Top 10 Best Bandsaw For Woodworking In [2022-2023]
Out of experience, purchasing a brand new stand-up band saw is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I’ve come across. Bearing in mind that a typical stand-up band saw can cost over $1,000, leave alone the additional parts, replacements, and maintenance, you have all the reasons to be very keen when purchasing this piece of equipment.
If you do woodwork in your shop, chances are good that your bandsaw is the machine you use most often. I have 12 years of experience in woodworking. That’s why I know how it works. A bandsaw is a type of saw that can make cuts really fast. It can cut straight lines and shapes with precision. If you want to cut a circle, it can do that too!
A high-quality bandsaw is easy to set up and adjusts easily; when properly used they deliver accurate, smooth cuts on a wide range of materials; though they lack some features found on other machines like table saws, band saws perform certain tasks better than any other power-tool in your shop.
There are many different types of bandsaws such as Mini Table Tops 8”-9” (without a Base) , Large 15-20” and Small 10”-14”, handheld bandsaws, and horizontal bandsaws. Some are for very small shops like the tabletop bandsaw. They don’t have a big enough motor or enough space to make what you want to make. I like the ones that can do both horizontal and vertical cuts better than these small ones though.
I have worked in a lot of shops and I have used all the bandsaws on this list. So, which one is best for you? Think about what your needs are and what you can afford. I have two types of bandsaws in my shop. One is smaller but more powerful Delta 14” 1hp, with a ¼” blade that is not as big. I use it when I need to do work that has finer curves. The other one is larger bandsaw Laguna 18” 3hp and I use a ¾” blade to cut very straight lines and resawing wood.
Top 10 Best Bandsaw For Woodworking Reviews
1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw
More than often, any machine’s good features and design mean a lot when it comes to its performance. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw features some of the most outstanding features, thus making it among the top-rated band saws ideal for any woodworking project. It has excellent capacity, large table, and ideal for multipurpose uses. It is also easy to adjust and features a clear window for a more straightforward blade view and tracking.
It has one of the best capacity which means that you can rip 12-inch pieces high without fearing that the retractable blade will harm you. The retractable blade guard is easy to adjust, say, from 0 to 12 inches. Besides, it includes a large table measuring 15″ by 15″, thus making it ideal for large projects. Moreover, it comes with a 2-speed poly v belt drive system which makes its horsepower outstanding.
2. Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 14-inch band saw
This MBAND1412-175 from Laguna includes very serious specs rare to find in other ordinary band saws available today. You will get incredible horsepower and feature-rich tool with this machine that can handle any project size and task. This powerful gear comes with a 1-3/4 horsepower motor that gives it the needed power to cut virtually anything. You can comfortably re-saw any impenetrable hardwood.
If you’re considering re-sawing hardwoods, this band saw includes a large 12-inch cutting height blade to help get your work done. Besides, it has a high throat capacity at 13-5/8 inches, and a Hi-Low aluminum fence installed relatively low for easier handling of more exhaustive materials. Besides, the solid wheels and frame are made using robust steel. Everything runs very smoothly, making this saw not only easy to use but also durable.
3. WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
Indeed, if you’re looking forward to saving your energy and time, then consider purchasing this piece of equipment. It will make your work not only easier but also quicker. The WEN 3939T band saw offers a desirable cutting experience for individual cutting needs.
The WEN 3939T 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw is not for an industrial woodshop. It’s alright for a basement shop if that’s what you want. I would say it does an “ok” job cutting small pieces of wood (1/4″-1/2″). If you’re cutting mostly small pieces of wood, it will work fine. I would recommend this saw to any beginning woodworker on a budget who doesn’t want or need to spend more money than they have to.
4. Powermatic PM1500 15″ Bandsaw (1791500)
If you are looking for the best 15″ bandsaw, I recommend the Powermatic’s PM1500 15″. It has a very powerful HP motor and is able to cut with top-level precision. The T-square style Accu-fence will give you extra safety and accuracy.
There are a few other things that make this saw great too: the fence is smooth and tall, perfect for resawing boards; and also the protective guard which makes sure nothing bad happens to you while cutting your wood.
5. Rikon 10-3061 10″ Deluxe Band saw
If you have a little more money, I recommend the Rikon 10-Inch Bandsaw. It is a good price for those who are on a budget. The motors are average, but they will do the job. There’s not much finesse to it, though. Rikon is not outstanding but it is very reliable as a brand.
That’s why I would recommend this model the Rikon 10-3061 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw which I think is the best tabletop bandsaw under $500 and its main difference with other models of this size from Rikon is that it has a better fence and faster speed.
