Have you ever tried cutting woods using a traditional handsaw? Well, if you have, then you can realize how hectic and laborious a task it is. God bless the inventions of modern science.
It has been offering us tons of accessories, components, materials, and revolutionary machines for a long time. And turning our daily work more effective and efficient. But the question is, "are you being able to take 100% advantage of it?"
Well, after all, it's your life, your choice. But when it comes to cutting woods or metals, one of the great blessings of modern technology you have is a bandsaw. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best compact bands saw out there.
What is Compact Bandsaw?
A bandsaw is somewhat like a scroll saw, but it offers you more power to cut hard-objects wood or metal with less physical effort.
The main part of this machine is its blade which is powered by a robust electric motor. They are very good at cutting curved shapes and irregular like a jigsaw.
Benefits of Using Compact Band Saw
Once I heard someone saying, “If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade." And when it comes to cut metal or wood, that opportunity for you is a compact bandsaw.
They are one of the most effective power tools out there in cutting, sawing, and ripping metal or wood. In this section we will have a broad discussion about the advantages it can offer you. So, let's get started:
A Perfect Tool for Your Stationery Shop
When you need to cut woods or metals, usually get to bring those to where your bandsaw is to start the cutting process. But if you have a bandsaw then you won't have to deal with this hassle.
A portable bandsaw allows you to move it quite easily so, and you can initiate the cutting process almost anywhere you want.
Get More Efficient with Work
The band saw is such a magnificent tool in cutting, sawing, or ripping your woods or metals. With it, you can get your woodcutting work done much faster and easier than any other cutting tool out there.
When using a vertical band saw, you will have to carry those long, heavy pipes to the location of the saw. And sometimes, you might have to use human resources to move those heavy objects. We hope you can realize this will consume a lot of your valuable time.
Using a band saw can cut that time in half as you won't have to deal with moving the objects. A portable bandsaw can be very effective in the metal industry, where workers get to deal with long pieces of metal.
Having a band saw there can save them from re-welding and grinding the metal.
No More Worries with Sparks and Noise
In some places, you won't be able to work with a saw that creates open flame as it may create fire hazards. A portable band saw can be your wild card in such places as it doesn't cause much spark to compare to the other saws.
There are some places where you won't get permission to work with machines that produce enormous noise. But when you have a band saw, no more worries as it creates very little noise than the other cutting tools.
Easy Direction Change Lets You Have More Precise Cut
One of the best advantages of using a band saw is cutting perfect curves. Handling this tool is a no-brainer and, as an operator, you can change the cutting path anytime you wish without putting in much effort.
You will also have switches and knobs, which will allow you to adjust the speed and direction quite easily.
Easy Maintenance
Well, this feature relies on the manufacturer and model of your band saw. You will find the older versions of the band saw is a bit heavier and more complicated controlling system than the latest ones.
They weigh more because of their heavy battery storage, but, nowadays most band saws come with power cords so, it's easier to control and move.
Top 10 Best Compact Bandsaw in the Market
With a highly versatile bandsaw, you can cut through metal or wood, maintaining a straight line, irregular shape, or in a curve. But when it comes to buying one, you might get confused as there's a ton of model and types of bandsaws in the market.
But no worries, in this section, we will guide you to find the right saw for you. Let's have a look at the 10-best bandsaws that are currently available on the market:
DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Band Saw, Tool Only (DCS371B)
- 2-1/2 cut capacity cuts up to 2 SCH 40 pipe
- Centered handle position provides superior balance and ergonomics
- LED Work Light with 20 second delay
- Blade tracking adjustment
- Dual bearing blade guide rollers
- Battery & Charger Sold Separately
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Makita Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless Band Saw- Best for DIYer
- Compact cutting solution designed for one-handed operation in tight spaces and overhead applications
- 2-5/8 x 2-5/8 cutting capacity; ideal for cutting multiple types of materials
- Makita-built BL Brushless Motor delivers 0-630 ft./min. variable blade speed for faster and more efficient cutting
- Constant speed control automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load during challenging jobs
- Overload protection is designed to help prevent motor burnout in abnormally high torque applicati
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Makita is famous for making quality tools at a cheaper price. This model XBP04Z is a great example of that. Whether you are a professional or DIYer, this compact bandsaw would an excellent choice for you.
