6 Best Portable Band Saw 2024 Buyer’s Guide

* If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Are you searching for a good portable band saw in the market today? Portable band saws are a great tool for wood cutting or, in some cases, metal cutting.

Portable band saws provide a unique level of strength you will need to tackle any task. Most portable band saw is not well known, this makes the tool purchases difficult. We will discuss part of the advantages and key factors of the selected six of the best portable saws.

All these will assist you to choose which tool is the best option for you. Now let get started with a comparison of the 6 best portable band saw.

Our Favorite Picks 

Model Price Weight Editor Rating
DEWALT DWM120K

DEWALT Portable Band Saw, Deep Cut, 10 Amp, 5-Inch (DWM120K)

Check Current Price 15Ibs 4.8
MILWAUKEE 2429-21XC

Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Bandsaw Kit

Check Current Price 12.85Ibs 4.7
DEWALT 20V MAX

DEWALT 20V MAX Band Saw, 5' Cutting Capacity, Integrated Hang Hooks, Portable, For Deep Cuts, Bare...

Check Current Price 15.6Ibs 4.9
MILWAUKEE 6232-21

Milwaukee 6232-21 Deep Cut Band Saw W/Case (5619-20)

Check Current Price 22.1Ibs 4.6
MAKITA XBP02Z

Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw, Tool Only

Check Current Price 16.85Ibs 4.7
BOSCH BARE-TOOL

Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Band Saw

Check Current Price 8.85Ibs 4.2

The Six Best Small Band Saw:


1. Dewalt Dwm120K – Best Small Bandsaw


 

DEWALT Portable Band Saw, Deep Cut, 10 Amp, 5-Inch (DWM120K)

Check Current Price

The DEWALT DWM120 K Portable Band Saw 15 lb, 14.2 “x 23.5” x 7.9 “is an excellent choice featuring a powerful 10-amp motor with variable speed control (100-350 sfpm). Users of this system love it because it’s durable and robust, but also note it doesn’t have a lock mechanism. It has a round or rectangular stock with a 5 deep cutting capability.

It runs on 120 V of electricity and has a secure armored cord. The unit is covered by serviceable steel cladding and rubber bumpers. LED sight lights allow easy visibility. A front handle with multi-position allows users greater accuracy and consistency. Integrated hang hook makes it possible to hang without damaging the front handle or castings. The device comes with a hex wrench and a package box, regular 44.875- by.500- by .020-inch blade.

This device has a limited warranty of three years and a one-year free support plan backed by its manufacturer. This band saw kit is a great choice when you’re looking for a portable bandsaw of high quality, commercial grade.

This product received positive user feedback. It is robust and powerful, and, as one consumer attests. It is sufficient to cut the hardened steel used in steel piers to strengthen the foundations of the house or to lift settled foundations.

The only criticism is on the carrying case (which some thinking is done cheaply). The absence of a trigger lock, but as this doesn’t affect the feature, it isn’t a big deal for users.

Pros

  • It has different speed settings
  • It is designed with multi-position front handle
  • It has carrying case
  • It is cost-effective compare to other brands

Cons

  • It carrying case feels cheap
  • It has no trigger lock

Our Verdict

An incredibly well made and carefully crafted portable band saw that gets our coveted number 1 spot for a reason. Strong enough for a wide range of job site activities, but easy to use and very secure to use. A purchase is necessary.

Sale
DEWALT Portable Band Saw, Deep Cut, 10 Amp, 5-Inch (DWM120K)
  • Industry best 10 amp motor of the metal band saw is designed with controlled power to withstand any jobsite application
  • The portable band saw has industry best 5-inch deep cut capacity for round or rectangular stock
  • Serviceable steel shroud and rubber bumpers of DEWALT band saw allow guards to withstand jobsite abuse without damage
  • LED sight light allows the user to see cut line in dark jobsite environment

2. Milwaukee 2429-21Xc – Portable Metal Cutting Band Saws


 

Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Bandsaw Kit

Check Current Price

You want a band saw that is easier to use for those lighter and more impromptu cutting activities. This device is so easy to operate in the sense that you can use it to work with only one hand. Given this, it is still capable of achieving optimum performance. Among its other excellent features is its powerful motor that stands tall always. With the assistance of this powerful engine, in just 3 seconds, you’ll be able to incise 3⁄4 inches of cutting range. The engine can shoulder 150 cuts per price.

