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Quick answer from a licensed plumber: For strut, threaded rod and steel pipe up to 2-1/2 inch on DeWalt batteries, the DeWalt DCS378B, with a 3-3/8 inch capacity. For one-handed and overhead cuts on Makita batteries, the compact Makita XBP04Z. For 3 and 4 inch steel pipe, the Makita XBP02Z (4-3/4 inch capacity), or the corded WEN 94396 (5 x 5 inch) for shop use.
Our pick for most plumbing work: the DeWalt DCS378B 20V MAX XR mid-size bandsaw. Check the DeWalt DCS378B on Amazon
A portable band saw cuts the metal a plumber hangs and pipes: strut, threaded rod, conduit and steel pipe. Plumber’s note: it cuts without the shower of sparks an abrasive cut-off wheel throws, which matters in a finished house. This page compares four saws using only the DeWalt, Makita and WEN manuals and product pages, and shows which pipe sizes each one fits.
For plastic pipe, use a ratcheting cutter instead; our pipe cutter guide covers copper, PEX and PVC. For threading the steel pipe you cut, see our pipe threading machine picks.
Portable Band Saws Compared
Scroll sideways for more columns. Keyboard users can focus the table and press the arrow keys.
| Saw | Power | Cut capacity (maker) | Blade length | Blade speed (maker) | Weight (maker) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCS378B | DeWalt 20V MAX | 3-3/8 in. | 35-3/8 in. | 220 to 570 SFPM (dial) | 11.02 lb (tool only) | 3-year limited |
| Makita XBP04Z | Makita 18V LXT | 2-5/8 in. round, 2-5/8 x 2-5/8 in. | 32-7/8 in. | 0 to 630 ft/min (dial 260 to 630, per the manual) | 7.9 lb with battery | 3-year limited |
| Makita XBP02Z (not linked) | Makita 18V LXT | 4-3/4 in. round, 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 in. | 44-7/8 in. | 275 to 530 ft/min | 14.3 lb with battery | 3-year limited |
| WEN 94396 | 120 V corded, 10 A | 5 x 5 in. | 44-7/8 in. | 60 to 420 ft/min | 14.5 lb | 2 years or 500 hours, home use; 90 days professional or commercial |
Figures from the DeWalt DCS378B page and manual, the Makita XBP02Z and XBP04Z pages and manuals, and the WEN 94396 manual. The DeWalt figure is the assembled product weight on its tool-only page, so it does not include a battery; the Makita figures include one. Each linked saw was sold by Amazon.com and in stock on October 8, 2026. The Makita XBP02Z is named but not linked; see its card.
Which Pipe Sizes Each Saw Fits
Band saw capacity is a measurement across the cut, so compare it with the pipe’s outside diameter. Wheatland lists these outside diameters for Schedule 40 steel pipe.
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| Nominal pipe size | Outside diameter (Wheatland) | XBP04Z (2-5/8 in.) | DCS378B (3-3/8 in.) | XBP02Z (4-3/4 in.) | WEN 94396 (5 in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in. | 2.375 in. | Fits | Fits | Fits | Fits |
| 2-1/2 in. | 2.875 in. | No | Fits | Fits | Fits |
| 3 in. | 3.500 in. | No | No | Fits | Fits |
| 4 in. | 4.500 in. | No | No | Fits | Fits |
| 5 in. | 5.563 in. | No | No | No | No |
Fit is our arithmetic from the maker’s capacity and Wheatland’s outside diameter. Plumber’s note: a pipe right at the limit leaves little room to start the cut, so pick a saw with some margin over your largest pipe.
How to Get Clean, Fast Cuts
- Clamp the work. DeWalt and Makita both say to secure the material, rest the stop on it, and start the saw with the blade clear of the work.
- Let the saw’s weight do it. Both manuals say the tool’s own weight supplies the cutting pressure; DeWalt says added pressure slows the blade and shortens its life.
- Keep teeth in the cut. DeWalt says keep at least 2 to 3 teeth engaged; Makita says at least two.
- No oil. DeWalt says never use liquid coolants on a portable band saw. Makita says never use cutting oil; it sells a cutting wax for metal, but says not to use wax on cast iron.
- Support the drop. DeWalt says to support end pieces heavy enough to hurt when they fall, and that they may be hot and sharp.
DeWalt DCS378B 20V MAX XR Mid-Size Bandsaw
Brushless · 3-3/8 in. cut capacity · 35-3/8 in. blade · variable speed trigger plus a 5-setting dial, 220 to 570 SFPM · LED worklight · integrated blade guard · hang hook · 18 TPI blade included · 11.02 lb assembled product weight per DeWalt’s page · 3-year limited warranty · tool only
This is the size class that fits most plumbing metal: strut, threaded rod for hangers, conduit and steel pipe up to 2-1/2 inch by the numbers in the fit table above. DeWalt lists a 3-3/8 inch cut capacity and a brushless motor, and says it gets up to 120 cuts per charge through 12 gauge strut, a figure it footnotes as 1-5/8 inch strut with its DCB205 battery and an 18 TPI blade. It comes with an 18 TPI blade and takes a 35-3/8 inch blade.
