Tag: Band Saw

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Best Band Saw Kits in 2020

A portable band saw is an invaluable tool that all professional handymen should have. The main difference between a portable band saw and the traditional tabletop or floor model band saw is that this model can be taken from site to site without having to mount it to any stationary table or workbench. This tool is designed to tackle both wood and metal to produce accurate curves, cross cuts, bevel cut, or plainly ripping through thick wood stock or metal bars.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Bandsaw Kit

Milwaukee 2429-21XC

Before you purchase a portable band saw, there are several points that you should consider.

Cutting Capacity

Unlike traditional tabletop or floor band saws, portable band saws have an extremely limited cutting capacity. Some models have a capacity of only 2-1/2 inches in width, while others can cut stock up to 5 inches. Since portable band saws are mainly used for cutting metal, the small capacity shouldn’t matter too much since most metal pieces are less than 5 x 5 inches. Just be sure to get a unit that can handle what you’ll be regularly using it for.

DEWALT DCS374P2 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw Kit

DEWALT DCS374P2

Best Metal Cutting Saw: Buying Guide

Speed

The best portable band saw models should give you an option to set the blade speed. Speed is measured in surface feet per minute (SPM or SFPM). Materials like cast iron, brass, and aluminum require slower quicker blade speeds to make neat, accurate cuts, whereas tougher metals and other hard-to-cut materials require a lower speed. Some models may come with a speed dial or a touch-sensitive trigger, while other models may not deliver enough SFPM to make it worth having more than one gear. Choose the one that works best for you.

Power Source

Like with almost every handheld power tool, they can be either corded or cordless. Obviously, the main pro of going cordless is that the tool is portable and work is not limited by any cords, though downtime is determined by how many batteries you have and how long it takes to charge. Corded models can run constantly, provided you continue to pay your electricity bills. However, your work is limited to how long the cable is and how many extension cords you have on hand.

DEWALT DCS374P2 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw Kit

DEWALT DCS374P2

Blade

Although you’re holding onto the unit, the blade does all the work. Usually, blades are around 45 inches long, so don’t be surprised when you head to the hardware store to pick up a 40-plus-inch long blade for your portable band saw.

It’s important to select the correct blade for each application. For example, for making quick cuts, use a coarse blade (less teeth-per-inch, TPI). To make straight cuts through wide stock, use wide blades. To make detailed cuts or sharp-angled cuts, use narrow blades. Of course, it all depends on the material you’re cutting (plastic, wood, metal, etc.).

DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit

DEWALT DWM120K

Other Features

Portable band saws can come with a variety of additional features, including built-in LED work light, comfortable handle, rubber bumpers, and hooks for hanging the unit. Of course, these add-ons may encourage accuracy, but they don’t guarantee it. Just be sure to get the right model with the right selection of additional features to make handling the unit much more comfortable.

DEWALT DCS371P1 20V MAX Lithium Ion Band Saw Kit

DEWALT DCS371P1

Which Portable Band Saw to Get

Now that we know the basics of what makes a good portable band saw, the only question left to answer is: Which model should you getWe’ll provide you with our pick of the top 5 portable band saw models, but your purchase decision should be based on your specific needs and the unit’s ability to meet your demands.

5 Milwaukee 2729-21 M18 Fuel Deep Cut Band Saw

The fifth spot goes to the Milwaukee 2729-21 M18. It has a cutting capacity of up to 5 x 5 inches so the blade can cut through multiple metal pieces in one pass. This model features a touch-sensitive trigger that allows users to control how quickly they want the blade to move. The speed of the blade ranges from 0 to 380 SFPM and is able to cut through all sorts of materials.

Milwaukee 2729-21 M18 Fuel Deep Cut Band Saw

Milwaukee 2729-21

This is a cordless model which uses REDLITHIUM (Milwaukee’s own creation) batteries with extended life. It comes with a 44-7/8-inch blade with 24 TPI. You may need to invest in additional blades since the stock blade isn’t exactly a blanket solution for all your cutting needs.