When it comes to working in narrow space or cutting overhead objects this saw is a gamechanger. You will get 275 to 630 ft. per minute cutting speed with it. The most special thing about this band saw is it can survive almost any rough conditions. Also, provides you reliable support for a long time.
It comes with a rubber shroud so, working with it is very comfortable and easier, even for a beginner. The 18V battery will give you a definitive backup for quality time. But you won't get a battery with it, so, you will have to spend some more cash to buy it.
Why Should You Buy This?
Well, there are many good bandsaws like this in the market so, what's so special about this saw? Well, this saw comes with a very lightweight and compact design, and that allows you to cut overhead objects quite comfortably as you can use it just by using one hand.
Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B 18-Volt - Best For Compact Design
- Best-in-class compact size up to 60-percent lighter than deep cut saws and up to 40-percent more compact
- Integrated LED work light: illuminates the cut line in dark areas
- 2-1/2-inch by 2-1/2-inch cutting capacity
- Ideal for working in tight spaces or overhead cutting
- Rugged aluminum base: Lightweight for easy portability; withstands tough jobsite conditions
- Electronic Cell Protection (ECP): Protects the battery from overload, overheat and deep discharge
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Bosch Bare-Tool BSH180B is one of the most effective and affordable bandsaws you can find in the market. It performs excellent at making straight cuts and lets you glide through tight angles smoothly.
This bandsaw comes with a very lightweight, compact design. You also get an inbuilt LED that provides you great support to make clear cuts even at low-light conditions.
Its blade has 3 inches cutting ability and, the compact design lets you use it even in tighter spaces.
The only con we can mention is it doesn't offer any battery or charger with it so you will have to buy them on your own. So, yeah, few more bucks add up.
Why Should You Buy This?
What makes this saw special and why would you want to buy this? Well, what impressed us most is its well-balanced design.
The manufacturer did an amazing job by placing the battery above the handle and that distributes the weight through its entire body well. Having such a balanced design lets you have great control over the band saw.
DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Band Saw- Budget Friendly Pick
- 2-1/2 cut capacity cuts up to 2 SCH 40 pipe
- LED Work Light with 20 second delay
- Blade tracking adjustment increases blade life
- Dual bearing blade guide rollers provides increased durability
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
DeWalt is one of the most well-known brands out there in the market for their quality power tools at affordable prices. And they have proved again what they are capable of by the DeWalt 20V Max Portable Band Saw.
It doesn't matter whether you a professional or a beginner, using it is a no-brainer. Are you not looking for spending a lot of money on buy power tools? If yes, then this bandsaw could be a perfect choice.
Its dashing looking and user-friendly design are what attracts most customers. If the user wants to make changes in cutting speed during the cutting process, he can do it with ease as its wheel rotation can be regulated easily. You will have an integrated LED support when working in a dim or dark environment.
Why Should You Buy This?
Among hundreds of other bandsaws in the market why should you pick this one? Well, what makes this band saw stand out is its dual-bearing blade guide roller. This technology allows you to make a cut with incredible speed.
So, when you have this band saw you can get your work done much faster and smoother than any other band saws on the list. And I wonder who wouldn't love to have such a magnificent feature.
Milwaukee 2829-20 M18 FUEL Compact Band Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed)
- LARGEST CAPACITY A 3-1/4” x 3-1/4” capacity allows for cutting larger materials than other compact band saws.
