A band saw is a power-packed metal or woodcutting tool. Whether you have DIY renovations planned, carpentry tasks to perform, or electrical maintenance to complete, a band saw will help you to work faster and smarter.
The 8 Best Band Saws
- Grizzly G0555 The Ultimate 14-Inch Band Saw
- WEN 3962 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw
- JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit
- RIKON Metal Cutting Band Saw
- Makita XBP02Z Cordless Portable Band Saw
- MILWAUKEE 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Band Saw Kit
- DEWALT Portable Band Saw (Our Top Pick)
- BOSCH GCB10-5 Deep-Cut Band Saw
Our Top Pick for the Best Band Saw
Our top pick for the best band saw is the DEWALT Portable Band Saw.
Whether you are a DIY renovation enthusiast, a carpenter, or a construction worker, the DEWALT Portable Band Saw is a fantastic power tool. It has an ultra-portable ergonomic design, a reliable strong motor, a bright LED light, and it delivers a superb wood and metal cutting performance.
Check the price on AmazonComplete Wood and Metalwork Applications With a Versatile Band Saw
Power tools are found in most home-based workshops or professional job sites such as a circular saw or a miter saw. A band saw is one of the most versatile cutting tools. It can be used for a wide range of wood and metalwork applications. You can use a saw to:
- Resaw or rip lumber into thinner pieces.
- Cut tight curves or rounded edges.
- Create irregular shapes.
- Cut veneers.
- Cut through metal piping, sheet metal or thick gauge wire.
Here is some advice to learn how to master the different cutting techniques associated with a band saw.
How to Choose the Best Band Saw
Design
Band saws come in two main designs. A vertical floor-standing and a handheld benchtop band saw.
Floor-standing Band Saw
The vertical floor-standing band saw is a favorite with professional cabinet makers and carpenters as it is specially designed for larger projects. These industrial-style models tend to shake and vibrate so they have a solid cast iron or steel frame, a metalwork table, and a sturdy metal base or stand.
Floor-standing band saws, such as the JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit, have an extra strong 1, 1¼, or 3.5 horsepower motor, cast iron wheels, a razor-sharp blade, a smooth-running ball bearing construction, and wheels on the stand for extra maneuverability.
One of the major features of the floor-standing saw is its tilting table which can usually be set at a 45° angle to the right and 10° to the left. An angled table makes it easier to work with wood that has curved edges.
It may come with a fence that you use to guide and cut the wood in straight lines. A “riser-block” is another great feature as it increases the resaw capacity height of the unit. If the band saw does not have a riser block, here is a helpful article that shows you how to install one. The installation will vary depending on the design of the saw.
A floor-standing band saw can take up a lot of floor space so you need to make sure you have the room to accommodate the machine. Floor-standing saws range in size from a compact 9-10-inch design up to larger 14-inch models. Smaller band saws are designed for hobby-related tasks. A larger model is best suited for professional carpenters or metalworkers and heavy-duty DIY projects.
Handheld Benchtop Band Saw
Handheld band saws are popular with both DIY renovations enthusiasts and professional tradespeople as they are ultra-portable. They have strong 10-amp motors and blade SFPM (square feet per minute) speeds of 1, 2, or 6 speeds. Handheld saws can either be powered by electricity or an 18-volt battery. You can place them on a benchtop or even use them with one hand to cut materials over your head like a metal pipe.
Corded Benchtop Band Saw
If you want a compact band saw that still has loads of power consider a corded band saw. A corded saw, such as the DEWALT or the Bosch saw offers you unlimited power and good freedom of movement around your workspace. The only downside is that you have to be close to a power outlet.
Cordless Band Saw
A cordless bandsaw, such as the Makita or MILWAUKEE, gives you great cutting power, precision, and convenience, which makes the cordless saw an ultra-portable tool for busy job sites.
Depth of Cut
The depth of cut refers to the height that is between the table and the upper blade guides. If the saw has a smaller 6-inch depth of cut, you can add a riser to increase the depth.
Throat Depth
The throat depth is the distance between the blade and the vertical frame section of the body of the saw. This specification will determine the width of the cut that can be done on the band saw.
Band Saw Blades
Most manufacturers include at least one blade with their saw, but it is a good idea to always have a few different-sized blades available. Here is a helpful website that can help you to choose the right types of blades for your band saw and the materials you want to cut.
