The right saw to pick depends upon the metalworking or woodworking project you are working on. To be honest, through my experience a portable table saw is much better. I can easily carry it with me wherever I wish to. But it wouldn’t give me the curves that a band saw can provide. In that area the band saw machine is unbeatable.
Here I review 9 bandsaws. Out of these, JET JWBS-14DXPRO is my top pick. But there are others too that you might want to have a look at. Each ranges according to its benefits and features. Further, there is also a buying guide. You will want to go through it to know the different parameters while selecting the best band saw.
Best Overall Band Saw: JET JWBS-14DXPRO
Beginning with this powerful tool that might be a bit heavy on the pocket but is worth every penny you pay. It has much space on the cutting table of 15 by 15 inches, which makes working easier. It can make precise cuts as deep as 12 inches. Besides, it is pretty easy to change the blades.
JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14″ Deluxe Pro Bandsaw Kit (710116K) Features
- Frame Type: Cast iron, Floor
- Work Table: 15 inch x 15 inch
- Blade Length: 105 Inch
- Depth of Cut: 12 Inch
- Speed (FPM): 1500/3000 SFPM
- Motor Power: 1.25 HP
- Power Source: Corded Electric
What I liked about JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw?
The highlight of this band saw is the blade tracking window. It lets you check the cutting area, therefore, making possible straight cuts. The bearing guides reduce friction to avoid rough cuts. It also has a powerful motor of 1 1/4 horsepower, which makes it quick at finishing tasks. It is a floor model with a cast-iron table that exceeds its life.
You won’t even have to worry about which blade you’ll have to buy. That’s because it is compatible with blades ranging from 1/8 to 3/4 inch wide. The easy-to-change blade mechanism is another reason that makes it a versatile tool. This one comes with two speeds driven by the belt – 1500 SFPM and 3000 SFPM.
What I didn’t like about JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw?
It is one of the best band saws I could find but the speeds are too fast when you use it to cut metal. Also, it gets dull very fast. Another thing to note is the weight. The saw is very heavy.
Mostly, the saw arrives in two parts – base and whole unit. The whole unit box is super heavy to carry. The blade tightening system is a little knob at the top of the machine. When going for high tension, it can create havoc on your wrist and hands.
Pros of JET Band Saw machine:
- 5 Year Warranty
- Built-in retractable blade guard
- Blade guide post
- storage in the base
Cons of JET Band Saw machine:
- Heavy
- Too fast speeds and gets dull quickly
- Knob of the blade tightening system is difficult
Who can use JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14″ Deluxe Pro Bandsaw Kit (710116K) ?
A reason this product is the best band saw is that it can be handled well by amateurs as well as professionals. If you are cutting plastics or wood, take care of the speeds. If you are cutting aluminum, the sharpness of the blade may not last long. But all in all, you will like this saw to resaw wafer-like thin slabs.
Best Value for your Money Band Saw: RIKON 10-305
Rikon has brought for you a 10-inch blade length band saw, which can easily glide through a material of thickness from 9-5/8 x 4-5/8 inches. Its body is made of strong steel, which makes it a product of durability and also less prone to any damage. That’s not it, the sturdy steel frame reduces vibrations and any motion to ensure pinpoint cuts. A 21-inch tabletop makes placing large objects easy and gives enough space for work.
RIKON 10-305 Bandsaw With Fence, 10-Inch Features:
- Frame Type: Cast Iron, Floor
- Work Table: 13 ¾ inch x 12 ½ inch
- Blade Length: 10 inch
- Depth of Cut: 4 15/16 inch
- Speed (FPM): 2780 FPM
- Motor Power: ⅓ HP, 3.5 Amps
- Power Source: Corded Electric
What I liked about the RIKON 10-305 band saw?
This saw machine has a speed of 2780 feet-per-minute (FPM), which is quite moderate compared to its low powered motor of 3/4 HP. Its table can bevel up to 45 degrees. And, the cast aluminium wheels make it strong and durable. Mostly, if you’re looking for a piece with a reasonable cost, this will be the best choice for sure. I definitely loved the strong construction. The tracking adjustments are simple and you also get a dust port with it.
