DEWALT Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You are an electrician or fabricator who needs a portable band saw. You have been looking at DEWALT because you already own DEWALT 20V batteries. But DEWALT makes several models: compact, mid-size, deep cut, and atomic. You are not sure which one fits your work and what the differences are. You need a guide that covers the DEWALT band saw lineup and helps you choose.
DEWALT makes a range of portable band saws on the 20V MAX and 12V MAX battery platforms. They range from the compact DCS371B with a 1-5/8 inch cut capacity to the deep cut DCS374B with a 5-inch capacity. All use brushless motors and are designed for metal cutting in the field.
If you are looking for the deep cut model, the DEWALT DCS374B 20V MAX XR Brushless Deep Cut Band Saw is the standard choice with a 5-inch cut capacity.
DEWALT Band Saw Model Lineup
DCS371B (20V MAX Compact)
The smallest DEWALT band saw. Designed for electricians who cut conduit and thin-wall tubing.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cut capacity | 1-5/8 inches |
| Blade length | 32-7/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Speed | 570 SFPM |
| Weight | 6.4 pounds |
| Battery | 20V MAX |
DCS378B (20V MAX Mid-Size)
A step up from the compact, with more capacity for larger conduit and unistrut.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cut capacity | 3-1/4 inches |
| Blade length | 35-3/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Speed | 550 SFPM |
| Weight | 9.9 pounds |
| Battery | 20V MAX |
DCS374B (20V MAX XR Deep Cut)
The largest DEWALT portable band saw. Designed for cutting large pipe, thick bar, and structural steel.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cut capacity | 5 inches |
| Blade length | 44-7/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Speed | 550 SFPM |
| Weight | 14.7 pounds |
| Battery | 20V MAX |
DCS377B (12V MAX Compact)
A smaller, lighter compact saw on the 12V platform. For light work in tight spaces.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cut capacity | 1-5/8 inches |
| Blade length | 32-7/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Speed | 570 SFPM |
| Weight | 5.8 pounds |
| Battery | 12V MAX |
DWM120 (Corded Deep Cut)
The corded version of the deep cut saw. Same capacity, no battery needed.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cut capacity | 4-3/4 inches |
| Blade length | 44-7/8 inches |
| Motor | 10 amp |
| Speed | Variable, 100 to 350 SFPM |
| Weight | 14.5 pounds |
Blade Sizes by Model
| Model | Blade Length |
|---|---|
| DCS371B, DCS377B | 32-7/8 inches |
| DCS378B | 35-3/8 inches |
| DCS374B, DWM120 | 44-7/8 inches |
Blades are available from DEWALT, LENOX, MK Morse, and Starrett in all three lengths.
Features Across the Lineup
Brushless Motors
All current DEWALT cordless band saws use brushless motors. Brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler, and last longer than brushed motors. They also provide more torque per amp, which means more cutting power per battery charge.
Variable Speed
The DWM120 corded model has variable speed (100 to 350 SFPM). The cordless models run at a fixed speed (550 to 570 SFPM). Variable speed is useful for cutting different materials, but the fixed speed is fine for most field work.
LED Work Light
All models have an integrated LED light that illuminates the cut zone. This is useful in dark spaces like ceiling cavities and under sinks.
Tool-Free Blade Change
All current models have tool-free blade change. You can change the blade without tools, which saves time on the job.
Adjustable Shoe
All models have an adjustable shoe that can be repositioned to use different parts of the blade as it wears. This extends blade life.
Dual-Trigger Control
The deep cut models (DCS374B, DWM120) have a dual-trigger control that requires both hands to start the saw. This is a safety feature that prevents accidental starts.
Battery Life
20V MAX 2.0 Ah Battery
Compact (DCS371B): About 30 to 40 cuts per charge in 3/4 inch EMT. Mid-size (DCS378B): About 25 to 35 cuts per charge in 3/4 inch EMT. Deep cut (DCS374B): About 15 to 25 cuts per charge in 2-inch solid bar.
