average chain drive because of its built-in metal direct drive system.
It has a gear protective clutch, which works to reduce the effect of impact on the tool, and therefore, extend the life of the motor.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Easily Handle
- Blade Length: 44-7/8-Inch
- Weight: 14.75 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Source: AC/DC
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8. Milwaukee 0729-21 V28 4-3/4-Inch Portable Band Saw
If you are looking for a band saw that is cordless, yet very powerful, then you should consider the Milwaukee 0727-21 band saw.
Precision and optimum performance will be the least of your worries with this tool. This is one of the strongest battery-powered tools you will come across on the market.
It is sure to achieve results. The 28V lithium battery is very light, weighing about the same as an 18V battery, which reduces user fatigue.
The tool is very versatile and durable — it can be used for a variety of jobs. It also has a built-in LED light to ensure that your workspace is well-illuminated. You can choose the optimal cutting speed with this tool through its variable speed trigger, which delivers a cutting speed of 0-225/0-350 ft/min.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Speed & Performance
- Blade Length: 44-7/8-Inch
- Weight: 30.9 Pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Source: Cordless-electric
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9. DEWALT DCS371B 20V MAX band saw
Wherever your worksite is, you can be sure that the DEWALT DCS371B will deliver and meet your cutting requirements. The handle is very comfortable due to its ergonomic soft grip, which increases efficiency.
This tool can cut a variety of materials and can also cut a 2†SCH pipe. The tool also has a hanging hook, so you can easily store it when it is not in use, without damaging the exterior of the tool.
Its blade support system has increased durability, as a result of the dual-bearing rollers for the blades. Additionally, this tool was built to last long.
It has a blade tracking adjustment that helps enhance the blade life of the tool, which saves you money and helps you avoid the stress of changing the blades.
There is a built-in LED work light that helps increase accuracy in your workspace.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Portable
- Blade Length: 32-7/8-Inch
- Weight: 10.2 pounds
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
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10. Bosch GCB10-5 Deep-Cut Band Saw
The Bosch GCB10 band saw is very powerful and can perform a series of cutting actions. This tool has a 10-amp motor, which helps it deliver accurate cutting and makes deburring stress-free. It is very light and compact, which makes it an awesome choice for cutting overhead materials.
It has a variable speed setting, which makes it suitable for cutting a variety of materials and adjusting the speed to suit each material.
If you are considering deep cuts for a majority of your cutting projects, then this tool will do just fine — it has the deep cut capacity and can deliver cuts of up to 4 3/4†in a single swoop.
You can always count on the built-in LED light to illuminate and brighten your work surface for increased accuracy.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Light and Compact
- Blade Length: 44.87-Inch
- Weight: 14.5 Pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Source: Corded-electric
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Portable Band Saw Comparison Chart
| Name | Best For | Blade Length | Weight | Voltage | Power Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DWM120K Portable BandSaw | Cutting Performance | 5-Inch | 15 pounds | 120 Volts | Corded-Electric |
| Milwaukee 2729-20 M18 Band Saw | Easy to Use | 44-7/8-Inch | 13.64 Pounds | 18 Volts | Cordless |
| Makita XBP02Z Portable Band Saw | Metal Cutting | 44-7/8-Inch | 15 Pounds | 18 Volts | Battery Powered |
| Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Band Saw | One-Handed use | 27-Inch | 12.4 pounds | 12 volts | Battery Powered |
| Milwaukee 6232-21 Band Saw | Plastic, Wood, & Metal | 44-7/8-Inch | 21.89 Pounds | 120 Volts | Corded Electric |
| DEWALT DCS374B Band Saw | Highly Versatile | 44.87-Inch | 12.4 Pounds | 20 Volts | Battery-Powered |
| Milwaukee 6238-20 Portable Band Saw | Easily Handle | 44-7/8-Inch | 14.75 pounds | 120 Volts | AC/DC |
| Milwaukee 0729-21 Portable Band Saw | Speed & Performance | 44-7/8-Inch | 30.9 Pounds | 120 Volts | Cordless-electric |
| DEWALT DCS371B band saw | Portable | 32-7/8-Inch | 10.2 pounds | 20 Volts | Battery Powered |
| Bosch GCB10-5 Band Saw | Light and Compact | 44.87-Inch | 14.5 Pounds | 120 Volts | Corded-electric |
Conclusion
If you are going to be working at different locations and cutting through a variety of materials, then these portable band saws will be the perfect choice for you.
The process of choosing the ideal band saw can be somewhat complex. Having an idea of what to look out for when purchasing the best portable band saw is very vital.
The best band saw producers in the market today are the DEWALT, Milwaukee, and Makita. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Your reason for purchase, such as the cutting material, can help you determine which one will be most suitable for you.
Some occasions require a cordless tool for ease of use, while some others will require corded operations if you will be working for long hours or require more power.
There are a number of features (refer to the buying guide above) that will help you determine which tool will be most suitable for you at a particular time.
Whatever your specific needs are, our top 10 best band saws are here to help you make the right decision.
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