Additional Accessories
Additional accessories may include a miter gauge, an integrated dust port, or onboard storage. Handheld belt sanders may come with a battery, battery charger, and a storage bag.
Safety Features
Safety is extremely important when you are working with high-powered tools that have razor-sharp spinning blades.
Safety features may include:
- Easy-to-view blade tracking window
- LED Lights
- Lockable switch and padlock
- Safety paddle switch
- Quick blade tension release knob
- Upper and lower blade guards
- Rubber bumper
8 Best Band Saws – Reviews
1. Grizzly G0555 The Ultimate 14-Inch Band Saw
Whether you are a renovation DIY’er or a professional carpenter, the Grizzly G0555 The Ultimate 14-Inch Band Saw is a quiet, fast, and smooth-running machine.
This versatile band saw delivers accurate cuts, crosscuts, resaws, curves, circles, and decorative scroll cuts. It has a strong 1 HP 1500/3200 FPM motor, a throat distance of 13½-inch, and a maximum cutting height of 6-inches, and the saw cuts quickly through hardwood without any blade drift or deflection. The 14 x 14-inch table tilts 45° right and 15° to the left and it is very easy to adjust manually.
Built for hard work, the Grizzly band saw has computer-balanced aluminum wheels with rubber tires, a solid cast-iron table, and the serpentine belt and all-ball bearing construction reduces vibration. The heavy-gauge cast-iron open-frame stand is sturdy and strong and the powder-coated paint ensures long-term durability.
Safety features include a quick-release blade tension release lever, blade guides, and a 4-inch dust port to minimize dust and keep your workspace clean.
Additional handy features include a deluxe adjustable extruded aluminum T-shape fence that has a magnified cursor scale for fast and accurate adjustments, a miter gauge, and a 3/8-inch blade.
Grizzly offers a 1-year warranty on its band saw.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for a renovation DIY’er or a professional carpenter
- Versatile
- Sturdy, strong, and durable
- Fast operation
- Solid cast iron table
- Heavy-gauge cast iron open frame stand
- Computer balanced cast iron wheels with rubber tires
- All-ball bearing construction
- Strong motor
- Reliable performance
- Quiet
- Smooth running
- Easy to set up
- Easy to adjust table tilts 45° right and 15° to the left
- Deluxe adjustable extruded aluminum T-shape fence
- Magnified cursor scale
- Miter gauge
- Quick blade tension release lever
- Blade guides
- Dust port
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Need to purchase additional blades for more cutting versatility
- No caster wheels
2. WEN 3962 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw
With loads of power and a spacious work table, the WEN 3962 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw delivers a reliable and accurate cutting performance.
The extra powerful 3.5 amp 1520/2620 SFPM motor allows the blade to glide effortlessly through thick boards to make cuts that are up to 6-inch deep in a single pass. Its deep 9¾ inch throat means the band saw can be used with more wood than other 10-inch saws. The ball-bearings allow the 10-inch wheels to operate smoothly for years of long-lasting reliable operation.
You can make intricate and powerful cuts as the saw can be used with 72-inch blades that measure from 1/8-½ -inch in size. The spacious 14 x 12½-inch tilting work table makes bevel cuts from 0-45°. The sturdy easy-to-assemble 25-inch stand elevates the band saw without sacrificing space in your workshop.
If you have to work in low light conditions, the band saw has a work light with an independent power switch. For a cleaner workspace, the band saw has a 3-in-1 dust port.
The band saw comes with a sliding miter gauge, an onboard measuring guide, and a 3/8-inch (6 TPI) blade.
WEN offers its band saw in 3 sizes: 9, 10, and 14-inch. The band saw is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Strong 3.5 amp motor
- Two speeds
- Ideal for cutting thick wood
- Smooth running ball-bearing operation
- Durable and reliable performance
- Spacious 45° work table
- Easy-to-assemble sturdy 25-inch stand
- Reversible fence
- Sliding miter gauge
- Flexible work light with an independent power switch
- Onboard measuring guide
- Three-in-1 dust port
- 3/8-inch (6 TPI) blade
- Available in a 9, 10, and 14-inch
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Adjusting the blade is not easy
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
3. JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit
If you have challenging wood cutting projects planned, the redesigned JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit offers you great power, wood cutting versatility, and incredible durability.
Build strong, the cast iron frame has increased strength and rigidity for tough cutting tasks. The 1¼ HP motor has the power to cut large workpieces with a width of 13.5-inch and a height of 12-inch.
