DEWALT Deep Cut Band Saw: What to Check Before Buying or Restoring One

You are thinking about buying or restoring a DEWALT deep cut band saw. DEWALT deep cut band saws are portable metal cutting band saws with a 5-inch cut capacity. You need to know what to check before buying and what common repairs to expect.

DEWALT deep cut band saws are portable band saws designed for cutting metal pipe, conduit, unistrut, and bar stock. They are available in corded, 20V cordless, and 60V cordless versions. The deep cut designation means they can cut material up to 5 inches deep and 5 inches wide.

Model Identification

DEWALT Deep Cut Band Saw Models

Model	Type	Blade Length	Cut Capacity	Notes
DWM120	Corded	44-7/8 inches	5 x 5 inches	Corded, variable speed
DCS374B	20V MAX XR (tool only)	44-7/8 inches	5 x 5 inches	Brushless
DCS374P1	20V MAX XR (kit)	44-7/8 inches	5 x 5 inches	Kit with battery
DCS375B	20V MAX XR (tool only)	44-7/8 inches	5 x 5 inches	Brushless, newer
DCS376B	60V MAX (tool only)	44-7/8 inches	5 x 5 inches	Brushless, 60V
DCS376P1	60V MAX (kit)	44-7/8 inches	5 x 5 inches	Kit with battery

How to Identify Your Model

1. Find the model number on the label on the motor housing.
2. If the label is missing, check for stamped numbers on the body.
3. Check the blade length: 44-7/8 inches = deep cut.
4. Check the battery platform: 20V or 60V = cordless. No battery = corded.
5. Contact DEWALT customer service with any identifying numbers.

Specifications

Corded Models (DWM120)

Specification	Value
Motor	10 amp, 120V
Speed	Variable, 100 to 350 FPM
Cut capacity	5 x 5 inches
Blade length	44-7/8 inches
Blade width	1/2 inch
Weight	~22 to 26 pounds

Cordless Models (DCS374B, DCS375B, DCS376B)

Specification	Value
Battery	20V or 60V MAX
Motor	Brushless
Speed	Variable, 100 to 350 FPM
Cut capacity	5 x 5 inches
Blade length	44-7/8 inches
Blade width	1/2 inch
Weight	~18 to 22 pounds

What to Check Before Buying Used

1. Blade Condition

Check the blade for wear, missing teeth, or damage. A worn blade costs 15 to 30 dollars to replace.

2. Motor

Corded: Plug in the saw and run it. Listen for grinding, squeaking, or excessive noise. Check that the speed control works smoothly. Cordless: Install a battery and run the saw. Listen for grinding or excessive noise. Check that the speed control works.

3. Switch

Check that the power switch turns the saw on and off cleanly. A worn switch costs 15 to 25 dollars to replace.

4. Blade Guides

Check the blade guides for wear. Worn guides cause the blade to wander. Replacement guides cost 20 to 40 dollars.

5. Shoe Assembly

Check the shoe for wear, damage, or bending. A damaged shoe costs 20 to 40 dollars to replace.

6. Blade Guard

Check the blade guard for cracks or damage. A damaged guard costs 15 to 30 dollars to replace.

7. Battery (Cordless Models)

Check the battery condition. A new 20V 5Ah battery costs 100 to 150 dollars. A new 60V battery costs 150 to 200 dollars.

8. Variable Speed Control

Check that the variable speed control works smoothly from low to high speed. A worn speed control costs 100 to 200 dollars to repair.

9. LED Light

Check that the LED light works. A non-functional LED costs 10 to 20 dollars to replace.

10. Overall Condition

Check for cracks in the housing, missing screws, and general wear. A saw in poor condition may not be worth restoring.

Common Repairs

1. Blade Replacement

When: Cuts become rough or blade breaks. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.

2. Switch Replacement

When: Switch does not work or is intermittent. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars.

3. Blade Guide Replacement

When: Blade wanders or guides are worn. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.

4. Shoe Assembly Replacement

When: Shoe is worn or damaged. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.

5. Blade Guard Replacement

When: Guard is cracked or damaged. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.

6. Variable Speed Control Repair

When: Speed control is erratic or does not work. Cost: 100 to 200 dollars.

7. Battery Replacement (Cordless)

When: Battery does not hold a charge or runtime is short. Cost: 100 to 200 dollars.

Restoration Tips

1. Clean the Saw

1. Remove the blade and clean all metal shavings and debris.
2. Clean the blade guides and shoe.
3. Clean the motor housing and vents.
4. Check and clean the LED light lens.

2. Replace Worn Parts

1. Install a new blade.
2. Replace worn blade guides.
3. Replace a worn or damaged shoe.
4. Replace a worn switch.

3. Lubricate

1. Lubricate the guide post.
2. Lubricate the shoe pivot points.
3. Check the motor bearings (do not lubricate sealed bearings).

4. Test Run

1. Install the new blade.
2. Run the saw at low speed.
3. Check that the blade tracks properly.
4. Make a test cut on mild steel.
5. Check that the cut is smooth and straight.

Where to Find Parts

DEWALT Service Center: Contact DEWALT or visit a DEWALT service center. eReplacementParts: Enter the model number to find parts. Amazon: Search for the model number or part description. eBay: Search for the model number or part description. Home Depot: Batteries, blades, and common accessories.

FAQ

What blade does the DEWALT deep cut band saw use?

A 44-7/8 inch blade, 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick. Compatible with Milwaukee, LENOX, Starrett, and other brands that make 44-7/8 inch portable band saw blades.

What should I check before buying a used DEWALT deep cut band saw?

Check the motor, switch, blade guides, shoe, blade guard, variable speed control, LED light, battery (cordless models), and overall condition. Listen for grinding or excessive noise when running.

Can I use Milwaukee blades in my DEWALT deep cut band saw?

Yes. Both use 44-7/8 inch blades, 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick. The blades are cross-brand compatible.

References

• DEWALT. “Deep Cut Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” dewalt.com.
• eReplacementParts. “DEWALT Band Saw Parts.” eReplacementParts.com.
• Home Depot. “DEWALT Band Saw Accessories.” homedepot.com.
• Pro Tool Reviews. “DEWALT Deep Cut Band Saw Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
• LENOX Tools. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” LENOX Industrial Division.