Whenever you are doing any form of metal fabrication or woodcutting, you will require a portable band saw. To do such work is not always a walk in the park. It requires a sophisticated tool that can work on steel metal and wood.
This type of band saw is available either in vertical or horizontal design. It is designed in either way so that it can be used for a variety of uses.
What then should you be looking for before you buy best portable bandsaw that you consider best? Go through this guide and you will find all the information that you need to make a good decision.
4 Best Portable Band Saw Comparison
| Image | Product Name | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Portable Band Saw | » Weight: 10.2 lbs » Cutting speed: 570 fmp » Power Source: Battery » Voltage: 20 volts » Warranty: 3 year limited |
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DEWALT DCS371B Portable Band Saw | » Weight: 10.2 lbs » Cutting speed: 570 fmp » Power Source: Battery » Voltage: 20 volts » Warranty: 3 year limited |
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Milwaukee Cordless Sub-Compact Bandsaw | » Weight: 10.2 lbs » Cutting speed: 570 fmp » Power Source: Battery » Voltage: 20 volts » Warranty: 3 year limited |
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DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw | » Weight: 10.2 lbs » Cutting speed: 570 fmp » Power Source: Battery » Voltage: 20 volts » Warranty: 3 year limited |
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The 7 Best Portable Band Saw Reviews for 2021
1. Dewalt Max Portable Band Saw DCS371B.
Get the most out of your band saw with Dewalt Max. This band saw has a blade tracking adjustment device that monitors the position of the blade.
The blade can shift position when it is in action. In this way, it is easy to adjust it whenever it falls out of place.
The handle of this saw is strategically located at the center so that it will provide superior balancing performance.
There is, therefore, a minimum effort that requires to be put into the balancing of the saw.
All the energy will be focused on the work that is being done. The saw has a LED work light that lasts longer for superior lighting.
If you are working from a slightly dark environment, the light from this bulb will help you a lot. You will not, therefore, need to interrupt your work because of poor lighting.
The band saw has blade guide rollers that work to ensure that the blade is always in place. In this way, the saw will produce excellent results all the time.
The saw is powered by a battery that takes longer to discharge after a single charge.
When you buy this product, you will always be assured of continuity. It is backed by a 3-year limited warranty that becomes effective from the date of actual purchase.
2. Makita Portable Band Saw XBP02Z.
Just the name says, this band saw is portable and it can be moved from one point to another.
It has a 4-inch cutting capacity and a blade that cuts through any piece of material with a lot of ease.
The band saw is durable. It has a protection circuit that provides timely alerts just in case something right is not happening.
One can, therefore, halt the saw and do the necessary adjustments. In this way, pending massive damages are detected at early stages and necessary corrective measures are taken.
Its motor is quite fast, rotating at a speed of 275 to 530ft every single minute. This enables the band saw to deliver faster cutting and to reduce any work backlog. The blade of this tool cuts with a lot of precision.
It is easy to power this tool. This is because it is fitted with a trigger switch that requires two actions to start it off. The trigger switch has a lock-off feature that is used to prevent the saw from starting accidentally. It is, therefore, safe to use this product.
The band saw is easy to operate. You just need to learn a few basic skills and you will master everything on the go.
3. Dewalt Max Portable Band Saw DCS374B.
With a 5-inch cutting capacity, this band saw is not limited by time. It can cut a lot of metal within a very short time.
This cutting capacity implies that this band saw is used to cut larger pieces of metal.
On the other hand, it implies that it can cut smaller ones that are combined. This band saw is easy to control.
If you have a few basic skills, then it will not be difficult for you to navigate it. It has a variable speed trigger that is used to control how the machine is run.
The saw is light and that makes it portable. You can move it from one region to another with a lot of ease. This band saw can fit into the back seat of the car or even the trunk.
It has a powerful battery that runs the band saw on a 20V power. This power is strong enough to push the blade through the metals that are being cut. When the battery is charged, it will use and store this power for quite some time.
It has an integrated hanging hook that is useful for this process. This is one particular thing that is not common with other band saws.
4. Milwaukee Compact Cordless Band Saw 2429-21XC.
This band saw is run by a powerful motor that drives the blade through the metal with a lot of ease. The blade cuts up to 4 inches every three seconds.
When its battery is charged, it can make up to 150 cuts before the battery drains off. This makes this band saw ideal for any person who wants to deploy it for commercial purposes.
The blade has a tensioning adjustment that prevents it from coming off. This can be done even when cutting is in progress. Unlike other band saws, you may not require to halt your activities so that you adjust the blade.
