Best Band Saw for Woodworking [2024 Review]

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There’s more than one way to work on lumber or metal. In fact, the right saw to use when working on a woodworking project or metalworking project depends on the type of cuts you need to create.

A table saw is great for long, straight cuts. ​A lightweight portable table saw is even better. But if you want to cut curves, you’ll need to find the top band saw instead of a table saw. I’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you find the right machine for your needs.

My Best Bandsaw Reviews

I will put together a list of the best band saws, from least expensive to most expensive tools. As you might guess, you get more features and benefits at the top end. But those pricier tools aren’t always the top pick for every woodworker.

JET 14″ Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit

You might feel some heart palpitations when you take a look at the JET 14″ Pro Band Saw​. With so many acceptable, considerably less expensive options out there, why would anyone sink more than a grand into a band saw?

Well, for starters, the JET bandsaw is bigger than any of my other recommended products. It has a 15 by 15-inch cutting table and a ​offers really deep cutting​ of 12 inches. It has quick release tension and blade adjustments, so you aren’t left spending hours fine-tuning or fiddling with the saw.

In addition, this JET saw comes with a blade tracking window that makes it easy to check where you’re cutting. It also has ball bearing guides on the upper and lower work area, which help to ease friction and make sure you have a smoother cut.

The JET jwbs-14dxpro 14″​ saw is powerful, containing a 1 1/4 horsepower motor. ​This is the most powerful one you can read about in my reviews of the best bandsaws. It also features a built-in retractable blade guard and a blade guide post with rack and pinion adjustment.

Like other floor models, the JET jwbs-14dxpro is made to last a long life with a durable and strong cast iron table, which ensure it will withstand years of regular use in a workshop. The machine has the ability to take a range of band saw blade sizes, from 1/8 to 3/4 inch wide.

Although it can offer you up to 12 inches in cutting height, the saw is fully adjustable. That makes it a good pick for both larger cutting projects and smaller, more delicate ones too.

If you’re just a hobbyist, you’re probably not going to shell out for the JET tools. But if you’re running a full-on woodworking shop or are looking to take your cabinet or furniture making or another woodworking hobby to the next level, this can be the band saw that helps you get there.

Product Specs

  • Power: 1 1/4 HP
  • Weight: 258 pounds

Feature Highlights

  • Large depth of cutting
  • Built-in Retractable Blade Guard
  • Sturdy cast iron frame construction
  • Easy window tracking to view the blade
  • Easy blade tension adjustment
  • Floor model with storage in the base
  • Blade guide post with rack and pinion adjustment

WEN 3962 Two-speed Band Saw with Worklight and Stand, 10″

If you’re ready to take your woodworking to the next level but still want an affordable saw option, the WEN 2 Speed Band Saw with Stand and Work Light, 10″ might be just the thing for you.

A sort of hybrid between a benchtop band saw model and a floor model, the Wen comes with a stand. It’s more compact than the average floor model, with a throat of 10 inches.  It offers depth cutting of 6 inches and works with band saw bandsaw blades from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch in blade width and 72 inches long.

While the SKIL saw is an option for complete beginners, the WEN Band Saw has features that will delight both newbies and more experienced woodworkers. It has a somewhat powerful, 3.5-amp motor, a miter gauge, a rip fence, a dust collection port, and a work light.

Along the 3-in-1 dust port, the rip fence and miter gauge, the WEN also comes with a 3/8 inch bandsaw blade with 6 TPI (teeth per inch). You also have the option of choosing between two blade speeds when running the saw, 1520 feet per minute or 2620 fpm to get the job done.

One of the features that make the WEN not so great for absolute beginners is that it’s a bit picky when it comes to blade installation and adjustment. If you don’t get the tension on the blade just right when you put it in the saw, you’re not going to be happy with the results

It might take a bit of trial and error to get the tension right. That means it can be worth your while to do a few test runs and to adjust the bandsaw blade after each test if you aren’t satisfied with the juice or the quality of the cut.

​Product Specs:

  • Power: 3.5 amps
  • Weight: 73 lbs

Feature Highlights

  • Inexpensive
  • ​Strong motor
  • Rip fence for increase accuracy
  • Decent performance
  • Two blade speed options
  • Incredible 5-year warranty

SKIL 2.5 Amp 9″ Band Saw

The SKIL 9″ Band Saw is my favorite beginner budget bandsaw. This machine has been designed specifically with the needs of beginner woodworkers in mind. That means this machine has several features that allow you to make smooth, perfect cuts, even if it’s the first time you’ve ever used a power tool like this.

One of those features is the EZ View blade tracker, which helps you keep the bandsaw blade aligned. The work table of this unit is also easy to adjust as needed, from 0 to 45 degrees.

To help guide you as you cut, the SKIL band saw has a rip fence as well as a miter gauge.

