DeWalt DCS374B vs Milwaukee 2729-20: Portable Band Saws Compared
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Portable band saws cut metal without sparks, heat discoloration, or grinding dust. Electricians use them for conduit. Plumbers use them for copper and cast iron. Ironworkers use them for strut, angle iron, and threaded rod. The DeWalt DCS374B runs on 20V MAX with a deep-cut design. The Milwaukee 2729-20 runs on M18 FUEL. Both accept standard 44-7/8 inch blades and deliver smooth, burr-free cuts.
Quick Verdict
The Milwaukee 2729-20 is the better band saw for electricians and HVAC techs who cut a variety of materials. Variable speed protects blades and gives cleaner cuts on thin-wall tubing. The DeWalt DCS374B is faster through thick stock and costs $30 less, which makes it the better pick for plumbers and ironworkers who mostly cut solid material and want speed over finesse.
Variable speed prevents thin-wall EMT from catching and deforming. Slow speed on thin material extends blade life.
570 FPM cuts through 4-inch cast iron faster. Fixed speed is fine for thick-wall pipe.
Higher blade speed means faster cuts through Unistrut, angle iron, and threaded rod.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | DeWalt DCS374B | Milwaukee 2729-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Size | 44-7/8 in x 1/2 in | 44-7/8 in x 1/2 in |
| Cutting Capacity (round x rect) | 5 in x 4-3/4 in (round x rectangle) | 5 in x 5 in (round x rectangle) |
| Blade Speed | 570 FPM | 0 to 380 FPM (variable) |
| Battery Platform | 20V MAX | 18V (M18) |
| Weight (bare) | 12.6 lb (bare) | 12.0 lb (bare) |
| LED Work Light | Yes, integrated | Yes, integrated |
| Blade Change | Tool-free lever | Tool-free lever |
DeWalt DCS374B
Price: $239 (Home Depot)
Pros
- 5-inch round cutting capacity handles 4-inch rigid conduit and large-diameter pipe in one pass
- Tool-free blade tensioning lever means blade changes without hunting for a wrench
- Integrated LED illuminates the cut line in dark ceiling cavities and mechanical rooms
Cons
- 12.6 lb bare is heavy for extended overhead cutting
- 570 FPM blade speed is fixed, no variable speed for different materials
- Front handle vibrates noticeably during cuts in thick steel
Milwaukee 2729-20
Price: $269 (Home Depot)
Pros
- Variable speed from 0 to 380 FPM lets you slow down for thin-wall tubing and speed up for solid stock
- 5 x 5-inch capacity is the largest in the cordless class, handles 4-inch strut stacked double
- FUEL brushless motor delivers the longest blade life because consistent speed reduces tooth stripping
Cons
- 380 FPM max is significantly slower than the DeWalt's 570, adds time on thick cuts
- $30 more than the DeWalt for a slower saw
- Variable speed trigger is touchy at low speeds, hard to hold a consistent 100 FPM
Best For
Electrical conduit (EMT and rigid)
Milwaukee 2729-20
Variable speed prevents thin-wall EMT from catching and deforming. Slow speed on thin material extends blade life.
Plumbing (cast iron and copper)
DeWalt DCS374B
570 FPM cuts through 4-inch cast iron faster. Fixed speed is fine for thick-wall pipe.
Structural steel and strut
DeWalt DCS374B
Higher blade speed means faster cuts through Unistrut, angle iron, and threaded rod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a band saw instead of a reciprocating saw for metal?
Band saws produce no sparks, minimal heat, and a smooth burr-free cut. Recip saws throw sparks, leave rough edges, and heat-discolor the cut area. For clean conduit cuts, code-compliant pipe cuts, and anywhere sparks are a fire hazard, band saws are the right tool.
How many cuts can I get on one battery?
On a 5Ah battery cutting 3/4-inch EMT, expect 150 to 200 cuts. On 2-inch rigid conduit, roughly 50 cuts. The Milwaukee's variable speed gives slightly more cuts per charge on thin material because it draws less current at lower speeds.
How often should I replace the band saw blade?
When cuts start pulling to one side, the blade wanders off the line, or cutting speed drops noticeably. For daily professional use, every 2 to 4 weeks depending on what you cut. Stainless steel eats blades 3x faster than mild steel. Always keep a spare blade in your bag.