Further, although the miter slot is of non-standard size, it is adequately milled. With the given price, you would not get a picture-perfect machine. But, this works well with tweaks and adjustments.
What I didn’t like about the RIKON 10-305 band saw?
The rikon tilting table adjustment does not seem of heavy duty. However, overall it holds fine. Also, it does not include a miter gauge and stand.
Pros of Rikon band saw
- 5 years manufacturer’s warranty
- Deep and smooth cuts
- Extremely light and compact
- Amazing deal for money
- Strong build
- Comes with a dust port
- Simple track adjustments
Cons of Rikon band saw
- Light duty tilting table adjustment
- Does not include a miter gauge and a stand
Who can use the RIKON 10-305 Bandsaw With Fence, 10-Inch band sawing machine ?
From a hobbyist, DIY-er, to a professional woodworker; it is a good choice for all. The installation is not difficult and time consuming. Also, it is made up of actual steel so, you would not have to worry about its durability.
The blade that it comes with is thinner. Thus, you may have to purchase thicker blades for heavy cutting duty. Also, this factory blade leaves a rough surface on veneer. So, check that out according to your use.
Best Affordable Band Saw: WEN 3962
One important thing that we all look for in anything, in general, is getting the best affordable item. And, this Wen band saw exactly brings you that. It is a power tool that can be purchased within a low price range. It has cut dimensions of 6 inches deep and is compatible with blades of 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch width and 72 inches long, which is quite a suitable range. Further, it has a work light that makes cuts visible and gives you better accuracy.
Features of WEN 3962T 3.5-Amp 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand and Worklight
- Frame Type: Optional stand, floor or bench top
- Work Table: 14 1/8 x 12 1/2 inch
- Blade Length: 10 inch
- Depth of Cut: 6 inch
- Speed (FPM): 1520 or 2620 FPM
- Motor Power: 3.5 Amp
- Power Source: AC/DC
What I liked about WEN 3962 Band Saw?
The 3.5 amp motor can make cuts up to six inches deep and 9-3/4 inches wide. Some 72-inch blades ranging in size from 1/8 to 1/2 inches are used.
It is possible to bevel up to 45 degrees on a large 14-1/8 x 12-1/2 inch work table. Plus, it has two speeds of 1520 FPM and 2620 FPM. The optional stand enables either floor standing or benchtop use feasible. A 2-year warranty, a stand, a work light, a 3-in-1 dust port, a fence, a miter gauge, and a 3/8-inch blade are all included.
What I didn’t like about WEN 3962 Band Saw?
I did not like the 9” and 10” bandsaws. They seem a lot heavy and flimsy. In addition, when you have thinner blades, you may experience slight misalignment.
Pros of WEN Band Saw
- Inexpensive
- Newbies and hobbyists will appreciate it.
- Power and speed are adequate
Cons of WEN Band Saw
- Difficult setup with thin blades
- Flimsy 9” and 10” blades
Who can use WEN 3962T 3.5-Amp 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand and Worklight?
The ease of use this device offers is unmatched. Thus, it makes it a top pick for beginners, but experts can use it well too. If you set up well, you will have a stellar performance from this one. You wouldn’t take much time to make the initial assembly. This tool is extremely sensitive for adjustments. So, you may have to use the trial and error method. As per your necessity, you can install a 14 TPI blade. That can help you have more aggressive curves.
Also Think About Skil 3386-01 Band Saw
Yet another band saw within a limited budget that offers you a multitude of features. For starters, just like all the other best band saws on this list, this one also has efficient cutting. It comes with an EZ tracker belt that allows you better visibility of the cut while working. The tracker can be adjusted up to 45 degrees. The blade is up to the dimensions of 1/8-Inch to 3/8-Inch in width and from 59 1/4 to 59 1/2 inches tall, which is moderately appropriate.
Features of SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt 9-Inch Band Saw with Light , Red
- Frame Type: Table
- Work Table: 12 x 11 – ¾ inch
- Blade Length: 9 inch
- Depth of Cut: 3 ½ inch
- Speed (FPM): 2,800 SFPM
- Motor Power: 2.5 Amps
- Power Source: Corded Electric
What I liked about SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw?