Check how much you can save, buying the Milwaukee 2729-21 on Amazon >>>

4 Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Bandsaw Kit

This Milwaukee model has the smallest cutting capacity of all the units on our top 5 list. Only pieces up to 1-5/8 inches can pass between the blade, so this unit is definitely only used for single bars, pipes, or thin wood stock. Because of the unit’s compact size, the M12 REDLITHIUM battery lasts much longer – the company boasts up to 150 cuts on ¾-inch EMT in less than 5 seconds.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Bandsaw Kit

Milwaukee 2429-21XC

The compact size also means smaller blades will fit into this unit – 27-inch long blades, to be exact. The 2429-21XC M12, however, doesn’t feature a variable speed trigger or dial, and it works at a constant 280 SFPM.

Check how much you can save, buying the Milwaukee 2429-21XC on Amazon >>>

3 DEWALT DCS371P1 20V MAX Lithium Ion Band Saw Kit

The DC371P1 by DEWALT is another cordless, compact, and easy-to-use portable band saw. It’s a direct competitor with the previous model, evidenced by the limited cutting capacity (2-1/2 inches). This unit doesn’t have a speed dial or touch-sensitive trigger, and operators are left working at a constant 740 SFPM.

DEWALT DCS371P1 20V MAX Lithium Ion Band Saw Kit

DEWALT DCS371P1

The high speed is better-suited for working on soft metals (e.g. aluminum) and wood to prevent burn marks, but you can also use this to slice tough objects like steel rebar. The DC3371P1 features a hook for hanging when not in use to prevent damage, and it comes with built-in LED lights with a 20-second shutdown delay.

Check how much you can save, buying the DEWALT DCS371P1 on Amazon >>>

2 DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit

The DEWALT DWM120K is the only corded handheld band saw on our list. This unit with a 5-inch cutting capacity features a variable speed dial which lets users determine how quickly they want the blade to move. The speed range is between 100 and 350 SFPM, great for both tough and delicate objects.

DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit

DEWALT DWM120K

This model features a brushed motor, so keep in mind that there will be more frequent maintenance issues (replacing brushes) and heat-dissipation problems. Like the previous DEWALT model, the DWM120K comes with an integrated hanging hook and LED sight lights to help in poorly lit areas. It uses a 44-7/8-inch long blade, and replacement blades are readily available in many hardware stores as well as online.

Check how much you can save, buying the DEWALT DWM120K on Amazon >>>

1 DEWALT DCS374P2 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw Kit

Finally, the number one spot on our list goes to DEWALT’s DCS374P2. It has a maximum cutting capacity of up to 5 inches for rectangular objects and 4-3/4 inches on round objects. It features a touch-sensitive variable speed trigger which sends the blade moving up to 490 SFPM – perfect for both tough and delicate materials.

DEWALT DCS374P2 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw Kit

DEWALT DCS374P2

The DCS374P2 uses a brushless motor so it uses its 5.0 amp batteries efficiently and manages heat extremely well to extend the life of both the unit and the battery. It also comes with an integrated hanging hook to keep the front handle and base well-protected, and it has built-in LED lights to illuminate dark spaces while working.

Check how much you can save, buying the DEWALT DCS374P2 on Amazon >>>

Conclusion

The portable band saw may not be a must-have tool for metalworkers and woodworkers, but if you need a compact saw to cut thin pieces of metal, wood, and plastic down to size, this tool is definitely worth the investment. First of all, it’s a handheld power tool so you don’t need to worry about transporting bulky band saws to and fro the workplace, despite the “portability” of bulky tabletop band saws.

DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit

DEWALT DWM120K

Before shopping online for a worthy handheld band saw, make sure you take note of these five things: cutting capacity, speed, power source, blade, and miscellaneous features like LED lights and hanging hooks. The cutting capacity is extremely limited (as small as 1-5/8 inches and as large as 5 inches). Like many handheld power tools, you have a choice between corded or cordless.

The blades are flexible yet durable, and you can purchase blades specifically built for tearing through steel quickly or making smooth cuts in soft aluminum. Miscellaneous features refer to things like the unit’s weight, ergonomic handle, LED lights, hanging hook, and so on.

