If you’re working with metal or wood and need to cut curves, a Band Saw will most likely be the tool for you.
I this guide, I’ll recommend some of my favorite bandsaws on the market.
I’ll also mention how they work and also the most important features you need to pay attention to before buying one.
Best Bandsaw
Jet 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit
- Integrated resaw capability of 12” for cutting bulky wood pieces
- 2-speed poly V belt drive mechanism
- Freshly designed sturdy iron-cast frame
- Blade tracking window for advanced visibility
- Retractable blade guidepost, featuring rack and pinion customization
- Large workspace with beveling of 10º left and 45º right
This kit allows you to cut effortlessly through different materials with a 13.5” wide cutting aptitude that is 12” high.
The blade guard retracts and is adjustable from 0-12” which is ideal for working on small and big projects alike. The unit also comes with an exceptionally durable frame of cast iron for support.
The 1500/3000 SFPM blade speed is powerful, making touch resawing jobs a breeze. You can tackle various woodworking jobs on the expanded tabletop that bevels 10º left and 45º right.
Other standout features include the sealed stand for storage, blade guidepost with easy-view window, and prompt-release blade tension feature.
What customers are saying
People who bought this model are incredibly satisfied with their purchase and had nothing but praise for the quality, versatility, and exceptional performance of the unit.
Best Mini Bandsaw
Milwaukee Fuel Compact Band Saw
- Extensive aptitude of 3-1/4”x 3-1/4” for cutting bulkier materials than other compact saws
- Features a Powerstate brushless motor with continuous power technology
- Boosted balance and lightweight design
- Crush zone barriers and unique armor technology for protection
- Variable speed adjustment
- Tool-free locking adjustable shoe
- Built-in rafter hook for convenient hanging storage
- Various other accessories included
This Milwaukee tool offers a lightweight design and a cutting aptitude of 3-1/4”x3-1/4”, which is remarkably extensive compared to other compact saws.
You can look forward to cutting quickly and effortlessly through materials with its powerstate brushless motor.
This saw features advanced armor technology that protects it against accidental drops or flying debris, while the crush zone barriers help withstand impacts.
If you are looking for a saw that has overload protection and delivers superior performance, this one is definitely worth considering.
What customers are saying
This band saw received mostly 5-star reviews, with customers commenting on the fast cutting capacity, additional features, lightweight design, and easy operation.
Ideal Saw For Metal
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The Makita portable band saw is a must have item in your toolbox. It features a lithium-ion battery, has a built-in battery charge level indicator, and offers a 65% longer run time than the BL1830.
The battery charges fully within 45 minutes, and the band saw comes with a 44-7/8” sized blade, which can easily cut through various types of metal.
The Makita motor has an impressive variable speed of 275-530 ft. per minute and the protection circuit has an integrated warning alert for protection against over-torque.
The variable speed dial is conveniently located for easy access.
What customers are saying
Customers gave this saw excellent reviews and commended its safety features, portability, built-in LED light, cutting range, and versatility.
Best Large Bandsaw
Grizzly HP 17- Inch Bandsaw
- Smooth and quiet operation
- 2HP motor with 12-⅛” resaw capability
- Throat cutting depth: 16-¼” for bulkier workpieces
- Ideal for intricate and precise scrollwork
- Durable base and cast-iron table
- Blade tension regulator
- Fast-change blade tensioner
- Superior extruded aluminum fence
The Grizzly band saw is manufactured with precision, durability, and powerful cutting ability in mind.
It features a powerful 2HP motor with 12-⅛” resaw competency and 16-¼” throat depth capacity to seamlessly cut through hardwoods and bulkier workpieces.
The saw also has incredible features which include European-style blade guides, a durable miter gauge, double 4” dust ports, a fast-change blade tensioner, and a superior-quality aluminum fence.
What customers are saying
This band saw is a crowd-pleaser with plenty of 5-star reviews. Customers love its powerful and quiet operation, easy adjustments, and overall value for money.
According to them, this saw matches the product description and works perfectly, as described. However, some customers had issues with the blade guide construction.
Best Portable Saw
Dewalt Portable Band Saw
- 10A motor made for all job site applications
- 5” deep cutting capacity for rectangular or round material
- Rubber bumpers and steel shroud bumpers for job site protection
- LED light
- Multi-stance bale handle
- Built-in hook for protection when storing
- Variable speed dial with 100-350 SPM capacity
This portable Dewalt band saw is extremely durable and versatile. It comes with a 10-amp motor along with variable speed regulation for material-specific cutting operations.
The built-in LED light is handy for indicating ergonomic grip selections and the cutting line. The saw also features rubber bumpers and a steel shroud for protection against worksite abuse.
If you are looking for a versatile and powerful saw that can be used for various applications and on various materials, this is the one.
What customers are saying
This saw received mostly five-star reviews with customers saying the unit runs faster, cooler, and safer than its counterparts. They also love the durable design and versatility it offers.
Best Cheap Bandsaw
Wen 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
- 5A motor with blade rotation of up to a maximum of 2460 ft per minute
- Can make cut depths up to 3/5/8” and 9” wide
- Utilizes 62” blades from 1/8” to 3/8”
- Expanded 12x12” table that bevels to 45°
- Includes a 3/8” wide blade, fence, dust port, and miter gauge
- Includes a 2-year warranty
The Wen band saw offers powerful performance with a 9.5A motor that rotates the blade up to 2460 feet a minute. You can effortlessly make wide and deep cuts on your boards.
