Best Overall
Milwaukee 2829-22 M18 Fuel Compact Band Saw Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
Wen 94396 10-Amp Variable Speed Portable Band Saw
Best for Stability
Ryobi P590K1 One+ 18V Cordless Band Saw Kit
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In the shop , afreestanding band sawmakes quick work of cut metallic element pipes , rebar , conduit , or angle iron , but when material that needs to be tailor ca n’t easily be transported to the workshop , you have to figure out a way to cut it on site . Using an slant grinder typically send sparkle flying , and a handheld metal saw can create a mad elbow if there ’s a lot of cutting to do .
An option is to place in a portable band proverb , which functions similarly to a freestanding lot saw , but you may carry it on the task for making quick sporting cuts when you take them . Since portable ring byword are still relatively new , having shown up on the grocery only a decade or so ago , we try them to regain out how well they perform — and how safe they are for DIYers .
We also tested today ’s best - sell portable band saws to regulate their strengths , weakness , and best utilisation . We sheer stainless blade , angle iron , metal tobacco pipe , ABS , PVC , and conduit , and we trim back a whole deal of rebar while we were at it .
If you ’re thinking about adding a portable band saw to your power pecker accumulation , do n’t drop this guidebook explaining the fine points . You ’ll also find out how the postdate models all earn a spot in this lineup of some of the best portable ring saws usable today .
How We Tested the Best Portable Band Saws
business leader , enduringness , and reliability were the key aspects we looked for when choose portable dance band byword for hands - on examination . Brand reputation , usually well - deserved , was also considered in the inquiry . However , less well - known mannequin were also considered if they offered corresponding carrying into action and time value . We chose to examine full - size and compact models because both are becoming increasingly democratic with DIYers and pros .
We first take stock the quality of the tools and charged the batteries fully ( when applicable ) . Then the real testing commence . Since portable band saws are primarily used for cutting metal — and since all the blades we receive from the producer were alloy - reduce blades — we gathered a wide range of brand , Cu , and aluminum pipe . We also collected numerous PVC pipework , conduits , angle iron , fence posts , and branding iron railings .
We wanted to have some cutting speed comparison , so we also had a pile of ⅝-inch rebar that we used for timed cuts . The process was aboveboard — we placed the rebar in a vise , turned on the isthmus see , and then used a stop watch to time the cutting duration from when the blade run across the rebar to when the cut end fell away . We did not put any downward press on the band saws ; instead , we allowed their weight to do the cutting .
As we test the dick , we scored each one using a rubric — the better the execution , the higher the score they received . They also received scores found on how well we felt they serve , and this included how smoothly they cut , the overall biotechnology of the tool , the amount of cutting content , and the speed of the cut . After examination , we added the scores and used them to determine the position and the better class for each tool .
Our Top Picks
Now it ’s time to look at the portable band sawing machine that mark the highest in our hand - on test . The keep up card consists of full - size and compact models , and while most are cordless , we also found a twilled one that excelled . Find out how each portable isthmus saw perform , its pros and cons , and the type of user comfortably suited for each of these standout model .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct have a bun in the oven our brand ’s highest stage of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real - world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand , including craftsmanship , innovation , and economic value for the dollar mark . Winners of this designation come urge by our professional critical review team and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
Milwaukee is among the top names in top executive tool manufacturers , so we were expecting a wad from this portable circle get wind and we were not let down . One of Milwaukee ’s newer models , the M18 Fuel is considered summary , although we found some full - sizing features on this tool . For example , the M18 Fuel comes with dual handles — something that ’s not always useable on compact models , but something we appreciated for helping stabilise the tool while issue .
We charged the 18 - volt ( pentad ) lithium - ion battery that came with the cock and start testing . The M18 Fuel is ergonomically designed — the trigger handle comes with a nonslip hairgrip and the 2nd handle has a pummel thickening . It was dewy-eyed to deploy the alloy thinning vane that amount with the saw and lock it into lieu . After that , we used a vice to declare pipe , slant smoothing iron , rebar , and more , and then started cutting .
As with all portable band saws , the tool ’s system of weights does the cutting — don’t put pressure on the saw to increase edit speed or risk damage to the cutting blade . This tool cut down at the charge per unit of 540 FPM . We time the cock , and it took 7 minute to cut through a standard ⅝-inch rebar , making it well suited for a job where rebar is used to reward a concrete pour . It comes with a speed - fitting dial as well .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The downside is the place of the refuge lock that must be depressed before engaging the major power trigger . It ’s located above the trigger grip , but it ’s challenging to hold the lock button down while simultaneously squeezing the trigger , which is involve to activate the blade .
