Top 3 Picks

#1. Powertec	#2. Wen	#3. Grizzly
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You will need different types of saws in your workshop. A table saw, or a portable saw would just not be enough. One particular saw that can help you in your projects is the band saw, and you can benefit from it. A lot of carpenters, tradesman and construction workers use the band saw. These saws do not have a circular blade, but it comes with a band-type blade that cuts the wood or other such material. The most important utility of the band saw is that it can help you make a curved cut. An example of this can be a rocking chair. The curved cuts can also help you in beautifying the woodwork.

Best Band Saw Reviewed

The band saw also offers you a safe ripping experience. This type of saw can help you with resewing as well. Many different brands sell these types of saw, but you must always look at the features and the specifications before buying a one. This consideration will help you with choosing something good enough for your project.

We did a lot of research and we found some of the best-selling band saw models for the money that is currently available. You can go ahead and check out the reviews of these band saws listed in this section. Choose any one from these ten models are we are sure that you will be able to find something useful for you. So, let us now move on to the next section and look at the options available online. If in case, you need more information or guidance about the buying process, you can go ahead and check out the buying guide, which is available on the same page.

#1. POWERTEC Benchtop Band Saw

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The first power tool in our list is from Powertec, and it is one of the most affordable saws available in the market. The setup comes with the saw, a miter gauge, and blade. You can use it to get high precision cuts, and it can also help you in ripping the wood in the thinner piece. This saw is very portable, and the blade has a thin width. The blade guard in this band saw can easily be adjusted, and it can also enable you to replace the blade quickly.

There is a dedicated window that allows you to track the blade. Powertec has also integrated a dust port, and it helps you in keeping the workshop clean. You can make several adjustments to this saw, and you can even tilt the table to 45 degrees. The motor capacity is 0.5 horsepower, and it is also very efficient. The table is made of Aluminum die-cast, and this keeps the weight of the saw in check. The blade tension lever makes it easy for you to change the blade quickly.

Pros

• The saw has a 45 degree tilt, and it also comes with a dust port.
• This Band Saw is very portable, and it is also safe to use.
• Cutting depth, and other blade parameters can be adjusted quickly.

Cons

• Nothing that we could notice.

#2. Powermatic Woodworking Band Saw

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Are you looking for a very powerful band saw? Here’s one that comes with 1.5 HP motor. It is a 14 inches saw that can take up any kind of project. The air pump is integrated and this keeps the motor clean. The tilt here can be 45 degrees towards right, and 10 degrees towards left. A halogen lamp is also integrated into this saw, and it focuses the light on your work table. It also has a foot brake to stop the saw when you need it.

In the package, you also get a rip fence, miter gauge, and a chip blower. This model is very user friendly, and it has a maximum blade speed of 3000 SFPM. Since it comes with the closed type stand, it is easy to use it, and store it. Overall, it is a premium saw that you could buy if you do not mind spending extra. It does take some time to assemble it, but once the assembling is done, you will get the high cutting speed with precise cuts.

Pros

• This band saw has an integrated chip blower and a halogen lamp.
• The brand offers a one year warranty.
• It has a potent motor of 1.5 HP.

Cons

• This saw is quite expensive.

#3. SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt 9-Inch Band Saw

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At number 3, we have a model from Skil, and this is an affordable yet reliable band saw. This model is useful for getting accurate cuts, and you can use it with a variety of materials. The saw has a LED lamp that gives you a better view of what you are cutting. A 1.5 inches dust port keeps the table clean, and it also helps you get the precise cuts. The table that comes along with the band saw can be adjusted quickly. You can make angle adjustments, and you can also make height adjustments when required.

Apart from cutting wood, this saw can also be used for metal-based materials. The total weight of the saw is just 16.51 pounds, and hence it is easy to carry. The maximum speed of this saw is 2800 SFPM. The motor never disappoints you, and you never feel the lack of power. In addition to this, the motor is not very noisy. The extended warranty will cover you from any kind of anticipated defect.