This 6 TPI band saw easily cuts through hard and soft wood. It also features a rip fence that ensures precise and smooth cuts. The LED tracker again gives more visibility to the worker to view the cut, ensuring well-defined cuts. Plus, the best part is that you no longer have to worry about dust and scrapings settling in the work area.
With the dust port, you can keep the place clean and tidy. The rack and pinion table simplifies table adjustments at any point. Also, remember that the plastic blade guide is made up of plastic. I would recommend you to stick it with a temporary glue. If your blade hits it when by mistake it has popped out, it will shatter into pieces.
What I didn’t like about SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw?
You may see a drop in the power after using it for a couple of months. It may be because of the drive belt getting loose. You can regain the power by tightening it. Another major point to note is that the motor gets hot easily. Since it is only 2.5 amps, it cannot take huge runs.
Pros of SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw
- Easy to store, and port
- Use a rip fence to direct your cuts
- Reasonably priced
- It is ideal for beginners
Cons of SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw
- Power reduces after a few months.
- It has a low motor of 2.5 amps. So, it gets hot faster even with only short runs.
Who can use the SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt 9-Inch Band Saw with Light , Red
This tool can be used by both entry-level learners and professionals of the field. You can have one set of blades aside. The one that comes attached is a 4 TPI one. By default, this can be used for smaller woodworking projects. So, get one with a higher tooth count for the cuts.
To consider: Laguna Tools MBAND1412 band sawing machine
This Laguna bandsaw has a 1.75 HP motor that is quite efficient and glides through all types of wood. The packaging is also inclusive of a stand that makes it a floor model. It comes with a 12″ resaw capacity, 13 5/8″ throat capacity, 115″ blade length. The aluminum rip fence makes tracking the cuts effortless. A heavy-duty cast iron Trunnion makes for a sturdy design and body. Table tilts right to an angle of 45 degrees, left to 7 degrees.
Features Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 14 x 12 Bandsaw, Black/Grey
- Frame Type: Floor
- Work Table: 21 ½ inch x 16 inch
- Blade Length: 115 inch
- Depth of Cut: 13 inch
- Speed (FPM): 1800 RPM
- Motor Power: 1.75 HP
- Power Source: Corded Electric
What I liked about Laguna Tools MBAND1412 band sawing machine?
Laguna features TEFC, 60Hz, and a voltage of 115. It also has a relevant amperage of 14/7 (115/230V). The best part is its 6′ Cord with NEMA 5-15P plug. This product has the advantage of being CSA certified.
The Lighted on/off immediate start toggle comes with a safety key. The strong and durable steel frame structures, pyramid spine, cast iron wheels, and cast iron 211/2″ X 16″ make the product safe from easy damage. The micro-polished table surface helps place your object with stability. I liked how sturdy its base is.
The heavy metal makes it even better. Remember that you will need allen-wrenches and metric wrenches while setting it up. Another important point to note is that it does not include a blade.
Overall, it cuts like a cake, has very less vibration, runs smooth and you will have no complaints of power. The fence can be easily drifted because of the
What I didn’t like about Laguna Tools MBAND1412 band sawing machine?
This bandsaw does not come with a blade. You have to pay for it separately. The upper guides function perfectly. However, one knob of the lower guides is at a very awkward position. You may have to tilt the table to reach this knob.
Pros of Laguna Tools Band Saw
- An excellent motor
- A smart investment
- Moderate prices
- Great quality frame
Cons of Laguna Tools Band Saw
- The lower guide is not well positioned
- No blade included
Who can use Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 14 x 12 Bandsaw, Black/Grey
Again, another best band saw is such a versatile tool with functions for both amateurs and woodworkers. If you need a bandsaw that can help you change the blade fast and easily then pick this. The capacity is great. Its resaw performance is also amazing. You may have to go fairly slow but it gives you astounding results.
To Consider WEN 3959T band saw machine
WEN is one of the most popular brands, and if you want a bandsaw that allows you great build quality for low-scaled tasks, this is it. It surely has enough power to tackle all DIY or homeowner projects within manageable time. An important feature is its compactness, which makes it apt for small workspaces.