Speed is set two ways: a variable speed trigger and a dial that runs from 220 SFPM on setting 1 to 570 SFPM on setting 5, per the manual. The manual says to hold the saw with one hand on the main handle and one on the auxiliary handle, and the hang hook lets you hang it on a pipe vise or other stable structure between cuts. DeWalt’s page lists an assembled product weight of 11.02 pounds for this tool-only model; the manual gives no weight.
- 3-3/8 in. capacity covers strut, rod and pipe up to 2-1/2 in. (our arithmetic)
- Trigger and dial speed control
- Hang hook for a pipe vise, per the manual
- 3-year limited warranty, per DeWalt
- Two-handed saw, per the manual
- 11.02 lb for the tool-only model, per DeWalt’s page
- Battery and charger sold separately
Verdict: The saw to buy if you already run DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and cut strut, threaded rod and steel pipe on hanger and gas jobs.
Makita XBP04Z 18V LXT Compact Brushless Band Saw
Brushless · 2-5/8 in. round and 2-5/8 x 2-5/8 in. rectangular capacity · 32-7/8 x 1/2 in. blade · 0 to 630 ft/min · constant speed control · 7.9 lb with battery per the page (7.9 to 8.6 lb by battery, per the manual) · 15-1/2 in. long · tool-less blade change · 3-year limited warranty · tool only
Makita built the XBP04Z for one-handed work in tight spaces and overhead, and says it meets ANSI blade guarding requirements for one-handed operation. That is the job of cutting threaded rod at the ceiling or strut on a rack. Makita lists 7.9 pounds with a battery and a length of 15-1/2 inches; the manual gives 7.9 to 8.6 pounds depending on the battery.
Capacity is 2-5/8 inches round or square, which covers 2 inch steel pipe and not 2-1/2 inch (our arithmetic). Makita says constant speed control adds power to hold speed under load, a catch bar helps stop the saw following through on repeat cuts, and the blade change lever needs no tools. The manual says to let the saw rest 15 minutes if you run it continuously until a battery is empty.
- Made for one-handed and overhead cutting, per Makita
- About 8 lb with battery
- Constant speed control under load
- Tool-less blade change
- 2-5/8 in. capacity: not for 2-1/2 in. pipe and up
- Side handle sold separately
- Shorter 32-7/8 in. blades
Verdict: The pick for cutting rod and strut overhead or in tight spaces on Makita 18V batteries.
Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Portable Band Saw
4-3/4 in. round and 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 in. rectangular capacity · 44-7/8 in. blade · 6-setting dial, 275 to 530 ft/min · brushed motor · 14.3 lb with battery per the page (13.8 or 14.3 lb by battery, per the manual) · 20-5/8 in. long · over-torque alert light · 18 TPI bi-metal blade included · 3-year limited warranty · tool only
If you cut bigger steel pipe, this is the cordless saw here with the room for it: Makita lists a 4-3/4 inch round capacity, which clears the 4.500 inch outside diameter of 4 inch Schedule 40 pipe (our arithmetic). Makita names Unistrut, all thread, channel, conduit, pipe and square tubing as the materials, and lists plumbing among the trades it is built for.
The trade-off is size. Makita lists 14.3 pounds with a battery (13.8 or 14.3 depending on the battery, per the manual) and a length of 20-5/8 inches. It uses a brushed motor, and the manual says to hold it with both hands. A protection circuit with an alert light warns of motor over-torque, and the adjustable stopper plate supports the work. We have not linked it: the Amazon offer we checked on October 8 was sold by an outside seller. This page links only offers sold by Amazon.com.
- 4-3/4 in. capacity, the largest of the cordless saws here
- Fits 4 in. Schedule 40 pipe on paper (our arithmetic)
- Over-torque alert light, per Makita
- 3-year limited warranty, per Makita
- 14.3 lb with battery
- Brushed motor
- Two-handed saw, per the manual
Verdict: The cordless pick when you cut 3 and 4 inch steel pipe, not just rod and strut.
WEN 94396 Corded Portable Band Saw
120 V, 10 A corded · 5 x 5 in. cut capacity · 60 to 420 ft/min variable speed · 44-7/8 x 1/2 x 0.025 in. blade · 10/14 TPI blade included · LED light · 14.5 lb · limited warranty of 2 years or 500 hours for home use, 90 days for professional or commercial use
WEN’s 94396 has the biggest capacity on this page, 5 by 5 inches, and needs no battery. The manual lists a 10 amp motor, a blade speed of 60 to 420 feet per minute set by a dial, a 10/14 TPI blade, an LED light and a weight of 14.5 pounds. Replacement blades are WEN part 94396B.