Pros

• This saw comes with a dust port to keep the material clean. The saw also has a LED light.
• The table is easy to adjust.
• The brand offers a three year limited warranty on the saw.

Cons

• Adjusting the blade is slightly tricky.

#4. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw

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The next saw that we want to talk about is from Wen. This brand is highly reliable, and it has a massive range of power tools available in the market. This band saw is available in 9 inches, 10 inches, and 14 inches model. The saw fits 72 inches blade with variable width, and this helps you in using the saw for multiple functions. The dual-speed functionality is also quite helpful. With just switch of a button, you will be able to change the speed.

The brand also provides a floor stand so that you do not have to purchase a workbench. If you already have a workbench, then the saw can be placed on it. The saw comes with a work light and a dust port. It also comes with a miter gauge, a fence, and a 6 TPI blade. The warranty keeps you safe from the manufacturing defects. If you do not mind spending a little extra, it would be best to buy this saw from Wen.

Pros

• Wen offers a two year warranty on this band saw.
• It has a two-speed motor, and you can use it either at 1520 FPM or 2620 FPM.
• The machine can be used on the benchtop or using the floor standing.

Cons

• Nothing that we could notice.

#5. Rikon 10-305 Band saw With fence

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A lot of people also prefer a saw that comes with a fence. If that is your criteria, then you must check out this one from Rikon. The saw is a smaller version of the 10.345 models from this brand. The body is designed with steel plates, and it is undoubtedly more durable than the cheap plastic models available in the market. The working surface is made of cast iron, and it offers a very study work surface for you.

The work surface has dimensions of 13.75 inches x 12.5 inches, and hence you would not have to worry about the space. The best part is that the fence can be removed when you need a free hand cut. A lot of people look for high HP motor, but this saw has just 0.33 HP motor. The motor doesn’t disappoint in terms of power. It offers you excellent power delivery. It doesn’t heat up even after long hours of usage. It can be a perfect tool for your workshop if you work on small and medium projects.

Pros

• The motor is 0.33 HP, and it always delivers high power.
• Comes with a rip fence that can be easily removed.
• Has micro-adjustable guideposts, and the saw comes with a five-year warranty.

Cons

• Nothing that we could notice.

#6. KAKA Industrial Metal Cutting Band Saw

The regular saw on the market can only deal with a thin metal sheet. If you often work with thick metal sheets and a band saw that can deal with such things, check out this one from Kaka industries. The body is made of cast iron, and it has a steel base that also doubles up as a utility shelf. The motor can be operated at two speeds. Since cutting metal generates a lot of heat, this saw comes with a coolant pump to keep the blade cool.

The frame of the saw can swivel easily, and the saw is very easy to control. The saw is very sturdy, and it has a balanced center of gravity. The hydraulics in the saw controls the descent, and it adds accuracy to your projects. It should be noted that this particular model is only for cutting metal. You would not be able to use it with wood as the moisture can damage it. You can check more details by visiting the product page.

Pros

• Can deal with thick metal.
• The saw has a coolant pump to keep the blade cool.
• This model comes loaded with an accident prevention device.

Cons

• Quite expensive.

#7. VBENLEM Commercial Butcher Band Saw

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We understand that not everyone is looking for a saw that can work with wood. Some people need a band saw that can cut through metal. We have already talked about some of the band saw that can cut through metal. You would have noticed that a lot of butchers also use a band saw. Different saws are designed to work with meat. One such model comes with stainless steel workbench and an aluminum body to cut through the meat.

The machine is also effortless to clean. The bottom of the machine has anti-skid pads. The motor is mighty, and it is capable of cutting 200 kg of bones in an hour. The blade can be adjusted to get the right tension in the blade.  Frozen meat can also be cut using this machine. Nothing can stand in front of this one.

Pros

• Designed to cut meat, and it is very sturdy.
• The blade can be adjusted easily.
• You get a year warranty, and the brand also provides 30 day return policy.

Cons

• It can only be used with meat.

