Best Portable Band Saw for Precision in Cutting

Best Portable Band Saws Buying Guide

When investing in tools, it is important to make decisions carefully and take all aspects of each tool into account. Thus, when looking for a quality portable band saw, there are a few key features that must be balanced before making a final decision. Immediately purchasing the best-looking, most popular, or most inexpensive model can be a big mistake. When looking for the right portable band saw, you need to assess the features and qualities of each option carefully to find the best fit for the work you hope to accomplish. If you are not sure how to proceed, here is our buyer’s guide to help you:

What Are the Significant Features of a Portable Band Saw?

Weight

Many buyers ignore weight when it comes to choosing a tool for a job. However, when it comes to portable saws, weight can be a huge factor for portability and ease of use. Any project you tackle will be easy if you have a lightweight device that you can comfortably control. The harder it is to lift and move the saw, the more fatigue a user will experience with extended work. For this reason, it is often best to target lightweight saws for jobs that require you to constantly move the saw around or apply pressure at unconventional angles. However, a lighter saw will require more direct pressure than a heavier saw, so for tasks that require a consistently heavy hand, purchasing a heavier saw may be the best decision.

Battery

Many portable band saws are powered by a battery. The stronger the battery, the longer a user can work before needing a recharge. Before purchasing a band saw, it is crucial to look at the listed voltage, number of cuts per battery life, and total recharge time. A good rule of thumb is to look for a device that offers more than 100 cuts in a single charge. Higher cuts per battery life is usually better, but can often mean longer downtime when waiting for the device to recharge. A device that offers 150 cuts but requires 3 hours of recharge time may be less desirable than a device that only offers 100 cuts but recharges in just 20 minutes.

Design and materials

The structure and materials of a portable band saw are important aspects to consider before making a purchase. If you are buying a product online, it may not be easy to judge a product’s sturdiness, but looking at the type of materials used in the product can give you a hint before making a decision. Plastic models can be very effective but are often less sturdy and have shorter lifespans than metal models. It is often best to invest in metal band saws because they have higher strength, sturdiness, and durability. Experts suggest also looking for models with a rubber shroud, which can help with protecting blades and internal features from impact if the saw is dropped accidentally or sustains any damage.

Cutting capacity

Cutting capacity refers to the largest possible diameter a portable band saw is able to cut at one time. A handheld band saw will list anywhere from 3-5 inches of cutting capacity, depending on the design. Most deep-cut portable band saws will have a 5-inch cutting capacity, making them great for cutting large-diameter pipes and other shapes. Compact handheld band saws will often have smaller cutting capacities, but may weigh much less than standard deep-cut models. Experts recommend opting for higher cutting capacity since it helps a user expand the tree of materials they can work with and cut. However, if the aim of a project does not include making high-diameter cuts, buying a saw with a smaller cutting capacity can save buyers a lot of time and money, and will usually result in a saw that is smaller but much lighter and easier to work with.

Power sources

Great band saws have one of two different power sources: corded or cordless. Both options have their merits and limitations. For instance, battery-powered saws are more portable than corded ones due to their built-in power sources. On the other hand, batteries have a short life span, and you will have to change them regularly to ensure ideal performance. A power cord can seriously limit a portable band saw’s mobility, and may accidentally hit and knock over other things in the workspace, which can be hazardous. If you are constantly moving with your band saw, a cordless, battery-powered tool would be best. However, if you are looking for a band saw suitable for simple DIY tasks at home, it may be less expensive to opt for a corded saw that also takes away any worry of running out of power from a battery.
It is important to note that not all cordless band saws come with batteries in the box. We suggest that you carefully observe the product details and check if batteries are included before making the final purchase. Usually, the extra required batteries are not expensive, but it never hurts to look!

Safety tips

While interacting with tools, it is very important to take care of certain precautionary measures to keep everyone in the workspace safe. Sometimes, beginners might be unable to start or stop the device properly. In such confusing situations, you may end up damaging your tool, or worse, hurting yourself or others. You should critically observe each tool’s listed safety measures and abide by all the necessary rules that can keep you and those around you safe at all times while you work.

A great preliminary step would be to read through a device’s manual before getting your hands on the tool. The manual book should have full details on operating the device you’ve purchased, and may explain what to do if you are ever faced with a more complex, risky situation. If you are still unsure about using the tool for the first time, you can ask a storekeeper for help, or contact the tool’s company directly.

Safe disengagement and storage are also key concerns for responsible tool owners. It is essential to always lock your tools immediately after use, especially if you have kids at home. Kids’ curiosities can lead them to a tool that is left out, and if the tool is not properly turned off, locked, and safely stored, a child may seriously harm themself while trying to turn it back on or figure out what it does. Always be sure to properly and thoroughly disengage, turn off, lock, and store your portable band saw after you are done using it. As an extra safety measure, rubber bumpers are very good at reducing the wear and tear on a band saw as it is used over time and also help defend you and others while it is being used or moved.