WEN 3959T 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw Features
- Frame Type: benchtop
- Work Table: 12 5/16 inch x 11 7/8 inch
- Blade Length: 2 inch
- Depth of Cut: 3 ½ inch
- Speed (FPM): 2500 FPM
- Motor Power: 2.5 Amp
- Power Source: AC/DC
What I liked about the WEN 3959T band saw?
The 2.5 amp might not be the most powerful motor but spins the blade at a speed of up to 2500 feet per minute. It has quick and fine blades that make cuts that are up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide. It also features 59-1/2 inch blades varying in size from 1/8 to 3/8 inch.
Beveling is possible up to 45 degrees on its large 12-1/4 x 11-7/8 inch work table that facilitates the security of the object. The package comprises a 1/4-inch-wide blade, a 2-1/2-inch dust port, and a rip fence. Also, it has a miter gauge, and a two-year warranty included.
What I didn’t like about the WEN 3959T band saw?
The fence has little rubber pads. So, you cannot tilt it easily to get a good 90 degree angle.
Pros of WEN 3959T band saw
- Affordable
- Good for small projects
- Inclusive of rip fence and miter gauge
- Makes less noise
Cons of WEN 3959T band saw
- The fence has rubber pads
Who can use the WEN 3959T 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw?
With its exceptional features, WEN is simple to use by newbies. It does not make a lot of noise, and has a low power. I would not recommend it for cutting tough or thick wood. It may burn the motor.
To Consider Shop Fox W1715 Band Saw
An average 3/4 HP motor that is single-phased and spins at a speed of 1,725 RPM. The lade speeds are as follows beginning from up to 78 FPM at 40 RPM, 108 FPM @ 60 RPM, and 180 FPM @ 80 RPM. The size of the blade comes in dimensions of 64-1/2 inches x 1/2 inches x 0.025 inches.
Features of SHOP FOX W1715 3/4 HP Metal Cutting Bandsaw
- Frame Type: floor and benchtop
- Work Table: 10.25 in. x 6.75 in
- Blade Length: 64 ½ inch
- Depth of Cut: 6 inch
- Speed (FPM): 180 FPM, 108 FPM, and 78 FPM
- Motor Power: ¾ HP
- Power Source: Battery Powered
What I liked about Shop Fox W1715 Band Saw?
Handles and wheels for band portability are included in the package, as is a blade. It also features a shutdown by itself. It also has a wheeled stand, which makes moving it anywhere easy. I liked its horizontal and vertical orientation. It makes cuts possible from different angles, in turn making the handling of the object easy. However, changing the angle is a slow process. You may have to use the wrench and socket each time.
Another highlight is that it can make up to 6 inch deep cuts with a throat of 6 inches. This can straight off glide into different materials like brass, steel, wood, copper, and so on. You can also vary the speed on three levels that are 78, 108 and 180 feet per minute. Plus, you get features such as blade guides with ball bearings, onboard tension and tilt knobs.
What I didn’t like about Shop Fox W1715 Band Saw?
You may have to build a riser as the stand is pretty low.
Pros of Shop Fox W1715 Band Sawing Machine
- A vertical or horizontal approach
- Most metals, as well as wood and plastics, can be dealt
- Cutting performance is smooth
- 1 year of warranty
Cons of Shop Fox W1715 Band Sawing Machine
- The stand does not seem to be of good quality and is pretty low.
Who can use SHOP FOX W1715 3/4 HP Metal Cutting Bandsaw?
Its long list of features makes it suitable for experts while being easy to use for both beginners and woodworkers. You can use it to cut steel almost everyday. Just be careful when you tilt the saw. The side of the motor is a little heavy weighted. So, the saw may tumble over the motor. Except for the flimsy base, there’s nothing that you have to worry about.
To Consider Ryobi BS904G Band Sawing Machine
This Ryobi band sawing machine features a 2.5 amp motor with a throat size of 9 inches with a maximum cutting depth of 3-5/8 inches. An induction motor is used to cut through pipes, wood and additional material. Its cutting height is 3-1/2-inch along with speedy setting blade tensioners plus a blade-tracking pane.