#8. Laguna Tools 18 In Band Saw

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At number 8, we have this from Laguna. This comes with a 3 HP moto, and it is the most powerful saw available on our list. This model comes with a magnetic starter, and it supports a blade width of 0.125 inches to 1.25 inches. Resaw capacity is 16 inches, and it has a throat of 18 inches. The standard blade that comes along with this machine is 145 inches. The best part that we found is that the machine has a disc brake that is equipped with a microswitch.  It stops the saw almost immediately.

The saw also has a window that can be used to adjust the tension. It can be used with various materials, and you will not face any such issues while operating this band saw. There is a dedicated switch on the saw that you can use to connect the light. Overall, the saw is excellent for hardwood and metal.

Pros

• Comes with a two year warranty.
• The saw has a 3 HP motor, and it is very powerful.
• You can use it with a variety of materials.

Cons

• This saw is slightly expensive.

#9. Grizzly Industrial HP Band Saw

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At number 9, we have a model from Grizzly. This band saw has a 2HP model and offers a high cutting capacity to the user. The saw is designed for professional users. The machine also comes with a wide precision table that is made of cast iron. It adds a lot of stability to the saw while you are operating it at high speed. The overall frame is made of steel, and the wheels are balanced using the computer balancing application. Another thing that adds ease of use is the quick release system for the blade. It also helps you in quickly adjusting the tensioner.

The geared table can be adjusted easily, and the blade guides feature a double ball bearing. The dual ball bearing ensures that the blade remains straight. The fence can be removed if you are not using it. The saw can operate at two speeds, which are 1700 FPM and 3500 FPM. The table of this saw can be tilted easily, and the angle offered here is 5 degrees to left and 45 degrees to the right. The power is transferred from the motor using a belt-drive, so the efficiency remains high. The total weight of this one is 421 pounds, and the brand also protects your purchase with excellent customer support.

Pros

• Available in the mid-price range.
• Grizzly offers a one year warranty.
• The motor has a capacity of 2 HP, and it comes with a very sturdy body.

Cons

• Nothing as such.

#10. Baileigh Wood Working Vertical Band Saw

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We have now reached the end of the list, and it is an industrial band saw designed to deal with wood. You can use it with hardwood, softwood, or any other type of wood.  The total capacity of the motor in this is of 5 horsepower. It is the largest capacity on the list, and hence you can work on the large projects. The tables saw is 23 inches x 30 inches. Adjusting the machine is easy, and you can even adjust the blade. Changing the blade is not a big deal either as it comes with a smooth blade removal system. The tension of the blade can be adjusted as per the need.

Pros

• Comes with a motor with a power of 5 horsepower. 
• It is designed for industrial use.
• The machine has a sturdy design, and it is made of cast iron.

Cons

• The machine is slightly expensive.

How To Choose The Best Band Saw

There is a lot of variety available in the market. Different models have different specifications, and the distinction helps the saw in performing various functions. It is always better to consider the points so that you only buy something useful for you.

1. Dual Speed

The motor size is important and is usually from 0.5 Horsepower to 1.5 Horsepower. A smaller motor is good for the softwood, but you need a bigger motor to do heavy-duty material. You can also look for a model that comes with dual speed settings. These saws are certainly better when it comes to the flexibility offered to you.

2. Size of Saw

There are many size options available in the market. You will come across a small 10 inch saw, and you will also come across large 20 inches saw. You need to understand the kind of projects that you will work upon, and based on the size of projects, choose the size of the saw. The bigger the saw, the greater agility it will offer. The bigger saws are also expensive, so it might not always be worth choosing a big model if you do not need it.

3. Type

There are three types of band saw available. This categorization includes open stands, close stands, and tabletops. The choice here depends mostly on personal preference. A tabletop saw can be used by placing it on a workbench. These types of saws are usually more portable. The close stand will offer better storage when you are not using it. Overall, the open stand and the close stand are the sturdiest of all.

4. Blade Type

You must also look at the specifications of the blade. Two things that you must check are the blade width and the number of teeth. The thinner blades are better for the curves, whereas a wide blade is better for high precision. In terms of the teeth, you will get this specification in teeth per inches. The higher the number of teeth, the smoother the saw will be. It should also be able to change the blade when it is needed. You can even buy a model where the blade could be changed without any tools.

