Best Metal Cutting Band Saws: Which One to Buy

The right metal-cutting band saw depends first on where the cutting happens: a 7 in by 12 in horizontal saw such as the WEN 39707 or the JET J-3410 suits a home or small fabrication shop that wants repeatable square cuts, a 4 in by 6 in saw such as the WEN 3970 suits hobby work in a small space, and a hand-held deep-cut saw such as the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Deep Cut or the DEWALT DWM120K suits jobsite and in-place work. This guide compares those three families, so you can pick the type before you pick the brand.

Our top picks

Top pickJET 5" x 6" Metal Cutting Horizontal/Vertical

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Also greatKFMK Tabletop Band Saw

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Also greatJET 7" x 12" Deluxe Horizontal/Vertical Metal

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Three types of metal-cutting band saw

Horizontal (stationary) band saws

The blade sits on a hinged arm that swings down through material held in a vise. Gravity or a hydraulic cylinder supplies the feed, and many models shut off automatically at the end of the cut. They are the usual choice for cutting bar, tube and structural shapes to length. Capacity is usually quoted at 90 degrees and at 45 degrees, and the 45 degree figures are much smaller.

Vertical (upright) band saws for metal

The blade runs vertically through a table, as in a woodworking band saw, but with slower blade speeds and sometimes a gearbox. These saws shape and contour sheet and plate. Metal-cutting versions need speeds low enough for steel, so a wood band saw is not a substitute unless the maker rates it for metal.

Portable hand-held band saws

The saw is carried to the work. Brushless cordless models from Milwaukee and DEWALT list capacities in the 5 in class, and corded models offer variable speed and unlimited runtime. They cannot match a stationary saw for square, repeatable cuts, but they are far more flexible.

At a glance

The WEN and JET figures come from the maker manuals and retailer listings, and the portable-saw figures from the maker pages and retailer listings. The Grizzly G0561 was only seen as a listing without a full spec sheet.

The picks

WEN 39707: best entry to a 7 in by 12 in horizontal saw

The manual lists four blade speeds from 135 to 390 FPM, a 9.5 amp single-phase motor, 7 in round capacity at 90 degrees, and a beveling vise that pivots from 0 to 45 degrees. It includes a coolant tank and spray nozzle, ball-bearing blade guides and an automatic shutoff. At about 320 lb, with a stand, it needs a good floor. The manual says it is for horizontal metal cutting only, so do not turn it vertical for contour work.

JET J-3410: best for a heavier, long-established design

A retailer lists the J-3410 as a 0.75 hp, four-speed saw with 86 to 260 feet per minute, cast-iron head and table, hydraulic down-feed control, coolant circulation and automatic shutoff. It is heavier at about 360 lb. Stock availability varies by region, so confirm with a dealer that the model is still offered before you plan around it.

WEN 3970: best for hobby or light work

The smaller saw has a 3/4 hp motor, three speeds from 80 to 200 FPM and a vise that swivels up to 60 degrees. Its 4 in by 6 in capacity covers common bar, tube and angle in a home shop. It is lighter and easier to store than a 7 in by 12 in saw, but it is not meant for production cutting.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Deep Cut and DEWALT DWM120K: best portable options

The Milwaukee lists a 5 in by 5 in capacity, a brushless motor, an all-metal direct drive and a tool-free adjustable shoe. The corded DEWALT adds variable speed, a rated 10 amp motor and a weight around 15 lb. If you do jobsite cutting such as pipe, strut or conduit, either one beats a stationary saw because it comes to the work.

Budget tiers

• Budget: 4 in by 6 in horizontal saws and corded portable saws. Good for occasional cutting.
• Mid-range: 7 in by 12 in horizontal saws such as the WEN 39707, and cordless portable saws if you own the batteries.
• Premium: heavier cast saws with hydraulic feed and larger fabrication saws, which also need more floor space and power.

Spec notes that matter

• 90 versus 45 degree capacity: the 45 degree capacity is much smaller. On the WEN 39707 the round capacity falls from 7 in to 3-15/16 in.
• Blade speed range: slower speeds for stainless, tool steel and thick stock; faster speeds for aluminum and mild steel. A saw with four speeds is more flexible than one with two.
• Blade size: a 93 in by 3/4 in blade is common on the 7 in by 12 in class. A saw that takes standard blade sizes is easier to supply.
• Coolant: a coolant system extends blade life and improves finish in steel.
• Weight: a saw over 300 lb needs a solid floor, and delivery may require a pallet jack or lift gate.
• Power: check the amp draw against your circuit. A 9.5 amp saw can share a standard shop circuit with little else running.

Blade selection and technique

Choose a bimetal blade with enough teeth for the wall thickness. A common guideline is to keep two or three teeth in the cut at all times, so thin tube needs a fine tooth count and solid bar a coarser one. Let the saw feed under its own weight or the hydraulic control, and do not force the cut. New blades benefit from a gentle break-in, and the manual describes the procedure. Keep coolant topped up and clean the chip tray.

Safety

Wear safety glasses and hearing protection, tie back loose clothing and keep hands outside the blade path. Clamp the work firmly in the vise. Unplug the saw before changing blades or adjusting guides. Hot chips and cut edges are sharp, so use gloves for handling. Follow the manual on lubrication and gear oil, and consult it before cutting any material it excludes.

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Alternatives

• Abrasive chop saw: faster in some stock, but louder and sparkier, with a rougher edge.
• Cold saw: a circular-blade saw for production cutting, with higher cost.
• Angle grinder with a cut-off wheel: cheap and portable, but less precise.
• Metal-cutting service: for a one-off project, a supplier will cut stock to length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Horizontal or portable: which should I buy first?

If most of your cutting is stock to length in a shop, a horizontal saw gives square, repeatable cuts. If you cut pipe, strut or conduit away from a bench, a portable saw is more practical. Many shops end up with both.

What does 7 in by 12 in mean?

It describes the largest round bar it will cut and the width of rectangular stock, quoted at 90 degrees. Capacity is lower at 45 degrees, and the figure differs between makers, so read the table in the manual.

Do I need coolant?

For regular steel cutting it helps. Saws such as the WEN 39707 and the JET J-3410 include a coolant system. For occasional cuts in thin stock, cutting wax or oil by hand may be enough.

Can I cut aluminum on the same saw?

Many can, using a suitable blade, a faster speed and lubricant. Check the maker’s guidance, because aluminum can clog fine teeth.

How much floor space and power do I need?

Seven-inch horizontal saws weigh around 320 to 360 lb and measure roughly 43 to 48 in long. A standard 120V circuit is typical for the WEN. Plan the location and delivery first.

How often should I change the blade?

Change it when cuts wander, slow down or leave burrs. Blade life depends on material, speed, coolant and technique, so there is no fixed number.