Skil BW9501
Score: 85/100
DeWalt DCS378
Score: 88/100Rankings
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.
The SKIL BW9501-00 is a compact benchtop band saw designed for hobbyists, offering dual-speed operation and tool-free adjustments for ease of use. Its main trade-off is the looseness of the included miter gauge and limited cutting height. It is best suited for beginner woodworkers seeking an entry-level precision tool with safety features.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
9 inbest | 3.375 in | |
2.5 HP | 535 HPbest | |
2,500 RPMbest | 570 RPM | |
120 Vbest | 20 V | |
147 sq inbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 43 lbs | 24 lbsbest |
59.5 inbest | 35.875 in | |
28.75 inbest | 7.8 in |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Cutting Capacity(1) | ||
Throat Depth (in) | 9 in | 3.375 in |
Portability & Build(1) | ||
Weight (lbs) | 43 lbs | 24 lbs |
Power & Performance(4) | ||
Motor Power (HP) | 2.5 HP | 535 HP |
Blade Speed (RPM) | 2500 RPM | 570 RPM |
Nominal Voltage (V) | 120 V | 20 V |
Motor Type | Induction | Brushless |
Blade & Guides(1) | ||
Blade Length (in) | 59.5 in | 35.875 in |
Dimensions(3) | ||
Overall Height (in) | 28.75 in | 7.8 in |
Overall Width (in) | 20 in | 12.2 in |
Overall Length (in) | 13 in | 16.8 in |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers characterize the SKIL BW9501-00 as an excellent entry-level tool that offers many features typically found in higher-end models. They emphasize its user-friendly design, particularly the tool-free adjustments and safety key, making it highly approachable for beginners.
Everyday users generally praise the saw for its compact size and surprising power when cutting hardwoods, contradicting initial concerns about the motor's size. The ease of use and tool-free tensioning are frequently highlighted as major benefits for hobbyists.
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.
“just seems to have plenty of power”
“very approachable piece of equipment, even for a novice”
