Milwaukee 2529-20
Score: 88/100
DeWalt DCS378
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Milwaukee 2529-20 is a bare-tool, 12V cordless compact band saw featuring a POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS intelligence. It offers a 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" cut capacity and a variable blade speed of up to 570 SFPM, making it the fastest in its class. It is ideal for electricians and tradespeople needing portability and one-handed safety features.
The DEWALT DCS378B is a cordless, brushless mid-size portable bandsaw designed for professional jobsite and shop use, featuring a 3-3/8 inch cut capacity and a 535 MWO motor. It delivers a fixed blade speed of 570 SFPM and achieves up to 120 cuts per charge through 12-gauge strut, balancing power with portability. Ideal for jobsite Unistrut installs, workshop metal fabrication, and mobile repairs where speed and portability are prioritized.
| Attribute | Milwaukee 2529-20 | |
|---|---|---|
2.5 in | 3.375 inbest | |
12 HP | 535 HPbest | |
570 RPMbest | 570 RPMbest | |
12 V | 20 Vbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 6 lbsbest | 24 lbs |
— | 35.875 inbest | |
6 in | 7.8 inbest | |
8 in | 12.2 inbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | Milwaukee 2529-20 | |
|---|---|---|
Cutting Capacity(1) | ||
Throat Depth (in) | 2.5 in | 3.375 in |
Portability & Build(1) | ||
Weight (lbs) | 6 lbs | 24 lbs |
Power & Performance(2) | ||
Motor Power (HP) | 12 HP | 535 HP |
Nominal Voltage (V) | 12 V | 20 V |
Dimensions(3) | ||
Overall Height (in) | 6.0 in | 7.8 in |
Overall Width (in) | 8.0 in | 12.2 in |
Overall Length (in) | 14.12 in | 16.8 in |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors praise the Milwaukee 2529-20 for its significant upgrades over the previous M12 2429-20 model, specifically highlighting the brushless motor's 570 SFPM speed and the 6 lb weight reduction. It is described as the fastest cutting band saw in the 2-1/2" cut capacity class, ideal for electricians and tradespeople needing portability and one-handed safety features like integrated blade covers.
Search results lack direct consumer reviews or forum discussions, so specific user praise or complaints are not available. However, product pages imply that users value the lightweight comfort, speed for daily trade use, and practical features like the rafter hook and LED light for accuracy and storage.
Professional reviewers and editors highlight the DEWALT DCS378B as a balanced tool that excels in speed, power, and utility for commercial jobsites. They praise the brushless motor's 535 MWO output and 570 SFPM blade speed.
Everyday users and contractors appreciate the fast cutting speed and long runtime, specifically citing the ability to make 120 cuts per charge and 5.1-second cuts through strut. However, recurring complaints involve the 3-3/8 inch capacity being insufficient for heavy pipe work and the 24 lb weight feeling too heavy for prolonged handheld operation without the stand.
