Solution Summary: Cordless Sub-Compact Band Saw
The sub-compact band saw is a powerful tool for cutting through a variety of construction materials.
Description:
The cordless sub-compact band saw is an engineering control that may help reduce stressful hand and wrist activity, and overhead work. The tool is a light-weight yet powerful band saw which can quickly cut through a variety of materials, while maintaining a neutral wrist posture, decreasing stressful hand and wrist activity, and minimizing time working overhead.
The cordless sub-compact band saw features one-handed operation and is ideal for electricians, maintenance professionals, or anyone cutting small diameter materials.
Figure 1. Milwaukee M18TM Cordless LITHIUM-ION Band Saw (Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tools)
Risks Addressed:
Stressful hand & wrist activity, and prolonged overhead work, can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as muscle strains; tendonitis, which is inflammation of elbow, wrist, or shoulder tendons; or carpal tunnel syndrome, which is compression of a wrist nerve, resulting in finger numbness and loss of hand strength. The cordless sub-compact band saw can help reduce stressful hand and wrist activity, and minimize overhead work, by providing a powerful yet lightweight band saw with a neutral grip. Additionally, the bandsaw minimizes the repetitive motion necessary to use a hacksaw.
How Risks are Reduced:
The cordless sub-compact band saw can help reduce stressful hand and wrist activity by providing a powerful yet lightweight band saw with a neutral grip. The bandsaw minimizes overhead work since cuts can be made more quickly in this position.
Researchers at Eastern Washington University studied muscle activity during the cutting of EMT (electrical metal tubing) using three different tools: hacksaw, compact reciprocating saw, and compact bandsaw. Twenty participants made cuts at or above shoulder level with muscle activity being recorded in the shoulder and arm. The bandsaw and reciprocating saw showed a significantly lower (p < .05) amount of muscle activity compared to the hacksaw, with the bandsaw having the lowest values. They concluded that the bandsaw and reciprocating saw may be good alternatives to a hacksaw during overhead cutting of EMT.
Manufacturers and safety and health experts believe that the cordless subcompact band-saw may help to reduce risks associated with overhead work. Milwaukee Tool states that this tool is, "ideal for overhead or one-handed cutting applications."
Effects on Productivity:
There are no evidence-based studies on the levels of productivity while using cordless band saws.
Contributors:
Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; and Jesse Brouwer, SPT – Eastern Washington University
Hazards Addressed:
- Pipes & Vessels
- Cut, thread, hammer and bend pipes and vessel tubes
Availability
Makita Cordless Band Saw
To obtain information, visit 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw Kit Model BPB180
or contact 1-800-462-5482
Bosch Cordless Band Saw
To obtain information, visit BSH180BL Compact Cordless Band Saw
or contact 1-917-421-7209
DeWalt Cordless Band Saw
To obtain information, visit DCS370K 18V Cordless Band Saw
or contact 1-800-433-3258
Milwaukee Cordless Band Saw
To obtain information, visit M18™ Cordless LITHIUM-ION Band Saw
or contact 1-800-729-3878
Return on Investment
“Click to Begin", then “Load an Example” and select "Cutting Steel - Hacksaw vs Band Saw".