Features of Ryobi BS904G 9″ BANDSAW Green
- Frame Type: benchtop
- Work Table: 11 3/4″ x 14 3/4″
- Blade Length: 62 inch
- Depth of Cut: 3 ⅝ inch
- Speed (FPM): 2460 SFPM
- Motor Power: 2.5 amp
- Power Source: Corded Electric
What I liked about the Ryobi BS904G Band Saw?
The best part is that it has aluminum wheels and a ball bearing that supports the structure. The compatible blades sizes are ⅛ and ⅜ inches in width. And, it has a really economic cost for its features and quality.
What I didn’t like about the Ryobi BS904G Band Saw?
Firstly, installation of the saw takes a lot of time. Also, the instructions are not really detailed. Secondly, you may have to put in a lot of effort to get a straight line. The blade tends to move a lot.
Pros of Ryobi BS904G Band Saw
- Maintains good performance for small duty tasks
- Reasonable cost
- A miter gauge is included
Cons of Ryobi BS904G Band Saw
- The instructions are very confusing with about 27 different languages
- It is difficult to get a straight line.
Who can use Ryobi BS904G 9″ BANDSAW Green?
It is an exceptional option for amateur workers or professional woodworkers for saw or resaw. You can also cut brass and aluminum with it. Brass is approximately 50% tougher than aluminum. So, even cutting a 0.032” thick strip may seem a little difficult.
Also Consider: Gryphon Corporation C-40 band saw for glass and tiles
With a moderate power of ⅓ horsepower, this device can be used well for small to medium projects. It has a throat size of 4-3/4 inches and a maximum cutting depth of 2-5/8 inches. It can cut objects such as glass, tiles, stones, and ceramics.
Features of Gryphon Corporation C-40 band saw
- Frame Type: benchtop
- Work Table: 12 in x 12 in
- Blade Length: 40 inch
- Depth of Cut: 2 ⅝ inch
- Speed (RPM): 2200 RPM
- Motor Power: 0.33 HP
- Power Source: Corded Electric
What I liked about the Gryphon Corporation C-40 band sawing machine?
It has an easy to use design that does not need much experience or skills. You can also attach it to a diamond-edged blade that will improve its speed. I liked the cooling system that it comes with. It helps in subsidising the heat caused during work hours. The perforations on the table are very handy. It can help you a lot during location fixture attachments. Moreover, it has a reasonable throat area. This also has a support pillar that lets you empty the tank easily.
What I didn’t like about the Gryphon Corporation C-40 band sawing machine?
You may have to fiddle a little to place the lower sponge. You may have to keep replacement blades with you. The band saw has an intuitive operation but you cannot use it to cut wood. Also, you do not get wood blades for this machine.
Pros of Gryphon Corporation C-40 band sawing machine
- An essential device for anybody who works with stained glass or mosaics
- A large tank of water
- Ability to cut accurately
Cons of Gryphon Corporation C-40 band sawing machine
- The lower sponge is flimsy.
- The blades that it comes with do not last very long.
- Does not cut wood
Who can use Gryphon Corporation C-40 band saw?
This one is better for low scale projects by a DIYist or hobbyist. You can use it to cut glass with stones and tiles. Remember that it does not cut wood. It can cut glass into delicate shapes.
My Verdict Concerning the best band saw
In my opinion, the ideal bandsaw would be the JET JWBS-14DXPRO. It has excellent features that make it almost perfect for all types of users. A robust motor of 1 HP offers on-point slicing. It has good stability due to reduced vibrations by its tough steel body. And, it can be used over long and thick boards. Finally, even though these might be the best sand saws out of so many, have a look at the other 8 bandsaws too.
Buying Guide for band saw machine
Now before you jump into your shopping journey for the best band saw machine for you, there are several factors you need to take into consideration. It is important to understand what band saws can do for you in the workshop and how they differ from other serrated tools.
Types of band saws:
The type of band saw you’ll need depends on what you plan to do. Here is a quick briefing of the best band saw types for you:
Vertical:
Because its blade rotates at a fixed position, you may feed the material piece against the cutting tool. It is the ideal choice for curved smooth cuts and more intricate designs. Also, it gives you more control over details than a horizontal bandsaw. As a result, they’re great for tiny workplaces and small projects, as well as anyone who needs to do intricate internal and external cuts.
