The Best Band Saws
A band saw is one of the most versatile power tools you can add to your woodshop. With its long, sharp blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal that's stretched between two or more wheels, a band saw can be thought of as a powered hack saw. A band saw can be used to rip lumber and crosscut short pieces of wood, and it's perfect for re-sawing lumber into thinner slabs. The band saw is most convenient, however, for cutting irregular shapes. As you can imagine, such a versatile piece of equipment comes in many configurations, from hand-held to bench-mounted to cordless. We've taken the guesswork out of finding your first (or next) band saw and discovered a few of the best ones currently available.
Wen Benchtop Band Saw
Bench warmer
If you’re looking to combine durability with dependability — and even accuracy — the Wen benchtop band saw is a great choice. It can cut up to 3.5″ deep and 9″ wide while sawing up to 2,500 feet per minute. Its design allows for a variety of interchangeable blades that can create both intricate and powerful cuts. The spacious work table measures nearly one square foot in size and can be beveled up to 45 degrees. And you get more than a durable saw and sturdy bench in this package: it also includes a miter gauge, a fence for creating straight cuts, an onboard dust port, and an adjustable blade guard.
Pros:
- Ball bearings keep blade operation smooth
- Still compact at less than three feet tall
- Also available with a stand
Cons:
- Blade drifts on some materials
- The table surface isn’t completely smooth
Milwaukee Band Saw
Give it a hand
A band saw isn’t exclusively for cutting wood. Portable band saws are often used when it’s not possible to cut with a Sawzall or plasma torch. Milwaukee’s portable band saw is great for these conditions. With an 18V brushless motor, it’s powerful enough to cut through PVC pipe, conduit, and metal pipe as well. It has both round and rectangular cutting capacity, making it a versatile tool on the job site. At less than eight pounds, it’s light enough to work with all day without muscle strain. And with a trusted name like Milwaukee, you know this is a power tool that will last a long time.
Pros:
- Up to eight hours of use on a single charge
- Integrated safety switch prevents accidental starts
- The upgrade includes a rafter hook and wheel brush
Cons:
- No batteries included
- No charger included
DeWalt 20V MAX Band Saw Kit
Band on the run
As you probably know already, we’re big fans of DeWalt products, especially those in the company’s MAX product line. DeWalt’s MAX band saw is another excellent product in this line. Its 2.5″ cut capacity rips easily through 2″ SCH 40 pipe, while the dual-bearing blade guide rollers provide increased durability. The Matrix II high-speed steel-edge blades included in the package provide excellent heat and wear resistance, and they are manufactured with an added 8% cobalt to increase durability. The package includes the band saw, blades, battery, and a durable nylon carrying bag, making this an excellent combo to take on the road.
Pros:
- The ideal saw for thick metal, medium metal, and thin gauge metal cutting
- Integrated LED work light with a 20-second delay
Cons:
- The motor is not brushless
- Slightly heavier than other hand-held models
Grizzly Industrial Benchtop Band Saw
Laser focused
Grizzly is another name that woodworking professionals have come to trust, and it’s easy to see why. The Grizzly was awarded Top Value by Wood Magazine for its efficient and powerful motor, heavy-duty construction, and portability. This new model includes a laser guidance system and adjustable blower which provide better visibility when following a template or cutting a line. It features a 62″ blade that can cut pieces up to 3.5″ high. The Grizzly is also known for its ability to cut through green woods and dense materials. Changing the blades and adjusting tracking and tension is simple, and at only 50 pounds, it can even function as a portable tabletop band saw.
Pros:
- Includes rip fence and adjustable blower
- Built with upper and lower ball-bearing blade guides
- Also includes an adjustable LED light
Cons:
- The upper bearing guide requires regular adjustment
- Slightly louder than previous models
Bosch Bare-Tool Compact Band Saw
Lightweight contender
For some jobs, a benchtop band saw or even the larger hand-held band saws are overkill. Enter the Bosch compact band saw. It’s about 60% lighter than deep-cut saws and up to 40% more compact than other brand-name models. This makes it ideal for working in tight spaces and especially for overhead cutting. With its 2.5″ x 2.5″ cutting capacity, this cordless-electric band saw is still large enough for a variety of plumbing and woodworking jobs, but light enough to carry around all day.
Pros:
- Integrated LED work light
- Perfect for conduit, uni-strut, threaded rod, and copper pipes
- Soft grip handles for added comfort
Cons:
- Battery and charger not included
- Blades can break if your feed rate is too high
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a band saw and a jigsaw?
Jigsaws and band saws usually look quite similar. Both saws have thin blades for cutting straight lines through a piece of wood. The jigsaw, however, is better at making curves while a bandsaw is preferred for cutting lines and even for re-sawing thin wood pieces.
My band saw won’t cut straight. What’s the problem?
Chances are, your blade is dull. You might think that a dull blade would cause the saw to work slower, but it is more likely to cut crooked. When the blade is dull, it takes more operator pressure to push the wood through the blade, and this pressure can cause your cuts to go astray.
How tight should my band saw blade be?
Very tight. Band saw blades require a lot of tension to consistently produce straight, uniform cuts. This is especially true with thick or dense stock. Most blade manufacturers recommend between 15,000–20,000 psi for most common, carbon-steel blades. A loose blade can easily get stuck in the wood and cause the band saw to jam.
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