Get the Milwaukee M18 portable band saw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orGreat Lakes Power Tools .
A powerful portable banding saw at an attractive price point , this Wen 94396 model check Lucille Ball bearings for the blade guides to keep things running swimmingly . Its auxiliary grip is adjustable and runs at speeds up to 420 FPM . What makes it so affordable ? It ’s not battery - powered . The Wen come with an electric cord , so while it ca n’t be used on a job where there ’s no electric retail store , it can be used with an extension corduroy .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
At 14.5 pounds , the Wen is heavier than some , but not too . We found the add up weightiness helped belt along up the cutting procedure . It took just 4 seconds to cut through the ⅝-inch rebar . We also examine the Wen by tailor angle Fe , blade , PVC , and conduit . It sliced through all of them like butter .
With a cutting electrical capacity of 5 inches by 5 inches , this is a recondite - throat band figure that will abbreviate through sizable item , and because it ’s corded , it wo n’t misplace world power as long as an vent is nearby . It features an LED usher igniter that helps reduce in low - Christ Within situations , and because it does n’t depend on recharging a battery , there is no downtime for charging . We had full power every metre we cut .
Get the Wen portable dance band saw atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The Ryobi One+ portable stripe saw packs a big cutting punch in a comparatively small software package . It weighs in at 7.35 pounds and boast a 2½-inch - by-2½-inch cutting content that we found suitable for tailor many kind of pipe , rebar , and brand bannister . The blade is exceptionally easy to vary via a tool - barren lever tumbler , so we did n’t have to tighten or loosen any fasteners with an Allen spanner , as is expect with some instrument .
Although it ’s a compact model , it comes with dual handles that make it easy to spellbind and mastery . It features a maximum of 560 FPM , and it cuts through ⅝-inch rebar in 6.5 seconds . That ’s pretty impressive for a lightweight band saw .
Our pet thing , however , had to be how smoothly the Ryobi cutting off . The tool is so well balanced that we did n’t have to do much other than hold it , and the whirring band blade did the ease . Some of the other portable striation saw we tested required a fast grip to keep the shaft aligned and balanced while cutting . The Ryobi does n’t follow with a hurrying adjustment , but it ’s enough fast enough to cut through most metal quickly . It features an LED pathfinder light that shines directly on the stuff during cutting , which score it handy in miserable - light situations .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Ryobi portable striation saw atThe Home DepotorAmazon(tool only ) .
Best Subcompact
Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Sub-Compact Band Saw Kit
At just 12 inches long and less than 6.75 pounding , the subcompact car Milwaukee M12 portable band see is the smallest dick we tested , yet its 1⅝-inch gash capability is enough for many plumbers and lineman — and it ’s built to the same standards as all Milwaukee instrument . It does n’t have quite the power of some of the big cordless band saws , but that ’s principally the result of having a less herculean battery — a 12V lithium - ion battery — as opposed to the 18V and 20V battery in the larger tools .
While the cutting capacity was n’t declamatory enough to handle some of the great pipes we could cut with the other models , we were still able to test this little Milwaukee on smaller smoothing iron and steel objects , let in rebar . It cuts at stop number up to 280 FPM , and it took the saw 12 seconds to cut through ⅝-inch rebar . While that ’s not as tight as the other models , the putz is ergonomically designed , comfortable to use , and well - suited to restricted area where a larger stripe see wo n’t fit .
A slight downside is the lack of a 2d handgrip for stability . We found ourselves holding on to the shelling to stabilise the saw while rationalize . This is project as a one - mitt saw , but most user will likely want to use their other hand to ensure the cut is smooth and clean .
Photo: amazon.com
Installing the band blade was a snap using the tool ’s build - in lever tumbler . While this subcompact car tool does n’t feature a speed modification dial , it has a variable focal ratio trigger that made it easy to take the good speed for the stuff we were cutting . We find this small portable dance band saw is well suited to DIY tobacco pipe - cutting project but less suitable to heavy - tariff jobs , such as duplicate rebar cut .
Get the Milwaukee M12 portable dance band saw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orNew York Power Tools .
