bandsaws

Best Band Saws For Woodworking 2021

No serious woodwork workshop is complete without a band saw.

These versatile cutting tools are ideal for projects that require curved and irregular cuts and they are also great for cutting bigger pieces of lumber into smaller, usable lengths.

They come in a variety of sizes and designs, so, if you’re not sure what to look for when buying a band saw for your shed or home workshop, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to check out our band saw reviews and recommendations, and keep reading down the page to find our guide on what to look for when purchasing one yourself.

And as always, for those short on time, here are our top three band saw picks that are available on the market today:

Our Top Pick

Grizzly G0555LX

A powerful saw for both professionals and amateurs that take their woodwork seriously. This is a sturdy piece of equipment designed to take on a big workload.

 Top Value Pick

 Rikon 10-305

This benchtop band saw will give great results without costing you an arm and a leg. Its smaller size makes it ideal for home workshops and garages.

Top Budget Pick

 WEN 3962

Perfect for those on a bit of a budget. This is a great saw for beginners who are looking to improve their woodworking without breaking the bank. For less than 150 bucks, this is an absolute bargain!

Best Band Saw Reviews

Check out the list below to discover what we consider to be the best band saws available on the market today:

Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw

Features

  • Motor: 1 HP
  • Blade Speed: 1800 – 3100 FPM
  • Blade Length: 93-1/2 inches
  • Blade Width: Min – 1/8 inch
  • Max – 3/4 inch
  • Table Tilt: Right – 45 degrees
  • Left – 10 degrees
  • Weight: 247 lbs

The Pros

  • Cast iron frame
  • Sturdy T-shape design
  • Adjustable fence with magnifying window
  • Computer balanced cast iron wheels with rubber tires
  • Upper and lower ball bearing blade guide and thrust bearings
  • Vacuum adapter

The Cons

  • Lower HP than other professional grade saws
  • Dust port is shallow

Overview

The cast iron build paired with the T-frame design makes the Grizzly G0555LX a sturdy and reliable addition to your workshop. It will give you precise and neat cuts thanks to the computer balanced cast iron wheels and its two-speed motor performs great against all types of wood.

While its hefty weight makes it perfect for workshops and home garages, 247 lbs is a lot of weight to be dragging around, so make sure you have the space to accommodate this band saw in your set-up. This weight definitely takes portability out of the question but I also wouldn’t recommend it for anyone you needs to store their tools away after use. The G0555LX is meant to stay in one spot. Great if you are a keen amateur with sufficient space at home.

This machine isn’t cheap, so it really is for serious amateurs and professionals. It is designed to tackle heavy-duty jobs, time and time again. So, if you only have a light workload, this might not be the ideal machine for you due to both the size and weight, and the investment cost involved.

The 1 horsepower motor might not be as powerful as some other professional grade band saws on the market but for a home workshop, it’s an ample amount of power. And most importantly it performs where it really counts, giving you clean and precise cuts every use.

It comes with a 1 year warranty.

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Rikon 10-305 Band Saw

rikon 10

Features

  • Motor: 1/3 HP
  • Blade Speed: 2780 FPM
  • Blade Length: 70-1/3 inches
  • Blade Width: Min – 1/8 inch
  • Max – 1/2 inch
  • Table Tilt: Right – 45 degrees
  • Left – 0 degrees
  • Weight: 76 lbs

The Pros

  • Compact size
  • Easy to transport
  • Value for money
  • Easy to use
  • Large 5 year warranty

The Cons

  • Not very powerful
  • Stand not included
  • Single speed

Overview

The Rikon 10-305 is a real value for money saw and a stand-out pick for our top value band saw on this list. For under 300 bucks you get a precise and reliable cutting machine that is also compact enough to store away at home or easily transport from place to place. You might find a saw cheaper than this but it won’t give you the same great results you can expect from Rikon.

This saw doesn’t come with a stand attached, though one can be purchased as an added extra if you’d like. Or you can just set it up on a workbench, plug it in, and it’s ready to go.

If you have a heavy workload or you often work with hardwoods or thick and heavy lumps of timber, you may find that the 1/3 HP motor doesn’t quite have the grunt that you require and could bog down a little during use, so this saw might be a little on the low side power-wise. However, for normal home use, power shouldn’t be an issue and you can expect a great result, cut after cut.

