Bandsaw Stand From Scrap Lumber. Portable Band saw wood
Bandsaw Stand From Scrap Lumber
About: I’m a former bicycle industry designer turned professional jeweler. I like working with my hands and am happiest when I’m in the shop building my creations. If you need help with your project just let me know! About Honus »
I have a portable bandsaw that I absolutely love- it’s one of my favorite and most useful tools. Cutting small pieces of metal with any degree of precision can be difficult however. What I needed was a stand to turn it into a benchtop saw.
This is a super simple low cost stand that is very easy to make and can be built in an afternoon.
Step 1: Tools and Materials
2ea 1″ x 4″ x 14″ long wood board (I used pine)
1ea 12″ x 12″ x 1/4″ thick Aluminum plate- I used a piece of salvaged Aluminum I found but you could also use a thicker piece of wood. Aluminum plate can be purchased from Online Metals.
Power strip with switch- make sure it can handle the saw amperage
Step 2: Build the Base
To build the base take the longer 4″ x 4″ post and set it behind the shorter 4″ x 4″ post as shown in the first photo. Take one of the plywood triangles and glue and screw the triangle to the posts as shown.
Remove the D shaped handle from the saw and set the saw next to the upper post. Note where the handle mounting hole is located. Glue and screw one of the 1″ x 4″ x 5 1/2″ wood pieces to the top of the post so it covers the handle mounting hole. Now flip the stand over and attach the second upper wood piece and plywood triangle to the opposite side of the stand. The two upper pieces of wood will be used to mount the saw to the stand.
Step 3: Mount the Saw
Begin by drilling a hole where you want the handle mount to be located- this hole should go through both upper wood pieces. Test fit the handle mounting bolt in the wood pieces- it needs to go all the way through both wood pieces.
Since my saw bolt wasn’t long enough I used a forstner bit to make a counterbore for the bolt head so the bolt would reach all the way through. Once this was done I was able to hold the saw in position and slip the bolt through the handle bolt hole to secure the saw to the stand.
Once I was happy with the saw fit I removed it and added the feet to support the stand by attaching the 1″ x 4″ x 14″ long wood boards to the bottom 4″ x 4″ post using glue and screws.
Step 4: Add a Base Plate
In order for the saw to be useful a base plate to support material during cutting needs to be added. I used a 12″ square of 1/4″ thick Aluminum plate to make the base plate- this was a piece of scrap material that I salvaged from an old casting machine. Lots of different materials could be used to make this but the most important thing is that it be rigid.
Remove the blade foot from the saw and set it on top of the base plate. Use the foot as a template to mark a line where the blade needs to fit through and mark the position of the foot mounting holes. Now drill two holes in the plate in order to mount the plate to the saw. I made a countersink for each hole with a drill bit so the mounting screws would sit flush with the top of the plate. Once that was done I cut a slot for the blade and mounted the plate to the saw.
Wrap a large zip tie around the back post and the saw trigger. Now mount a switched power strip to the front of the forward stand foot and plug the saw into the power strip. Now when you turn on the power strip the saw will turn on.
I’ve been using my saw like this for over a year and it’s been great. I can cut through any material just like before when holding the saw by hand but now I have a much greater degree of control. Cutting small pieces is no longer a problem at all!
If you have any questions when making your own stand please don’t hesitate to ask!
Massive Tree to Quarter Sawn Wood Using a Portable Bandsaw Mill
In this article (and in the video above) I share my experience of hiring a local portable bandsaw mill owner to help me transform a fallen 155 year old white oak tree into gorgeous and affordable quarter sawn wood, like this:
Quarter sawn white oak lumber is one of the most beautiful lumbers for furniture because of it’s lovely figure. In this video and article Todd Horne and I share great advice for turning your trees into great custom bandsaw mill cut lumber, at a reasonable price.
And after you finish reading this article, be sure to also check out my article titled: “How to Choose Wood Lumber for Woodworking: 7 Easy Steps“.
Finding my Massive White Oak Tree
Before I jump into how we used a portable bandsaw mill to make quarter sawn white oak lumber, I’d like to explain how I got this massive white oak tree for free: My friend Jeremy invited me to scavenge free white oak firewood from a “big” tree that had fallen across his friend’s driveway in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. I jumped at the chance for free oak firewood.