Best Heavy-Duty
Metabo HPT CB3612DA 36V MultiVolt Deep Cut Band Saw
The Metabo HPT MultiVolt Band take care weighs in at a hefty 16.5 pounds , but that added weight , combined with its 36V of power , allow it to slice aright through blade and atomic number 26 . The timed rebar test took just 3.5 seconds to snub through the ⅝-inch rebar , pretend this the most powerful of all the portable banding byword we tested . It even work over out our corded model .
At top speed , the Metabo runs at 640 FPM , and we check that we postulate to check that we had the blade perfectly aligned because once it starts cutting , it go quickly . One of the skillful things about this theoretical account is its dual loop handles , which allowed us to use an under - grip rather than just hold on to a stabilizing pommel . With a weightier dick , a eyelet handle like this make it easier to lift the sawing machine when needed .
The cut capacity on the Metabo is 4¾ inches by 4¾ inches , which gives us ample room to cut various pipes , angle atomic number 26 , and other alloy particular . We even cut through a 4 - in by 4 - inch steel fencing berth with simplicity . The saw sport an adjustable speed dial and a dainty LED light that clearly get down up the material being cut .
Photo: homedepot.com
Interestingly , although this is a heavy - duty saw , we determine it was surprisingly quiet while cutting . This powerful saw would be at home on a remodeling task or on a twist land site for making ready metal cut on the rainfly .
Get the Metabo portable band saw atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAcme Tools .
Best Adjustable Speed
DeWalt DCS377Q1 Atomic 20V Max Cordless Band Saw Kit
DeWalt jump in good order into the thick band saw market with its new Atomic 20V Max cordless portable isthmus find that weighs just 6.6 pound , yet generates 380 FPM . This notable cut f number leave the Atomic to cut through ⅝-inch rebar in 10 seconds , making it well - suited for cut pipes , conduit , and more around the house or on the Book of Job .
A vane lever tumbler tone ending made installing the band brand slow , and we liked the lead guide light source that lit up a big area . The pocket-sized , 1¾-inch - by-1¾-inch cutting mental ability is still big enough to cut a mountain chain of metal , iron baluster , and PVC piping . The tool is designed to be used with one hand , but like the other compact models we tested , we found ourselves wish well it had a second handle to help stabilize the saw while cutting . However , the stamp battery is well - place for using it as a second handle .
While it has more power than the 12V model we tested , it still did n’t compare in power to the bigger models . The Atomic come in with both a speed telephone dial and a varying velocity trigger . We find it easier to use the varying speed trigger to adjust the stop number . While we do n’t think the Atomic will adjudge up to the insistent cut of heavy steel and iron , it does an excellent Book of Job of making clean-living cutting on small items .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the DeWalt portable circle saw atAmazon , The Home Depot(tool only ) , orAcme Tools .
Also Consider
Makita XBP03T 18V LXT Cordless Compact Band Saw Kit
Our first stamp of the Makita portable band saw was that it was not too great but not too calorie-free , either . It ’s just about the right sizing and system of weights for comfortable repeated function . Although this is a compact portable band adage , it trend at high upper of up to 630 FPM , putting it in the family of prosumer - timbre tools . It excelled in our time rebar run — cutting through the bar in just 3 s .
We have it away how quiet this shaft operates . Besides the sound of the steel cut through the material , the actual motor randomness was tranquil . The manufacturer does n’t ply a decibel level , but we estimated it was around 70 decibels , or about the auditory sensation of busy dealings . Safety features include overload protective cover and a safety switch to prevent inadvertent start . It also let in an light-emitting diode body of work light .
The Makita portable band determine weighs in at 9 pound when the battery is installed , making it lightweight enough to cut overhead pipes or bars without arm fatigue . It ’s very ergonomic and well-heeled to practice — the initiation grip is nonslip , and the tool features a second saddlebow handle for constancy . The cut content is n’t as large as some , just 2½ inches by 2½ in , but it ’s enough roomy for cutting received residential vent pipes , conduit , and pee supply melodic line .
Photo: amazon.com
For those who regularly cut back pipework , metallic element railings , and rebar , this Makita portable dance orchestra ascertain — although pricey — will likely be an asset and a timesaver . The tool derive with an 18V , 5Ah Li - ion battery . While other 18V Makita barrage may fit the tool , they will not provide as much top executive if they ’re less than 5Ah .
Get the Makita portable circle saw atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Band Saw
A portable band project is used to make straight cuts on BAR and pipes , make it well suited for those in the remodeling or plumbing fields . Due to its limited throat content , cut curve is n’t recommend . The portable band see makes straight 90 - degree cut , such as those made when removing a surgical incision of pipe for splicing .
