DEWALT 20 Volt Band Saw: What to Check Before Buying or Restoring One
You are thinking about buying or restoring a DEWALT 20V band saw and you want to know what to check. DEWALT 20V band saws are cordless portable band saws designed for cutting metal. You need to know the specifications, what to look for, and how to restore one.
DEWALT 20V band saws are cordless portable band saws powered by DEWALT 20V MAX batteries. They are designed for cutting metal pipe, conduit, unistrut, and bar stock. DEWALT 20V saws are available in deep cut and compact models.
Model Identification
DEWALT 20V Band Saw Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity | Motor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCS374B | 20V MAX XR deep cut | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches | Brushless | Popular |
| DCS375B | 20V MAX XR deep cut (newer) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches | Brushless | Newer model |
| DCS376B | 20V MAX XR deep cut (variable speed) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches | Brushless | Variable speed |
| DCS371 | 20V MAX compact | 32-7/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches | Brushed | Compact |
| DCS368 | 20V MAX Atomic compact | 32-7/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches | Brushless | Compact |
A quality option is the DEWALT DCS374B 20V MAX XR Brushless Deep Cut Band Saw.
How to Identify Your Model
- Find the model number on the label on the motor housing.
- If the label is missing, check for stamped numbers on the body.
- Check the blade length: 44-7/8 inches = deep cut, 32-7/8 inches = compact.
- Check the cut capacity: 5 x 5 inches = deep cut, 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches = compact.
- Contact DEWALT customer service with any identifying numbers.
Specifications
DEWALT DCS374B (20V MAX XR Deep Cut)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | DCS374B |
| Type | 20V MAX XR deep cut band saw (tool only) |
| Battery | 20V MAX (not included) |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Blade length | 44-7/8 inches |
| Cut capacity | 5 x 5 inches |
| Speed | Variable, 0 to 570 SFPM (verify) |
| Weight | ~14 to 16 pounds (with battery) |
| LED light | Yes |
DEWALT DCS368 (20V MAX Atomic Compact)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | DCS368 |
| Type | 20V MAX Atomic compact band saw (tool only) |
| Battery | 20V MAX (not included) |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Blade length | 32-7/8 inches |
| Cut capacity | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
| Speed | Variable (verify) |
| Weight | ~10 to 12 pounds (with battery) |
| LED light | Yes |
What to Check Before Buying Used
1. Motor
Install a battery and run the motor. Listen for bearing noise. Check for excessive vibration.
2. Blade
Check the blade condition. A replacement blade costs 15 to 30 dollars.
3. Blade Guides
Check the blade guides for wear. Worn guides cause blade wander and poor cut quality.
4. Switch
Check that the switch works correctly. The trigger should spring back when released.
5. Shoe
Check that the shoe adjusts smoothly and stays in position.
6. LED Light
Check that the LED light works.
7. Battery Compatibility
If buying a bare tool, make sure you have a compatible 20V MAX battery.
8. Blade Guard
Check that the blade guard opens and closes smoothly.
9. Body Condition
Check for cracks or damage to the housing. Cracks can affect structural integrity.
10. Model Number
Verify the model number to ensure you are getting the correct saw.
Restoration Tips
1. Install a Quality Blade
A quality bi-metal blade from DEWALT, LENOX, or Starrett makes a big difference. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.
2. Replace the Switch
Old switches can be unreliable. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars.
3. Replace the Blade Guides
If the guides are worn, replace them. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
4. Clean and Lubricate
Clean all moving parts and lubricate with light oil.
5. Replace the LED Light Assembly
If the LED does not work, replace the assembly. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
6. Replace the Shoe
If the shoe is bent or damaged, replace it. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
Blade Selection
Blade Length
- Deep cut (DCS374B, DCS375B, DCS376B): 44-7/8 inches.
- Compact (DCS371, DCS368): 32-7/8 inches.
Recommended TPI
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 10 TPI | Thick pipe, solid bar | 1/4 to 2 inches |
| 14 TPI | Medium thickness | 1/8 to 1 inch |
| 18 TPI | Thin material, conduit | Under 1/4 inch |
| 10/14 variable pitch | Mixed thicknesses | All |
| 24 TPI | Very thin sheet metal | Under 1/8 inch |
Cross-Brand Compatibility
44-7/8 inch blades: Compatible with Milwaukee deep cut (2729-20, 6232-20), Makita deep cut, Porter Cable (PCE4530), and BLACK+DECKER (9411). 32-7/8 inch blades: Compatible with Milwaukee M18 compact (2429-20), Makita BPB180, Porter Cable PC1375T, and Bauer.
Parts Sourcing
DEWALT Customer Service
Contact: DEWALT customer service or dewalt.com with the model number. Availability: OEM parts. Best source for model-specific parts.
eReplacementParts
Website: eReplacementParts.com Availability: Enter the model number to find parts.
Amazon
How to order: Search for the part number or “DEWALT 20V band saw parts.”
eBay
How to order: Search for the model number or part description.
Home Depot
How to order: Visit Home Depot or homedepot.com. Availability: Batteries, blades, and some common parts.
FAQ
What is the difference between the DEWALT DCS374B and DCS375B?
The DCS374B is the original 20V MAX XR deep cut band saw. The DCS375B is the newer model with updated features. Both use 44-7/8 inch blades and have 5 x 5 inch cut capacity.
What battery should I use with the DEWALT 20V band saw?
The 5.0 Ah battery is the best balance of weight and run time. The FlexVolt 9.0 Ah battery provides longer run time for production cutting.
What blade does the DEWALT 20V band saw use?
Deep cut models (DCS374B, DCS375B, DCS376B) use a 44-7/8 inch blade. Compact models (DCS371, DCS368) use a 32-7/8 inch blade. All use 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick blades.
References
- DEWALT. “20V MAX Band Saw Guide.” dewalt.com.
- eReplacementParts. “DEWALT DCS374B Parts.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Home Depot. “DEWALT 20V Band Saw.” homedepot.com.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “DEWALT 20V Band Saw Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
- LENOX Tools. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” LENOX Industrial Division.