When I arrived at the site I wasn’t looking at the twisted 2-foot wide firewood branches that Jeremy had started cutting. I was staring at the lovely, mostly straight base of the tree. I measured the tree base and my eyes almost popped out of their sockets.
Four feet wide! I just knew that I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to get a bunch of very wide quarter sawn white oak lumber for cheap. So I called my friend Todd to ask him to bring his portable bandsaw mill so we could create some quarter sawn wood so I could make some lovely furniture (see the figure below).
If you don’t have logs for milling up your own lumber, there are other solutions. Oftentimes portable bandsaw mill owners will have a great collection of logs that they’ve piled up over the years. If they happen to have the type of log you’re looking for, then this is a great option, because you’ll avoid travel fees and extra hourly charges.
But if they don’t have what you’re looking for, then you can find a log of your choice at a local log yard. Last time I checked, you could get a nice oak log loaded onto your trailer for around 100. You can read our article and watch our video titled: “How to Choose a Log at the Log Yard with Elia Bizzarri.”
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Preparing the Log for the Portable Bandsaw Mill
In preparation for Todd’s arrival, I decided to work on extracting the best 10-foot section from the base of the tree. My old Husqvarna chainsaw had given up the ghost the day earlier when I was cutting the branches for firewood, so I returned the next day with a much better new Echo chainsaw (here’s my Timber Wolf model). My new chainsaw turned out to be a formidable foe against the tree’s wide trunk. (Tool advice: this Echo chainsaw model is the highest you can go in the consumer category, but it has the pro chainsaw engine, along with the best warranty…5 years…that’s what sold me. Years later and it’s still working great).
It was funny that the most challenging part wasn’t cutting this 36-inch wide relief section with the chainsaw, but getting it unstuck!
Rilla Portable Band Saw Stands
After I got the relief piece unstuck, Todd arrived with his portable bandsaw mill, and we worked with our chainsaws on the last cut; cutting out the 10-foot section that we planned on milling into boards.
Once the final cut was made, the 10,000 pound log thudded to the ground, and the trunk roots shot straight up!
Build a BETTER Portable Bandsaw Stand
After counting the rings on the tree, I discovered that the tree started growing 155 years earlier, right during the Civil War! Soldiers would have been marching right near the sapling tree.
Now that the huge log was free from the tree, it was time for Todd and I to safely move the very heavy log down the slope of the yard, being extra cautious so it wouldn’t crash into cars or a house. Getting the huge log down the hill was no easy feat, but suffice it to say that we had a very difficult time safely rolling this 10,000 pound log. We set up stumps to prevent the log from rolling into the street, and then got to work.
I had used a log Cant hook before, but never on a log this heavy. I was amazed at how leverage can be so efficient in moving such a large object! At one point we had to hook a chain onto the log, and I used my pickup truck to pull one end around so we would have a straight path to the portable bandsaw mill:
In the end, it was a beautiful site to see the 10-foot log gone from the driveway and at the base of the bandsaw mill.
Portable Band Saw Buying Guide
Portable Bandsaws are a uniquely flexible tool, able to cut metal, wood, and plastics while leaving a smooth work service. On top of that porta Band saws are much easier to handle than reciprocating saws and allow you to get through your work with the least amount of effort. They are perfect for cutting awkward items like tubing quickly and cleanly.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at three of the most popular handheld bandsaws on the market and help you understand which one is right for you.
What to Look for in a Porta Band
There are a few key differentiators that you need to be on the lookout for when you’re buying a portable bandsaw:
Opening Size: You’ll typically see saws with openings from 1.5″ to 5.0″ openings with a slightly lower cut capacity. While a larger opening obviously leads to more flexibility with the stock you cut, you have to consider that larger capacity saws will be both heavier and likely more expensive than smaller saws.
Weight: These tools can vary in weight significantly from ~6lbs all the way up to 25 lbs. Make sure you think through how you’ll be using the saw or you may end up with rubber arms at the end of the day.
Corded/Cordless: As with just about every other power tool on the market these days you’ll need to make a decision about whether or not you want to pay for the increased flexibility offered by a cordless tool.