This device is outstanding with its 1-5/8-inch cutting range. With this, you will be able to handle other forms of application comfortably. Always comes with LED lighting to make the roads shinier.

Pros

  • Its blade tension adjusts to allow you to cut through the depths with ease
  • Tracks the blades with relative ease
  • It is powered with 12V battery
  • It is simple and easy to manage than many other saws.

Cons

  • It is unfit for skilled applications
  • It requires full often repairs and maintenance

Our Verdict

This device meets and exceeds the standards of OSHA inspector. These stipulate that the band saw can be operated using only one hand at a time. If you’re in the market for the best band you’ve seen, this model is for you.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Bandsaw Kit
  • One-Handed Cuts: Most compact size and lightest weight of any cordless band saw; SFPM: 280
  • Powerful Motor: Cuts 3/4" EMT in 3 seconds, up to 150 cuts per charge with the XC battery; Blade Length: 27” x ½” x...
  • 1-5/8" Cut Capacity: For a wide range of applications; LED Light: Highlights the cut line
  • Meets OSHA Guarding Requirements: Suitable for One-Handed use; Length: 11 "

3. Dewalt 20V Max – Best Budget Bandsaw


 

DEWALT 20V MAX Band Saw, 5' Cutting Capacity, Integrated Hang Hooks, Portable, For Deep Cuts, Bare...

Check Current Price

The portable band saw kit would allow you to conduct a wide range of operations efficiently. The unit is designed for the effortless execution of all sorts of job site applications. The 10 Amp motor is designed to provide controlled electricity. The machine has 5 deep cut capability with its unit that enables it to withstand work site misused without any problems. Even if you’re conducting operations in a dark spot, using the LED sight light, you’ll be able to see the cut line.

There is no harm to the front handle and castings as you can hang the tools without any problems. The engine speed can be changed depending on the type of material and the applications.

Pros

  • It is designed with a strong motor
  • It has various motor speed
  • It is durable and comfortable
  • It is easy to maintain
  • It has Ergonomic features

Cons

  • It is heavy
  • It is not suitable for beginners

Our Verdict

This DEWALT device is designed in a formidable cordless band saw intended. Although It might not has a powerful and deep cut has some other alternative mechanism, but it won’t disappoint fans of the DeWALT brand.

Sale
DEWALT 20V MAX Band Saw, 5" Cutting Capacity, Integrated Hang Hooks, Portable, For Deep Cuts, Bare...
  • 5'' Cutting Capacity
  • Integrated hang hook allows user to hang the saw without damaging the front handle or base
  • LED Work Light with 20 second delay illuminates dark work surfaces for accurate cutting.
  • Tool less blade changing lever loosens blade tension

4. Milwaukee 6232-21 – Cordless Band Saw


 

Milwaukee 6232-21 Deep Cut Band Saw W/Case (5619-20)

Check Current Price

Milwaukee churned out excellent quality power tools for years. Their product lines epitomize a solid fabrication ethic with great design every time. The same applies here-the Milwaukee 6232-21 is built like a tank and performs with a ballerina’s delicate power, turbo-charged precision.

There may have been metaphors running away with themselves-but we can’t deny that this is a superior device. And it makes the list of our top 6 best portable bands saw.

Pros

  • It has precision-controlled
  • It works with different speed functionality
  • It has smooth trigger action features
  • It can be transformed into a vertical band saw
  • It is a high-quality tool for construction.

Cons

  • It is a heavy-handed device.
  • It causes user fatigue.

Our Verdict

Overall, the Milwaukee 6232-21 packs outstanding features, precise cutting power, powerful motor with excellent variable speed adjustment power into one formidable tank-like instrument. If you can tolerate the weight and strength of your saw packing a punch, this is the one for you.