Power Source
barrage applied science has made great progress as a power beginning , making mellow - performance cordless tools far-flung . However , bribe a corded portable band sawing machine can intend save as much as 50 percent over a like cordless modelling . Plus , there ’s no pauperism to recharge barrage . Moreover , to use a cordless shaft all twenty-four hours , users typically need at least one spare battery . If buying a spare , always opt the in high spirits amp hour ( Ah ) rating possible to maximize runtime .
Cords for portable band saws unremarkably run around 8 feet long , so anextension cableis often required with a corded mannequin , which can become inconvenient at times . However , many jobsites have a source for a exponent provision , and home plate users usually have a nearby outlet .
Cutting Capacity
One of the most significant difference in portable banding saw specifications is the cutting capacity . The necessary to thin material to a particular size may narrow the universe of discourse of choices . Width and depth dimensions are almost always the same , but check to be sure . The products in this list all have substantial dimensions .
Small models design for one - handed use may have a maximum cut of around 1½ inches by 1½ inches , whereas the largest portable stripe saws typically are 5 column inch by 5 inch .
Speed and Blade Type
Portable band see velocity is line in SFPM ( surface feet per mo ) or , more often , simply “ FPM , ” sometimes compose as “ ft / min . ” Portable models run anywhere from 0 to 550 FPM , which allows for cut a wide variety show of different textile .
Sometimes variable speed is only trigger operated . However , many machine are capable of up to six speed ranges . A grip - mounted quarter round wheel align the stop number , make it easier to change and master the saw swiftness .
A portable dance band saw is typically look at a metal - cutting tool , and some are depict as such . A general - purpose blade for metal , with 14 to 18 teeth per inch ( TPI ) , is commonly allow with the automobile . However , a blanket option of wood - cutting blades , normally 8 to 10 TPI , are also available .
Photo: acmetools.com
When looking for replacements or alternatives for different material , manufacturers ’ verbal description provide guidance on performance . Always invest in quality brand ; meretricious band saw blade wear down quite quickly .
Size and Portability
Obviously , the primal factors in choosing a portable band saw are its sizing and weight . DIY substance abuser may not be overly concerned , but those who use a tool all day , particularly above head height , will usually require to minimize mass .
Although atomic number 13 and credit card part make a saw lighter , the overutilisation of credit card can pretend enduringness on a low - priced portable banding byword . When checking the free weight of a cordless portable stripe proverb , recall that the battery weight unit may not be included in the specifications . Most battery matter about 1 pound .
If working in a confined place , also consider external dimensions . Some compact and subcompact portable band proverb are designed for single - handed habit . large role model ordinarily have an supplementary handle near the front for better control , which can typically be adjusted for working at unlike angles .
Photo: homedepot.com
Bumpers, Cases, Lighting, and Bare Tools
gum elastic bumpers are often fit around the outside of the wheel shrouds . Because they absorb day - to - twenty-four hours impacts , they ’re often valuable in protect the prick from price .
A storage case is also utile , but they are n’t always provided . Some portable band saws include head work lights to aid brighten sorry corner .
Cordless portable band saws are often sold as “ stripped cock , ” which means the battery or battery charger is not included . Withcompatible equipment , this can intend goodly savings , but check compatibility if the be instrument are more than 5 years one-time .
The Advantages of Owning the Best Portable Band Saw
Portable circle saws have no existent competitors . fretsaw do n’t have the content and are not designed for cutting round material . The shakiness ofa reciprocating sawmeans it ’s not a dick for precision work , and slant grinders are slower and create sparks .
Safety Tips for Using a Portable Band Saw
FAQs
Reading through this info should provide consumer with worthful insight into how to incur thebest portable set sawfor specific chore . However , there may be lingering questions . We ’ve respond some of the most democratic questions below .
It ’s difficult to say how long a portable band ensure will last , because so much depends on the amount of use of goods and services it obtain and the working environment . professional can expect at least several long time of use , while DIY user may be able to use theirs for much longer .
It varies , so check the specifications . These top picks demonstrate the all-inclusive mixed bag useable , but the maximum is ordinarily around 5 in .
If you have sufficient usance to justify the investing , absolutely . No other portable saw offers the same compounding of office and cloth - cutting versatility .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction , remodeling , and genuine estate industries . She and her married man own a general catching company , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial construction applications . She tests a extensive range of mightiness tools as well as other home advance , household , and lawn - and - garden product .
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