Accessories: There are a number of saws on the market that are sold without blades and batteries. If you already have these, it’s a great chance to pick up the tool at a lower cost. If you don’t then you need to make sure you understand exactly what will be in the box when you open it.
The Saws We’ll Look At
We’re going to be looking at three highly-rated saws that cater to three specific use cases:
First, the Corded Milwaukee Portable Band Saw 6232 features a large cut capacity and eliminates the hassle of charging and changing batteries. This saw makes a lot of sense for users who need access to a saw that doesn’t require portability.
Second, we’ll look at the much smaller. but much more portable, Cordless Milwaukee Porta Band 2429. This saw is less than seven pounds and doesn’t require a wall outlet. The trade-off is that the cut capacity is less than half of it’s bigger brother.
Finally, we’ll dig into the DeWALT Cordless Deep Cut Portable Band Saw, which blends the best features of both the two Milwaukee Band Saws: large cut capacity and battery-powered operation.
Corded Milwaukee Portable Band Saw 6232
So let’s dive into the saws. First, we’ll be looking at the big daddy Milwaukee. This beast of machine clocks in at nearly 15 pounds. So if you’re going to be using it for an extended period of time you will be building some muscle (although I will say, using this will still be easier than a hacksaw). The opening is among the widest that you’ll find on any portable Band saw at 5″ wide by 5″ deep.
I’ve included a video of the saw in action down below, if you watch it you’ll see that it cuts through 3 inch steel tubing in less than 40 seconds. I’m primarily a woodworker, but if this saw can handle slicing up steel that quickly, I have no doubt that it can take care of rough cutting 4×4’s when I need it.
There are a couple of points about this saw that are worth mentioning. First and importantly, it doesn’t come packaged with blades, you’ll need to purchase them separately and they run ~20.
Second, the build quality is top-notch, if you check out the Amazon reviews, fully a 3rd of the reviews take the time to mention the quality. A lot of this has to do with what Milwaukee calls Job Site Armor Technology and the tools all metal direct drive system. The “Job Site Armor” is a composite casing for the tool and it provides crush resistance that you don’t get in plastic-bodied equipment.
Finally, if your looking for a saw that can also function as a standard mounted Band saw then this might be the best bet for you. The SWAG Offroad V4.0 Portaband Table is an extremely popular accessory that provides the necessary conversion.
Cordless Milwaukee Portable Band Saw 2429
If your looking for a Band saw that emphasizes portability, then look no further than the Milwaukee 2429. This 6.5-pound porta Band sports a battery that allows for maximum portability. It’s ideal for cutting small tubing or rebar quickly while you’re out in the field. What you gain in portability, you give up in material handling. The opening on the 2429 is only 1 5/8ths wide.
I’ve included a video down below that shows the 2429 in use, you can see how easily it cuts through 2 pieces of rebar at the same time. Note how easily and cleanly the cuts are made. This product is primarily targeted towards electricians and plumbers, but anyone working with conduit or tubing would find this tool beneficial.
The Milwaukee 2429 runs significantly cheaper than the larger 6232 and in comes packaged with a blade, a case, a battery and a charger. Everything you need to get started using the tool is in the box.
Cordless DeWALT Portable Band Saw DCS374B
The last saw we’ll look at is the DeWALT DCS374B. This saw combines the 5″ cut capacity of the larger Milwaukee saw with the battery-powered operation of the 2429. While this porta Band saw does feature the easy mobility you’d expect with a battery, it is heavy. weighing in at 14.5 pounds.
This saw features a variable speed trigger and an LED light to light-up the cutting area. As you’d expect with any DeWALT tool the build quality is top-notch. If you decide to purchase this saw keep in mind that it doesn’t come with a blade or a battery. If you’re already running 20 volt DeWALT tools that won’t be a problem for you, but if you not it can be a meaningful jump up in price.
I’ve found a video produced by Sparky Channel that shows the saw in action and you can see how well the saw performs. Sparky even demonstrates how to use the saw effectively on the job site without a vice.