Another thing which makes this such a great value for money purchase is the 5 year included warranty that this saw comes with. That’s a lot of peace of mind for such a competitively priced machine.

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WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw

WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw

Features –

  • Motor: 1/3 HP
  • Blade Speed: 1520 – 2620 FPM
  • Blade Length: 72 inches
  • Blade Width: Min – 1/8 inch
  • Max – 1/2 inch
  • Table Tilt: Right – 45 degrees
  • Left – 0 degrees
  • Weight: 73 lbs

The Pros

  • Great entry level product
  • Stand included
  • Work light to aid visibility
  • Budget-friendly

The Cons

  • Not a true two-speed motor
  • Can prove difficult to set up
  • Controls need to be readjusted frequently

Overview

The big winner here is the price. I mean, a band saw that will set you back less than $150 is a sweet deal no matter how you look at it.

The WEN 3962 is benchtop saw that also comes with a stand included. It’s compact and light enough to make it easily transportable but it also works great in a home workshop set-up.

It is a budget-priced product and while it does perform great for the minimal cost it will set you back, there are, of course, some drawbacks that come with a band saw in this price range.

One of the biggest downsides of this saw is that the controls need frequent readjustment when working, plus they are also very sensitive so can be a little difficult to get them set exactly as you want.

Another drawback is that although it’s marketed as a two-speed saw, it doesn’t have a two-speed motor. Instead, the belt needs to be adjusted to swap between the two speed settings. This can prove very time consuming and annoying if you need to change between speeds often.

And one last thing worth mentioning is the work light. While it’s great that this saw does come with a work light to improve visibility when working, some users have reported that it has a tendency to shift during use, shinning the light into their eyes instead of onto the work table.

Overall though, this is a great entry-level saw if you don’t want to splash out big dollars on a bandsaw for your home set-up.

It comes with a 2 year warranty. A pretty nice warranty length for the price, in my opinion.

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Powermatic PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw

Features –

  • Motor: 1-1/2 HP
  • Blade Speed: 3000 FPM
  • Blade Length: 93-1/2 inches
  • Blade Width: Min – 1/8 inch
  • Max – 3/4 inch
  • Table Tilt: Right – 45 degrees
  • Left – 10 degrees
  • Weight: 250 lbs

The Pros

  • Sturdy cast iron build
  • Extendable work table
  • Ready for use straight out of the box
  • Inbuilt halogen work light
  • 5 year warranty

The Cons

  • Heavy
  • Tensioning belt is difficult to adjust
  • Confusing assembly instructions

Overview

The Powermatic PWBS-14CS’s powerful 1.5 horsepower motor makes this a great option for amateurs that are serious about their woodworking. It’s ideal for use in a home workshop but due to its weight (250 lbs), it’s really more of a permanent fixture rather than something to be packed away after use or transported often.

The extra large, expandable work table helps to keep material stabilized and easy to work with, although it can be a little difficult to set up at first, as it comes in two sections.

Operation of the saw is pretty straightforward thanks to the easy to read control gauges which are set to different blade sizes and the quick release lever that makes blades simple and effortless to change. It’s a sturdy, well-designed saw that gives precise and vibration-free cuts.

While not a budget model, it sells at a very reasonable price for a band saw of this size and weight, making it a great tool for people looking to expand or upgrade their set-up.

It comes with an inbuilt 60 watt halogen work lamp which is well positioned and gives great visibility of the blade and work area.

Some users have reported that the assembly and operating instructions can be a tad confusing at first so it may take a little time and patience to get the knack of using this saw. But once you’ve got all the creases ironed out, this is a serious band saw designed to tackle a heavy workload.

Backed by a massive 5 year warranty.

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SKIL 3386-01 9-Inch Band Saw

Features –

  • Motor: 0.5 HP
  • Blade Speed: 2800 FPM
  • Blade Length: 59-1/2 inches
  • Blade Width: Min – 1/8 inch
  • Max – 3/8 inch
  • Table Tilt: Right – 45 degrees
  • Left – 0 degrees
  • Weight: 30 lbs

The Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Portable
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good lighting

The Cons

  • Low power
  • Single speed motor
  • A little unstable

Overview

This is another great bench top band saw that comes with a budget-friendly price tag, making it an ideal purchase for beginners and people who don’t have a heavy workload.

It’s compact and weighs just 30 pounds, so it is really easy to store and transport as it fits easily into workshop shelving or the backseat or trunk of your car.