DEWALT DCS374P2 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw Kit

DEWALT DCS374P2

It’s clear from our pick of the top 5 handheld band saws that there are only two go-to brands – Milwaukee and DEWALT. For the largest cutting capacity, the Milwaukee 2729-21 M18 is the best option to go with (5 x 5 inches). When dealing exclusively with small objects, the 2-1/2-inch DEWALT DCS371P1 can be your best friend.

The overall best handheld band saw, in our opinion, has to be the DCS374P2 by DEWALT. Basically, it performs just as well as the other DEWALT and Milwaukee models, but the added features – integrated hook and LED lights – make it stand out. Not to mention the brushless motor which means you’ll have fewer maintenance issues in the long run. If you need a portable band saw for cutting all sorts of bars, channels, and pipes, the DCS374P2 is definitely the model to go with.

Milwaukee 2729-21 M18 Fuel Deep Cut Band Saw

Milwaukee 2729-21




Categories
Saws Table Saw

Table Saw vs Band Saw: What’s the Difference?

Chances are, you’ve probably seen, or at least heard of, both table and band saws. Both of these saws are incredibly popular and incredibly useful. You can find them in just about any hardware shop, and many, many people use them for a variety of purposes.

This, of course, begs the question: What, exactly, distinguishes these two saws from each other?

Table Saw vs Band Saw

Table Saw

In this article, we’re going to be answering that exact question. You’re going to learn what features make these saws different from one another. As well as which of the power tools is right for you, based on the purposes and intentions you have.



What Is A Table Saw?

When comparing table saws to band saws, it becomes apparent that table saws are far more popular than band saws. Part of this is because of their overall popularity, which has lead to lower costs and a wide variety of different models being produced.

When you use a table saw, you’ll quickly discover that it is meant for a very specific kind of cut. Straight cuts, to be specific. More often than not, these cuts are meant to take place on thin boards. Boards that are around four-to-six inches thick. These cuts can be as long, or as short, as necessary.

Making these cuts is easy for a table saw, due to the long circular blade. Most table saws support various extensions that enable you to cut wider boards.

One thing to note, however, is that table saws come with blades that only work for cutting lumber. Lumber that isn’t particularly thick, as mentioned earlier.

Band Saw vs Table Saw

Band Saw

If you own a table saw and want to cut things like plastics or specific metals, you’ll need a separate blade, for one very specific reason. The teeth on the average table saws blade aren’t very fine, or close together. This makes working with those materials a much greater challenge.

Now, while table saws don’t have as much flexibility when it comes to what materials they cut, they do cut more. Table saws have large blades that enable cutting to take place quickly and efficiently. It also ensures that more material is cut.

What Is A Band Saw?

With a band saw, the first thing you’ll notice is just how flexible your choice of angles is. You can cut rips, curves, angles, bevels, among others. With a table saw, you don’t have anywhere near this level of versatility and flexibility.

Along with that, most table saws come with blades that offer a similar amount of flexibility. Using a band saw, you can cut a variety of different materials such as plastics, various metals, wood, as well as a variety of other materials.

Band Saw vs. Table Saw: Which is Better for You?

Band Saw

The thickness of the wood is another factor to take note of. With a band saw, you can cut thin wood and thick wood. Table saws don’t give you the ability to cut wood that is thicker than six inches.

Unlike table saws, though, band saws don’t cut as much material. The blades are far more narrow and tight. They are making it a lot harder for more efficient and quick cutting to take place. However, the cutting is always precise, even when cutting at strange or unusual angles.

Which One Is The Right Saw For Me?

Let’s get this out of the way first. A table saw is generally considered the “main fixture” of any hardware space. There’s a reason for this: it’s a great tool.

While it is basic, it remains a great tool that offers you some basic, but completely necessary, features. If you want to make clean, and precise straight cuts, then you cannot go wrong with a table saw. A good table saw is an absolute necessity for any hardware space or worksite.

Band Saw Vs. Table Saw Comparison

Table Saw

But, it does offer less overall versatility than a band saw. You can’t cut particularly thick wood. You can only cut in straight angles. And, unless you purchase special blades, you can only cut wood.

