Dealing with thick wood and steel is hard. However, you can make your life so much easier with a reliable cordless band saw.
Not only do they offer efficiency and ease of use, but a good bandsaw will also enable you to be more versatile.
However, when it comes to picking the best cordless bandsaw for yourself, things can get a little tricky.
But don’t worry. Let me run you through my choice of the best that this year has to offer, and then you can choose for yourself!
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Cordless Band Saw Reviews
- 1.1 1. Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12
- 1.2 2. Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B
- 1.3 3. DEWALT DCS370B Band Saw
- 1.4 4. Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT
- 1.5 5. Cordless Band Saw by Milwaukee
- 1.6 6. Milwaukee 2429-20 Cordless Band Saw
- 1.7 7. DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Band Saw
- 1.8 8. Metabo HPT Cordless Band Saw
- 1.9 9. Makita 2107FK Portable Band Saw
- 1.10 10. Ryobi Portable Band Saw
- 2 Buyers Guide For Cordless Band Saw
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 Conclusion
Top 10 Cordless Band Saw Reviews
Here are brief reviews that I’ve done for my favorite choices this year. Each choice is supplemented with pros and cons that might help you make the right choice.
Without any more ado, here are my top 10 picks of the best cordless band saws:
1. Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12
The Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Bandsaw Kit is my premium choice for all types of users out there.
I found this model to be pretty accessible and easy-to-handle, with excellent mobility and handling. Along with a pretty nice battery life, it’s also got the sweet feature of the variable trigger.
However, I think it lacks the power department and doesn’t have a hook to hang after use.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great battery timing
- Lightweight
- Compact frame
Cons
- Not that powerful
- No hanging hook
2. Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B
As my follow-up premium recommendation, the Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B is a pretty reputable model known for its aesthetics and functionality.
I found it the most useful when working in confined spaces or when I had to move around quite a lot. Another great thing I enjoyed was the LED light.
All in all, I think this is a great choice, but I’d suggest you watch out for the blade life, which is short. Plus, the power output is just average.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Mobility
- Compactness
- Integrated LED light
- Aesthetics
Cons
- Average power output
- Blade life
3. DEWALT DCS370B Band Saw
The DEWALT DCS370B 18-Volt Cordless Band Saw is a reliable choice for many and due to good reason.
I enjoyed this model’s ergonomic handle and overall design.
The blade changing mechanism was pretty helpful, which is why I think this is a pretty good choice for beginners who want to get the hang of the bandsaw anatomy.
As far as downsides are concerned, there isn’t something noticeable functionality wise. Just make sure to acquaint yourself properly before starting!
More photos & prices on Amazon.com
Pros
- Blade tracking adjustment
- Easy blade change
- Accuracy
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Bad instruction manual
- Battery not included
4. Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT
The Makita XBP02Z is a nice model to consider if you want something user-friendly and easy to work with.
I liked the trigger switch feature, which makes this model safer, and its overall easy interface that is simple to follow.
Another feature I liked was the alert light, which lets you know if you’re rough. However, the model requires a trigger to stay on, which is a bit of a letdown.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Alter light
- Lock-off feature
- Variable speed control
- Durability
Cons
- No ‘lock-on’ switch
- Battery not included
5. Cordless Band Saw by Milwaukee
The Cordless Band Saw by Milwaukee is a great power tool and accessory has for the traveling handyman.
This model is a lightweight addition to this manufacturer’s arsenal and features many amazing features, such as quick adjustments, LED guide light, and quick blade removal.
On top of all this, I didn’t find any downsides or disadvantages to this model.
So, I’d seriously recommend giving the Cordless Band Saw by Milwaukee a look over if you need something serious.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Heavy-duty
- LED work light
- Adjustable shoe
- Quick cutting
Cons
- None
6. Milwaukee 2429-20 Cordless Band Saw
The Milwaukee 2429-20 Cordless Sub Compact Band Saw is arguably one of the lightest models on this list and is a great choice if you want something that is easy to handle and requires minimal maintenance.
I think this model’s main selling point is its ability to allow one-handed cuts, making it suitable for small-scale projects where time is of the essence.
However, the RPM is a little questionable if I’m honest. So keep that in mind before making the final call!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- One-hand operation
- Good battery life
Cons
- Bad RPM
- Not heavy-duty
7. DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Band Saw
I think what makes the DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Band Saw a great choice for professional use is the fact that it is riddled with features that a competent handyman can make use of.
This includes the variable speed trigger that I like, and of course, it’s the comfortable handle and overall aesthetic.
The only concern I had was that it is quite heavy. Other than that, it’s genuinely as good as it gets.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Hanging hook
- Versatile
- Professional outlook
- Versatile control option
Cons
- Heavy
- Mediocre guide
8. Metabo HPT Cordless Band Saw
The Metabo HPT Cordless Band Saw is reputed for its brushless motor tech that results in higher efficiency and runs time, both that I can attest to.
Other features that I enjoyed was that it has a great auto-mode that makes versatile jobs easier to handle if you’re short on time.
