10 Best Band Saws for Woodworking | Expert Reviews 2023

A band saw is a versatile tool that can cut wood or metal in any shape, with better control than other power tools. Some are built into frames that stand on the floor, while others have bases for storage and transportation.

A good or best band saws can be the difference between success and failure. Whether you need to cut metal or wood, this tool will make your life easier with its powerful motor that provides accurate cuts every time. Its discreet size means it will also not take up much space on any worktable.

But how do you know which one you need? We have got your back. This article will help with vital information about the best band saws in the market so that you can refer back here and find out everything immediately when all else fails.

9 Best Band Saws Reviews for an Informed Purchase

1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro – Best Rated Band Saw
2. WEN 3959T 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw – Best Value Band Saw
3. SHOP FOX W1715 3/4 HP Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Best Metal Band Saw
4. RIKON 10-305 Bandsaw with Fence – Known for Resawing
5. Milwaukee 6242-6 Compact Corded Band Saw – Excellent for Portability
6. Gryphon Corporation C-40 Band Saw – Top Choice for Glass Cutting
7. Ryobi BS904G 9-Inch Band Saw – Super for Benchtop
8. Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 Band Saw – All-inclusive Equipment
9. SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt Band Saw – Precision with Work Light

1: JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro – Best Rated Band Saw

The new line from the industry leader – The Jet – takes your projects even further than before with JET JWBS-14DXPRO. It is a premium-grade band saw for cutting wood and metal. It has two speeds Poly-V belt-drive system, which can slice up to 1500/3000 SFPM effortlessly.

In addition, this two-tier speed function provides extra precision during cutting and gives the user complete control over how they want to work with different materials.

This benchtop band saw has all the features you need for your next project. It can cut up staples as wide and high as 13 1/2″ and 12″, respectively, on a 5×15-inches cutting surface. It comes with a resawing function to give it that bonus material on top, and it also has an iron frame.

Moreover, the 710116K is an impressive band saw that can do almost anything. It is equipped with ball-bearing guides, adjustable table angles, and safety features like blade-tracking windows to help professionals in their work.

Pros

• Stable cast-iron frame
• High-powered machine
• Seamless performance
• Ball-bearing guide to reduce friction
• Quick-release blade tension

Cons

• Quite pricey

The JWBS-14DXPRO is an all-new deluxe bandsaw that has been fully redesigned to meet the requirement of today’s proficient woodworkers. This powerful equipment is what will complete your toolset.

2: WEN 3959T 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop- Best Value Band Saw

For those who work with smaller boards or only use their bandsaw occasionally, the WEN 3959 Saw is an excellent choice. It provides enough power to tackle any job you throw at it but does not take up too much space in your workshop because of its compact design.

Moreover, the work surface of this equipment measures 12-5/16 x 11-7/8 inches with a 59-1/2-inch blade. Its thickness varies between 1/8 and 3/8 inches. The precision measuring bandsaw is designed for cutting metal with a commercial-grade finish on even the most difficult materials.

In addition, the bandsaw comes with enough power to cut through wood and similar materials at 2.5 AMPs up to 3-1/2 inches deep, including bevel cuts from 0° all the way up to 45°.

This is a versatile tool for cutting wood. It has a ¼-inch blade, 2.5-inch dust port, miter gauge, and rip fence to keep your cuts clean, precise, and straight.

The band saw has a ¼-inch blade, a 2.5-inch dust port, a miter gauge for setting boards at precise angles, and a rip fence to keep your cuts straight.

What others say:

Credits to: DIY Gene

Pros

• 12″ deepness resaw capacity
• Best for reducing more considerable stock, especially wood
• A quick-release blade is quick-release blade tension.
• It comes with an enclosed stand
• It has an adjustable guard

Cons

• The instruction manual is not easily understandable,
• Especially for a non-technical person

The WEN Benchtop Band Saw is a powerful tool that can cut up deep and wide. It features a 2.5-AMP motor with a speed of up to 2500 ft per minute for your cutting needs on any project. It is one of the best band saws to get your job done efficiently.