Horizontal:
If the volume is important to you a horizontal bandsaw is an ideal option. That’s because they are built to cut higher quantities of (and tougher) materials. It is great for cutting metal. As a result of its higher power and cutting capabilities, it is popular in factories. You can thereby use them in industrial segments, and metalworking businesses.
Portable or benchtop band saws:
A portable bandsaw may be your strongest companion if you need a bandsaw that you can quickly travel with. Or you can have it if you have a very small workspace. Naturally, it is intended for lower-impact work rather than high-volume, high-demand tasks.
Band Saw blades:
Band saw blades are a one-of-a-kind piece of machinery. They’re a huge loop that’s been welded together at one place and has teeth on one side only. The number of teeth per inch determines the cut quality and polish of a band saw blade (TPI). The higher the TPI, the higher the quality, but the saw will cut slower. Cutting with fewer TPI is faster, but the result is a coarser finish.
A general thumb rule I would like to share here. Try to get:
- From 3 to 6 teeth for soft and wood materials
- From 6 to 24 teeth for metals and harder materials
Remember that if you pick a blade with too many teeth, it can cause gullet overload. Similarly, with too few teeth, you may break them and straddle the work.
Band Sawing Machine’s Motor
The blade and the motor are the 2 major components of your bandsaw that define what kind of material it can cut. Usually, best bandsaw motors are commonly rated in horsepower, even though they are electric.
Any band saw with less than 1.0 HP will be one of the smaller models. Depending on your demands and skill level, these saws are nonetheless quite capable. You’ll need more than 1.5 HP band saw if you expect to cut metal regularly, or if you plan to cut vast hardwood stock or do a lot of resawing.
Safety features
Due to the nearly non-existent risk of kickback, the band saws are far safer than most other saws. Kickback is a common hazard when using a spinning blade with some lift in the moving blade, such as on a table saw. A band saw blade moves in a specific direction at all times.
As a result, the greatest risk of using a band saw is being cut. A cut on a band saw, on the other hand, generally results in a serious injury because band saws are rapid and effective cutters. Fortunately, any good band saw comes with a blade guard. it is advisable to check for safety features and steer clear of cheaper options as they might not be the best band saw in terms of safety.
There are other precautions you can take to avoid damage. For starters, read the handbook to learn about your band saw and how to operate it safely. Instead of bracing your thumbs behind your back, try pushing your material along with your fingers on top of it. If your cut needs you to bring your hands within 2 inches of the blade, apply a push stick or block. Reduce the amount of blade that comes into contact with your hands by lowering the guard.
Dust collection system
The use of large dust ports is optimal for the best band saws. It is a good idea to connect your shop vacuum or dust collection system to the band saw’s inbuilt dust port. A 4-inch dust port will tend to evacuate more dust than a smaller 2-¼ inch port. So, go for the bigger one — although either would suffice.
LED light
At first, LED working light seems like a gimmicky feature that has no actual use but as you use it you realize that the truth is otherwise!
It’s difficult to stress the importance of having a work light at the correct place at the right time, especially when making intricate cuts. After all, the band saw’s bread and butter are complex cuts.
A band saw is large enough that you can install light to it without it being built-in, but it means another cord to run and another thing to manage and be aware of. It is a simple feature and a huge plus to have a work light on the machine all of the time.
Bevel capacity
This is a simple feature that allows the band saw’s table to tilt to make bevel cuts. Band saws can only tilt the table to the right a little amount, usually up to 45 degrees, due to their design. Some will make a notional leftward tilt (of less than 10°).
The most important element for this feature in band saws is to make a precise beveled cut and then return to the square when altered. Additionally, the simpler it is to make these adjustments, the more comfortable you will be with it.
Band saw frame
Everything else on a bandsaw is built around the frame. It may not appear to be much of a ‘feature,’ but there is enough variety between different types. And, each impact the band saw power tools in ways that can change how it performs.
Die-cast, welded steel, and cast iron frames are the 3 most popular types of frames among best band saws.
