Looking Beyond the Milwaukee MILWAUKEE'S Band Saw? 3 Alternatives Worth a Look
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Looking for milwaukee milwaukee s band saw alternatives? You might be considering the Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw for its lightweight design and brushless motor efficiency. This tool weighs only 7.67 pounds and delivers constant power, making it excellent for portable cutting tasks. Its compact dimensions allow for easy handling in tight spaces. However, you may need more capacity or a different power source. Some projects require larger cutting widths or fixed stability that this handheld unit cannot provide. Battery dependency might also limit your workflow on extended jobsites.
We selected 3 alternatives that share key specifications with the original Milwaukee model. These options overlap in portability, cutting capacity, or motor technology. The list includes budget-friendly cordless choices and benchtop models for precision work. Each product offers distinct advantages based on your specific needs. You can compare features like weight, size, and speed settings to find the best fit. Whether you need a 5-inch capacity or a 9-inch benchtop saw, there is a suitable option. Review the detailed specs to understand how each machine performs. This guide helps you make an informed decision without unnecessary guesswork.
How These Alternatives Compare
DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw
The DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw weighs 12.4 pounds, which is heavier than the Milwaukee M18’s 7.67 pounds. It measures 22.3 inches long and 14.4 inches wide, making it bulkier than the Milwaukee’s compact 17.9-inch length. This model offers a 5-inch cutting capacity, which is less than the Milwaukee’s implied larger capacity. It is designed for portable deep cuts on jobsites. You should choose this if you already use DEWALT 20V batteries and need a budget-friendly option. It sacrifices some portability for a dedicated 5-inch cutting range suitable for standard tasks.
Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
The Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw is a stationary tool, unlike the portable Milwaukee M18. It weighs 40 pounds, significantly heavier than the Milwaukee’s 7.67 pounds. Its dimensions are 19 inches long, 14.1 inches wide, and 29 inches high. This benchtop configuration provides stability for precise angled cuts. It is ideal for compact shops needing accurate bevels. You should pick this if you need fixed stability rather than mobility. It gives up the lightweight, battery-powered convenience of the Milwaukee for a dedicated benchtop setup that handles precise woodworking tasks with greater accuracy and less vibration.
DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw
The DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw is also a stationary benchtop model, weighing 40 pounds compared to the Milwaukee’s 7.67 pounds. It measures 19 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 30 inches high. This saw features a 2-speed setting and a work light, which the Milwaukee lacks. It is designed for detailed curved cuts in small workshops. You should choose this if you need precision in tight spaces. It trades the raw portability of the Milwaukee for two-speed control and better visibility. It is better for hobbyists who prioritize maneuverability and visibility over the lightweight, cordless nature of the Milwaukee.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw Best overall | portable, lightweight cutting tasks | Check price of Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw on Amazon |
| 2 | DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw Also great | Portable deep cuts on jobsites | Check price of DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw on Amazon |
| 3 | Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw Best premium | Compact shops needing precise bevels | Check price of Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw on Amazon |
| 4 | DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw Best budget | detailed curved cuts in small workshops | Check price of DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw on Amazon |
Our 4 picks
Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw
Best for: portable, lightweight cutting tasks
- Dimensions
- 17.9 × 6.3 × 11.6 inches
- Weight
- 7.67 pounds
View on Amazon: Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw Affiliate link
The Milwaukee 2829-20 is a large, red band saw weighing 7.67 pounds. It measures 17.9 by 6.3 by 11.6 inches. The POWERSTATE brushless motor uses Constant Power Technology for fast cutting. It is over 20% lighter than the original M18 Compact Band Saw. This model suits users who need a portable, high-speed tool for general cutting tasks.
