Best Compact Band Saws For Easy, On-the-Go Sawing
A band saw is a power saw which has a long sharp blade to assist you in heavy-duty tasks. The blade has continuous toothed metal which stretches between two or more wheels for cutting the material. Mostly, this equipment has excellent use in woodworking, lumbering, and metalworking. Moreover, it is capable of cutting different types of materials. In the market, you will see different types in terms of construction and cutting blades. You have to be very careful and keep your needs in mind when buying the best compact band saws in 2023.
Below are some excellent products that you can buy depending on the features you want:
Our Top Picks
Top Band Saw Models on Amazon in 2023
Best Overall
This bandsaw comes with different blades to be used in different types of settings on varied workpieces. It weighs 10.2 pounds allows you to carry it along anywhere you want. The product is available in yellow/black color to blend well with the aesthetics of your workshop. You will have to use 1 Lithium-ion battery to operate it efficiently. This item has a 2-1/2-inch cut capacity of the metal band saw, and it will cut up to 2-inch SCH 40 pipe.
Pros
- It has a center handle position which offers excellent balance and ergonomics for accurate cuts
- LED work light with a 20-second delay feature for illuminating the dark work surfaces
- Hang hook to allow you to hang the saw without affecting the front handle or base
Cons
- Finding new blades is not easy
High Cutting Capacity
This equipment weighs 14.5 pounds, and its dimensions are 20.25 x 13 x 8.25 inches, allowing you to use it in compact space. It will be operating at 120 volts to allow you to work on sturdy pieces as well. This product comes with better cutting quality that allows you to cut 5-inches wide and 5 inches deep without getting chips. Moreover, it also has variable speed operation. You can adjust the speed of the blade between 60 to 42 feet per minute as per the requirements of the project.
Pros
- It has a powerful 10-ampere motor that glides through plastic, metal, and more
- There is a 10/14 TPI metal cutting blade for sharp and efficient cutting
- This equipment has an adjustable handle to work on different tasks
- It is very lightweight and has a portable design which is easy to carry
Cons
- Blades keep slipping off and stuck between frame and bearing
Compact and Efficient
This bandsaw is from a famous company known for making different equipment. It weighs 12.4 pounds, and its dimensions are 13.6 x 18.8 x 8.5 inches. So, woodworkers having small-sized workshops can count on this compact bandsaw for efficient working. This product’s only color is red, for better visibility while working at a dimly-lit place. It will be operating using 1 Lithium-ion battery, providing you extended running time. It has a very compact size, and you can cut using one hand.
Pros
- It has a powerful motor that cut ¾ inches in three seconds and provides 150 cuts in a single charge
- The length of the blade is 27″ x 1/2 x 0.20″, having a cut capacity of 1 to ⅝”
- It also has an LED light that is going to highlight the cut line
Cons
- Battery life is not very good
Long-Lasting Battery
You will need a battery to operate it efficiently under different working conditions. It will be working at 18 volts, allowing you to perform heavy-duty tasks. The cutting capacity is 2-½ inches, and you can cut copper pipe, threaded rod, and more. The built-in motor will be delivering 630ft./min for fast cutting.
Pros
- The wheel cover is going to enclose the blade present outside the cutting area
- It is very suitable for one-hand operation and has accurate blade tracking
- For maximum durability, there is an aluminum blade housing
Cons
- It requires frequent replacing of blades as they easily come off
Very Powerful Motor
To have a better value for your money when buying the bandsaw, you should choose this option! The length of the blade is 114 centimeters that allow you to make huge cuts on the go. It weighs 33 pounds, making it a bit harder to carry along. However, if you have a fixed working set-up, you can use this bandsaw for a one-of-a-kind sawing experience. The power source in this device is AC, and it has a speed of 5.6 feet per second.
Pros
- It has a 1100W powerful motor of copper
- Best for cutting steel, aluminum, compost cables, VC pipe, and metal
- The outstanding balance for accurate cutting
- It has an ergonomic soft-grip back for comfortable use
Cons
- The clam mechanism is not as great
Best Compact Band Saws Buyer's Guide
Compact band saws are very much popular nowadays due to their portability and lightweight. It provides maximum flexibility for cutting metal, plastic, and wood smoothly. More importantly, they are effortless to handle, and in some cases, you can use one hand to cut out things. You can also opt for a portable band saw that is lightweight and designed for optimized performance. If you plan to buy one like the DeWalt or Milwaukee tool for yourself, you should be aware of the different types, different blades, and other essential things to consider. Before you step out of the market, it is best to complete your search and get the right product at the best value.