Another beneficial thing is that this model doesn’t have any noticeable downsides or functional shortcomings.
The package doesn’t come with the battery, but I think that’s not something major to be worried about.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Auto mode
- Overheat protection
- Variable speed dial
- Brushless motor
Cons
- Batteries come separately
9. Makita 2107FK Portable Band Saw
I think the Makita 2107FK Portable Band Saw is the only model that comes with a storage case, which is why I would recommend this if you intend to travel with your band saw.
Noticeable features about this model that you can benefit from are its easy blade setup and installation, which are also a great learning point as a novice.
Other than that, the functionality is pretty much spot on.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Quite strong
- Powerful
- Easy setup
- Variable speed
Cons
- Very heavy
- Bad manual
10. Ryobi Portable Band Saw
Last but not least, I bring to you the Ryobi Portable Band Saw.
Just as competent (or perhaps even more), I enjoyed this model because of its quick-cut mechanism that can virtually go through all materials.
Another good thing I noticed was the integrated pommel handle. I liked it because it made the whole thing more comfortable and made it easier to have visual access to what I was cutting.
However, I did find the cutting space too small, and the balance was a little tilted forwards.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Comfortable use
- Good for beginners
- Quick cutting
- Versatile
Cons
- Forward balance
- Small cutting space
Buyers Guide For Cordless Band Saw
When choosing the right cordless bandsaw for yourself, there are a handful of things that you need to consider and keep in mind.
The main purpose this will serve is to help you separate the good from the best, and make sure that you get something good for you.
Here is a list of things that you should look into!
Weight
When choosing the right cordless bandsaw for yourself, one of the main things that I would suggest you watch out for is the weight.
The main reason for this suggestion, which might seem trivial, is that this particular brand of saws is cordless.
This means they come with batteries embedded, which increase the overall weight.
Now, if you’re not familiar or acquainted with these saws, that means you might not be ready to hoist these saws up and use them like they’re meant to be used.
Which is why I would, of course, suggest you get something light.
Likewise, if you intend to travel with your bandsaw, make sure to get something convenient to carry around.
Cutting Area
As the name implies, the cutting area is the region where you’ll place the material meant to be cut.
If you intend to take on smaller projects and don’t need the additional versatility, anything between an inch and 3 inches will do the job.
However, if you’re a professional, it’s a good idea to get something a little bit more than that.
It’s not a must, to be honest. But rather I’d prefer you to play it safe and shoot for bigger numbers.
Torque power
The more power your model has, the more easily it’ll cut through things.
But beware! The higher the torque, the heavier the model gets. So bargain wisely!
Batteries
Most models don’t come with batteries, so make sure you watch out for this beforehand rather than be welcomed by a nasty surprise.
On top of this, make sure to consult on the battery timings and how long the battery can go on without being completely replaced.
This will help you get the most out of your accessory and will also help you plan ahead if you need a replacement at some point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bandsaw should I buy?
This depends on the use you have and what you intend to do with your bandsaw.
I would suggest that you keep a 14 inch as a minimum, especially if you’re a hobbyist or want to handle small-scale projects.
Sixteen inches is a standard size, and if you’re a professional, get an 18 inch.
How do you re-saw without a bandsaw?
There are six steps that you can easily follow to re-saw without a bandsaw. I’ll take you through them in as few words as possible.
After sizing the board width, cut the board, and then proceed to clamp and make a starter cut.
After the cur with the Sawzall, remove the piece from the clamp and then plane them.
What is a cordless band saw used for?
The main purpose that band saw serve is for the cutting and shaping of steels and is a tool that is employed in many industries for providing shape and structure.
When would you use a bandsaw?
A bandsaw is notably employed when it comes to cutting irregular shapes.
On top of that, you can also use them in re-sawing or ripping lumber into thinner slabs.
What is the difference between a band saw and a scroll saw?
The main difference between a bandsaw and a scroll saw is that the former has a continuous blade that is flexible and moves in a constant motion that is downwards.
In comparison, scroll saws have short and thin blades that are useful because they move up and down.
Do I really need a bandsaw?
This depends on the type of metal or wood you’re dealing with.
I would recommend that you get a bandsaw if the width of the material exceeds a couple of inches.
Anything below two inches can be easily dealt with using a handsaw.
How dangerous is a bandsaw?
Generally speaking, a bandsaw is quite a safe apparatus and shouldn’t be a cause of alarm.
However, it’s still smart to follow precautions and exercise caution when using it.
Why does my bandsaw blade keep breaking?
There can be multiple reasons why this might be happening. One of the major culprits is misalignments of the bearing or guides.
This can put a twist in the blade and result in due tension, which causes the blade to break.
Conclusion
Investing in a good bandsaw will help you be more versatile with the projects you work with, and it’s equally important to get something that can complement your skillset.
If you liked any of the models above and have feedback, or have any other general query, do share them in the comment section below!
Read Also:
Leave a Reply