Anyone using a compact, cordless bandsaw?

[Mike007]

I'm considering picking up a cordless compact band saw specifically for cutting threaded rod and unistrut. I'm using Milwaukee 12 and Bosch 18 volt tools. So I'm limiting myself to those 2 options.

Milwaukee 2529-20 or Bosch GCB18V-2N 18V

I'd like first hand knowledge because there are a lot of complaints the blades don't like to stay on these compact saws. The wheels are small and the blades are short making them prone to this issue. I currently use a 120 volt Milwaukee. Just looking for something a little lighter as long as they are reliable.

 

[micromind]

I've had the Milwaukee sub-compact model for a few years.....haven't managed to wreck it yet even though it sees considerable use.

I've cut quite a bit of 1 5/8 strut, it does pretty good with it.

 

[sz0k30]

I have a Dewalt *********** cordless band saw & have it mounted on a SWAG bandsaw table. Works well for the small jobs I do!

 

[loganb]

I have the Milwaukee unit, very happy with it. Garage use only not professional but cuts conduit, uni strut, threaded rod, small tubing etc cleanly.

 

[35Ford]

I've been using the battery band saws for years. Very handy tools. I have never used them, but they do make battery tools specifically for cutting threaded rod.

 

[WildBill]

I have used my brothers Milwaukee a lot on job sites, it works really great for cutting pipe and unistrut.

 

[gimpyrobb]

We have an 18v milwaukee at work. It has been beat on for at least 5yrs and still gets used almost daily. It is a good unit for sure.

 

[dutchgray]

Im looking at getting the Fein one that takes Bosch 18v batteries, not bought it yet so no first hand knowledge but it looks like i will be buying one soon.

 

[rmack898]

I have had the M12 version for a few years and if it died tomorrow I would immediately get another one.
It's quite a bit more saw than it appears to be and the blades hold up well.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I have a Dewalt *********** cordless band saw & have it mounted on a SWAG bandsaw table. Works well for the small jobs I do!

I'm thinking about a similar setup. How difficult is it to attach/detach the bandsaw from the table?

 

[alinc100]

I have the Milwaukee M12 Fuel compact band saw. It is great. I cut some unistrut but my #1 task is 2" x 1/8" aluminum z-clip. Its great, the cheaper sub-compact (non-Fuel) isn't even close by miles. I had to return it and got the Fuel compact. As mentioned above there are dedicated cutters for all thread now , once you use/have one you will never want to use another method again.

 

[whateg01]

M12 is my go to if it'll fit. I have a bigger corded version for when it won't. Just make sure you get a bigger battery. The little 3 cell pack doesn't last. I would definitely buy another if this one broke.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have the original M12 and use it almost exclusively for EMT. It will cut threaded rod just fine and while it will also cut strut, it's not ideal for that. I imagine the Fuel would be better, but have no idea how much better. Given the two choices, I'd probably go with the Bosch.

 

[finn]

I have the M18 ***********. Got it two or three years ago and maybe used it twice. In the same period I have used the Wilton and Jet convertible band saws probably a hundred times. The stationary saws are easier for me to use.

 

[GeoBruin]

The fuel compact is awesome. I own a full size dewalt deep cut saw, the m12 subcompact, and the m12 fuel compact. It's only nominally larger than the subcompact but has much more capacity, while still being so much lighter than the full size that it can still be used one handed. Do it!

 

[Mike007]

while still being so much lighter than the full size that it can still be used one handed. Do it!

That's why I want the compact. So I can use 1 hand. I went to 2 Lowes today. Of course neither has the Bosch. So I ordered it online. Should be here this week.

 

[NUTTSGT]

That's why I want the compact. So I can use 1 hand. I went to 2 Lowes today. Of course neither has the Bosch. So I ordered it online. Should be here this week.

Is there a variant for the SWAG table for the Bosch ? That would be one of my requirements.

 

[Mike007]

Is there a variant for the SWAG table for the Bosch ? That would be one of my requirements.

Not that I know of. I own a Swag table and a Milwaukee band saw. I want this specifically because it's light. If I'm doing a lot of cutting I bring a pipe vise to the job.

 

[reader2580]

I have the M12 fuel compact bandsaw. It works just fine for everything I have tried, but not used a whole lot during the five years I have owned. No issues with blade coming off.

 

[danielbuck]

I have the M12. it works well, except most of my M12 batteries are kind of old, often times when I use them the light will just flash on and off after a few minutes of use.

If the capacity of these small bandsaws fits your needs, they are excellent if you have tube or material you need to cut and you can't get the material into a larger cutting machine. I've used it to cut everything from thin EMT tube, to 1/4" wall 2" steel pipe.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Not that I know of. I own a Swag table and a Milwaukee band saw. I want this specifically because it's light. If I'm doing a lot of cutting I bring a pipe vise to the job.

Ahhhh, you already have that base covered.

 

[sz0k30]

I'm thinking about a similar setup. How difficult is it to attach/detach the bandsaw from the table?

Pretty simple, just a few Phillips screws.

 

[bob from indiana]

My shop has Makita 18 volt compact bandsaws.
We used them to cut all thread, unistrut and heavy wire. They did fine.

 

[Rinspeed]

It's not a compact but we have an M18 at the shop and as most Milwaukee it's a great tool. Milwaukee is so far ahead of most of their competition I wouldn't go with anyone else.

 

[Steel_Rain]

it's almost stupid to go with anyone else.

FLEX has entered the chat:



To bad it’s not available anywhere but online anymore, but a damn good compact unit.

 

[klassenl]

......it's almost stupid to go with anyone else.

All of our tools are built out of the same plastic.