The saw includes impressive features to assist you with making accurate and precise crosscut or rip cuts time and again.
The blade tension gauge is handy for determining whether the blade has the appropriate tension. This saw is also super-easy to assemble and gets our vote for the best cheap band saw.
What customers are saying
Customers gave this band saw fantastic reviews. The majority of them were happy with its quiet and smooth operation, easy setup, durable construction, and various adjustment options.
Still, some people had issues with adjusting the blade tension and the blade not tracking correctly.
Other Recommended Saws
Shop Fox Bandsaw With Cast Iron Wheels
The Shop Fox band saw comes with impressive features and a convenient size that compares well with larger band saws.
It features cast iron wheels, a fast-release blade tension, extruded aluminum rails, and fence system.
It also has ball-bearing blade guides, a high-end miter gauge, and a covered stand with storage.
You can keep your working area dust-free with its 4” dust port, and cut effortlessly through materials with its one HP motor that delivers 1725 revs per minute.
You can also buy the optional extension block for added convenience.
Rikon 10-3061 10” Deluxe Bandsaw
The Rikon band saw is ideal for smaller woodworking jobs thanks to its compact size.
It has updated features that include durable door hinges, a dust port, an easy-glide rip fence mechanism, and an adjustable fence carrier.
The unit has 2 blade speed adjustments, and the cast iron table can bevel from 0-45º
The tool-free guides and fast-release blade tension lever ensure straightforward blade changes and you can keep tabs on blade tracking with the convenient side windows for visibility.
Delta HP Steel Frame Band Saw
The Delta band saw is equipped with a 2-speed 1HP motor for cutting non-ferrous metal and wood.
The unit is extremely durable and has a steel frame for longevity. Blade tracking is excellent with its 9 durable aluminum rubber-covered spoke wheels for precision cutting.
For added convenience, the saw comes with a large cast-iron tabletop and t-slot miter aptitude of 3º tilt left and 45º right. All in all, an excellent buy.
Klutch Benchtop Metal Cutting Band Saw
The Klutch band saw features a 120V powerful motor and portable design that is perfect for cutting metal.
It also features a bi-metal blade with 130-288 feet a minute variable speed, an auto-shutoff function for safety, and an easy-positioning vice for keeping stock securely in place while cutting.
The saw has an aptitude of 2.3” for round stock and 3.3 to 4.1” for rectangular stock and you have access to accurate miter cutting capabilities.
Eastwood Benchtop Metal Aluminum Cutting Bandsaw
We love the Eastwood band saw because it is ideal for effortlessly and precisely cutting tubing while fabricating.
The unit can do 90-45º miter cuts, has a 120V, 1000W motor, and a throat-cutting ability of 3.25”. The blade speed capacity is 100-260 feet per minute for cutting various materials.
Other standout features include its variable speed regulation trigger and pistol grip handle for convenience.
What’s A Band Saw
Band saws are electric saws that feature long, thin cutting strips produced from metal. The strip moves upwards and downwards on the wheel to offer precise cutting.
The toothed strip is the section of the saw that does the cutting. Some models feature a pedal that regulates the speed of the cut.
These saws are used for cutting wood and metal; however, some can cut plastic too. They are also incredibly useful for making specialized or irregular cuts.
How It Works
Band saws use sharp-toothed metal blades used for cutting. Contemporary band saws have metal alloy blades that are incredibly durable and resilient.
The blade is affixed on 2 or 3 flywheels and rotates fast with the assistance of a motor to cut into metal or wood.
Features To Consider
Cutting depth
Standard band saws like table saws can cut at most 6” thick pieces or sheets of wood. Industrial units or floor-standing band saws have the capacity to cut a maximum thickness of 12”.
Since the cutting depth defines the type of materials that can be cut into it is a vital consideration.
Cutting speed
Cutting speed is the footage the blade can travel within a minute. This is usually depicted as FPM (feet per minute). The blade speed varies broadly from one unit to the next.
On average, most standard models have a 600 FPM to 1500FPM cutting speed. High-end band saws offer variable speeds that are perfect for cutting different materials.
Flywheel
There are usually 2 to 3 flywheels on a band saw which make the blade turn and drive the saw.
Units that feature two wheels are situated vertically above one another. The flywheel on the bottom is affixed to the motor and spirals to drive the blade.
Cutting capacity
The cutting capacity refers to the volume of material that can be cut in a single pass. The aptitude generally ranges between 6-36”.
The cutting capacity is contingent on the saw’s size. You must think about the materials you are planning to work with before deciding on the cutting capacity.
Blade size
The teeth size on a band saw blade is expressed by the number of teeth that can fit in an inch. The ratio is referred to as TPI.
The more thick the material is the higher amount of teeth that are required.
For example, cutting rough wood will necessitate a higher TPI as opposed to industrially manufactured wood like plywood.
Switches & brakes
Starting and stopping the blade motion needs to be automatic and secured for safety purposes.
It is recommended to invest in a band saw that has an auto-stop function upon opening the doors of the flywheels. In some workplaces, operating the band saw with a key might be required.