6. Delta 28-400 14 in. 1 HP Steel Frame Band Saw
This Delta saw is made in America. It has been around for over 100 years and it still makes quality products. This saw has a bang for the buck price and will last you a very long time. It’s made with heavy-duty steel that has an industrial finish (black and gray).
I liked that this saw was good for its category because of its 1HP power delivery, cutting, and wide table. This Delta band saw is not that great for its price and features. It is in the middle of “the best 14-inch band saws” and “the best budget 14-inch band saw”.
7. Grizzly G0513 2 HP Bandsaw, 17-Inch
I like this affordable Grizzly band saws. Grizzly makes good quality saws that are affordable for most people. This time, I’m talking about their 17 inch model with 2HP power. It is one of the best budget large bandsaws because it cuts well and can handle most projects but I wish they had put more power in it which would be 3-4 HP.
I find the fence of this machine to be a bit low. But you can fix it by upgrading the fence height. Grizzly equipment is always priced well for your wallet, so do yourself a favor and order an upgrade fence along with this bandsaw to increase the fence height.
8. Powermatic 20-Inch Bandsaw, 5 HP, 1PH 230V
Powermatic 20-Inch Bandsaw is a dream machine. This is expensive because the motors are powerful and the machine has many safety features, like metal fences and guards. It can be fun to use this machine because it’s so good at cutting wood! It costs about Seven thousand dollars but it’s worth it!
It is a heavy machine that weighs over 959 lbs. It cuts through wood like butter and it does not feel hard because of how smooth it cuts. Powermatic 20-Inch Bandsaw 5 HP 1PH 230V is also good because it has a tool-less adjustment system, which saves you time when you need to set up the machine. You should buy this for big projects and work that require power and precise cuts.
9. Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Band saw, 14″
If you are on a tight budget, this is the bandsaw for you. This is a good, cheap 14-inch bandsaw saw. It has all the basic features you need to do your job well. It is an industrial-grade band saw so it costs a lot of money. This one cuts nicely too with well-made guides to help the blade stay straight and produce enough power for most jobs.
This 14 inch bandsaw has a very large cutting area so you can cut bigger pieces of lumber. The Grizzly G0555LX has 6 inches clearance, which is good for cutting thicker pieces of wood but not as high as some other models. The frame is made very well, which makes it more stable while cutting, but the fence isn’t perfect but it’s still worth buying this saw!
10. Laguna Tools MBAND185400 Italian 18 HD Bandsaw
Another bigger option on our list is the Laguna Tools MBAND185400 Italian 18 HD Bandsaw. I have had this saw for over 10 years. I do not know why it has bad reviews on amazon, but that does not matter much to me. This saw is made in Italy. The welds are strong and seams are good to. It can cut smoothly because of its 4-5hp motor, which is a lot of power!
At this price point, you get a lot of features with this saw. The wheel size is 14 inches and the table height capacity is 12 inches. You can also tilt the cast iron table to make cuts in different directions at 7 degrees to the left or 45 degrees to the right. I also bought an optional light system for my work. On the band saw blade, there is quick-release tension lever which is a great plus. I love this machine! I’ve had mine for a while and never had any problems with it. It is good for professional woodworkers at a good price, and if you are serious about woodworking, it’s perfect!
Factors to consider when buying a good band saw
Indeed, you need to know the features of the best band saw when purchasing your gear. For that very good reason, we have composed a check-in list for more straightforward navigation. The main reason for this buying guide is to give you better idea to purchase a reliable band saw for your workshop tasks.
The Intended Uses.
Before you consider buying a band saw, you need to be aware of the tasks you’ll be competing with your equipment. Owning a versatile band saw means that you can carry out many tasks at the same time. For instance, you can use it to make deep cuts and angled curves on your wood and plastics. In addition, you can make precise cuts and also resawing thin strips of plastics and wood. Considering the intended uses is the most crucial factor to consider when purchasing a machine.
The Budget.
Another critical factor you should consider is the amount you’re willing to spend, its uses, and rate. So, if you’re considering purchasing a durable and reliable band saw, then you should not go for cheaper options. Instead, choose a multipurpose and a good product.
Frame.
Before you buy your band saw, think about the frame of the saw. It is important that it is strong. The best band saws are made of cast-iron frames, but they might be very heavy. Other types of frames are not as strong, so this is something to consider when buying a new one.
Horsepower.