Now, if you don’t need any of those things, then you can stick with a basic table saw. It will be more than enough for your needs.

A band saw, on the other hand, gives you a lot more flexibility.

Band Saw vs Table Saw: Which One to Choose?

Band Saw

You can cut thick wood and thin wood. You can cut in many different angles. And you don’t always need to purchase special blades to cut different kinds of materials.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether this is flexibility is something that you need or want. If you don’t need it, then a table saw is more than enough. If you do need it, or want the option, then a band saw is ideal.

The Band Saw Vs. Table Saw Debate

Table Saw




Categories
Saws

WEN 3962 vs SKIL 3386-01 Band Saws

A band saw is a stationary machine with a long blade positioned vertically which allows the user to move the workpiece around and cut irregular shapes. Strong enough to cut wood, metal, and lumber, these saws provide an invaluable versatility.

WEN 3962 vs SKIL 3386-01: Band Saw Comparison

WEN 3962

The WEN 3962 has a powerful 3.5-amp motor and allows two speeds of 1520 or 2620 FPM (feet per minute); with blades ranging from 1/8- to 1/2-inches, this bandsaw can provide both intricate and powerful cuts; and it’s equipped with a spacious work table and long-lasting dependability.

With a smaller 2.5-amp motor, the SKIL 3386-01 still packs an impressive punch with a maximum speed of 2800 FPM and an adjustable work table. Both of these remarkable saws come with lights, dust ports, and guides to cut accurate miters.

SKIL 3386-01 vs WEN 3962: Band Saw Comparison

SKIL 3386-01



Light and Dust Port for Convenience

WEN 3962
This 3962 model comes with an adjustable work light and an independent power switch, so you can choose to turn it off or on without affecting the saw itself, combined with its unique 3-in-1 dust port, you can saw away all day with the comfort of clear visibility and a clean work area.

SKIL 3386-01
The flexible LED work light on the SKIL 3386-01 provides precision lighting right on the cut line. The included dust port allows you to attach a vacuum, keeping your workspace tidy and also minimizing harmful dust and debris flowing around.

Conclusion: No dark and dirty workspace anymore; these band saws come to the fight, all in favor of your comfort!

WEN 3962 vs SKIL 3386-01

WEN 3962

Guides for Visibility and Controlled Cuts

WEN 3962
With the ability to swivel the work table up to 45°, the WEN 3962 band saw allows you to make very accurate angled cuts when coupled with the miter guides. These miter guides take away all of the guesswork when measuring the angle. Besides, don’t forget about the fence for making straight cuts! This Wen band saw is a machine with many capabilities.

SKIL 3386-01
This bandsaw comes with a rack-and-pinion table adjustment to alter the height and turn this table at the right angle. Designed with EZ View Blade Tracking, this saw lets you quickly align the blade with the rip fence for straight cuts and the miter gauge for cross cuts.

SKIL 3386-01 vs WEN 3962

SKIL 3386-01

Conclusion: No more guesswork or crooked cuts; these bandsaws are designed to keep you on track.

Durable and Dependable

WEN 3962
This 73 lb unit comes with a cast-iron saw and a composite metal table. While almost indestructible as it is, it comes packed with a two-year warranty. The ball-bearings which control the blade provide smooth operation and a long lasting life for years of dependable service. But in the case of some freak incident, WEN’s fleet of skilled technicians and excellent customer service will ensure you’re back to sawing in no time!

WEN 3962

WEN 3962

SKIL 3386-01
Don’t let this compact saw’s light weight fool you into thinking it can’t handle some hits. Its aluminum frame is sturdy enough to take a beating. But even if you aren’t convinced, or maybe you run on the sensitive side, let the three-year warranty calm you down to sleep at night.

Conclusion: Both dependable and stronger than an ox, these bandsaws will outlive any tortoise.

Breathtaking Blades

WEN 3962
Six-foot blades anywhere from 1/8- to 1/2-inches in size and the ability to make cuts 6-inches deep and 9-3/4-inches wide. Use this WEN bandsaw at a lumber yard to chop entire tree trunks, with these massive blades and the powerful 3.5 amp motor. This saw is not to be underestimated.