3: SHOP FOX W1715 3/4 HP – Best Metal Band Saw

You will find it hard to go without an excellent metal cutting band saw of all the tools in your woodworking arsenal. When selecting one, it can be challenging for beginners and experts alike, but if money is not an issue, we recommend purchasing Shop Fox W1715 Metal Cutting Bandsaw.

This powerful tool tackles any material with ease, whether steel or aluminum. Even copper and brass are not a big deal. The saw is great for cutting metal and offers three speeds to suit your needs: 78, 108, or 180 FPM. It also has a beveling vice, allowing a secure grip when working with steep angles up to 60°.

The Shop Fox band saw is a versatile tool that can cut both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It also has an adjustable blade to tackle more complicated designs or cuts easily. It is the best vertical band saw for metal cutting and other materials.

This brand guarantees its blades for a lifetime.

With ball bearing guides, onboard tension knobs, and more features than you can imagine all in one budget-friendly band saw, this will surely be your go-to tool. The ¾ HP motor will help speed up any task while remaining safe thanks to automatic shut-off.

Pros

• It furnishes you with a highly smooth cutting experience.
• It features a stress lever that makes it easy to switch out the blade
• That is an entirely silent operating saw

Cons

• The base is too small for its dimension

Shop Fox W1715 bandsaw is an exceptional choice for small or large projects where you must cut various metals, plastics, and wood. The vertical cutting attachment allows it to be used with specific requirements on different tasks, making it the best vertical band saw.

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4: RIKON 10-305 Bandsaw with Fence – Known for Resawing

If you are looking for the most accurate cuts, then an ½-inch wide blade with 3 TPI is what you require. This will allow for a smooth and precise cut that is still strong enough to fit any grain pattern in woodworking projects.

The Rikon 10-305 Band Saw is an excellent choice for cutting large pieces of wood. It features a 13.75-inch by 12.5-inch cast iron table, which provides plenty of room and is ideal for larger projects like furniture making or cabinet construction with its generous size.

This band saw is as powerful and accurate as it gets. The 1/3 HP motor gives you enough torque, with a guidepost to easily maneuver the handle. Moreover, you also get a 2.5-inch dust port for a cleaner experience.

Additionally, the rip fence has been designed for optimal range, so this machine covers everything, no matter what material or size piece you are working on.

The Rikon 10-305 can fit various blade sizes from 0.5 to 0.125-inch ones, making it one of the most versatile options on today’s market. The resawing capabilities are excellent and will help you easily create some incredible workpieces.

Pros

• Two-speed rates
• It helps in rapid, smooth cuts
• Convenient dust port

Cons

• No easy fence modification to correctly straighten the blade

The sleek and powerful Rikon 10-Inch Bandsaw Model 10-305 is an excellent choice for any homeowner, contractor, or professional builder. With a 1/3 HP motor that will provide enough power to handle your most challenging projects with ease.

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5: Milwaukee 6242-6 Compact Corded Band Saw – Excellent for Portability

The Milwaukee portable band saw is an excellent option for anyone who likes to work outdoors, carry their saw from place to place, or save space. Its compact size makes it easy and convenient for smaller projects that require cutting metal with precision measurements in tight areas.

Furthermore, this band saw’s lightweight and portable nature make it a great tool for cutting pipes or metal. It weighs less than 10 pounds, only 16-inches long, which means that you can wield the blade in any scenario hassle-free.

The efficiency of this tool is well-known across industries. The variable-speed motor lets you cut through steel or copper with precision. The shoe has an adjustable blade that can be easily removed without tools, making it ideal for professional and home DIYers.

The Milwaukee Saw is an excellent choice as it has an aluminum gear casing that can withstand drops. It also comes with a 3/4 inch cutting capacity blade and carrying case for those who want to transport their equipment easily.