Read the warranty before you put it on a truck. WEN’s current manual gives the original purchaser two years or 500 hours of use, whichever comes first, for personal use, and ninety days if the tool is used for professional or commercial use. It needs both hands on the insulated handles, per the manual, and an outlet.
- 5 x 5 in. capacity, the largest on this page
- No batteries to buy or charge
- Variable speed down to 60 ft/min
- Blade and LED light included
- Warranty drops to 90 days for professional or commercial use, per WEN
- Corded: needs an outlet
- 14.5 lb
Verdict: A plug-in saw for a shop or a homeowner with occasional steel to cut, not a daily trade tool.
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Before You Buy
- Stay on your battery platform. The DeWalt runs on 20V MAX packs, the Makitas on 18V LXT packs. All three cordless saws here are sold as bare tools.
- Size it to your largest pipe. Use the fit table above, not the nominal pipe size.
- Decide one hand or two. Makita built the XBP04Z for one-handed work; the DeWalt, XBP02Z and WEN manuals all call for both hands.
- Buy blades that match the saw. Blade lengths differ: 35-3/8 in. for the DeWalt, 32-7/8 in. for the XBP04Z, and 44-7/8 in. for the XBP02Z and WEN. Thickness differs too: the DeWalt and Makita manuals specify 0.020 in. blades, and DeWalt says not to use 0.025 in. blades, while the WEN manual specifies 0.025 in. DeWalt also says not to use stationary band saw blades on its portable saw.
- Check the warranty for trade use. DeWalt and Makita list 3-year limited warranties; WEN’s drops to 90 days for professional or commercial use.
Brands We Left Out
This comparison covers the four saws above. We have not linked Milwaukee’s M12 or M18 saws, DeWalt’s deep-cut DCS374B or Makita’s sub-compact XBP05ZB; their current offers are not qualified for this page.
Cutting cast iron drain pipe is its own job; see our cast iron pipe cutter guide. To hold steel pipe while you cut, see our pipe vise and stand picks.
FAQ
Can a portable band saw cut PVC pipe?
The makers warn against it. DeWalt’s manual says never to cut resin materials that can melt, because the blade can bind; Makita’s XBP04 manual says plastic may melt at high speed. WEN’s Amazon listing says its saw cuts plastics. For PVC, ABS and PEX, a ratcheting plastic pipe cutter is the plumber’s tool.
What blade should I use for strut and threaded rod?
DeWalt’s manual says to keep at least two teeth on the work, use the coarsest blade that does that for speed, and use finer teeth on hard or thin material. Both DeWalt and Makita ship these saws with an 18 TPI blade, and DeWalt rates its strut figure with an 18 TPI blade.
Can a band saw cut cast iron soil pipe?
Makita’s manuals discuss cutting cast iron and say not to use cutting wax. Check the actual pipe’s outside diameter against the saw’s capacity; the Schedule 40 steel fit table above is not a cast-iron sizing chart. For another cutting method, see our cast iron pipe cutter guide.
Should I use cutting oil on a portable band saw?
No. DeWalt says never to use liquid coolants, which build up on the tires, and Makita says never to use cutting oil, which can make the blade slip or come off. Makita sells a cutting wax for metal, but says not to use it on cast iron.
How big a pipe will a portable band saw cut?
Compare the saw’s capacity with the pipe’s outside diameter, not its nominal size. Wheatland lists 2.375 inches for 2 inch Schedule 40 pipe, 3.500 for 3 inch and 4.500 for 4 inch, so a 3-3/8 inch saw stops at 2-1/2 inch pipe (our arithmetic).
Why Trust Plumbing Picks
Plumbing Picks is written by a licensed Georgia journeyman plumber. Every spec here comes from the maker documents linked below, or from the Amazon listings we link; nothing comes from hands-on testing. On October 8, 2026, every linked listing was in stock and sold by Amazon.com. If you buy through a link we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nobody pays to be included here. More on who writes this and how we pick.
Sources
- DeWalt: DCS378B 20V MAX XR mid-size bandsaw (features, includes, warranty), DCS378/DCS379 instruction manual
- Makita: XBP02Z 18V LXT portable band saw (features and specs), XBP02 instruction manual
- Makita: XBP04Z 18V LXT compact brushless band saw (features and specs), XBP04 instruction manual
- WEN: 94396 portable band saw instruction manual, current copy linked from wenproducts.com (specifications, operation, warranty)
- Wheatland Tube: standard pipe brochure (Schedule 40 outside diameters)
- Amazon listings for each linked saw (linked above)
Bottom Line
Buy the DeWalt DCS378B for strut, rod and pipe to 2-1/2 inch on DeWalt batteries, or the Makita XBP04Z if you want a light saw for one-handed overhead cuts. Step up to the Makita XBP02Z for 3 and 4 inch steel pipe. The corded WEN 94396 cuts the largest stock here, but its warranty drops to 90 days for professional or commercial use.