This band saw is portable and it can be easily moved from one region to another. Its size is manageable, hence it can be carried by the use of one hand. The size is small as well and it can comfortably fit the car trunk or even to the back seat.
Its cutting capacity is 8 inches. This means that it can handle larger pieces of metal, something that is not possible with other band saws. It has LED work out lighting that is used to highlight the line that needs to be cut.
5. Dewalt Portable Band Saw DWM120K.
This is one of the few band saws that is loved by many in the industry. It is designed to do any kind of job with a lot of ease. This tool is run by a powerful 10 amp motor that is very strong to drive the blades through any material.
Its power is the reason why it attracts several clients in the industry. For those persons working in a dark environment, this is an ideal tool for you that I recommend.
It has LED lighting that enables one to see clearly through the cut line. The light enables a person to do the cutting with high precision. Its bale can as well be placed in different positions.
The blade has a cutting capacity that measures up to 5 inches deep. Every single cut is enough to push the blade 5 inches deep into the target.
The band saw has serviceable parts that can be fitted with rubber bumpers. This is to allow the guards to withstand the tough job-site environment and damages.
The saw is backed by a warranty that is effective for 3 years. You also have a 90-day money-back guarantee if the product fails to perform as expected.
6. Deep Cut Speed Band Saw 10 Amp.
As the name says, this band saw is powered by a 10 amp motor that has variable speed levels. The speed range for this saw starts from 0 to 420FPM, where 0 is minimum and 420 is maximum.
A speed of 420 FPM, for example, is used to cut heavy-duty material such as steel and other metals and vice versa. It is a light tool that can be easily moved from one location to another.
This tool can be carried inside a car trunk without any problem. Owing to its weight, the tool can be carried around using just one hand. It weighs just 16 lbs.
The band saw is stable and well-balanced for superior performance. When it is performing its duties, a lot of vibration is produced. To counter this effect, the band saw has to be very stable.
The blades have a cutting capacity of up to 5 inches. This capacity is ideal for large metal and wood pieces. Even though it is small and portable, it still functions just like a large tool.
It has a roller that aligns the material that is being cut to the blade. This greatly helps in producing precise cuts.
7. Bosch Bare Compact Band Saw.
This is a true portable band saw. It is lighter by 60% as compared to other deep cut saws. At the same time, it is 40% more compact.
It is lighter as compared to other products in the same category. This makes it portable as it can be moved from one region to another even by the use of one hand.
The band saw is thinner in size. This makes it ideal for use in tight spaces or when performing overhead cutting. It is a space-saving band saw that I would recommend to anyone who has limited space in their yards.
For those whose workshops are dark, you do not need to worry at all. The saw is fitted with LED light that illuminates the area you are working on. In this case, you will be able to make precision cuts on the targets.
It has a 2-inch cutting capacity. This is an ideal cutting size for those persons whose work size is classified as medium. However, it can still be deployed for commercial purposes.
Its battery is strong and it keeps power for long with just a single charge. In the same manner, the battery takes a very short time to charge.
Things to be Considering Before Buying The Best Portable Band Saw
It is easy to buy a band saw that is not of your choice. This is because these are several of them that are sold today. You should, therefore, have the product specification of the band saw that you want before you delve into the market.
Since you are looking for a portable band saw, most of the specifications should match what you desire. Generally, here is what you need to put into consideration. The list is not exhaustive, but I am going to capture most of the points.
⇒ The power of the motor.
This is the main component that drives the band saw. It the component that determines the specific uses of the band saw. The motor provides power to drive the blades. For small band saws, the motor is small and it has the power to drive two blades.
The larger band saw has up to three blades, all of which are driven by the motor. A motor can be classified as either a single-phase or a three-phase. The power rating will depend on the size of the saw and its other features.
As you ponder to buy one, you should, therefore, try to evaluate and decide on whether you are buying a bigger or smaller saw. This is what will determine the power of the motor.
⇒ The wheels.
A band saw has both upper and lower wheels. These wheels enable the blades to move. The radius of the wheels determines the width of the blade. They are, therefore, a determinant of each other. A wider blade will enable you to make straight cuts.
If your blade is wider, you will need even wider wheels. In short, what I mean is that the power of the blades is determined by the size of the wheels. I would, therefore, urge you to focus on the size of the wheels as a factor when you want to buy a band saw.
⇒ The cutting height.
This is determined by the throat capacity. Throat capacity is the distance between the table and the end of the structure that guides the saw blades. For you to choose a band saw, first determine the maximum height that you will cut.