5. Portable & Sturdy

We are sure that you would like to buy a saw that is portable. If that’s that case, you’d need look at one that comes with a wheel setup. This setup will make it very easy for you to move around the band saw. Apart from this, you must look at the reparability score. If the saw breaks down, it should be easy to replace the parts. You must also look at the material that the frame is made off. The three options are die-cast metal, cast iron, and welded steel.  While looking at these things, do not forget to look at the weight.

6. Safety Features

You must also look at the safety features while buying the band saw. These safety features include a blade guard, a safety key, and a stable base. All these things will help you in ensuring your safety. Some of the safety features may not be available, and hence you will have to buy add-in components to get those safety features enabled for your band saw. 

7. Guide Lamp

It can be difficult to work if you do not have enough lighting on the wood section. A concentrated beam of light on the wood can help you with a precise and accurate cut. It is worth considering a band saw that comes with a lamp. Ensure that the light is adjustable, and it will help you a lot while you are using the band saw. 

8. Chip Blower

Apart from poor lighting conditions, there is one more factor that can lead to shabby cuts. It is the deposits of the chip that will disable you from seeing where you are cutting. A chip blower function or a vacuum port can help you clear the deposits while you are cutting, resulting in a precise cut.

9. Price

Look at the price of the band saw, and ensure that you are not buying the cheapest option. Spending a little extra will ensure that you are getting a better specification, and a sturdy band saw. Most of the cheap band saw are unreliable, and they can cause a lot of maintenance issues. It is always better to buy a band saw that is manufactured by a known brand.

10. Warranty

You will never get a warranty on the blade, but most manufacturers would offer you a warranty on the motor and the electronic parts. You can check out the warranty policy provided by the brand, and it would be best to buy something that comes with a one year warranty. This warranty policy will save you from the expense of repairing burnout motors.

Band Saw Using Safety Tips and Guidelines

Using a band saw is extremely easy, but not paying attention to safety tips might be a bad choice. For the first time or amateur users of band saw, it is necessary to learn the safety guidelines in advance to prevent anything bad from happening. Here are a few important tips –

• Always use safety glasses or any type of face shield to prevent wooden debris from going into your eyes. The band saw works at a high speed and cause plenty of tiny wooden particles which might block your vision while working.
• When a band saw works, it makes intense noise, and the noise level can go above 100 dB. Continuous exposure to high noise can reduce hearing and damage your ears hearing ability. Always wear hearing protection or use cotton balls to block excessive noise.
• Guards are installed in band saw to prevent users from accidentally cutting themselves. Make sure that you use the guards properly and adjust them for the type of work.
• If you are using a band saw with an automatic tension controller, then you can use it without any worries. However, if you have to set the blade tension manually, then always ensure that the blade is at adequate tension and is equipped properly.
• Do not use an old band saw blade as if it is rusty or the blades aren’t sharp. Using an old blade reduces efficiency, causing pressure on the motors, and it might break while cutting hardwood.
• Using a push stick is necessary if you don’t have proper gears at the time of cutting. Some people use their fingers to push the cutting material, but it is highly risky, and the chances of getting hurt during this time are high.
• If the blade is not able to cut through the wood as the blade sharpness faded in between, then firmly hold the cutting material and turn off the band saw. After that, you can remove the wood and replace the blade to start again.
• Always consider proper timely maintenance to ensure better durability of the band saw and blade. There are different types of blades available for the band saw, thus it is crucial to equip the right type based on the job.

After following the mentioned tips, you can always have a safer use while working with a band saw. Make sure that you don’t use a defective band saw.

Band Saw Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

While purchasing the saw, do not just buy a saw because of the looks of the band saw. Consider the reviews and the specifications as well. We are sure that you do not wish to end up with an underpowered saw, and that is why it is essential to check out the specification sheet. All the details are available in the buying guide, so do not skip that section. It is always safe to buy a branded table saw, even if it is slightly expensive. It will offer you the desired returns while you are using it.

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