DeWalt DCS378 Midsize Band Saw: Three Kit Options for Commercial and Home Use

Introduction

DeWalt’s new midsize band saw line covers a range of needs with three model numbers: the DCS378P1 kit with a 5Ah battery, bag, and charger, the DCS378B bare tool, and the DCS379B. All share the same core machine: a 20V brushless motor, variable speed control, and a metal frame designed for commercial use.

Design Built for Commercial Life

DeWalt designed this band saw for commercial life, and it shows in the details. The metal frame has zero flex, and everything you need is stored on board. The Allen key for adjusting blade tracking hides neatly in the handle, right where it loosens the wheel.

The one-piece plastic cover opens with metal latches to expose the blade. The included blade is 18 TPI and 35-3/8 inches long. Reinstalling the blade is not difficult, though it slides in at a slightly different angle than some other band saws. Once you get used to that angle, setup is straightforward: seat the blade, replace the wheel, hit the trigger, and check the tracking.

An adjustable work stop slides out as far as you need or back in when you want more room, and a 3-3/8 inch square cut capacity is lit by an LED work light. An ambidextrous safety on top must be pushed one way or another before the trigger will squeeze.

Variable Speed Control That Feels Effortless

The trigger is the standout feature. It ramps up butter smooth, and paired with the speed dial it gives you precise control across the full range. The dial runs from one to five, and even at the top setting you can still drop the blade speed down to super slow.

The saw is rated for up to 570 feet per minute with the dial on high, and you can move the dial in small increments to hit exactly the blade speed you want for the material. The 20V brushless motor delivers consistent power throughout.

Smart Venting Keeps Chips Moving

One design detail that stands out is the venting. These openings do move a slight amount of air, but their main job is moving chips out of the wheels. Many band saws have open wheels, but not to this extent.

Flip the saw over and you can see filings escaping through the holes. Some debris still collects inside, so you will clean it out periodically, but the vents give chips a chance to get out rather than building up and damaging parts. It is a thoughtful touch that protects the tool over the long term.

Build Quality and Battery Life

The fit and feel is excellent, as you would expect from a commercial-grade tool. Cutting is butter smooth, control is there, and the grip feels right. Pick it up and you can immediately tell it is built well, with no flex anywhere in the unit.

Battery life is equally impressive. With the 5Ah battery, you could use this saw all day and probably not come close to draining it. The saw is also lanyard ready with an accessory attachment point, and Tool Connect ready if you want to add a chip in the bottom.

Which Model Should You Buy?

The DCS378P1 is the complete package: the same XR midsize band saw with a 5Ah battery, bag, and charger at an MSRP of $459. If you already own DeWalt 20V batteries, the DCS378B bare tool at $339 is the smarter buy.

The DCS379B sits at the top of the range, with the kit configuration carrying an MSRP of $529 including the 5Ah battery, bag, and charger. Pricing across the line sits in commercial-grade territory, so DIY buyers will spend a bit more than on some other band saws. What you get in return is a top-notch tool with no compromises.

Conclusion

This is one of the nicest midsize band saws in its class: great design, great cuts, excellent battery life, and all the power and control you need. Whether you are buying for commercial work or home use, it checks every box. Choose the kit if you need batteries and accessories, or the bare tool if you are already invested in the DeWalt 20V platform.