The 10 Best Band Saws
/For this post, I have put together a collection of the best band saws currently available.
UPDATED: April 30, 2020.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the JET JWBS-14DXPRO because it features a retractable blade guard, upper and lower ball bearing guides, and a 12 inch resaw capacity.
Essentially a table-mounted jigsaw, similar to a scroll saw, these tools use a long continuous blade that wraps around two large wheels powered by an electric motor.
It can be used to cut a range of materials including wood and metal, depending on the interchangeable blade that has been fitted. These saws are great for quickly cutting complex curved shapes.
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For more information here is a video that demonstrates some common uses:
The following band saws use quality components to meet your needs and help to ensure you do your best work.
So here is my list of The 10 Best Band Saws.
Enjoy!
1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Deluxe Pro Band Saw
The JET JWBS-14DXPRO features a redesigned upper and lower cast iron frame for increased strength and rigidity.
Equipped with a built-in 12 inch resaw capacity for cutting larger pieces.
Features a two-speed poly-V belt drive system.
Easy to view blade tracking window.
Blade guide post with rack and pinion adjustment.
Upper and lower ball bearing guides reduce friction for longer blade life.
Features a quick-release blade tension for convenience.
Enclosed stand with storage shelf and easy access door.
Built-in retractable blade guard moves up and down from 0-12 in.
High tension spring design allows for greater blade tensioning.
Check out this brief demonstration video of the JET JWBS-14DXPRO:
2. Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Band Saw
The G0555LX 14" Deluxe Bandsaw features a precision-ground cast-iron table and frame with a sturdy T-shape fence design.
All ball bearing construction.
Upper and lower ball bearing blade guides and thrust bearings.
Includes 3/8" blade, extruded aluminum fence, and miter gauge.
Rack-and-pinion guide post adjustment for upper blade guides.
Table tilt: 45 deg. right, 10 deg. left.
Cutting capacity/throat: 13-1/2".
Maximum cutting height: 6".
4" dust port.
Blade size: 93-1/2" (1/8" to 3/4" wide).
3. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw
The WEN 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw is the perfect companion for any workshop.
3.5-amp motor and a 9-3/4 inch throat.
Two-speed operation allows for speeds of either 1520 or 2620 FPM.
Uses 72-inch blades anywhere from 1/8 to 1/2 inches in size for a variety of both intricate and powerful cuts.
Spacious work table measures in at 14 x 12-1/2 inches in size and can be swiveled up to 45 degrees.
Flexible work light to illuminate the worktable,
3-in-1 dust port to fit a variety of dust extractor hoses (1-3/4, 2-3/4, 4 inches),.
Fence for creating straight cuts, and a miter gauge for angled cuts.
Ball-bearings give the blade smooth operation.
Easy-to-assemble stand elevates the bandsaw without sacrificing space on the shop's work bench.
Must-have Accessory
Don't forget the blades.
4. DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw
The DWM120K Deep Cut Band Saw Kit has a powerful 10 Amp motor for operating various jobsite applications and cutting rectangular stock up to 5 inches deep. Variable speed dial allows user to vary speed for specific materials and various applications.
5" deep cut capacity for round or rectangular stock.
Serviceable steel shroud and rubber bumpers allow guards to withstand jobsite abuse without damage.
Multi-position adjustable large front handle offers the user plenty of hand space for a more accurate cut.
Blade tracking adjustment increases blade life by providing better blade tracking.
Dual bearing blade guide rollers increase durability in the blade support system.
Durable and adjustable material guide allows user to adjust for various jobsite materials.
LED sight light allows the user to see cut line in dark jobsite environment.
Variable speed dial allows user to vary speed for specific materials and various applications (100-350 spm).
5. Shop Fox W1706 Band Saw
The Shop Fox W1706 14 inch Bandsaw features such as cast iron upper and lower wheels, extruded aluminum fence and rails, quick release blade tension, miter gauge, upper and lower ball bearing blade guides, and an enclosed cabinet stand with storage.
