Best Portable Band Saw Reviews

Dewalt DWM120k

Our Rating: 4.6

As far as the power goes, this model features a 10-amp motor with five different levels of intensity. In other words, one can regulate the speed of the wheel rotation depending on what kind of a cut they want to perform. The design is what makes this model so desirable among both DIYers and professionals. The side of the casing features rubber bumpers integrated into the shroud meaning you don’t have to worry about damaging the unit easily. In fact, it can withstand quite a beating which means one can easily utilize this particular unit on any construction site without thinking about damaging their tool.

The DWM120k features an integrated LED which is great for working in dark or dim environments. While it’s usually not recommended due to safety reasons, one can indeed cut through tough materials in dark environments with great precision. The unit weighs about 15 pounds which don’t make it the lightest one around, to say the least. However, as we already mentioned, the more weight a tool has, the easier it is to work with it, especially if you’re planning on cutting steel. Instead of having to apply pressure at all times and thus lose quite a bit of precision, all you have to do is let the gravity do its thing. Of course, there is still some pressure required from the user nonetheless. The machine comes with a wrench and kit box included which is a nice touch.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Bandsaw Kit

Our Rating: 4.4

The design is quite peculiar and unconventional. That doesn’t mean it’s particularly hard to get the hang of this unit, but it isn’t something you see every day. The biggest drawback design-wise is the fact that most outer components are made of plastic. While the plastic is hardened, it’s still far less durable than any metal. Many people think this is quite a deal-breaker, but if one considers the affordable price, it makes sense that Milwaukee engineers went with plastic components instead of metal or rubber. Nonetheless, we would like to see at least a rubber shroud added onto the existing chassis for improved durability.

As you can tell, this isn’t a heavy-duty tool. It won’t perform miracles, but it will cut through most things you put in front of it as long as it’s foreseen for such materials. The battery is okay, but it’s far from impressive. The 12V battery will yield over a hundred cuts, but if you utilize the LED light frequently, the battery efficiency decreases significantly. Speaking of LED lights, the one integrated into this machine highlights the cut line instead of illuminating a big radius. It can be considered as an advantage because the brightness increases with focus. In other words, the more focused the LED is at a particular point, the brighter it gets.

Quick Product Comparison

Best Portable Band Saw – Buyer’s Guide

Weight

The weight is one of those things that most people don’t care about. However, you can rest assured that it plays a major role in almost any project you decide to tackle, whether you’re cutting a single pipe, or renovating your old furniture. Depending on how heavy the unit is, the levels of fatigue grow proportionally. In simpler terms, the heavier the machine is, the quicker you’ll get tired. Furthermore, the more downtime you have due to fatigue the more it will take to finish the project. Now, if you’re on a deadline or in a hurry, lighter models will usually yield better results, but not necessarily. The reason is simple – a heavier model is sometimes a better option because it requires less pressure and effort. As you can tell, the key is in finding the “sweet spot” in weight so that it doesn’t cause too much fatigue, but it also does not require too much pressure from the user.

The Price

A higher price doesn’t always indicate better quality. In fact, it’s almost never true. However, many people take this for granted and aim for the most expensive models expecting a much better performance in comparison to some more affordable one. That’s not how it goes, and that mistake can cost you quite a bit. The first thing you should pay attention to is the brand. Naturally, more famous brands such as Dewalt and Makita will always have a slightly higher price in comparison to no-name brands. While it is a double-edged sword, it’s always recommended that you go with the most secure option. Also, bigger brands tend to issue better warranty conditions and overall have a better relationship with their customers. Cheaper models can indeed offer similar features, but the lack of warranty and customer support can be a nuisance sometimes. In the end, it’s up to you to choose the option that suits you better. As far as we are concerned, well-respected brands are the way to go.

The Design and Materials Used

One more thing one should always remember is to check the sturdiness of the design. While it may not be easy, especially if you’re buying online, it’s still a mandatory thing to do. Even though all-plastic models aren’t necessarily a bad investment, the ones made of metal are always a better option. Furthermore, look for models that include a rubber shroud around the chassis as it improves the durability by a lot.