The following guide is for you to get all the answers to questions circling in your mind:
What Are the Different Types of Band Saws Available?
Let’s first talk about the different types of band saws that you will find in the market:
Compact band saw
Compact band saw is a cordless and portable band saw which is our point of discussion on this topic. You will see contractors using it due to its compact design. In contrast to benchtop or free-standing bandsaws, they are small, easy to carry and come with a rechargeable battery. Moreover, this type of device is a miniature version of the benchtop type but offers many features. For small-sized but efficient workshops, consider the Milwaukee tool like a sub-compact band saw.
Such a portable band saw also comes with additional features like LED work light for illuminating dark environments. This type is helpful for accurate cutting under lights and offers excellent visibility. The cutting capacity will vary according to the device you buy, and the motor’s power is also different.
Bench-top free standing
You will find this type in the form of a cabinet, a free-standing machine with a benchtop. This type is potent, and it is the right choice for personal and professional use. Due to its great resawing ability, you can use it for different projects. When using this equipment, it is essential to keep the table in good condition because any debris or damages can affect the quality of work and damage the table.
Moreover, it is available in two different types of frames, including steel and cast iron frames. Both are very durable and offer an excellent lifespan.
What Are the Different Types of Blades Available in Band Saws?
Now let’s discuss the different types of blades which you will see while purchasing the band saws:
Skip-tooth
This type has more space present between the teeth on the blade. The reason behind this is the space available for preventing the build of resin present on the blade. The collection of resin will be due to regular usage. This blade is perfect for cutting softwoods, non-ferrous materials, and plastics.
Regular-tooth
This type of blade is best for various applications due to its universal acceptance. It is one of the regular choices which you will see in many bandsaws as a standard. Being general-purpose blades, they will be offering you maximum flexibility to use for different materials.
Hook tooth
These are perfect for instant cutting of materials with great speed. You can cut materials like hardwoods, thick woods, certain plastics, and metal. The teeth of this type are large and have deep gullets. Due to this feature, they can easily cut things at great speed when in use.
Which Important Things To Consider When Buying a Compact Band Saw?
There are a few essential things that you should consider when making your final decision to purchase the compact band saw:
Opening size
Typically, you will see a saw with a 1.5″ to 5.0″ opening with a slightly lower cut capacity. Note that the large opening will be offering better flexibility, so go for large capacity. But remember that large equipment will be expensive and heavy as well in comparison to smaller saws.
Corded or cordless
You will have to choose between the corded or cordless type. Corded means a wire will be present with the equipment. In wireless, there will be no wire; you will need a battery to operate it.
You should also consider the weight and the number of accessories you will get depending on your need when buying bandsaws.
It is never an easy task to select a product when you have a wide variety of options to choose from. Check the video from Electrician U, for some tips and tricks while choosing between deep cut, compact, or sub compact band saws.
Why Do You Need To Use Band Saws?
A band saw is perfect for resawing and for making irregular cuts. This equipment provides more flexibility in terms of movement. You can make different cuts using this equipment as follows:
- Crosscuts
- Miter cuts
- Bevel cuts
- Rip cuts
- Crosscuts
People Also Asked
What is the use of a compact band saw?
This portable band saw will be working similarly to the horizontal bandsaw but offer you excellent mobility. You can easily cut angle irons, screws, bolts, metal studs, wood, and certain plastics.
How to adjust your band saw before using it?
Before you make any adjustment, install an excellent ½ inch blade. You cannot use a band saw without installing the blade.
How to determine the size of the band saw?
For determining size, you will have to measure the distance starting from blade to throat. This measurement will be a little more than the large piece of wood that a band saw can handle.
How do I keep my compact band saw clean?
Clean your bandsaw only when it is off. Remove the blades and any stuck wood chips. Lubricate moving parts lightly and store in a closed container in dry place.
How much less powerful are compact band saws.
Compact bandsaws are considerably less powerful than full-size bandsaws. That's not always a problem, though. You don't need a full side bandsaw if you aren't cutting to often and focusing on "softer" materials.