Cordless Portable Band Saw

Whether you are a professional or someone who loves to DIY all the fittings and woodwork in their home, everyone needs a good quality saw for neat cuttings.

While people in the past used hand saws, technological advancements over the years have provided excellent cutting tools that save effort and time while working. Compact band saws are one such amazing tool in the market that makes working with metal, wood, or plastic incredibly easy.

The quest for the best compact band saw can be effortless, but not when you have the specifications, pros, and cons of the top portable band saw models at hand. Let this article help you make the right decision by offering all the information you need.

Quick Comparison of 5 Best Portable Band Saw

Product	Key Specifications	More Info
DEWALT DCS371B Band Saw	Cut Capacity: 2-1/2" Blade: 14/18 TPI Style: Cordless Voltage: 20v Weight: 10.2 lbs.	Price
WEN 94396 Band Saw	Cut Capacity: 5" Blade: 10/14 TPI Style: Corded Voltage: 120v Weight: 14.5 lbs.	Price
DEWALT Portable Band Saw	Cut Capacity: 5" Blade: 14/18 TPI Style: Corded Voltage: 120v Weight: 15 lbs.	Price
MILWAUKEE'S 2729 Band Saw	Cut Capacity: 5" Blade: 14/18 TPI Style: Cordless Voltage: 18v Weight: 15 lbs.	Price
Makita XBP02 Band Saw	Cut Capacity: 4-3/4" Blade: 18 TPI Style: Cordless Voltage: 18v Weight: 15 lbs.	Price
MILWAUKEE'S 2629 Band Saw	Cut Capacity: 3-1/4" Blade: 24 TPI Style: Cordless Voltage: 18v Weight: 10.2 lbs.	Price

Did you know that the first band saw was invented as early as the 1800s?

Though it was not as handy as the compact band saw today, revolutionary for precise and neat cutting of planks and pipes.

Compact band saws are used extensively by carpenters, plumbers, and metal workers to cut various materials. The blade stretched between the two wheels cuts numerous materials with utmost precision in less time. Finding the best portable band saw can be challenging if you do not know what to look for. Portable band saws can be your best investment if you know all the specifications according to your needs.

Understanding your needs while purchasing a band saw ensures you spend your money on the right model that you can use frequently. Find the best cordless band saw through this guide that you can easily carry anywhere with you hassle-free. It is perfect for working around without having to go back and forth to the workshop.

Top-Rated 6 Portable Band Saw Reviews

Here’s a little sneak peek over the top choice of 2021 and most probably coming years as well – the six best cordless portable band saws! So, to find out which are the best, keep reading and we’ll help you to make the best buying decision:

1DEWALT DCS371B 20V MAX Portable Band Saw

Cutting Depth: 2-1/2 inch | Blade: 14/18 TPI | Weight: 10.2 lbs.

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With a 2-½” inches deep cutting capacity and compatibility with all DEWALT 20V Max power tools, this fun-size bandsaw should in no way be taken lightly!

Highlight Features:

• Ergonomic compact design
• Stable handle position for a good balance
• Blade tracking adjustment and dual-bearing guide rollers
• Maximum 20V battery voltage.
• Lightweight and durable.
• Comfortable grip.
• Affordable price tag.

Overall Performance

It may not give you the same robust functionality as a steady bench mount saw, but it sure does deliver quite a performance when it comes to cutting pipes, mild steel, or metal.

Due to its average capacity, you will face some issues with cutting workpieces of greater thickness. But not all of us are looking for industrial-strength bandsaws. When simple sawing for hobby or garage works is involved, most of the time, a decent bandsaw such as this one suffices.

Safety Features

The bandsaw comes with a safety switch that you have to press while operating its trigger. This dual protection feature is much needed when you’re still picking up the sawing tips and tricks to kickstart your career in this path.

So, if you recently started out as a handyman, carpenter, or construction worker, we strongly suggest that you go for this one. When it comes to ensuring user safety, this bandsaw wins, leaving no room for ifs, and, or buts!