Milwaukee 6232-21 Deep Cut Band Saw W/Case (5619-20)
  • The product is 11A Port Band Saw
  • Easy to use
  • The product is manufactured in China

5. Makita Xbp02Z 18V – Portable Wood Band Saw


Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw, Tool Only

Check Current Price

The Makita has an immediate and substantial advantage over the previously reviewed alternative. It provides a dial allowing you to monitor velocity. This ensures that the software can be personalized, depending on what you are using it for. You may then easily access a broader wide range of materials. For example, it is only due to the different pace choices that you can cut via tubing but via 1⁄4 sheet metal. It’s a little noisy, but it’s likely to be expected when you’re using a saw with that very raw strength. Although this is a sighting of a portable unit, the weight is notable. It’s very light that makes moving and maneuvering quick.

A safety switch is an additional resourceful attribute design of Makita XBP02Z. This can be used alternative to Pressing the button. It works much like a gun and is a brilliant concept, offering additional safety rates when you’re on the job. It’s also well-built and provides a fantastic battery life standard. Like the other model, Makita XBP02Z provides a pleasant smooth cut with almost no rough, and no provoke/initiate will be given. You may also take a straight look down on the blade when making a slash. It is another factor that makes this product so easy to use.

It’s also easy to set up, and you’ll find the blade change fast and straightforward. This is a fantastic benefit when you use it in a busy working environment.

Pros

  • It is portable and battery-driven design
  • It has 6 excellent speed variable selectors for reliable cutting
  • It is a perfect tool for metalwork
  • It has additional features such as LED light and hang-hook

Cons

  • It is costly
  • Battery not included

Our Verdict

This device is a powerful portable band saw built for a wide variety of metal cutting tasks. If you need a tool for a particular task, this could be your top pick. Nevertheless, if you’re after more flexibility, better choices could be the DeWALT or Milwaukee options.

Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw, Tool Only
  • 4-3/4" Cutting capacity accepts a 44-7/8" Blade and is ideal for cutting multiple metal materials
  • Makita-built motor delivers faster cutting with variable speed 275-530 ft./min.
  • Protection circuit with built-in alert light provides over-torque motor protection warning for increased durability
  • Trigger switch with lock-off feature requires two actions to power on the band saw

6. Bosch Bare-Tool – Best Band Saw For The Money


 

Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Band Saw

Check Current Price

The new Bosch 18 V lightweight cordless band saw is up to 60 percent lighter than deep cutting saws and up to 40 percent compacter. Bosch Bare is Ideal for most specific materials employed by electricians, plumbers, and contractors. The versatile power system lets you switch between a fat pack or a slim pack battery.

The integrated LED working light illuminates the cut line so that even in dark places, it is possible to work. With a sturdy aluminum foundation- the BSH180B can withstand severe conditions at the workplace.

Pros

  • It has an Integrated LED Work Light
  • It has a year Limited Warranty

Cons

  • It requires little and extra design consideration.

Our Verdict

This cordless device 60 percent is lighter with excellent deep cutting saws. It is an excellent tool for site workers with its unique versatile power system.

Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Band Saw
  • Best-in-class compact size up to 60-percent lighter than deep cut saws and up to 40-percent more compact
  • Integrated LED work light: illuminates the cut line in dark areas
  • 2-1/2-inch by 2-1/2-inch cutting capacity
  • Ideal for working in tight spaces or overhead cutting

Why Use A Portable Band Saw?

A portable band saw is a flexible, light-weighted tool that was designed with a robust performance to enable all DIY to get their jobs done easily. Anyway, this write-up is specifically made to guide and enlighten you on what the best portable band saw is about, how it performs, its various features, and other relevant details.

Bosch Vs Milwaukee, Which Is Better?

When you are looking for your first set of cordless devices, we recommend that you go for a combination pack. You’re going to hear a lot of people arguing against them, but they’re a great way to get a decent deal on a collection of devices, plus a stack up single battery platform that you can create off the road.

We highly recommend anything like Milwaukee if you are willing to make a bit of an investment. It usually comes with 1⁄2 “hammer drill, 1⁄4” impact motor, Sawzall / reciprocating saw, 6 1⁄2 “circular saw, 4 1⁄2” angle grinder, LED lamp, two M18 flatpack batteries (4.0 amp-not the small 2.0 amp), and a charger.

Both Milwaukee and Bosch are major brands-undoubtedly two of the best portable band saw in the industry. Bosch would at least be much more convenient for us if they could lower their prices just a little. Both the device run nearly dollar for dollar in terms of price, but in our experience, efficiency, reliability, and overall quality are just a smidge less superior. For your dollar, we would suggest going with Milwaukee between the two unless you consider some Bosch things on a good sale or something.