Along the rip fance and miter gauge, the SKIL model also includes several nice-to-have features, such as an LED light that illuminates the workspace. The LED isn’t a must-have unless you regularly work in quite dark or poorly lit areas. 

Another nice feature is a 4-inch dust port that suctions away sawdust as you work. This dust port helps you keep the workspace neat and tidy. Again, that feature shouldn’t make or break your decision to get the SKIL saw but can tip the scales in its favor.

The best band saws work with blades measuring from 1/8-Inch to 3/8-Inch in thickness and from 59 1/4″ to 59 1/2″ inches long. This machine comes with a bandsaw blade, but you might find that you want to install your own, better blade right out of the box.

Perhaps the most important thing to note about the SKIL band saw is that this machine is an entry-level product. If you’re looking for a high-powered saw or if you want something that will slice through hardwoods or metals like they are butter, you are going to be disappointed with this one.

But if you’re in the market for your first band saw and have a few small projects you want to try out, this is the saw for you. At 38 lbs, this portable band saw can travel with you from project to project.

Product Specs

  • Motor Power: 2.5 amps
  • Weight: 37.9 lbs

Feature Highlights

  • Compact size
  • Rip fence to guide your cuts
  • Inexpensive
  • Ideal for beginners

Grizzly Industrial G0513X2

The Grizzly Industrial G0513X2 might be the band saw for you if you’re looking for more power, more durability, and a large cutting size. This machine has a 14-inch throat and a 6-inch cutting depth. The cutting table measures 14 by 14 inches and tilts 45 degrees one way and 10 degrees the other.

This Grizzly G0513X2 Deluxe has a 1 HP motor that works at two speeds, 1800 FPMand 3100 FPM. This translates to an 11 amp motor when you plug the saw in to a 100 outlet, or a 5.5 amp motor when you plug this machine into a 220 outlet. The bandsaw blade size for the saw is 93 1/2 inches and anywhere from 1/8 to 3/4 inch wide.

Size aside, what sets the Grizzly G0513X2 apart from the others is its construction. While band tools might have some or mostly hard plastic components, you’re going to find sturdy and strong cast iron table and parts in this particular saw.

Its frame, table, and wheels are all made from cast iron. Plus, those cast iron wheels are computer balanced. The durable construction means you’re going to get the best cuts possible from the band saw, without irregularities or unevenness.

Like other band saw models, the G0513X2 does include a dust collection port to keep your workspace clean. But the dust collection port might not be as deep as you’d expect, so you might find yourself having to reattach the hose more frequently than you’d like.

Despite this little flaw in the dust collecting port, the Grizzly G0513X2 is a good pick if you’re looking to up your band saw game and are looking for a vertical saw that cuts a range of different types of wood.

This isn’t the only Grizzly band saw to make my list – I will review the G0803Z in my review of the best band saw under $1,000.

Product Specs

  • Motor Power: 1 HP
  • Weight: 229 lbs

Feature Highlights

  • High powered 1 HP ​motor
  • Decent size
  • More bandsaw blade options than other models
  • Cast iron frame construction
  • Ball bearing blade guides

WEN 3970 Metal-cutting Band Saw with Stand, 4″ x 6″

While vertical band saws can be great for woodworkers, if you’re looking to work metal, a horizontal model might better meet your needs. The WEN 3970 Metal-Cutting Band Saw​ can go through pipes of up to 4.5 inches in diameter. It also cuts rectangles measuring up to 4 by 6 inches.

It works on steel, copper, aluminum and brass pipes and has three bandsaw blade speed options: 80, 120, or 200 FPM.

Perhaps most importantly of all, the WEN horizontal model can easily convert into a vertical one, giving you the most range and flexibility.

To convert the saw to a vertical model, people just need to lift the saw head up and reposition the bandsaw blade. There’s also an attached work table you can use to position the material you’re cutting.

In the horizontal position, the saw features a beveling vise that lets you go through metal at an angle from 0 to 60 degrees. If you’re cutting a pipe, you can make 45-degree cuts in materials as thick as 3.5 inches. When cutting square materials, you can go through 3.5 by 3.5-inch materials at 45 degrees.

If you’re considering the WEN horizontal model, it’s important to note that it’s best for smaller jobs. If you’ve got lots of big, thick metal pipes to go through, you’re not going to be happy with this one.

Product Specs

  • Motor Power: 4.6 amps
  • Weight: 108 lbs

Feature Highlights

  • Cuts horizontally and vertically
  • Made for metal
  • Flexible cutting area and size

Grizzly G0457 Bandsaw

The Grizzly G0457 is a must-have tool for large metal workshops that handle precision jobs. The Grizzly G0457 saw features a 1 horsepower motor powerful enough for most light metal and woodwork applications.