The 7 Best Portable Band Saws in 2023 Tips for Choosing
Best Portable Band Saws- When working with wood, you might need to cut wood even if you’re not at your fully-equipped workbench. In these situations, having the best portable Band saw would be quite helpful. A Band saw may be used to cut a variety of materials, including metal, in addition to making astonishingly exact cuts in even the hardest varieties of wood, which makes it widely employed in the woodworking and lumbering industries.
Cutting metal pipes, rebar, conduit, or angle iron is a simple task for a standalone Band saw in the workshop, but when the material needs to be cut and can’t be moved to the workshop with ease, you’ll need to find a means to cut it on the spot. Sparks frequently fly when using an angle grinder, and heavy cutting with a handheld hacksaw can result in aching elbows.
Portable Band saws are offered by a wide range of vendors, companies, Manufacturers, and distributors, and Linquip provides a huge selection of Portable Band Saws for Sale. For all OEM fleets, Linquip provides a comprehensive array of services. To learn more about how to connect with a variety of Service Providers who consistently produce high-quality products, please contact Portable Band Saw Experts.
A portable Band saw is an alternative that performs similarly to a freestanding Band saw but that you can transport while working to make Rapid, precise cuts when needed. We examined portable Band saws to see how well they function and how safe they are for DIYers because they are still rather new, having entered the market only a decade or two ago.
A continuous Band of metal with sharp saw teeth that stretches between two wheels makes up the Band saw, also known as a “continuous Band saw” or “bandsaw,” one of the most important saws available for woodworking. It is a versatile, simple-to-operate, and highly effective electric-motor power saw (although some have three or even four). Bandsaws offer uniform cutting, even when working with curved or irregular shapes, because of their uniformly distributed tooth load.
A portable bandsaw is often a more compact, smaller version of a conventional bandsaw that is lighter and easier to transport. Some saws are also cordless, enabling you to use them wherever you are, whether an outlet is nearby or not. Portable bandsaws are often priced around 200, whereas industrial-grade bandsaws are frequently priced upwards of 700 (and frequently much more).
Don’t miss this guide outlining the details if you’re considering adding a portable Band saw to your collection of power tools. Additionally, you’ll learn how each of the ensuing models came to be listed among the top portable Band saws on the market right now.
A thorough “Buying Guide” is also provided below to further assist you in understanding the best portable Band saws. To make the best decision, be sure to read the article in its entirety. The best of them are listed below for your operations.
Tips for Choosing the Best Portable Band Saw
A portable Band saw is ideal for people working in the plumbing or renovation industries since it can be used to make straight cuts on bars and pipes. Cutting curves is not advised due to its low throat capacity. The portable Band saw can be used to cut 90-degree straight lines, like when removing a pipe part for splicing. You can also visit this video to learn more about them.
Power Source
As a power source, battery technology has advanced significantly, making high-performance cordless instruments more commonplace. However, compared to a comparable cordless device, purchasing a corded portable Band saw might result in savings of up to 50%. Additionally, batteries don’t need to be recharged and users usually want at least one additional battery to use a cordless tool all day. To maximize runtime when purchasing a spare, always use the highest amp hour (Ah) rating available.
With a corded type, an extension cable is frequently needed, which can occasionally be difficult, as the cords for portable Band saws are typically around 8 feet long. However, a lot of job sites have a generator for power, and most homes have an outlet close by.
Weight
One of those things that most people don’t care about is weight. You can be sure, though, that it’s a key component of practically every job you choose to work on, whether you’re chopping a single pipe or updating your worn-out furniture. The levels of weariness increase according to the unit’s weight. In simpler terms, the heavier the machine is, the quicker you’ll become weary. Additionally, it will take longer to complete the assignment the more pauses you have from exhaustion.
Now, lighter models will typically produce better outcomes if you’re pressed for time or in a rush, but not always. The explanation is straightforward: a heavier model is occasionally a better choice because it demands less strain and effort. As you can see, the trick is to find the “sweet spot” in weight such that it doesn’t wear the user out too much while also not requiring too much pressure.
Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity is one of the most significant variations in portable Band saw characteristics. The range of options may be limited if the material must be trimmed to a specific size. Although width and depth specifications are typically the same, double-check. All of the items on this list are square.
The term “width of cut” refers to either the length of the Band saw blade that is available for cutting or the separation between the two sides of the body where the Band saw wheels are located.