Cordless Vs Corded-Better Which One?

Choosing one between these two is a difficult decision to make. Although, the two are highly performing and reliable models. The two are designed to perform the same task but at different places at times. So, you can only rely on your requirements in the decision.

But here’s our choice, for a large project and solid metal and woodworking job, with increased power the corded circular saw is better. On the opposite, the cordless circular saw with a long-distance working capacity is suitable for homeowners as well as congested areas.

Such portable ones come either cordless or cordless. Yet, which one will be ideal for you? How do you know?

You will consider the corded or cordless one more convenient according to your situation. Still, I prefer using the corded one simply because the cordless portable band saw allows you to change the batteries.

Due to their blade nature, you can consider some corded band saw having less strength. Yeah, those won’t be very helpful either. And it is up to you to determine the one that more suited to your situation.

Buying Guide For Portable Band Saws

Price

A higher price doesn’t necessarily equal better quality. It’s nearly never real. Nonetheless, many people take this for granted and expect the most expensive models to do even better compared to some more affordable ones. That’s not how it goes and can cost you a bit of the error. One thing you should be careful about is the label. More popular brands like Dewalt and Makita will still have a slightly higher price compared to brands with no names. Although this is a double-edged sword, it’s always recommended that you go for the safest choice. Larger brands do prefer to issue better insurance terms and have a stronger relationship with their customers overall. Cheaper versions may also offer similar features, but often the lack of warranty and customer service can be a nuisance. Ultimately it is up to you to select the choice that is best suits you. In our opinion, well-respected brands are the way to go.

Blades

The most significant thing to remember when purchasing the battery bandsaw or cordless is the blade size. The blade should be robust enough for cutting different materials such as glass, wood, and metal. The blade adjuster must be simple and fast. When choosing the band saw that has a high-quality blade, you must keep to it.

Cutting Speed

A top-quality and best portable band saw will always allow you to adjust the blade speed to precisely cut the object in neatly. The experts would agree that cutting materials of different types such as wood, metal, and so on require different blade speeds. Velocity also depends on material speed and hardness. You will not always cut the same object, and that’s why you should buy a portable band saw that offers a multi-speed setup.

Power

You typically have two options a cordless band saw and an electric band saw. Hence, 28 Volt batteries power wireless devices. You can take this tool anywhere without using electricity, and get the job done. Small units in space or in a room where an electrical outlet is located are useful; otherwise, they would not be used.

Weight

Weight is one of those things most people don’t mind. However, you can rest assured that in almost every project that you plan to undertake, whether you are cutting a single pipe or renovating your old furniture, this plays a major role. The fatigue rates increase proportionally, depending on how heavy the device is. More literally, the bigger the device is, the sooner you’re going to get tired. Also, the more downtime you have due to tiredness, the longer it will take to complete the project. When you’re on a deadline or in a rush, lighter versions usually produce better results, but not always so. The explanation is easy-sometimes a heavier model is a better choice because less pressure and effort are needed.

Safety and The Work Light

The cordless will also provide two handles to carry the cutting tool and to work it. One handle is used to carry the unit, and another handle is used to administer the control knob. Such a cutting machine will be the best tool for portable use, and to ensure proper cutting, it should also have a working light.

Most of the features include top-quality portable band saws, we mentioned above. Please invest in the best portable band saw that offers the highest efficiency, cutting experience, and costs a reasonable amount of money.

Final Words

In conclusion, the DEWALT Max portable band saw is leading the race for the best portable band saw with the most positive feedback on Sale. The WEN 10-Amp compact deep-cut portable band saw is a perfect option for an inexpensive, enthusiastic, and lightweight, portable band saw. If you need a smaller strut band saw with easy one-handed and overhead use, then the 6.76-pound Milwaukee 2429-21xc deep-cut compact cordless band saw might be the choice for you.

Selecting a suitable portable band saw should be based on your needs and goals. You can perform any operation using the previously reviewed items. Since there are several useful features, the specifications and the most appropriate unit must be calculated according to the budget and characteristics are chosen. Carefully read portable band saws manuals and reviews to understand the product’s ease of use and strengths.

READ NEXT: