This post contains affiliate links. Real Tool Talk may receive a commission from qualifying purchases.
When you think of a portable band saw, what comes to mind is a tool that’s lightweight but functional. However, there are many different portable bandsaw models in the market, and identifying the best ones on the flooded market can be challenging.
Fortunately, this article will review the best five portable band saws in the market. We will also include a buying guide to help you consider the factors you need to consider when purchasing the best portable band saw. Click on a tab below to learn about each band saw.
The Best Portable Band Saws
Makita XBP02Z Cordless Portable Band Saw – Best Overall
Affordability and quality hardly go together. In most cases, higher quality goes with a hefty price. However, that is not the case with this Makita Portable Band Saw (paid link). Built on a high torque motor with a compact design, this portable band saw weighs in at just 14.3 pounds.
An 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style battery powers it. Moreover, it charges fast so that your tool spends less time sitting on a charger. With a six-step variable speed setting, it can easily cut through almost any material. The maker designed it with the end users in mind. It has a handle with an ergonomic shape that will fit your hands, similar to a glove.
To enhance its longevity, it has a thick protective rubber bumper. To help you make accurate cuts, it has an adjustable stopper plate that protects the material. Lastly, this Makita portable band saw has brushes that are accessible from the outside so that you can quickly service them.
Pros
- Built-in alert light
- Six-speed settings
- Thick protective rubber bumper
- Ergonomic handle design
- On-board wrench storage
Cons
- Battery and charger are sold separately
WEN 94396 10-Amp Portable Band Saw – Best Portable Band Saw for Metal
The WEN 94396 portable saw (paid link) maximizes compact design without sacrificing power. Powered by a 10-amp motor, this band saw has a cutting capacity of 5 inches deep.
It has variable speed settings. The blade runs at a minimum speed of 60 feet per minute and maximizes at 420 feet per minute. As such, you can adjust the speed to suit your working material.
All WEN products are backed by a two-year warranty with a friendly customer service department that will gladly resolve your issue. In addition, this portable band saw is also remarkably cheaper because it is not battery-powered. It also has an LED guide light that will help you out when working at low power conditions.
Pros
- Relatively cheaper
- Smooth cutting action
- Adjustable speed
- Adjustable front handle
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Does not have a battery slot
Metabo HPT 36V Cordless Band Saw Kit – Best Heavy-Duty Portable Band Saw
The Metabo Cordless Band Saw (paid link) is all about power. Powered by a 36V battery, it boasts a cutting speed higher than most similar band saws.
With a weight of just 16.5 pounds and an impressive speed of 640 FPM, this portable band saw is different because it comes with a rapid charger and a battery. It is also notably quieter than other similar portable band saws.
Another outstanding feature of this portable band saw is the dual loop handles. With such handles, you can easily hold it and lift it as you use it. In addition, it has a cutting capacity of up to 4.75 by 4.75 inches. To help you cut accurately, the Saw has an LED working light to illuminate the work area.
Pros
- Smooth cutting action
- Comes with a fast charger and a battery
- LED working lights for improved accuracy
- Dual loop handles
Cons
- Slightly heavier
DeWALT (DCS371B) 20V MAX Portable Band Saw – Best Rated
DeWALT is a world-renowned industrial tools company that has built a solid reputation by making impressive machinery such as this DeWALT MAX Portable Band Saw.
This DeWALT portable saw (paid link) has a 5-inch cutting capacity with one single cut. It has an LED light to help you illuminate your workspace. Also, the light is aligned to the cutting surface to help you see clearly what you are working on. It comes with variable speed settings to select the speed you want.
It also comes with integrated hooks to safely hang your tool after use. On the downside, it does not come in a casing but can fit the casing of other DeWALT industrial tools. On the bright side, it features a rubber bumper that limits shifting and reduces wear. Regarding weight, this is one of the lightest portable saws. It weighs around 12 pounds.
Pros
- 5-inch cutting capacity
- Features LED work light aligned to the working surface
- Smooth cutting action
- Variable speed setting
Cons
- No charger and battery – sold separately
Bosch GCB18V Band Saw – Compact Band Saw
The Bosch GCB18V Portable Band Saw (paid link) is a portable tool designed to deliver clean cuts. This portable band saw has an embedded hook that you can use to hand the tool for easy storage. It also features an inbuilt working light that will help you illuminate your working area for clean and accurate cuts.
Running on a robust 18v motor, this band saw can make precise cuts on materials such as rebar, copper, wood, and conduit. In addition, it makes clean cuts that do not mess with the color of the material you are cutting.
The Bosch GCB18V Band Saw portable saw also features variable speed settings. Therefore, you can alter it to suit the material you are cutting. With all these impressive features, this band saw measures only 7.3 pounds. To ease the pressure on your hand as you operate it, it comes with a comfortable handle and an auxiliary side handle to help you make a secure two-handed saw operation.
Pros
- Nearly spark-free operation
- Variable speed settings
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Battery not included
Buying Guide
Choosing the best portable band saw in a flooded market boils down to identifying critical factors you should look for. To help you, we have done our research and identified the top factors you should consider.
Weight
If you are seeking a band saw that you can carry around, weight is the first thing you must consider. Opt for lighter band saws that do not compromise power and features. Generally, the best portable band saws range from 14 to 20 pounds.
Battery
It would be best if you also considered the dynamics around the battery. First, look at the battery capacity. How long will it sustain the band before it runs out? Additionally, consider if the band saw comes with a battery. In most instances, you have to acquire it separately. Always check to find out if you can find a place to purchase supported batteries.
Price
The cost is another critical aspect that you have to take into consideration. However, do not consider price as a factor on its own. Instead, go for a band saw that offers the features you want at a reasonable price. A helpful tip is to compare the prices across different retailers. Since everything is online nowadays, visit the top retailers and compare their pricing points.
Additional Features
Some band saws have additional features such as bumpers, LED lighting, bare tools, cases, rapid charging, and more. Prioritize the features that mean the most to you and settle for a saw with such features.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do all portable band saws come with a rubber bumper?
Not all band saws have a rubber bumper. Therefore, if you need one with the bumper, double-check if the model you want to buy has one.
- Can a portable band saw cut through wood?
Yes. Portable band saws can be as good as regular band saws. However, remember that they are all different. Therefore, read the user’s manual to help you understand what materials it can handle.
- Are portable band saws worth it?
If you make regular use of your portable band saw, it is definitely worth the price. However, renting it instead of buying one could be better if you rarely use it. Also, there may be better options than a portable band saw if you run heavy workloads at a workshop. Instead, invest in a regular band saw designed to handle that workload.
Conclusion
A portable bandsaw can make your life easier. The best part is that you carry as much power as a regular band saw with a little case. When buying a band saw, first identify the work you intend to use your band saw to make the buying process easier on you. Then, with the job in mind, you can list the features you need. That way, you can choose the best portable band saw to meet your needs.