Pros
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor with Constant Power Technology
- Over 20% lighter than the original M18 Compact Band Saw
- Compact dimensions of 17.9 by 6.3 by 11.6 inches
- Weighs only 7.67 pounds for portability
Cons
- No stated cutting capacity or resaw height in the data
- No two-speed operation listed unlike comparable benchtop models
- No integrated hang hooks mentioned for storage
Good fit if
- You prioritize a lightweight tool for easy handling
- You need a brushless motor for consistent power delivery
- You require a compact footprint for limited workspace
Skip if
- You need a two-speed motor for variable cutting rates
- You require a high resaw capacity for thick stock
- You want a benchtop model with integrated storage hooks
Verdict: Milwaukee 2829-20 Lightweight Band Saw offers a lightweight, brushless solution for users who value portability and constant power over fixed benchtop features.
DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw
Best for: Portable deep cuts on jobsites
- Cutting Capacity
- 5''
- Power Source
- 20V MAX
- Design
- Portable
- Dimensions
- 22.3 × 14.4 × 8.7 inches
- Weight
- 12.4 pounds
View on Amazon: DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw Affiliate link
This portable band saw features a brushless motor and variable speed control for versatile cutting. It offers a 5-inch cutting capacity and includes an LED work light with a 20-second delay. The tool weighs 12.4 pounds and measures 22.3 inches long. It is designed for deep cuts and includes integrated hang hooks for storage. You will appreciate the tool-less blade changing lever for quick adjustments.
Pros
- 5-inch cutting capacity for deep cuts
- Built-in LED work light with 20-second delay
- Tool-less blade changing lever for quick tension adjustment
- Variable speed control for different materials
- Integrated hang hooks for safe storage
Cons
- Sold as bare tool only without battery or charger
- 5-inch capacity is smaller than 9-inch benchtop models
- Portable design may lack the stability of a fixed base
Good fit if
- You need a portable saw for on-site work
- You require variable speed control for different materials
- You want a lightweight tool under 13 pounds
Skip if
- You need a high-capacity saw for large resawing
- You do not own a 20V MAX battery system
- You require a fixed base for maximum stability
Verdict: DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Portable Band Saw fits professionals who need mobility and quick setup. It is ideal for jobsites where a 5-inch capacity is sufficient and battery power is already available.
Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
Best for: Compact shops needing precise bevels
- Cutting Capacity
- 3-1/2"
- Throat Size
- 9"
- Motor Power
- 2.8A
- Table Tilt
- 0–45°
- Power Source
- 120V
- Configuration
- Benchtop
View on Amazon: Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw Affiliate link
The JET 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw features a 9-inch throat and 3-1/2-inch resaw capacity for wood and composites. It includes a tilting table with 0–45-degree range and cast aluminum wheels for accurate tracking. This compact unit weighs 40 pounds and connects to dust collection. It suits users needing reliable angled cuts and general shop work.
Pros
- 9-inch throat size for curved cuts
- 3-1/2-inch resaw capacity
- Table tilts 0–45 degrees
- Cast aluminum wheels for smooth tracking
Cons
- 9-inch throat limits wide stock
- 3-1/2-inch resaw capacity is modest
- Mounting hardware not included
Good fit if
- You need reliable 45-degree bevel cuts
- You have limited bench space
- You work primarily with wood composites
Skip if
- You require deep resawing over 3-1/2 inches
- You need a larger 14-inch throat
- You want a ready-to-use stand
Verdict: JET 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw delivers precise angled cuts and smooth tracking for small shops. It fits users who value compact size and accurate bevels over maximum capacity.
DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw
Best for: detailed curved cuts in small workshops
- Throat Size
- 9 in
- Motor Power
- 3.5 A
- Blade Speed
- 1700 & 2500 SPM
- Speed Settings
- 2-Speed
- Amperage
- 5 A
- Features
- Work Light
View on Amazon: DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw Affiliate link
The DeWalt 9-inch band saw features a 3.5-amp motor and two-speed operation at 1700 and 2500 SPM. Its 9-inch throat size accommodates curved cuts and small resawing tasks. An integrated LED worklight improves visibility for precision work. This compact tool suits hobbyists and DIYers who need reliable performance in smaller shop spaces.