It will be easy to select the cutting height when you have determined the maximum height. This should point you to the type of saw that you will need. I would advise you to look into the practical components before deciding on the way forward!
⇒ Dust extraction.
A band saw generates a lot of dust when it is put in to use. This dust has to be gotten rid somehow because it is not healthy for the saw. I suggest that you buy one that removes dust automatically as you work.
Alternatively, you can choose to attach your workshop vacuum cleaner to the extraction outlet of the band saw. The vacuum cleaner will suck out all the dust that is being generated. This will keep the workshop area clean and neat. The band saw, on the other hand, will stand the test of time.
⇒ Safety.
When dealing with such machines, safety should be the priority to consider. It should be safe for you to use it. At the same time, the machine itself should be safe. Look for a band saw that is fitted with an off/on functionality. It should have a safety key as well.
This feature will enable the saw to start safely whenever you want to use it. Some band saws are fitted with an emergency stop button. In case of an emergency, this button is immediately deployed and the engine stops immediately. This will stop and rescue the situation from more damages.
⇒ LED lighting.
To cut the metals needs a lot of precision. This can be achieved by a high level of visibility. LED lights provide some rescue in such a working environment. You mostly need this light when you are making straight cuts.
I would advise you to buy a band saw that offers this option. You can, however, still work without LED light, but your visibility might be hampered. It is, therefore, important to consider going for one that features this option. This will improve your performance a great deal.
⇒ The blades.
A band saw has either two or three blades that are being used simultaneously. The power of these blades is derived from the size of the motor. You should, therefore, pay close attention to the type of work that you intend to get in to.
If it involves cutting a larger piece of metal, then you should buy one with larger blades. Dewalt Max Portable Band Saw DCS374B is the band saw that I would recommend to you. It has a 5-inch cutting capacity, meaning that its blades are large as well.
⇒ Guide rollers.
When the metal is being cut, it might be impractical to use your hand to guide it. This is because it is dangerous and you may end up losing your arm. Some band saws lack this feature. I advise you to look for a saw that features the guide rollers.
In this way, you will minimize the chances of you getting hurt in the course of your work. Rollers play a great role in sliding the metal through the blades. Do not forget that these blades are usually sharp. They can cause big harm even at the slightest touch.
⇒ Warranty.
This is an assurance that you need to look for when you shop for a band saw. If it is not being provided, I would urge you not to buy the band saw. A band saw is used to cut hard material and t can easily get damaged.
The manufacturer should cover you for some time by providing a warranty. If it is being provided, then I would urge you to acquaint yourself with the warranty terms. Get to know the warranty exclusions.
In this case, you can be confident when you are doing your work. Most of the manufacturers provide a warranty that covers up to three years on limited parts. The warranty is effective from the date of the actual purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
How can I get replacement parts for my portable band saw?
Do not let your saw to lie idle at home because it is broken down. We supply the spares for all the parts. Next time when you are faced with this problem, contact the sales representative in your area as soon as you can.
Does the cutting capacity determine the viability of the band saw?
Band saws that have a higher cutting capacity are viable for commercial purposes. However, any other kind of portable saw is still viable so long as it is in use. The only difference is the scale of production.
What is a portable band saw used for?
It is used for daily light duties that require you to do out of your mainstream work. You can use it anywhere, be it in the forest or the park. This is because it is portable as the name just says.
Can a band saw cut iron?
In most cases, a band saw can be used to cut either a metal or wood. It is rare for a band to be used to cut iron. However, it is possible but I would not encourage you to do so.
This is because iron is so strong. Unless you find a saw that has strong blades, then you will not be able to use a normal bandsaw to cut iron.
What is the best portable band saw?
Well, this is largely a matter of opinion rather than being factual. However, some of the best portable band saw include:
- Makita XBP02Z Portable Band Saw.
- Dewalt DWM120K Portable Band Saw.
- Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Portable Band Saw.
- Dewalt DCS371B Portable Band Saw.
The list is extensive. One thing to consider, however, is what is best for you is not the best for another person.
How long can a band saw last?
It might not be practical to quantify the duration that a band saw will be in existence. However, this is largely determined by how you use and maintain it. Proper handling will make it last longer, and the opposite is true.
Conclusion.
A portable band saw is ideal for doing your business activities. How to acquire the beat brand might prove to be a challenge. That is why I took some time to develop this guide to give you the information that you require.
It should be able to guide you to the best brand that will suit your needs and your budget. Feel free to rely on it for any decision making. The information contained here is accurate and up to date.
I did thorough research on the topic before I sat down to formulate this guide. It will help you a great deal.