Blade Performance

However, the blade that comes in the box is not the smoothest one out there, nor does it deliver satisfactory work for a neat sawing action with less dust and debris. Going for a 24 TPI saw blade would solve this problem.

2WEN 94396 5-Inch Handheld Portable Band Saw for Metal

Cutting Depth: 5 inch | Blade: 10/14 TPI | Weight: 14.5 lbs.

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Packed with many great benefits, this top-class band saw is all set for making the tedious hours of sawing much easier and is known as an excellent band saw for under 200 dollars. Before we hop on to saying what they are, we would like to draw your attention to that this bandsaw is a very well-made tool. It is meant to deliver a quality performance for both home and professional use.

Highlight Features:

• Good blade tracking modification.
• Variable speed trigger from 60 to 420 FPM.
• 44-7/8 by 1/2 inches blade with 10/14 teeth per inch.
• 10-Amp powerful motor.
• Tool-free blade changing.
• 5-inch deep cutting capacity.
• Lightweight and compact design.
• Reasonable price tag.

Great Balance and Accuracy

For starters, the bandsaw flaunts a premium build with a centered handle for keeping balance and accuracy. Moreover, many band saws do not feature a hanging hook for safekeeping the device and make room for flexibility by keeping your hands free.

Blade Performance

The 10/14 TPI saw blade does a decent job, but if you want to cut wood or steel, lubing up a 24 TPI blade and putting it to action will do you well compared to the alternative bandsaws.

Moreover, you get a hanging hook alongside a soft grip on the handle. The voltage is upgraded to 120V, and you get a good bang for your buck when you consider the items in the box.

Blade Tracking

If blade tracking was something you rarely found up to the mark in bandsaws, we assure you that you won’t be disappointed! Changing the blade is also a breeze thanks to its user-friendly lever that supports tool-free blade changing.

3DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp Portable Deep Cut Band Saw, Large

Cutting Depth: 5 inch | Blade: 14/18 TPI | Weight: 15 lbs.

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If your job involves a good deal of professional-grade sawing, this one by DEWALT is an excellent option to consider.

Highlight Features:

• Ergonomic compact size
• Variable speed dial from 100 to 350 Feet Per Minute (SFM)
• A whopping 5-inches deep cut
• High-torque 10-Amp powerful motor
• Comes with an integrated hook for hanging
• Provides fast and clean sawing.

Cutting Capacity

To start with, it delivers a neat cut that is 5″ deep for both rectangular and round workpieces. 5-inch is probably the deepest cut you can get from a handheld and portable bandsaw. Most alternatives go no higher than 4″ to 4-¾”, and some even face troubles while cutting a mere 2-½” thick stock. So, you already know that this one is way ahead of the sawing game for the best small bandsaw title!

LED Work Light

Pulling an all-nighter does not necessarily mean that you have to work in a dark environment. We know how important visibility is when following the exact outline and making calculated shapes out of your workpieces.

That said, this bandsaw comes with a great LED light for easy viewing in the nighttime!

Adjustable Speed Dial

When combined with an adjustable speed dial, its multi-position front handle puts your comfort first and shortens the sawing time according to your workpiece material.

If you want to tone up or tone down its speed, the adjustable 100 surface feet per minute (SFM) to 350 SFM speed range will help. The rubber bumpers and steel shroud keep the bandsaw protected from the early job site wear and tear.

4Milwaukee 2729-20 M18 Deep Cut Cordless Band Saw

Cutting Depth: 5 inch | Blade: 14/18 TPI | Weight: 15 lbs.

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The “deep cut band saw” speaks for itself. Milwaukee brings yet another powerful bandsaw for you to nail woodworking like a pro.

Highlight Features:

• Variable speed dial from 0 to 380 sfpm.
• Maximum 5-inch deep cut.
• 44-7/8-inch by 1/2-inch size blade.
• 18v brushless motor for toughest applications.
• Comes with a blade.
• Cuts steel really well.
• Lightweight one-handed use.