- FASTEST CUTTING The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor combined with Constant Power Technology delivers the fastest cutting Band Saw in it’s class.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN, INCREASED BALANCE With a weight of 7.7 LBS, this band saw is over 20% lighter than the original M18 Compact Band Saw (2629-
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Metabo - 18V 2.5" Portable Metal Bandsaw Bare (613022850 18 LTX 2.5 Bare), Band Saw
- Made in Germany
- World Class production facilities and techniques
- Absolute focus on quality by our employees at every Stage of production
- Manual, Hybrid and fully automated assembly systems
- German engineering and ingenuity
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
BOSCH GCB18V-2N 18V Compact Sand Saw (Bare Tool)
- Compact band saw housing – built for tight work areas; up to 60% lighter and 40% more compact than standard deep-cut band saws
- Light tool weight – weighs only 7. 3 Lbs. , ideal for cutting tough overhead materials
- Robust 18V motor – provides clean cuts (with fewer sparks), with almost no rework needed for burrs or tempering colors
- Standard cutting capacity – cuts up to 2-1/2 In. on a single pass, appropriate for most common materi
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Milwaukee Band Saw
- Power Saws and Accessories
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
- Made in Ch
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Makita XBP04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless Band Saw, Tool Only
- Compact cutting solution designed for one-handed operation in tight spaces and overhead applications
- 2-5/8 x 2-5/8 cutting capacity; ideal for cutting multiple types of materials
- Makita-built BL Brushless Motor delivers 0-630 ft./min. variable blade speed for faster and more efficient cutting
- Constant speed control automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load during challenging jobs
- Overload protection is designed to help prevent motor burnout in abnormally high torque applicati
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
RYOBI P590KN 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Portable Band Saw with (1) 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and 18-Volt Charger
- Clears 560 surface feet per minute to quickly tackle projects
- Includes Cordless Band Saw, 4 AH Battery, Charger, Blade, Hex Key
- Compatible with all batteries in the RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ System
- Battery: Durably constructed frame for impact protection and an on-board fuel gauge so you can easily check your charge at any time
- Part of the RYOBI ONE+ Worlds Largest 18-Volt Tool Syst
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
What Size Band Saw Do I Need?
If you are a small furniture maker, then you may go for 14". And this the minimum for any bandsaw out there in the market.
On the other hand, if you get to deal with a larger task, you need to choose between 18" to 20" machines. The most important thing here is to ensure the minimum resaw height is 12".
How Do You Change the Blade on A Portable Band Saw?
Changing the blade of a portable bandsaw is not rocket science. Let's have a look at this simple method of changing the blade:
Step 1: Turning the Blade Tension Handle
First of all, turn the blade tension handle 180 degrees, this will release the spring tension on the blade. Just be careful with the spring and handle, as it might snap unexpectedly. Doing this will loosen its pulley so the blades will work off the guides and wheels.
Step 2: Time to Turn off the Pulleys
Pull out the rear portion of the blade and turn off the pulleys. Get the front portion of the blade out from the back of your cutting area.
Step 3: Cleaning Process
When you are done removing the blades. Get brushes, rags, and vacuums to clean your machine. You need to plug off all the chips on the rubber wheels also wash up dust around its guide bearings.
Step 4: Placing the Blades
Now, slot your blades between both sides of its guide roller. And when you are performing this task, ensure the blade is placed in the gap between the housing and pulleys. Grab the blade using one hand seated in the guide bushings work the blade around the pulleys.
When the blade is on the pulley, you need to impel the blade back. This is needed to ensure the teeth are almost in line with the fore of the rubber wheel. Now, move its tension handle at 180 degrees rear to its locked position and, this will re-tension your blade.
Step 5: Plug the Saw Back In
Now you can plug the saw back in and lower it to the horizontal position. While doing this, make sure your safety glass is on. Keep Squeezing the trigger gently as long as your blade doesn't a complete couple of rotations. Your blade is supposed to be moving smoothly by now.
Safety Tips for using a bandsaw
Here are some must and mandatory safety procedures you need to follow when working with your bandsaw:
- Make sure your safety goggles and face shield are on when working.
- Wear protective footwear.
- When working in a noisy environment wear earmuff.
- Ensure all the band wheels are enclosed.
- Make sure your blade is placed accordingly on its track.
- Make sure the proper tension of the blade before running the bandsaw.
- Use a sharp blade and make sure there's no crack in it before running.
- When you need to stop the machine hold your bandsaw firmly and shut it down, wait for the blade to come at full stop then, put it down slowly.
- Maintain the machine regularly by oiling and cleaning it regularly.
Final Words
If you can manage to get the best bandsaw in the market, this will make your work a lot easier and more efficient. You know they say, "there is one thing you cannot buy in this world and, that is time." Well, maybe you cannot. But you can buy a compact bandsaw, and that saves a lot of your priceless time.
I hope this article helps you to find the best compact bandsaw for your work. We wish you the best.
That's all for today.