SKIL 3386-01

SKIL 3386-01

SKIL 3386-01
With a cutting depth of 3-1/8-inch, this saw’s 6-TPI (teeth per inch) blade is nothing to gawk at. And it’s throat depth of 9-inches gives you enough room to put some thick metal in its path; watch what it does to the metal, it will saw it like a steak knife cutting through a perfectly tender prime rib.

WEN 3962 vs SKIL 3386-01: Conclusion

SKIL Power Tools is well known, so it’s no surprise that they’ve designed another invaluable tool for any worker’s shop, but don’t let WEN pass you by, just because they might not have a comparable reputation, they still produce tools that will impress any veteran in the industry. WEN stands by their products with courageous warranties.

WEN 3962 vs SKIL 3386-01: Band Saw Comparison

Check how much you can save, buying the WEN 3962 on Amazon >>>

Both the WEN 3962 and the SKIL 3386-01 band saw will slice anything you put in their path like a sword cutting through the air and will outlast you as well, so be prepared to pass them down to future generations; these are an investment you don’t have to worry about ever again!

Whether you work in a woodshop, metal shop, or a butcher, don’t hesitate to buy either of these powerful bandsaws. You won’t regret the power output or the effortless operation of their abilities.

SKIL 3386-01 vs WEN 3962: Band Saw Comparison

Check how much you can save, buying the SKIL 3386-01 on Amazon >>>

Best Benchtop Bandsaw: Buying Guide




Categories
Guides Info Guides Saws

What is a Band Saw Kit and Its Purpose?

Imagine working on a huge commercial project and being instructed to cut 100 hangers out of threaded rods and steel stock. Your first thought would probably be that you’d be at the job site forever before you get the job done. However, if you have a handy power tool on hand, then the task can be completed in no time.

band saw machine

If you’re in the field and can’t bring your band saw with you, or you don’t have the time to bring your metal stock back to the workshop, then a portable band saw is a must-have tool. This band saw cuts through unistrut like warm butter, and the larger handheld models can even slice through more than one threaded rod at a time. Needless to say, it’s a great power tool that can save you precious hours of manual work.

What Is a Portable Band Saw Kit?

A portable band saw kit is essentially the handheld band saw unit, a carrying case, and additional blades (depends on the make and manufacturer). Cordless models might come with batteries and a charger. As soon as you purchase a kit, it’s pretty much good to go, though you might need to charge its batteries beforehand and install the flexible blade.

band saw safety

What Can You Do with a Portable Band Saw?

People who first see a handheld band saw will probably question why it’s needed when table-top band saws are rather lightweight and portable. In all honesty, this is a fair question to ask. However, if you need to cut metal or plastic pipes in the field, a floor or tabletop band saw won’t be as readily available as its handheld counterpart.

Portable band saws come with varying cutting capacities. The cutting capacity refers to the maximum size of an object that the unit can slice through in a single pass. You can fit objects as wide as 5 or 6 inches in the largest models, and the smallest ones for cutting single metal rods or plastic pipes can have a capacity of 2 inches or less.

band saw reviews

Best Metal Cutting Saw: Buying Guide

We mentioned earlier that this tool is a time-saver. Basically, with larger models (5- to 6-inch cutting capacity), you can pass the blade through multiple objects in a single motion without the risk of sparks or flying metal debris. If you need to cut several metal channels down to length, stack them up on top of each other and plunge the band saw’s blade downwards through the metal. Keep the edge of the channel flush with the unit’s shoe to ensure uniform cuts from the top channel all the way down to the final one.

If you’re wondering what the handheld band saw can do that the tabletop or floor band saw can’t, the answer is nothing. This handheld model can be used to produce straight cuts in and through wood, metal, and plastic objects, and it can even be used to make intricate curved cuts when the need arises. Simply mount the unit sideways on a makeshift stand and it can be treated like a normal-sized band saw.

band saw blade

What Saw To Cut Through MetalMetal Cutting Guide

What Are the Pros of a Portable Band Saw?