Woodworkers need to remember that the power of the saw they use matters. The higher the horsepower, the better. If you are cutting very thick materials, you will need a saw with more power because it will get bogged down or come to a halt. Most band saws have an electric motor that can create between .5 and 1.5 horsepower. You can get lighter-duty projects done with less power (.50), but heavier duty work needs more than .5 horsepower (1-1.5).
Band Saw Weight.
A band saw needs to be heavy enough to not move while you are cutting. The weight of a band saw can be a big factor when choosing an ideal band saw. Older models will usually weigh more, and some of them may weigh over 200 pounds. You might not need a heavier saw, but it is important that the weight helps the blade stay in place while you are using it. Benchtop models need to be heavy enough for stability on your workbench, but they also need to be light enough for easy moving. When choosing a benchtop model, make sure that it is heavy enough for your workbench.
Width of the Blade.
The best band saws let you change the width of the saw bands. A wider band is better for resawing hardwood logs. A thinner band is better for making curved cuts and shapes in wood or metal, like crafts or scrollwork. However, a good band saws can accept different width bands, but ⅛ inch to 1 inch wide works best for most tasks.
Safety features.
Band saws are old-school power tools. Today’s models have some safety updates like oversized stop buttons and adjustable blade guards. They also have trigger safeties so they can’t turn on by accident. Floor-standing and benchtop models also have sliding bevel gauges and tension gauges so you can make a cut with them and keep your hands away from the blade.
Ease of use.
An ideal band saw should be easy to use and designed to support reliable and high-quality work. You don’t want a model that consumes much of your time while changing blades, power tools, and other features if you have a flawed model. In addition, if you’re dealing with different materials, consider purchasing a band saw that fulfills your cutting demands.
Consider technical features.
One of the most critical features you must consider in your band saw is the technical aspect and characteristics. For instance, you need to consider the throat, dust collection, powers, model and different types of band saw to ensure you pick the best. Besides, the features vary from one model to another as per the size and price.
Frequently asked questions.
What are the uses of a band saw?
Generally, power saw and band saws have a wide range of cutting uses, including cutting straight a board’s grain and cutting down the board’s length using a grain-rip cutting. Typically, band saws outshine other saws when it comes to making complicated or curved cuts. A typical band saw has a thin blade that gives the user much control when working around curves and edges. This, in particular, makes this tool very useful when making wooden toys, furniture, home décor, and items used as trim. Moreover, a high-quality band saw can be used to cut metal plates.
Do I need specific saw blades for different cuts?
You might need a different type of blade for different materials and cuts. When you want to cut hardwood, you will want a ripping blade. To make other cuts, use an all-purpose blade. Metal cutting blades have more teeth per inch than wood blades so it is important to get the right one for your band saw. The saw must come with couplings of the correct size or else dust will not be collected and it will be messy inside your saw.
Which is the ideal band saw size for my task?
Band saws are available in various configurations and sizes, but the large models are ideal for professional cutting services such as machine shops and carpentry. Hobbyists require a typical band saw with moderate power and average size. Unless you intend to use your band often saw for cutting large materials, then a Benchtop tool should be the best choice. Most DIYers and hobbyists find a 12-to 14-inch throat ideal for cutting just about anything. For power, a 1 to 1.5 horsepower is ideal for the cutting purpose of most demanding materials.
What type of cuts can be made with a bandsaw?
A bandsaw is a power tool that is perfect for a variety of different types of cuts. You can use this saw for resawing, irregular cuts, curved cuts, crosscuts, compound cuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts, and rip cuts.
What is the purpose of a horizontal band saw?
Vertical saws are the most common band saw. The blade is stationary assembled, such that the users can push the material or the board against the saw table while the blade shifts up and down to make vertical cuts. In contrast, a horizontal band saw cuts the material holding it stationary so that the user swings the blade horizontally to cut the material.
Generally, horizontal band saws are more common for industrial purposes or in many commercial shops and often used for metal cutting. On the other hand, vertical band saws are standard commercially, and smaller Benchtop models are typical for hobbyists and DIYer.
Final thought.
I’m done, and this is my top 10 list of the best bandsaws for 2022. I have used all of these. The price range will be very wide. Some are expensive but they are worth it, because you might never need another one for your whole life.
Although most outstanding bands saw are pretty expensive, but you better incur much money than purchasing the wrong model, thus ending wasting your money. Besides, there are several factors you must consider before purchasing a multipurpose and a good band saw.
Fortunately, we have done thorough research to identify the best band saws available in the market today, both for big and small projects. With the help of the above buying guide information, you can choose your best product to help you perform your woodworking projects precisely.
I hope you liked my review and continue to love woodworking!
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