Wide Range of Use

Apart from cutting wood, it works extremely well with heavy wall pipes alongside EMT conduits. So, whether you are a professional plumber, constructor, or a simple handyman who likes to take care of things in his own home, this deep-cut bandsaw will be your best friend!

Superior Compatibility

It’s a smooth tool that makes cuts and slits on your workpieces without wreaking havoc in the entire place. You can comfortably use this bandsaw on PVC pipes, threaded rods, and black iron.

Fast Operation

We are going to disclose the M18’s best feature now, and it will sweep you off your feet! This bandsaw might be the band saw of your dreams because once you put some cutting lubricants on, this bad boy is ready to cut steel three times faster than you would have imagined.

Efficient Performance

You only need two Lithium-ion batteries to power it up. This 18V battery band saw uses power efficiently, and not to mention, it is highly durable compared to its alternatives.

Although the bandsaw falls on the heavy side, it isn’t essential when you weigh in its all-around performance to make your metalworking days easier.

5Makita XBP02Z Portable Cordless Band Saw

Cutting Depth: 4-3/4 inch | Blade: 18 TPI | Weight: 15 lbs.

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With a whopping 4-¾” cutting capacity while accommodating a 44-⅞” blade, this outstanding tool by Makita has all the features to be the best portable bandsaw you will ever use.

Highlight Features:

• Variable speed setting in between 275 and 530 ft./min.
• LED light for working comfortably in low light conditions.
• Lightweight one-handed operation.
• Thick rubber bumper & wrench storage.
• Maximum 4-¾-inch deep cut.

Adjustable Speed

To begin with, it is an 18V band saw with an adjustable speed from 275ft./minute to 530ft./minute. This comes in handy, especially when you have a versatile use of the materials in your stock.

For example, you would need different speed levels for cutting wood, PVC pipes, or steel. They vary in thickness, and thus, they do not require the same speed. Read our reviews intently to learn how the bandsaw can benefit you for cutting wood and metal.

Multipurpose Bandsaw

As a multiskilled handyman, your best bet is going for a portable band saw with variable speed settings. Moreover, the speed control switch is lodged in a convenient position so you can easily change the speed while working on a piece.

Safety Features

Powering up the band saw is both easy and safe. Its dual-action measure comprises a trigger switch along with a lock-off feature to keep your mind at ease.

Motor-Friendly Operation

Makita added a cool attribute in this model, which is a protection circuit beside its alert light. This is a useful option because when dealing with a greater workload, we often forget about putting the band saw to rest. As a result, the device gets over-torqued and falls out of shape pretty easily.

But thanks to its protective features, over-torque is out of the question, and you have one less thing to worry about!

6Milwaukee 2629-20 M18 Cordless Band Saw

Cutting Depth: 3-1/4 inch | Blade: 24 TPI | Weight: 10.2 lbs.

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Weighing a little more than 10lbs, this cordless band saw delivers a decent performance when cutting materials overhead or in tricky places.

Highlight Features:

• Lightweight compact size.
• Variable speed dial from 390 to 480 feet per minute.
• Decent cutting capacity
• Comes with a work light
• Suitable for single-hand operation

Lightweight Construction

This band saw is so lightweight that it only takes one arm to operate. This way, you have the other arm free for positioning the wood in the right place. It’s a matter of importance because when you have the material at the best angle and spot, it gets easy for the saw to make a precise cut along the outline.

All-Around Performance

Milwaukee left no room for disappointment in this bandsaw. It tackles not only woodworking but also some electrical work concerning Unistruts and conduits.

Low Vibration

Another reason why we like this particular bandsaw was that it produced very low vibration while working. Lower vibration indicates lesser friction, which makes a lot of difference when a good, smooth finishing is desired.

Produces Clean Cuts

Be it angled iron, copper, threaded rod, strut, or conduit, this portable bandsaw will give you the cleanest cuts. However, since they do not come with blades, you might face some problems with tracking the wheels.