You get several benefits from a portable band saw that you won’t get with a bench-top one. First of all, these units are extremely lightweight (around 15 pounds) and can be carried from place to place with ease while stored in its carry case. “Portable” tabletop band saws can weigh upwards of 70 pounds and are a hassle when loading and unloading from your truck.

Secondly, portable band saws have several safety features installed to enhance comfort and controllability. They come with reinforced shrouds (protectors) that prevent damage to the unit when accidentally dropped from high places or after passing through materials. Their handles are usually coated with rubber grips to improve comfort and reduce fatigue. In addition, they can come with several other features, such as built-in LED lights or hanging hooks.

What is a Band Saw Kit and What Can you Do With It?

Finally, the biggest benefit you get is that they are considerably cheaper than traditional band saws. Because they’re compact, lightweight, and require less power to operate, they come with a friendlier price tag compared to their tabletop or floor counterparts.

Conclusion

That about sums it up for the portable band saw. It works similarly to a traditional tabletop or floor band saw, but it’s handheld and can be used to cut through multiple rods, rebars, channels, and small-diameter pipes with ease. To get the most out of your portable band saw, pick a model that has a sufficient cutting capacity which suits you best in the field (between 1-1/2- to 6-inch cutting capacity).

What is a Band Saw Kit

Best Metal Cutting Saw: Buying Guide




Categories
Comparison Guides Guides Saws

DEWALT vs. Milwaukee Band Saw Kits

A portable band saw works just like their full-sized counterparts – a long blade moves in a continuous motion to slice through whatever object you need cut. Even the cordless models deliver enough power and accuracy to cut metal pipes, channels, bars, and many more. This handheld power tool is often considered to be a dynamic solution to on-site projects when you can’t lug around a band or table saw.

DEWALT DWM120K vs Milwaukee 2429-21XC Band Saw Kit Comparison

DEWALT DWM120K

In this article, we’re going to compare two extremely popular handheld band saw models by two of the largest manufacturers – the DEWALT DWM120K and the Milwaukee 2429-21XC. Both of these models have made an impression on the market but for different reasons which we’ll go over. If you’re in the market for a reliable handheld band saw, either of these models might be the perfect fit, though their different cutting capacities should be your biggest concern. Let’s dive right into our comparison.

Cutting Capacity

DEWALT DWM120K

The cutting capacity refers to the size of the object the unit can cut. All handheld band saws are extremely limited in this regard, but for cutting metal objects like rebar and framing stock, this power tool is a godsend. The DEWALT has a large cutting capacity of 5 x 4-3/4 inches (rectangular). This is large enough to let users cut through multiple metal objects in a single pass without having to repeat the process for each piece.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC vs DEWALT DWM120K Band Saw Kit Comparison

Milwaukee 2429-21XC

What Saw To Cut Through MetalMetal Cutting Guide

Milwaukee 2429-21XC

The Milwaukee belongs to the other side of the cutting-capacity spectrum. It has a capacity of only 1-5/8 inches. However, the small size doesn’t mean it doesn’t perform well. It means that you’re limited to how many pieces the unit can cut simultaneously.

Conclusion
Between the DEWALT and the Milwaukee’s respective cutting capacities, bigger is better. We favor the DEWALT’s 5-inch capacity simply because it makes life a bit easier. Users don’t need to spend extra time on slicing metal or wood objects one at a time.

DEWALT DWM120K vs Milwaukee 2429-21XC

DEWALT DWM120K

Best Metal Cutting Saw: Buying Guide

Speed

DEWALT DWM120K
Like the traditional band saw, the speed of the blade is measured by SFPMs (surface-feet-per-minute). Generally speaking, cutting through soft metals like aluminum require quicker speeds, while tough metals like stainless steel need a slower speed to prevent damage to the blade. The DEWALT comes with a variable speed dial which lets users select their blade seed. It ranges from 100 to 350 SFPM, making it great for working on all types of materials.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC
The Milwaukee’s motor is a single-gear model that works at a constant 280 SFPM. There’s no variable speed dial or touch-sensitive trigger so you’re left working at a constant speed. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing since the blade can cut through practically anything you want.