The term “depth of cut” describes the separation between the blade and the back of the frame.
The largest portable Band saws typically have a cutting capacity of 5 inches by 5 inches, while small ones intended for one-handed operation may have a maximum cut of about 112 inches by 112 inches.
Speed and Blade Type
The speed of a portable Band saw is measured in surface feet per minute (SFPM), or more commonly, just “FPM,” which is also occasionally written as “ft/min.” Portable models can cut a wide range of different materials because they can run between 0 and 550 FPM.
Trigger operation is sometimes used to control variable speed. Many machines, however, have up to six-speed ranges. The speed may be changed and controlled more easily thanks to a thumb wheel located on the grip.
A portable Band saw is often regarded as a tool for cutting metal, and some of them are thus labeled. Usually, the machine comes with a general-purpose blade for metals with 14 to 18 teeth per inch (TPI). However, there is also a large selection of wood-cutting blades, often 8 to 10 TPI.
The performance of different materials can be determined by reading the manufacturer’s descriptions when searching for substitutes or alternatives. Always spend money on high-quality blades; inexpensive Band saw blades quickly degrade.
Size and Portability
The size and weight of a portable Band saw are undoubtedly the most important considerations. DIY enthusiasts might not be too bothered, but people who use a tool continuously, especially at head height, will typically wish to reduce size.
Although a saw can be made lighter by using aluminum and plastic parts, using too much plastic can reduce a portable Band saw’s durability. Keep in mind that the weight of the battery may not be listed in the specs when examining the weight of a cordless portable Band saw. Nearly all batteries weigh 1 pound.
When working in a small area, take external dimensions into account as well. Some small and sub-small portable Band saws are made to be operated with just one hand. Larger models frequently have an additional handle for improved control towards the front that may be adjusted for working at various angles.
Bumpers, Cases, Lighting, and Bare Tools
Around the outside of the wheel shrouds, rubber bumpers are frequently used. They frequently serve as an important kind of damage prevention for the instrument because they take daily impacts in stride.
Although they aren’t often offered, a storage case is also helpful. To help illuminate dark spots, several portable Band saws come with LED work lights.
Portable cordless Band saws are frequently sold as “bare tools” without the battery or charger. This can result in significant savings with suitable equipment, but if the current tools are more than five years old, make sure they are compatible.
Price
Better quality isn’t usually associated with a higher price. In reality, it seldom ever comes true. Many consumers, however, take this for granted and go for the priciest models under the mistaken belief that they will perform far better than more affordable models. That’s not how it works, and you might lose a lot of money if you make that error. The brand is the first thing you should consider. Naturally, more well-known brands like DeWALT and Makita will always cost a little more than no-name ones.
Even though it has two sides, it’s always advised that you choose the most secure choice. Additionally, larger brands frequently offer better warranty terms and generally interact with consumers better. While less expensive versions can provide comparable functions, the absence of a warranty and customer service can occasionally be a pain. You must ultimately decide which choice best suits your needs. From our perspective, trusted brands are the way to go.
List of the Best Portable Band Saws
The 7 Best Portable Band Saws in 2023 include:
- Makita 18V LXT Cordless Compact Band Saw Kit
- DeWALT (DCS371B) 20V MAX Portable Band Saw
- Milwaukee M12 Cordless Subcompact Band Saw Kit
- Metabo HPT MultiVolt 36V Deep Cut Band Saw
- DeWALT (DWM120K) 10 Amp Portable Band Saw
- Wen 94396 10-Amp 5-Inch Portable Band Saw
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18V Lithium-Ion Band Saw Kit
We’ll now examine the portable Band saws that performed the best in our practice tests. The following array includes full-size and compact variants, and while most are cordless, we also discovered a corded type that performed well. Learn about the performance of each portable Band saw its advantages and disadvantages, and the kind of use each of these exceptional models is most suited for.
We’ve identified the best portable bandsaws, from renowned tool companies like DeWALT, Makita, and Milwaukee, based on raving Amazon ratings, whether you’re looking for a cordless bandsaw for wood or a bandsaw that can handle metal and other materials. To see our recommendations, scroll down.