In terms or durability, the sturdy power tool features a durable cast iron construction that provides large surface support and exceptional stability regardless of the material being cut. This model also comes with a miter gauge that features an aluminum fence for precise measurements.

Moreover, its magnifying window provides seamless calibrations and adjustments, while its computer balanced cast iron wheels allow for improved stability. The Grizzly model also provides an impressive 12-14 inches resaw capacity, thanks to its large cutting depth and powerful motor.

Additionally, the heavy-duty power tool combines excellent performance with superior engineering to make sure you get accurate results. There is also a dust port to help you keep your working environment tidy. However, it may take you a while to calibrate and set up this saw due to its size. 

Although the G0457 saw may be bulky, it’s an excellent power tool that can help you handle all your woodworking and metal projects with ease.

Product Specs

  • Power: 5.5-amp motor
  • Weight: 247 lbs

Feature Highlights

  • Solid cast iron frame construction
  • Impressive performance
  • Large cutting capacity
  • Powerful motor
  • Sturdy tall fence
  • Aluminum fence for close cuts
  • Lower and upper thrust bearings and ball bearing blade guides
  • Computer balanced wheels with rubber tires
  • All ball-bearing construction

Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw with Fence, 10-Inch

The Rikon 10-305 comes with a 10-inch wheel diameter and 9-5/8 x 4-5/8 inches cutting capacity. With this dimension, you can go through wide and thick stock with great ease. It’s also solidly built as the entire frame consists of steel for added durability.

Its 21-inch base also provides a large working area for maximum stability. The solid steel construction does a great job of reducing vibrations to give you accuracy and stability when using this saw. The Rikon 10-305 also has a generous table that can accommodate any type of material. 

Additionally, its thick table offers low resistance, while stock can glide easily. Power is not the strongest feature of this saw as it comes with a smaller 1/3 horsepower. However, the Rikon 10-305 is still adequate for slicing through high-density material such as metal sheet at the lowest speed, and low-density materials such as wood. 

Overall, the Rikon 10-305 model is an excellent product for creating intricate cuts in plastic or wood. The Rikon 10-305 also provides unmatched precision when making contoured cuts in materials. At 76lbs, its not the lightest on my list, but will work as a portable band saw in a pinch.

Product Specs

  • Motor Power: 3.5 amps
  • Weight: 76 lbs

Feature Highlights

  • You can tilt the table for versatility
  • Solid steel frame construction
  • Large cast-iron work table
  • 2780 FT/MIN blade speed
  • Adjustable guidepost
  • 9-5/8 x 4-5/8 inches cutting capacity 
  • 21-inch base made of steel for maximum stability
  • 2.5 inches dust port to keep your cuts clean

Bandsaw Features and Considerations

Of all the power tools available, band saws offer you both precision and versatility across a wide array of cuts. Here are the features you need to condsider in your bandsaw.

Blade Guide

A blade guide makes sure the blade remains vertical, square, and does not track or turn when cutting. The guide also consists of three parts: one thrust support and two sides support behind the blade.

The thrust support, in turn, makes sure you don’t push the bandsaw blade backward when making tough cuts, while the side blade guides prevent twisting and side to side movement. A good blade guide is essential as it will help you keep the control of your bandsaw blade and quality of your cuts at a high level. 

Blade Tension

Blade tension is also crucial as the blade tenson will allow you to set the tension on your blade to the right PSI tension. If you set the blade tension too high, the saw blade will wear out within a short period and even break. 

On the other hand, the blade may not be straight due to deflecting off track if you set the tension too low. That is why getting the right tension is crucial. However, setting the right tension can be difficult if you don’t have experience setting it.

Blade Tracking

This is another essential feature that will help you track your cuts easily. A good tracking on the best band saws should provide you with an easy to view window to enhance and speed up your blade tracking experience. 

A Blade tracking window will also help you monitor the lifespan of your blade and pinpoint as well as prevent any damages from occurring. However, remember your safety: you should keep your eyes out of a window while cutting to keep them safe.

Frame Construction

Cast iron frames provide the best platform to operate

Cast iron frames provide the best platform to operate your bandsaw on. Its about more than long term durability, although this steel construction will last you a long time. 

Cast iron table and frames reduce vibration from the motor, which means that your cuts will be more precise. This can make all the difference when you’re talking about how accurate your band saw blade will be. 

Why Should You Consider Band Saws?

It might surprise you to learn that the best band saws are controversial pieces of equipment. Plenty of woodworkers, particularly those who are all about doing things purely by hand, claim that it’s an unnecessary piece of equipment.

But then there are those who love their best band saws. These folks would argue that not only should you invest in a top band saw, but that a band saw should be one of the first power tools to buy when you’re getting into woodworking.

Who to believe? Well, it helps to understand what a band saw can do. What sets a band saw apart from other cutting saws like a table saw is that it allows you to make freehand cuts.