Conclusion
We tend to favor the DEWALT’s variable speed (100 to 350 SFPM) mainly because it gives the user more control over how quickly they want to cut through metal, wood, or plastic. If you want to make quick rips, you can use coarser blades (less teeth-per-inch, TPI) working at a higher speed. If you need to make curved cuts, you can use slower speeds with the appropriate blade.

Power Source

DEWALT DWM120K
Like with any power tool, you have two options – corded or cordless. They each have their own pros and cons, mostly in terms of portability. The DEWALT is a corded-electric model, meaning that your range of movement is limited by its 8-foot cord. However, with the help of additional extension cable cords, you could solve the problem easily. The only downside is that more cables equal a greater tripping hazard.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC vs DEWALT DWM120K

Milwaukee 2429-21XC

Milwaukee 2429-21XC
The Milwaukee is a cordless handheld band saw. You’re free to take this unit wherever you’d like without having to worry about cables and power outlets. The XC battery can last a long time as well – up to 150 cuts on ¾-inch EMT according to the manufacturer.

Conclusion
Both corded and corded power tools have their own pros and cons. We like corded power tools because there’s no reduced power when the batteries are running low, and you don’t need to worry about downtime due to empty batteries. However, we personally favor the Milwaukee’s cordless unit since it has a long battery life and can be taken anywhere you please. You might need to consider purchasing additional XC batteries to reduce downtime when it’s out of juice.

DEWALT DWM120K

DEWALT DWM120K

Weight and Controllability

DEWALT DWM120K
When it comes to handheld power tools, weight has a direct effect on maneuverability. This unit weighs only 15 pounds (fully assembled) so there’s no trouble moving the unit around and making straight cuts and even detailed curved ones.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC
This compact unit is a little bit lighter than the DEWALT. It weighs in at only 12.4 pounds and can be controlled using a single hand. Single-handed operations are the best power tools since they free up our other hand to keep a grip on whatever object we’re cutting.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC

Milwaukee 2429-21XC

Conclusion
Control-wise, both of these models are extremely easy and comfortable to use. The only question is whether you like single-handed or dual-handed operation more. The DEWALT’s larger build is meant to be held with both hands while cutting down on clamped objects, whereas the Milwaukee can be held in one hand.

Stand

DEWALT DWM120K
If you’d like to treat your handheld band saw like a tabletop band saw, then you’ll either need to purchase or build your own stand. Basically, a stand keeps the unit held sideways and the blade vertical. The 5-inch cutting capacity allows you to easily guide wood stock into the blade without obstructed vision or maneuverability.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC
The limited cutting capacity of the Milwaukee makes this unit unmountable. Basically, because you only get 1-5/8 inches of room to cut, it’s not the best tool to mount sideways to make intricate curve designs, rendering a stand useless.

DEWALT DWM120K vs Milwaukee 2429-21XC Band Saw Kit Comparison

Check how much you can save, buying the DEWALT DWM120K on Amazon >>>

Conclusion
The winner here is the DEWALT since it can be mound sideways and treated like a tabletop band saw. The Milwaukee can’t be mounted sideways so users are left working in a downwards plunging motion. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s not as versatile as the DEWALT.

Bottom Line

Even though the Milwaukee 2429-21XC is one of the best handheld band saws available on the market, we favor the DWM120K by DEWALT simply because its larger cutting capacity makes user-friendly, versatile, and time-efficient.

If you need a more portable large-sized handheld band saw, there are cordless models that have a cutting capacity of 5 inches or more, but as a corded unit, you’ll have a difficult time finding one that works as well as the DEWALT DWM120K. Even though it requires both hands to operate, it’s a lightweight model that’s easy to control and slices through multiple rebars, framing stocks, and metal channels with ease.

Milwaukee 2429-21XC vs DEWALT DWM120K Band Saw Kit Comparison

Check how much you can save, buying the Milwaukee 2429-21XC on Amazon >>>

Best Metal Cutting Saw: Buying Guide