Pros

• Rack and also Pinion Tilting Table
• Ball-Bearing Blade Guides
• Quick-Release Blade Tension Lever
• The laser light and laser view are very convenient
• It is simple to relocate equipment that does not use a great deal of room

Cons

• The fence is not square
• The chip blower is practically challenging to attach to a vacuum

The Milwaukee 6242-6 Compact Band Saw is an affordable, lightweight, and portable piece of equipment that can be used for cutting metal in place. The blade ejection system makes it easier than ever before to remove dulled or broken blades.

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6: Gryphon Corporation C-40 Band Saw – Top Choice for Glass Cutting

The Gryphon C-40 is an excellent option for cutting glass, ceramics, and stone. The precision cuts of this material can be brutal for anyone but the professionals with the best equipment, which might explain why it is such an affordable choice compared to high-end machines.

This band saw is perfect for those who need to cut glass. It has a simple design with fewer features than other big wood-cutting machines, but it can still slice through any material without an issue at high speeds.

This 1/3 horsepower tool also comes equipped with a water-cooling system, so you do not have to risk cutting your hands when operating this dangerous machinery in confined spaces or tight areas. It makes it one of the best band saws on our list.

What Others say:

Credits to: Half-Inch Shy Youtube

When you need to cut glass, nothing beats the power and precision of this saw. If you want an easy way to create a masterpiece, look no further than Gryphon C-40 to make perfect cuts with ease and precision every time.

Pros

• A handy saw
• It has genuinely easy-to-use controls
• It comes with highly decent devices
• The best band saw under 500

Cons

• The wheels are a bit narrow
• You need to mess around with the changes a lot

7: Ryobi BS904G 9-Inch Band Saw – Super for Benchtop

In addition, this Ryobi band saw has a rapid-setting blade tensioner. It is 3.5 inches tall with an aluminum-wheeled base and ball-bearing supports for your cutting needs. The kit also comes equipped to handle blades that are between ¼” – ⅜” .

The unique Ryobi design of the 2.5-amp, 9-inch benchtop band saw makes it an ideal choice for various work ranging from cutting pipes to wood and other materials.

This band saw is an excellent addition to any workshop. It is affordable, reliable, and easy enough for amateur woodworkers or crafty people who want something dependable without breaking their budget.

Pros

• Rack and also Pinion Tilting Table
• Ball-Bearing Blade Guides
• Quick-Release Blade Tension Lever
• The laser light and laser view are very convenient
• It is simple to relocate equipment that does not use a great deal of room

Cons

• The fence is not square
• The chip blower is practically challenging to attach to a vacuum

The Ryobi bandsaw is a perfect tool for all your woodworking needs. It features a blade tracking window and rack-and-pinion blade support adjustment system, so you will never have to worry about accuracy with this high-quality saw. It was also crowned as the best band saw 2023.

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8: Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 Band Saw – All-inclusive Equipment

The MBAND1412-175 is any of the best band saws on today’s market, with its powerful 1-3/4 HP motor. It will cut through nearly anything and even resaw dense hardwoods like never before.

This saw is a brilliant choice if you want to get serious about resawing. With its 12-inch cutting height and 13-inch throat capacity, there is no limit to what kind of performance it can give for your projects.

Also, an aluminum hi/low fence between the blade guard rails helps ensure every board makes its way into our desired cut without any accidents or messes happening along the way.

The Laguna bandsaw is a high-quality tool that will last for years. It has an impressive frame of solid steel and cast-iron wheels, making it easy to brace against your intended task’s weight and easily cut through different materials like wood or metal.

Pros

• Huge
• Extraordinary runout modification
• HP motor is enough for any stock
• Full resilience with an aluminum trunnion table

Cons

• No micrometer adjustment
• Difficult to transform the speed

The MBAND1412-175 competes against the best band saws with some of the commendable features found in this equipment. This will go a long way if you are not worried about the price.

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9: SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt Band Saw – Precision with Work Light

The SKIL band saw is an excellent tool for those who need to cut intricate shapes or do woodworking on the go. This small, lightweight machine can be set up in just minutes. Thus, you can take care of all your needs with ease.

Its 2.5-AMP motor is tremendous at cutting even hardwoods without any hindrance, and with the original blade, it can handle some non-ferrous metal cutting too. This saw will be perfect for most people who need an affordable power tool with ample capability in random tasks.