The frame’s role is to provide stability and weight to the band saw, in addition to holding everything else in place. The forces of two or three fast-spinning wheels can cause a lot of vibration and having an ideal frame type can help you negate those vibrations.
Band saw wheel
The band saw wheel may not appear to be an important element while choosing the best band saw at first glance. But it has an impact on how your saw cuts and behaves. The weight of the wheels is important. Internal wheels are usually made of cast aluminum or cast iron, with aluminum being much lighter than cast iron.
The greater the inertia provided by the wheels, the better for the band saw. This inertia is transferred to the blade. Thus, it allows the saw to cut more efficiently by maintaining a constant speed and cutting experience.
Blade tension guide
This is a mechanism on some band saws, but not all. It helps you set the blade tension to the required PSI tension for that blade. Setting the tension can be difficult, specifically if you haven’t done it ever before.
The band saw blade will wear out faster and might crack if the tension is too high. The blade may deviate off track and not cut straight if the tension is adjusted too low.
As you can see, getting the tension just right is essential. On the other hand, as appealing as these tension indicators may appear on the surface, they might be difficult to trust. The issue is that you won’t know if your saw is set too high or too low until you use it.
A blade tension meter can be useful for getting you in the ballpark, but don’t rely on it to get the tension right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Band Saws
What kind of band saw should I buy?
You should buy the band saw looking at the resawing capacity. That means, you should consider the maximum thickness or height that you wish to cut with the band saw. You can go with a 14” minimum bandsaw if you have a small shop furniture. However, for larger works, I would say an 18” to 20” would work. Perhaps, pick a minimum of 12” resaw height bandsaw to use it for different jobs.
What is the band saw best used for?
A band saw is a versatile tool that may be used in any workplace. A band saw is best for cutting irregular shapes and patterns in metals, woods, and a number of other materials. You may use it to cut curves or straight lines because of its unusual formation.
It’s one of the few saws that can resaw or cut down trees to produce useful timber. If you buy the correct blade, it can also cut a range of materials. They are excellent for curved cuts, resawing, milling lumber, resetting boards, and even cut non-wood materials.
How thick can a bandsaw cut?
The distance between the blade guide in its highest position and the top of the table determines the greatest thickness a band saw can cut. When it comes to cutting curves and slicing through thick material whether in metals, woods, or plastics, band saws are the clear champions. Many small band saws can cut through four-inch-thick lumber, while larger saws can make six-inch cuts. A 3/4-inch wide, 0.032-inch thick blade can be used on an 18-inch diameter wheel. When sawing dense timber or wood with severe knots, heavier and broader blades will be preferred.
How much HP does a bandsaw need?
If you have thinner stock that would require very minor resawing, then I suggest you can go with a 1-½ horsepower motor. On the other hand, if you want to go for cutting logs for bowl blanks or resawing larger exotic hardwood, look for a 2-½ to 3 horsepower motor.
What does a 9 inch bandsaw mean?
A 9 inch bandsaw means that the distance between the blade to the throat is 9 inches. You could say that it is the largest piece of wood you can cut with the bandsaw.
How big a bandsaw do I need?
The size of the bandsaw depends on the material you want to work on. A 12′′-14′′ bandsaw is the appropriate size for a beginner and hobbyist. A professional will benefit from an 18-inch bandsaw since it provides more power and larger cuts. A 14-inch band saw would deliver great strength in a smaller package. This band saw is great for anyone who needs curved cutting but does not require a heavy-duty machine. If you want to use your band saw on a regular basis to cut large and heavy gauge wood, metals, or plastic, a 18′′ band saw is recommended.
Conclusion
It is unlikely that one best band saw can fulfill everybody’s needs. In actuality, it all depends on your projects and hobbies. With that in mind, I have attempted to cover every necessity in this guide with a reliable recommendation. So, read it thoroughly before purchasing a new one. Learning which saw offers the most cutting power and flexibility is important. Whether you are shopping for a woodworking or a metal project, check if the ones selected are worth the price tag. If you ask for my opinion, I would always vote for JET JWBS-14DXPRO. It has the necessary flexibility and compatibility to fit in any type of blade.