Pros
- Two-speed operation (1700 & 2500 SPM) for material-specific cutting
- Integrated LED worklight enhances visibility during intricate cuts
- Includes dual dust port adapters (2-1/2" and 1-1/4")
- Compact 9-inch design fits smaller workspaces
Cons
- Smaller 9-inch throat limits resawing capacity compared to larger models
- 3.5-amp motor offers less power than industrial-grade alternatives
- Heavier 40-pound build reduces portability
Good fit if
- You need precise curved cuts in a compact footprint
- You value adjustable blade speeds for different materials
- You work in a small home workshop
Skip if
- You require heavy-duty resawing capacity
- You need a portable, lightweight tool
- You prefer higher-amperage motors for hardwoods
Verdict: DeWalt 9-Inch 2-Speed Band Saw fits hobbyists needing precision in tight spaces. It trades raw power for maneuverability and visibility, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw | DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw | Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw | DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Capacity | not stated | 5'' | 3-1/2" | not stated |
| Throat Size | not stated | not stated | 9" | 9 in |
| Motor Power | not stated | not stated | 2.8A | 3.5 A |
| Blade Speed | not stated | not stated | not stated | 1700 & 2500 SPM |
| Table Tilt | not stated | not stated | 0–45° | not stated |
| Power Source | not stated | 20V MAX | 120V | not stated |
| Configuration | not stated | not stated | Benchtop | not stated |
| Speed Settings | not stated | not stated | not stated | 2-Speed |
| Amperage | not stated | not stated | 15 Amp | 5 A |
| Features | not stated | not stated | not stated | Work Light |
| Voltage | not stated | not stated | 120V | not stated |
| Size | Large | One Size | 9-Inch | 9-Inch |
| Design | not stated | Portable | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | 17.9 × 6.3 × 11.6 inches | 22.3 × 14.4 × 8.7 inches | 19 × 14.1 × 29 inches | 19 × 13 × 30 inches |
| Weight | 7.67 pounds | 12.4 pounds | 40 pounds | 40 pounds |
| Color | Red | Multi | not stated | Yellow |
| Model | 2829-20 | DCS374B | JWBS-9 | DXBS2301 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Milwaukee M18 brushless band saw good for heavy duty work?
The Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw (model 2829-20) is designed for portable, lightweight cutting tasks rather than heavy industrial duty. It weighs just 7.67 pounds and measures 17.9 inches in length. This compact size makes it ideal for users who prioritize mobility and constant power over the fixed stability of a benchtop machine.
What is the cutting capacity of the DEWALT 20V MAX band saw?
The DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw (model DCS374B) offers a 5-inch cutting capacity. It is built for portability, weighing 12.4 pounds and measuring 22.3 inches long. This model fits professionals who need mobility and quick setup on jobsites where a 5-inch capacity is sufficient for their daily tasks.
Does the Jet benchtop band saw have a tilt feature?
Yes, the Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw (model JWBS-9) is designed to deliver precise angled cuts. It is best for compact shops needing precise bevels. The unit weighs 40 pounds and stands 29 inches tall, providing smooth tracking for users who value compact size and accurate bevels over maximum cutting capacity.
How many speed settings does the DEWALT 9-inch band saw have?
The DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw (model DXBS2301) features two speed settings. It includes a work light and draws 5 amps of power. Weighing 40 pounds and measuring 30 inches tall, this model trades raw power for maneuverability and visibility, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects in small workshops.
Which band saw is the lightest option in this list?
The Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw is the lightest option, weighing only 7.67 pounds. Its compact dimensions are 17.9 inches long, 11.6 inches high, and 6.3 inches wide. This lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for users who value portability and need a brushless solution for constant power on the go.
Can the DEWALT 9-inch saw be used for detailed curved cuts?
Yes, the DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw is well-suited for detailed curved cuts. It is designed for hobbyists needing precision in tight spaces. The tool features a work light and two speed settings. Its 40-pound weight and 30-inch height provide stability, while its design emphasizes maneuverability for intricate woodworking projects.