FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Quiet and Compact Cordless Bandsaw

This compact portable bandsaw is a better option than other metal-cutting tools.

By Greg Burnet Issue 316 - July 2023
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Given that pretty much every conceivable tool is available now in a cordless model, the trend has turned to compact versions. A recent entry into this field is DeWalt’s 12v cordless bandsaw, model DCS375. I’ve been a satisfied user of the DeWalt 12v platform for several years and had a good experience using the saw’s bigger 20v brother courtesy of an electrician friend, so when I saw this tool, I bit.

This compact portable bandsaw is a better option than other metal-cutting tools. First of all, it’s surprisingly quiet, especially when compared to a grinder with a cut-off wheel or a metal-cutting circular saw, both of which I’ve come to loathe due to the racket they make. Also, the cuts are cleaner and the material stays cooler—there’s no shower of sparks when cutting ferrous metal. At around $8, the blades are fairly inexpensive and seem to last a reasonably long time, especially when cutting lighter-gauge metals such as thin-wall conduit. And because the entire blade is in contact with the work, it wears evenly, unlike blades for a reciprocating saw without an adjustable shoe; only a portion of those blades tends to wear out before they’re toast.

The 12v bandsaw could almost be described as tiny, which translates into less fatigue for the user. Coupled with a 5-Ah battery, the tool weighs around 8 lb., but it feels lighter thanks to its nice balance. And given that it’s just over 12 in. long, it can be brought directly to the work, such as already installed conduit, strut channel, threaded rod, and more. I’ve been happy with its performance and the run time of the brushless motor, though I’ve admittedly not had the need to push it too far. I’ve used it to cut conduit, aluminum extrusions, and rebar; in fact, I carry it with me when picking up rebar so I can chop it down from the 20-ft. pieces sold by my supplier to more manageable lengths.

Notable features include an onboard LED that illuminates the area around the blade, a variable-speed trigger, toolless blade changes, and a front-mounted hook similar to the rafter hooks commonly found on circular saws. Since it has just 1-3 ⁄ 4 in. of cut capacity, I consider it a bit of a niche tool. It’s likely not going to be sought out by commercial electricians, fence installers, or those who often work with much larger components. But I think it shines as a supplement to a larger bandsaw, whether corded or cordless, or even as a primary tool for carpenters and remodelers who have the occasional need to cut smaller-profile metal objects or are simply fed up listening to the scream of a grinder. And at $180, it won’t break the bank.

—Greg Burnet, carpenter and woodworker.

Photos: courtesy of the manufacturer

From Fine Homebuilding #316


RELATED STORIES

  • Multi-Material Miter Saw
  • A Rolling Bandsaw Base
  • Choosing Metal-Cutting Snips

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

DEWALT 18v Cordless Multitool (DCS355)

This cordless multitool offers precise and powerful cuts, fast blade changes, and great ergonomics.
Buy at Amazon

DEWALT 2 1⁄4-hp Router Combo Kit (DW618PK)

This tool features amazing plunge action, great dust-extraction capabilities, and a rotating ring to adjust motor depth,
Buy at Amazon

Metabo HPT Compact Cordless Miter Saw (C3607DRAQ4)

This is a beautifully executed miter saw with excellent cut quality, great capacity, dual-bevel capabilities, and a bevel-adjustment knob.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction

The crew talks about work start times, fire-resistant construction, fixer-uppers, building Larsen trusses, and AI for construction.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips
  • A New Approach to Foundations

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • How to Use a Cordless Track Saw
  • Get Better Results From Your Track Saw
  • Podcast 568: PRO TALK With VPs of Product Development Tyson Apfelbeck and Andrew Lentz
  • Podcast 551: Power Tool Batteries, Building as a Third Career, and High DIY
View All

Power Tools

View All Power Tools Articles
  • A Powerful System of Concrete Tools
  • Tool Test: Cordless Planers
  • Reciprocating-Saw Blade Guide
View All Power Tools Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

This is your last free article.

Don't miss another expert tip or technique from building pros. Start your free trial today.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data