The throat capacity of this bandsaw is 9 inches, and it cuts with a 3-1/2-inch height. You can do some light resawing but do not plan on doing severe woodcutting with the blade, as plastic parts make up most of its composition.

Furthermore, the SKIL 3511-02 has more tools than other saws, half its price. It includes an LED work light and fences and miter gauges to make the job easier for you.

Pros

• LED work light
• It comes with a rip fence & miter gauge
• 3-year warranty
• Rack-and-pinion system
• Dust port

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks due to its partial plastic build

If you are a beginner woodworker, the 3386 SKIL 9-inch Band Saw with Light is what you need. It can easily cut irregular shapes and rip lumber into thinner pieces for your workshop needs.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Band Saw

Credits: Stumpy Nubs

Many factors come into consideration when buying a band saw. Here are some vital points for a perfect purchase:

1: Motor

The power of a bandsaw’s motor can be measured in watts or horsepower. The number of RPM and FPM determines the speed. The motor is the key component that enables the material to be cut precisely.

There are different types of motors, each designed for specific purposes and levels of power:

• Brushed Motor: The most common type of motor, this one even comes with two main parts that transmit energy to make your saw blade function properly. The
• brushes may get worn down after some time, and thus you lose efficiency or quality in their work.
• Brushless Motor: Brushless motors provide more power because they rely on magnets instead of brushes for startup procedures and speed control. This means less wear and tear over time to enjoy your tool hassle-free.

2: Blades

The blade of a bandsaw is the most critical component to consider when buying one. A higher TPI number will result in an accurate cut with less difficulty, but remember that this also comes at the cost of speed and finish quality.

3: Bevel

The benchtop has a tilting ability that allows for different angles of cut. The 45° bevel angle is perfect when working on an awkward angle or needing to make multiple cuts at once while not moving too far up or down off the table surface itself.

4: Speed

Bandsaws with variable-speed triggers are a must-have for any woodworker. You will need to cut different materials at different levels of thickness, and you need a different setup for your alley every time you want something done right.

5: Throat Size

The throat size is the area behind your blade that reaches out to touch an item being cut. If you have a smaller table with a shorter distance between fences or guides, there will only be room for sawing at one point instead of two different heights and widths depending on what kind of wood projects best suit this type of equipment.

6: Table Frame

The steel frame is the best option for heavy-duty cutting needs. It resists more vibration and can handle greater stresses on its own, so you do not have to worry about it being weak compared with iron alloys cast in a mold of some sort.

Thanks to: Dave Wirth Youtube

FAQ’s Best Band Saws

Q1: What type of cuts can be made with a band saw?

Ans: Bandsaws are a versatile tool for cutting just about any material. They can easily handle resawing, curved cuts, irregular shapes and sizes, and cross-cutting bevels.

Q2: What is the difference between a bandsaw & a jigsaw?

Ans: The blade of a band saw cuts in one continuous motion, whereas the jigsaw works up and down.

Q3: Do I need a specific saw band blade for specific cuts?

To get the job done quickly and easily, you must ensure that your blade choices are up for whatever material is being cut. 

Q4: What is a horizontal band saw used for?

Ans: Unlike a tabletop or panel-thickness blade on an upright machine, a horizontal band saw can be used to cut large pieces of material that are stationary while you make your cuts.

Q5: How do I sharpen band saw blades?

Ans: When it comes to sharpening your band saw teeth, the easiest way is with a file. Make sure you hold this tool parallel and in much the same manner as when filing kitchen knives so that both edges are even.

To Wrap Up

You can have a saw that will do nearly everything you imagine and is made from high-quality materials. The JET JSBS-14DXPRO is the perfect choice for those who want a versatile tool in their workshop, as it has qualities comparable with other models on the market today.

You need to find your niche in terms of what you want from the band saw. If it is not doing that, many other options are available for different needs and budgets.

Whether you are looking for a bandsaw that can do it all or with specific needs in mind, this review guide will help you get the best band saws for powerful and precise results.