Powerful 1-horsepower, single-phase motor that operates at 1,725 revolutions per minute (RPM).
Precision ground cast iron miter gauge features an easy-to-read scale that can be adjusted to plus or minus 30-degrees.
Features a cast iron table which tilts 45-degrees to the right and 10-degrees to the left for a wide range of cutting options.
Deluxe extruded aluminum fence offers solid work support, a hairline scale and is easily adjusted to the desired position where it locks solidly in place.
Frame, wheels and table are made of durable cast iron.
The 4-inch dust port can be connected to a dust collection system to help keep your workshop clean.
6. Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless PortableBand Saw
The Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12™ Sub-Compact Band Saw rovides one-handed power and portability to electricians, maintenance professionals, and other users cutting small diameter materials.
Weighs only 6.75 lbs and 12” in length, making it ideal for overhead or one-handed cutting applications.
Cut through ¾” EMT in only 3 seconds.
Delivers over 150 cuts per charge with the included M12™ REDLITHIUM™ XC High Capacity battery.
1-5/8” x 1-5/8” cut capacity and low vibration.
LED Light highlights the cut line.
Blade Tension Adjustment and Adjustable blade tracking.
7. Delta 28-400 Band Saw
14 inch heavy duty band saw from Delta Machinery features a Dual Voltage (115/230V) TEFC motor for powering through the most rigorous re-sawing applications needed for any woodworking project. The two speed pulley system provides the flexibility needed for cutting a variety of materials and the oversized cast iron table provides great support for larger cutting operations.
Heavy duty steel frame design reduces flexing and features a superior finish and aluminum trunnion table support for long-lasting durability.
Two speed drive system featuring tool less belt tensioning.
Durable aluminum, rubber-coated upper and lower 9 spoke wheels are precision balanced for superior blade tracking.
Standard size t-slot accepts all 3/4 in. x 3/8 in. miter gauges.
Precision ball bearing upper and lower blade guides ensure consistent tracking for accurate cutting performance.
Oversized table insert provides visibility when adjusting lower blade guides.
Larger insert for visibility when changing lower guide settings.
Includes 4 in. integral dust port, steel stand and a 93 1/2 in. wood-cutting blade.
8. Makita XBP02Z Cordless Portable Band Saw
The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw delivers cordless metal cutting power to the jobsite. High torque motor and a compact design with less weight for a range of cutting applications in a variety of metal materials.
6-setting variable speed control dial that delivers a no load speed of 275-530 ft./min. for faster metal cutting.
Adjustable foot protects material and provides positive support for more accurate cuts.
Weighs just 14.3 lbs. (with battery, sold separately).
Compact design at 20-5/8" long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue.
Equipped with a built in L.E.D. light that illuminates the work area for more efficient work, as well as rubber bumpers and a removable hook.
Part of Makita's expanding 18V Lithium-Ion series.
9. Rikon 10-305 Band Saw
Rikon 10-305 10” Band Saw is great for woodworkers that do not require large cutting capacity and power for their projects, or have limited shop space for a larger saw.
Includes tilting 0-45° table, rip fence, large blade tension knob, dust port for shop vacuum hookup, and
Safety paddle on/off switch.
Large cast iron table, edge facing thrust bearings.
Powerful 1/3 HP, 3.5 amp induction motor.
Cutting capacities: Height 4-5/8” and Width 9-5/8”.
Option steel stand and a miter gauge are available separately.
10. Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 Band Saw
The Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 Band Saw features include pyramid spine, 3/4 HP TEFC Motor and quick release tension.
Micro polished 21" X 16" table mounted to an oversized Trunion paired with Aluminum Hi/Low Fence.
Solid Cast Wheels are electronically, dynamically balanced and fitted with polyurethane one-piece tires designed to run cooler and last longer.
Worm gear and pinion is ultra-smooth and engineered to have minimum flex even when fully extended.
Double windows allows you to check both tension and tracking while the machine is running..
I hope this list of the best band saws was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C