It’s easy to use and comfortable to work with and will perform small craft projects with no problems at all. All the controls are easy to read and it incorporates the SKIL EZ view blade tracking system to help with more precise and intricate work.

This is a very compact and low horsepower saw, meaning that it really is only designed for light work. If used with heavy wood it will bog down to the point where it will no longer operate. But for craftwork and small projects is works great.

It features an articulating LED work light and a 1-1/2 inch dust port to help keep your work area clean and free of dust.

It comes with a 3 year warranty, which is great for a saw that will cost you less than 150 bucks. Just make sure you register the saw within 30 days of purchase to validate the warranty.

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POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Band Saw

Features –

  • Motor: 1/2 HP
  • Blade Speed: 1725 FPM
  • Blade Length: 62 inches
  • Blade Width: Min – 1/8 inch
  • Max – 3/8 inch
  • Table Tilt: Right – 45 degrees
  • Left – 0 degrees
  • Weight: 44 lbs

The Pros

  • Budget friendly
  • Compact
  • Lightweight and portable

The Cons

  • Single speed motor
  • Low HP
  • Slow blade speed

Overview

This benchtop band saw is another example of a saw built for beginners and people who are working with light materials and small projects.

If you are looking for a saw that you don’t need to leave permanently set-up, that will set you back less than $150, this is a solid option.

It comes with a quick release blade that makes making adjustments quick and easy and despite its relatively light weight, the cast aluminum table remains sturdy and stable during use.

Another nice feature is the blade window which allows you to see the cutting edge of the blade at all times during operation.

Keep in mind that this is a low horsepower band saw that is designed for light work only and will bog down if used for projects that it isn’t designed for. That being said, it’s perfect for small craft projects and DIY work around the house.

It comes with a 1 year warranty and a 30 day satisfaction guarantee.

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JET JWBS-14DXPRO Deluxe Pro Band Saw

Features –

  • Motor: 1 1/4 HP
  • Blade Speed: 1500 – 3000 FPM
  • Blade Length: 105 inches
  • Blade Width: Min – 1/8 inch
  • Max – 3/4 inch
  • Table Tilt: Right – 45 degrees
  • Left – 10 degrees
  • Weight: 258 lbs

The Pros

  • Powerful
  • Sturdy and strong cast iron frame
  • 2-speed drive system
  • Inbuilt storage space
  • 5 year warranty

The Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy
  • Rip fence not included
  • Uneven blade tension across blade sizes

Overview

The Jet JWBS-14XD PRO is a powerful saw built for heavy use and is perfect for home workshops. It’s easy to use and versatile, handling pieces of material up to 13.5” x 12” in size, while at the same time making light work out of smaller and more delicate materials due to its retractable blade guard.

Its cast iron frame is sturdy and will remain steady at all times during operation, while the mounting stand comes with built-in storage compartments to help keep your tools and parts organized and in one place.

The high tension spring keeps your saw accurate and precise cut after cut, while the quick-release tensioner makes adjusting the saw quick and simple.

The two-speed drive system, powered by a robust 1-1/4 HP motor gives you the grunt to power through a heavy-duty workload, making this an ideal choice for professionals and serious amateurs alike.

Precision cutting is made easy thanks to the JWBS-14DX’s upper and lower ball bearing guides, handy blade tracking window, and quick adjustment system. This is a quality product designed to be versatile and powerful enough to take on all jobs.

It comes with a big 5 year warranty.

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Rikon 10-326 14” Deluxe Band Saw

Features –

  • Motor: 1-3/4 HP
  • Blade Speed: 1445 – 2950 FPM
  • Blade Length: 111 inches
  • Blade Width: Min – 3/16 inch
  • Max – 3/4 inch
  • Table Tilt: Right – 45 degrees
  • Left – 7 degrees
  • Weight: 285 lbs

The Pros

  • Powerful
  • Tool-less, spring-loaded blade guides
  • Extra tall, quick-adjust rip fence
  • Quick-lock work table

The Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive

Overview

The thing I like the most about the Rikon 10-326 is that once you have it assembled, all the common adjustments on the machine are tool-free. This is a real time-saver and enables you to keep working fast and efficiently.

This is another permanent set-up saw that is designed for professionals and amateurs that want to upgrade their home workshop.