The 7 Best Portable Band Saws in 2023 Tips for Choosing
Best Portable Band Saws- When working with wood, you might need to cut wood even if you’re not at your fully-equipped workbench. In these situations, having the best portable Band saw would be quite helpful. A Band saw may be used to cut a variety of materials, including metal, in addition to making astonishingly exact cuts in even the hardest varieties of wood, which makes it widely employed in the woodworking and lumbering industries.
Cutting metal pipes, rebar, conduit, or angle iron is a simple task for a standalone Band saw in the workshop, but when the material needs to be cut and can’t be moved to the workshop with ease, you’ll need to find a means to cut it on the spot. Sparks frequently fly when using an angle grinder, and heavy cutting with a handheld hacksaw can result in aching elbows.
Portable Band saws are offered by a wide range of vendors, companies, Manufacturers, and distributors, and Linquip provides a huge selection of Portable Band Saws for Sale. For all OEM fleets, Linquip provides a comprehensive array of services. To learn more about how to connect with a variety of Service Providers who consistently produce high-quality products, please contact Portable Band Saw Experts.
A portable Band saw is an alternative that performs similarly to a freestanding Band saw but that you can transport while working to make Rapid, precise cuts when needed. We examined portable Band saws to see how well they function and how safe they are for DIYers because they are still rather new, having entered the market only a decade or two ago.
A continuous Band of metal with sharp saw teeth that stretches between two wheels makes up the Band saw, also known as a “continuous Band saw” or “bandsaw,” one of the most important saws available for woodworking. It is a versatile, simple-to-operate, and highly effective electric-motor power saw (although some have three or even four). Bandsaws offer uniform cutting, even when working with curved or irregular shapes, because of their uniformly distributed tooth load.
A portable bandsaw is often a more compact, smaller version of a conventional bandsaw that is lighter and easier to transport. Some saws are also cordless, enabling you to use them wherever you are, whether an outlet is nearby or not. Portable bandsaws are often priced around 200, whereas industrial-grade bandsaws are frequently priced upwards of 700 (and frequently much more).
Don’t miss this guide outlining the details if you’re considering adding a portable Band saw to your collection of power tools. Additionally, you’ll learn how each of the ensuing models came to be listed among the top portable Band saws on the market right now.
A thorough “Buying Guide” is also provided below to further assist you in understanding the best portable Band saws. To make the best decision, be sure to read the article in its entirety. The best of them are listed below for your operations.
Tips for Choosing the Best Portable Band Saw
A portable Band saw is ideal for people working in the plumbing or renovation industries since it can be used to make straight cuts on bars and pipes. Cutting curves is not advised due to its low throat capacity. The portable Band saw can be used to cut 90-degree straight lines, like when removing a pipe part for splicing. You can also visit this video to learn more about them.
Power Source
As a power source, battery technology has advanced significantly, making high-performance cordless instruments more commonplace. However, compared to a comparable cordless device, purchasing a corded portable Band saw might result in savings of up to 50%. Additionally, batteries don’t need to be recharged and users usually want at least one additional battery to use a cordless tool all day. To maximize runtime when purchasing a spare, always use the highest amp hour (Ah) rating available.
With a corded type, an extension cable is frequently needed, which can occasionally be difficult, as the cords for portable Band saws are typically around 8 feet long. However, a lot of job sites have a generator for power, and most homes have an outlet close by.
Weight
One of those things that most people don’t care about is weight. You can be sure, though, that it’s a key component of practically every job you choose to work on, whether you’re chopping a single pipe or updating your worn-out furniture. The levels of weariness increase according to the unit’s weight. In simpler terms, the heavier the machine is, the quicker you’ll become weary. Additionally, it will take longer to complete the assignment the more pauses you have from exhaustion.
Now, lighter models will typically produce better outcomes if you’re pressed for time or in a rush, but not always. The explanation is straightforward: a heavier model is occasionally a better choice because it demands less strain and effort. As you can see, the trick is to find the “sweet spot” in weight such that it doesn’t wear the user out too much while also not requiring too much pressure.
Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity is one of the most significant variations in portable Band saw characteristics. The range of options may be limited if the material must be trimmed to a specific size. Although width and depth specifications are typically the same, double-check. All of the items on this list are square.