A man uses a band saw to cut wood for a DIY project

Beyond making too much freehand cuts, a band saw lets you do a lot of neat woodworking tricks, according to Craftsy. You can use it to create veneer, resawing a board to get two thinner, matching panels, and to reset the edge of an uneven piece of wood. You can also use this type of tool to cut shaped legs and arms, and round table tops.

Most notably, a band saw doesn’t have to be used for cutting wood. Some styles are designed to go through metal, for example. You can also swap out the blade on a woodworking saw for a metal cutting blade.

Types of Bandsaws

You can group band saws into several distinct categories. First, there are table top or benchtop band saws. These are on the small side and need to rest on a bench or table. Most band saws that you would start with would be in this category.

The best band saw

Next, there are floor standing band saws. These are larger, usually about the height of an average person. They are self-supporting and don’t need a work table or bench. Floor standing band saws tend to be a lot more than benchtop band saws.

Size isn’t the only factor that determines the type. The position of the blade also matters.

Most band saws for cutting wood feature a vertical blade. When cutting, you guide the wood around the band saw blade, turning and positioning it depends on the shape and size of the cut you make.

If you are looking for the best metal band saw, you might be in the market for a horizontal band saw. While the material moves when you use a vertical band saw, when you use a horizontal saw, the material stays stationary.

Instead, the horizontal blade works over top of it, slicing its way down. You might compare the action of the best horizontal band saw to a hand saw. The blades move back and forth over the top of the material, eventually slicing all the way through the pipe.

Typically, horizontal band saws cut more substantial pieces of metal, such as big pipes, while vertical saws are reserved for small, more pliable materials. You can find horizontal band saws that are designed for home or shop use, though.

What Makes a Band Saw ​Unique?

It’s not just the type of cutting it performs that makes a band saw different from other cutting tools out there. It’s also the design of the equipment.

While circular saws and table saws often feature a round blade which has a sharp edge or teeth all around its circumference, a band saw’s blade is more like a metal ribbon. The blade gets wrapped around two or three wheels, which guide it up and down (or side to side, in the case of a horizontal band saw).

If you’re having trouble picturing how that works, think of a film reel or classic reel to reel tape player. Except, replace the tape with a blade. The blade spins around the wheels, moving up and down or side to side, so that it can cut through metal or wood.

Band saw for SawsHub.com

Features of a Bandsaw

Along with deciding between a table top or floor-model and a horizontal or vertical band saw, there are a few other features and accessories you might want to conisder in these power tools. They include:

  • Throat: the throat of a band saw refers to the amount of space between the band saw blade and the body of the saw, vertically. How large the throat is lets you know how big of a piece of wood you can cut with the saw. Often, benchtop band saws have a throat of 9 or 10 inches. These models can have considerably larger throats.
  • Cut Depth: don’t confuse throat with cutting depth. While throat is the up and down measurement, the cut depth is the distance from the table to the blade guides. It lets you know how thick of a piece of wood you can cut, otherwise known as the saw’s cutting capacity.
  • Table Tilt: you should be able to position the table of a band saw anywhere from 0 degrees to the right (flat) to 45 degrees to the right.
  • Rip fence and miter gauge: a rip fence and miter gauge can guide you as you cut wood, keeping your cuts relatively straight and even. If your saw doesn’t come one, consider picking up one of the many great aftermarket bandsaw fences.
  • Motor: the more powerful your saw’s motor, the easier it will make cutting wood or metal. Usually, band saws for homeowners top out at about 1 horsepower. You might find a tool with enough power designed for professional use.

Determine How Much to Spend

Whether it’s worth it or not to shell out a lot for a higher-end model depends on your needs and how you’ll use the saw.

If you’re a hobbyist, who wants to make freehand cuts in wood, a lower-end, benchtop machine will most likely be perfectly adequate for your needs. But if you’re looking for the top metal band saw, you might find yourself shelling out a bit more than a woodworking hobbyist.

The top band saw for a professional woodworker or for a hobbyist who’s hoping to improve his or her woodworking game is going to come at a higher rate. It’s up to you to weigh the features and benefits of each tool to determine which is the top bandsaw for you.

How To Use a Bandsaw for Resawing, Cutting Thick Wood, and Cutting Circles for Woodworking

Conclusion

No bandsaw is going to meet every person’s needs. In fact, depending on your projects and hobbies, you might find that two band saws are better than one. With that being said, I’ve tried to represent every need with a solid recommendation in this buying guide, so read carefully before you buy a new one.

Whether you’re looking for a tool for woodworking or metal projects, knowing which saws offer the greatest cutting power and flexibility can help you make the right choice for your shop.

Raised with a fix-it and improvement mindset, my wife and I completely restored our Craftsman-style home. Learning how to DIY a variety of home improvement projects, I started SawsHub with my father. He's the fine woodworker, I'm the DIYer!