20V MAX 5.0 Ah Battery
Compact (DCS371B): About 80 to 100 cuts per charge in 3/4 inch EMT. Mid-size (DCS378B): About 60 to 80 cuts per charge in 3/4 inch EMT. Deep cut (DCS374B): About 40 to 60 cuts per charge in 2-inch solid bar.
20V MAX FlexVolt 6.0 Ah
Deep cut (DCS374B): About 50 to 75 cuts per charge in 2-inch solid bar. The FlexVolt battery provides more power and longer run time.
What to Check When Buying Used
Motor. Plug in a battery and start the saw. Listen for smooth, consistent running. No grinding, clicking, or popping sounds.
Blade and guides. Check the blade condition. Check the blade guides for wear.
Shoe. Check the shoe for wear. A worn shoe will not produce square cuts.
Frame. Check for cracks, especially around the handle and the C-frame opening.
Switch. The trigger should engage smoothly and release cleanly.
Battery compatibility. The 20V models run on any 20V MAX battery. The 12V model runs on 12V MAX batteries only.
New vs Used Pricing
| Model | New (Bare Tool) | Used (Good Condition) |
|---|---|---|
| DCS371B | 180 to 220 dollars | 80 to 120 dollars |
| DCS378B | 220 to 280 dollars | 100 to 150 dollars |
| DCS374B | 280 to 350 dollars | 150 to 220 dollars |
| DCS377B | 150 to 200 dollars | 70 to 100 dollars |
| DWM120 | 250 to 320 dollars | 120 to 180 dollars |
If the used price is more than 60 percent of the new price, buy new. The warranty and known condition are worth the extra cost.
DEWALT vs Milwaukee
DEWALT and Milwaukee are the two main competitors in portable band saws. The models are similar in capacity and performance.
Blade compatibility: DEWALT and Milwaukee blades with the same length are interchangeable. The DCS374B and Milwaukee 2729-20 both use 44-7/8 inch blades. The DCS378B and Milwaukee 2829-20 both use 35-3/8 inch blades.
Motor: Both use brushless motors. Milwaukee calls theirs POWERSTATE. DEWALT does not brand theirs.
Battery: DEWALT uses 20V MAX. Milwaukee uses M18. The batteries are not interchangeable.
Price: Comparable. DEWALT is sometimes slightly cheaper.
Warranty: Both offer 3-year limited warranties.
Choose based on the battery platform you already own.
FAQ
What is the largest DEWALT portable band saw?
The DCS374B 20V MAX XR Deep Cut with a 5-inch cut capacity. It uses a 44-7/8 inch blade.
What blade does the DEWALT DCS374B use?
A 44-7/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width. Available in 10, 14, and 18 TPI from DEWALT, LENOX, and other manufacturers.
Are DEWALT and Milwaukee band saw blades interchangeable?
Yes, as long as the blade length matches. Both brands use 44-7/8 inch blades on their deep cut saws and 35-3/8 inch blades on their compact saws.
What battery should I use with the DEWALT deep cut band saw?
The 5.0 Ah battery is recommended for the best balance of run time and weight. The FlexVolt 6.0 Ah provides more power and longer run time.
Is the DEWALT DCS371B or DCS378B better for electricians?
The DCS378B is better for most electricians. The 3-1/4 inch capacity handles standard unistrut, which the DCS371B (1-5/8 inch) cannot. If you only cut conduit, the DCS371B is sufficient and lighter.
References
- DEWALT. “20V MAX XR Deep Cut Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model DCS374B.
- DEWALT. “20V MAX Compact Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model DCS371B.
- DEWALT. “Portable Band Saw Blade Reference.” DEWALT Product Catalog.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “DEWALT DCS374B Deep Cut Band Saw Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
- Tool Box Buzz. “DEWALT vs Milwaukee Band Saw Comparison.” ToolBoxBuzz.com.