The term “width of cut” refers to either the length of the Band saw blade that is available for cutting or the separation between the two sides of the body where the Band saw wheels are located.
The term “depth of cut” describes the separation between the blade and the back of the frame.
The largest portable Band saws typically have a cutting capacity of 5 inches by 5 inches, while small ones intended for one-handed operation may have a maximum cut of about 112 inches by 112 inches.
Speed and Blade Type
The speed of a portable Band saw is measured in surface feet per minute (SFPM), or more commonly, just “FPM,” which is also occasionally written as “ft/min.” Portable models can cut a wide range of different materials because they can run between 0 and 550 FPM.
Trigger operation is sometimes used to control variable speed. Many machines, however, have up to six-speed ranges. The speed may be changed and controlled more easily thanks to a thumb wheel located on the grip.
A portable Band saw is often regarded as a tool for cutting metal, and some of them are thus labeled. Usually, the machine comes with a general-purpose blade for metals with 14 to 18 teeth per inch (TPI). However, there is also a large selection of wood-cutting blades, often 8 to 10 TPI.
The performance of different materials can be determined by reading the manufacturer’s descriptions when searching for substitutes or alternatives. Always spend money on high-quality blades; inexpensive Band saw blades quickly degrade.
Size and Portability
The size and weight of a portable Band saw are undoubtedly the most important considerations. DIY enthusiasts might not be too bothered, but people who use a tool continuously, especially at head height, will typically wish to reduce size.
Although a saw can be made lighter by using aluminum and plastic parts, using too much plastic can reduce a portable Band saw’s durability. Keep in mind that the weight of the battery may not be listed in the specs when examining the weight of a cordless portable Band saw. Nearly all batteries weigh 1 pound.
When working in a small area, take external dimensions into account as well. Some small and sub-small portable Band saws are made to be operated with just one hand. Larger models frequently have an additional handle for improved control towards the front that may be adjusted for working at various angles.
Bumpers, Cases, Lighting, and Bare Tools
Around the outside of the wheel shrouds, rubber bumpers are frequently used. They frequently serve as an important kind of damage prevention for the instrument because they take daily impacts in stride.
Although they aren’t often offered, a storage case is also helpful. To help illuminate dark spots, several portable Band saws come with LED work lights.
Portable cordless Band saws are frequently sold as “bare tools” without the battery or charger. This can result in significant savings with suitable equipment, but if the current tools are more than five years old, make sure they are compatible.
Price
Better quality isn’t usually associated with a higher price. In reality, it seldom ever comes true. Many consumers, however, take this for granted and go for the priciest models under the mistaken belief that they will perform far better than more affordable models. That’s not how it works, and you might lose a lot of money if you make that error. The brand is the first thing you should consider. Naturally, more well-known brands like DeWALT and Makita will always cost a little more than no-name ones.
Even though it has two sides, it’s always advised that you choose the most secure choice. Additionally, larger brands frequently offer better warranty terms and generally interact with consumers better. While less expensive versions can provide comparable functions, the absence of a warranty and customer service can occasionally be a pain. You must ultimately decide which choice best suits your needs. From our perspective, trusted brands are the way to go.
List of the Best Portable Band Saws
The 7 Best Portable Band Saws in 2023 include:
- Makita 18V LXT Cordless Compact Band Saw Kit
- DeWALT (DCS371B) 20V MAX Portable Band Saw
- Milwaukee M12 Cordless Subcompact Band Saw Kit
- Metabo HPT MultiVolt 36V Deep Cut Band Saw
- DeWALT (DWM120K) 10 Amp Portable Band Saw
- Wen 94396 10-Amp 5-Inch Portable Band Saw
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18V Lithium-Ion Band Saw Kit
We’ll now examine the portable Band saws that performed the best in our practice tests. The following array includes full-size and compact variants, and while most are cordless, we also discovered a corded type that performed well. Learn about the performance of each portable Band saw its advantages and disadvantages, and the kind of use each of these exceptional models is most suited for.
We’ve identified the best portable bandsaws, from renowned tool companies like DeWALT, Makita, and Milwaukee, based on raving Amazon ratings, whether you’re looking for a cordless bandsaw for wood or a bandsaw that can handle metal and other materials. To see our recommendations, scroll down.