Cutting Capacity

With a 3-¼” maximum cutting capacity, the M18 is enough to carry out difficult woodworking to metalworking tasks coupled with a 24 TPI blade. The 18V power is enough for quick and easy operation.

Things to Consider – Before Buying the Best Portable Band Saw

Knowing about the best-rated portable band saw is more beneficial when you know the various part of the compact band saw that make it worth buying. When you are well-versed with the qualities and specifications of the best portable bandsaw, only then can you be a hundred percent sure about your choice.

Let’s tell you about portable band saw cordless, so you know everything before making a decision.

Batteries

One of the major differences between standing and portable band saw is the absence of a cord. While you need a power source to operate your standing band saw, you do not need one for a cordless saw. You can take them anywhere with you until you have a pair of high-quality batteries to go.

Depending on the kind of battery you use, they can last up to hours. You can find numerous brands of batteries in the market. We suggest choosing the ones that last the longest during working and have a better life. You can ask the sellers about the ones they recommend or check Milwaukee and DeWalt battery sharing platforms to see what the users suggest.

Motor

The motor is an essential part of any electrical device, including a portable band saw cutting wood and other materials. The quality and durability of your compact band saw depend significantly on the motor you choose. When we talk about the quality of a band saw, major of it is based on the motor and the blade.

Compact band saws usually have two kinds of motors – brushed and brushless. Brushed motors have been used for a long time in machinery now but are more prone to wear and tear. On the other hand, the replacement of brushes in the brushless motors saves them from damage.

A wide range of motors can be found when it comes to compact band saws. We recommend getting the ones of 10 amp or more to ensure uninterrupted, efficient work.

Blades

Besides the motor, you must know all about the blades, so you get the right band saw for your need. Typically, three types of blades are used in band saws which perform different functions. The band saw gets its name from the blades that look like a band. Here are the blades you can choose from, according to your need.

Regular Tooth

The regular tooth blade may be called the general purpose blade as they work on most materials. They are widely used for the cutting of thinner and finer materials as compared to think surfaces.

Hook Tooth

The hook tooth blades’ deep, gulleted large teeth make it perfect for hardwoods, thick woods, metals, and plastic. As you can use it for cutting through tough metals quickly and finely, it can be the best portable bandsaw for knife making.

Skip Tooth

The skip tooth blades have more spaces between the teeth, hence the name “Skip tooth.”  It may not be the perfect portable band saw for hardwood, but excellent for cutting plastic and softwood.

FAQs

Is every portable band saw cordless?

While most portable band saws are cordless, some are not. They come with a battery that needs to be recharged or connects to the main power supply for operation.

Can we change the speed of a portable band saw?

Yes, you can vary the speed of your portable band saw according to the material you are working on.

Does a portable band saw mill offer a better cutting capacity?

Portable band saw mills enable movement while working, but they do not have a better cutting height than stationary band saws. They are restricted to 310mm because of the design of the tool.

How much does a cordless band saw weigh on average?

A compact band saw usually weighs between 6 to 15 kilograms depending on the body and motor. We suggest considering the motor capacity before weight and choose accordingly.

What are the common uses for portable band saw?

Portable band saw uses include:

• Crosscuts
• Bevel Cuts
• Rip Cuts
• Miter Cuts
• Compound Cuts

How to clean the blades?

Whether you have a portable band saw cordless or one with a wire, you can easily clean the blades. We recommend using a degreasing agent such as oven cleaner to eliminate the resin that forms over the blades over time.

Do compact band saws come with a warranty?

Depending on the policy of the company you purchase your compact band saw from, they come with a warranty of one year up to five years.

Final Words

Looking at the portable band saw reviews would help you find the best compact band saw immensely. Now that you know about the different motors, blades, and battery types, finding the right compact band saw is no longer a challenge.

I’m hopeful that this article will guide you through the world of portable band saws and enable you to make the right choice. Choose wisely, as the right compact band saw goes a long way!