Portable bandsaw for conduit work

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sw_ross

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I’ve used the DeWalt 18v and then the 20v bandsaw for conduit work for close to 10 years.
It’s amazing how useful the tool is. PVC, EMT, Rigid up to 2”. Strut, angle iron, all-thread, etc. I even use it to cut larger wire, 2awg and larger.
I didn’t realize how much I depend on it until mine took a dump this week and I couldn’t repair it.
I have a job next week that involves EMT and I can’t afford to push the job out further just because I don’t
I immediately ordered a new one from Amazon as I couldn’t find one locally available in stores.

What I did find, and bought, was the Milwaukee 12v bandsaw. I use the Milwaukee driver as my everyday driver, and have the recip saw that I use regularly so I already have batteries. The bandsaw is rated for up to 3/4” EMT as well as strut.
I’m interested to use it as sometimes the dewalt bandsaw was sometimes awkward in weird positions.
The Milwaukee is a lot smaller and lighter.
 
I use the 18 volt Milwaukee band saw everyday. Cuts up to 2" conduit with ease. For larger conduits I still like a corded band saw so I use the big Milwaukee saw for larger conduits, cuts up to 4" EMT.
 
If you are doing any field-fabrication, plan to not do it directly on constructed building surfaces. Cutting, bending, threadding, etc. Lay down plywood between your workpiece and the building floor or roof. That way, accidental cutting of the finished building material doesn't happen, and you can catch tailings so they don't create corrosion potential. And if using it on a roof, you don't want the "footprint" of your tool to put stress concentrations on the insulation boards beneath the membrane.
 
I have the M12 little bandsaw, my first one. It is fantastic. I've used it to cut 1/2 and 3/4 EMT, both sizes of strut, threaded rod up to 5/8 and even 3/4 RMC with zero trouble. I've also used it in some contorted positions up on a ladder and its small and light enough that its easy to use.
 
I bought the 12 volt because my cable cutter is 12, and it doesn’t get used that often, so I tend to keep the batteries charged when I do need the cable cutter. Works great, but don’t cut welding cable with the band saw, the strands clog up the band.
 
hillbilly1 said:
I bought the 12 volt because my cable cutter is 12, and it doesn’t get used that often, so I tend to keep the batteries charged when I do need the cable cutter. Works great, but don’t cut welding cable with the band saw, the strands clog up the band.
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Good tip! You saved me some trouble, have to cut some 4/0 portable feeder next week and was going to use it.
 
Frank DuVal said:
Funny, I cut fine stranded cable (2/0, 4/0, W, G-GC and welding cable) with a bandsaw all the time..... No issues. Use Milwaukee corded and 18 volt small size. 18 TPI typically in saw.
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My initial reaction to 18 TPI for that fine stranded cable is :eek: . Isn't that a bit rough for that fine stranded cable? I would think a 24 or 32 TPI would give a smoother cut.
 
Frank DuVal said:
Funny, I cut fine stranded cable (2/0, 4/0, W, G-GC and welding cable) with a bandsaw all the time..... No issues. Use Milwaukee corded and 18 volt small size. 18 TPI typically in saw.
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Are you cutting new cables to length? If so, probably no problem, but I use it on rental cables to clean up the ends, and they get upset and want to charge you for the cable if you cut a lot off. The strands get under the cover and wad up. My cable cutter was buried in the gang box, and the band saw was readily available.
 
Frank DuVal said:
Funny, I cut fine stranded cable (2/0, 4/0, W, G-GC and welding cable) with a bandsaw all the time..... No issues. Use Milwaukee corded and 18 volt small size. 18 TPI typically in saw.
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The problem arises when you try to cut the end of a cable that has already been skinned. I was tying in a panel yesterday and used the bandsaw to trim 1/4" off of the end and it completely chewed up and mangled the strands and this was on a standard strand conductor. I agree with a good blade it cuts cleanly through when the insulation is intact.
 
Todd0x1 said:
I have the M12 little bandsaw, my first one. It is fantastic. I've used it to cut 1/2 and 3/4 EMT, both sizes of strut, threaded rod up to 5/8 and even 3/4 RMC with zero trouble. I've also used it in some contorted positions up on a ladder and its small and light enough that its easy to use.
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I've used my m12 to cut 1.5" emt and unistrut with NP. Makes nice clean cuts. Light enough to do overhead repair/changeout on conduit runs. Also makes nice cuts on threaded rod without making need to recut threads to put on the nuts.
 
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