It comes with spring-loaded, tool-less blade guides that are simple and fast to set, a quick-adjust rip fence that can be adjusted by simply turning a knob and a lever operated, quick-lock table trunnion system that allows you to set the table angle in a flash.

This is a sturdy 14 inch band saw that is powered by a two-speed drive and a powerful a 1-3/4 horsepower motor that ensures it can handle the heaviest of workloads and materials.

And it is backed by a 5 year manufacturer warranty.

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What To Look For In A Band Saw

When thinking about which band saw is best suited to you, it’s best to start by considering your workload and types of material that you will be working with. I tend to lump band saws into two main initial categories – benchtop and permanent set-up.

Benchtop band saws are your smaller, compact, generally low powered and usually fairly budget-friendly saws that are designed for working with light materials and can easily be stored away or transported from place to place. While these are a great option for people not looking to spend a lot of money on a new saw, they, of course, come with limitations of use. They can also be great for beginners, but be aware, that even though you are new to woodwork, depending on your projects and goals, you may need a more powerful saw from the outset.

The larger, heavier band saws are the ones I think of as permanent set-up saws, meaning that they aren’t ideal for transport or storing and are better left and used where they stand. These band saws are far more versatile and are designed to cut a wide range of materials from big, heavy loads to small, intricate cuts. They are often referred to as cabinet models and more often than not will come with a stand or frame attached to the saw.

Once you’ve decided which style of band saw is right for you, it’s time to start looking at the design features of each saw. Typically, you’ll want to look at:

Frame

This provides the support and sturdiness for your whole set-up so it’s the foundation of a good saw. Some saws come with a light, plastic frame but if you are planning on doing more than very light work, these tend to be too unstable.

Motor

The average band saw motor is around the 1 horsepower mark. Heavy-duty, professional machines will range higher, typically up to 2 HP, while anything under 1 HP is considered just for light work only. As most of you already understand, the heavier the workload, the more horsepower you want your saw to have. Unless you know specifically that you will only be doing light work with your band saw, I recommend purchasing a saw that is at least 1 horsepower. Lack of horsepower will make your saw bog down during cutting and this is both frustrating and dangerous. A more powerful saw is far more versatile.

Table

This should be made of cast iron, steel or aluminum alloy to ensure that your material has a sturdy and strong platform to rest on during operation. If you have the room for it, the bigger the work table, the better. And some saws like the Powermatic PWBS-14CS come with expandable work tables for added versatility. Some – but not all – saw tables will tilt both left and right for angled cuts. Typically this angle is 45 degrees to the right and up to 10 degrees to the left.

Throat

This is the distance measured from the blade to the vertical frame and will determine the width of cut that an individual saw can make. The larger the throat, the more versatile your saw will be. Don’t get caught out with a band saw that has a throat that’s too small to fit the materials you want to cut.

Blade Width

Denotes the variety of blades that can be used with a particular saw. Given as a minimum and maximum measurement, you’ll find some saws accommodate a far wider range of blade widths than others.

Weight

Weight is both good and bad at both ends of the spectrum. For example, if you plan to store your saw after use or transport it regularly, most likely, the lighter the saw the better. However, if you plan to leave your saw assembled in one place and not move it, the extra weight may help to increase the sturdiness of your saw.

Extra Features

I really like machines that come with tool-free adjustments, as I find they save me both time and frustration when working. Other things to look for are fast-release blades, work lights and viewing windows that allow you to keep a close eye on the blade during operation.

Conclusion

When deciding on which band saw is the best suited to you, it’s important to consider your workload, type of project and your budget.

If you are unsure of your workload or the type of material you will be working with, it’s always better to go for the bigger and more powerful saws that offer a wider range of versatility.

A band saw is a great addition to your workshop and a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in upgrading their current set-up.

When it comes to value for money, my personal favorite band saw is the Rikon 10-305. It’s a durable, mid-range saw that offers great results and comes with a huge 5 year warranty. Fantastic value for beginners who are looking for something a bit more versatile than a standard entry-level band saw.

If you are looking for a band saw with extra grunt that will keep up with a heavy workload, I recommend taking a look at the Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe or the Rikon 10-326. Both of these are sturdy, easy-to-use machines that give great results cut after cut and are backed by a heap of positive reviews.

As always, remember to consider all your options before making your final purchase and choose the saw that best fits your needs.

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