Jet has incorporated a range of fantastic features that ensure a safer and superior cutting experience. An efficient poly-v belt drive system delivers precise results and 2 speeds (1500/3000 SFPM) for better control. The upper and lower ball bearing guides reduce any friction, which also enhances machine performance and blade life.
A convenient quick-release blade tension handle ensures flexibility and fast, effortless adjustments. The high tension spring design also allows for a consistently powerful performance even after repetitive and long-term use. A blade guide post with rack and pinion adjustment provides precise cutting results.
The 15 x 15-inch worktable tilts 10° left and 45° right, and it has an extra height of 43.5 inches, so you don’t need to use a riser block.
You have plenty of space for your tools as the enclosed stand has a handy storage shelf and an easy-access door. There is an easy-view blade tracking window, a built-in retractable blade guard, and a dust port that minimizes dust buildup in your workspace.
The 14-inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw comes with a blade, base, trunnion, table, and instructions. Jet offers a 5-year warranty on its band saw.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Very good value for money
- Fast and powerful performance
- Ideal for large, thick workpieces
- Upgraded design
- Easy to set up
- Strong 2-speed engine
- Tough cast iron frame
- Efficient poly-v belt drive system
- New high-tension spring design
- Convenient quick-release blade
- Upper and lower ball bearing guides
- 45° tilting work table
- No need to add a riser block
- Built-in retractable blade guard
- Easy-view blade tracking window
- Blade guide post with rack and pinion adjustment
- Enclosed stand with a handy storage shelf
- Easy-access door
- Dust port
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Fence, blade and miter gauge need to be purchased separately
- Instruction manual is hard to follow
- Making guide adjustments is a little awkward as the guide is located on the underside of the table
4. RIKON Metal Cutting Band Saw
If you are a hobbyist or a woodworker, the RIKON Metal Cutting Band Saw is a great choice.
The band saw has a single speed of 2780 SPFM and a strong 1/3 HP motor that provides ample cutting power for a wide range of pattern cutting and detailed work projects. You can cut thin pieces of 1½-inch hardwood or even cut through 4-inch aluminum workpieces when using the right metal blade. It has a maximum depth of cut of 4.625-inches at 90° and a 4-5/8-inch re-saw capacity.
If you have limited space in your workshop, this band saw is a good choice for you. It has a compact but solid steel frame and the sturdy cast iron 13¾ x 12½-inch table provides a generous working surface.
There is a removable 2-inch tall rip fence and the micro-adjustable guide post’s height can be easily raised and lowered with the turn of a handle.
Safety features include a safety paddle switch that prevents accidental or unauthorized use. The edge-facing thrust bearings extend blade life and also improve stability. A 2½-inch dust port keeps your work area clear of dust.
The band saw comes with 2 blades: a 4 and 6 TPI blade.
RIKON Power Tools offers a 5-year warranty on its band saw.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Very good price
- Ideal for pattern cutting and detailed work
- Great for cutting softwood, hardwood or aluminum
- Can be used with metal with the right blade
- Solid steel design
- Improved stability and blade durability
- Edge facing thrust bearings
- Large sturdy cast iron table
- Removable 2-inch tall rip fence
- Strong 1/3 HP motor
- Easy to use micro adjustable guide post handle
- Quiet operation
- Safety paddle switch
- Dust port
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Blade guides aren’t square to the blade, so they have to be adjusted
- Not powerful enough for heavy-duty professional use
5. Makita XBP02Z Cordless Portable Band Saw
The Makita XBP02Z Cordless Portable Band Saw is an excellent power tool for DIY and professional metalworkers.
As the band saw is engineered for a wide range of metal cutting tasks such as metal building, metal fabrication, electrical and plumbing projects, you can use it for Unistruts, conduits, pipes, sheet metal, square tubing, and even more.
You will be able to work faster and smarter with the Makita XBP02Z. The band saw has a strong Makita-built no-load 6-speed 275-530 SFPM high-torque motor. Its reliable 18-volt slide-style battery has the fastest charge time in its class and can reach a full charge in only 45 minutes.
For improved tool performance and extended battery life, Makita’s inbuilt Star Protection Technology protects against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. The band saw can be used with other Makita batteries that have a star symbol on the battery.
With a lightweight design, the Makita band saw is suitable for one-handed operation. Its ergonomic shape fits like a glove and the rubberized soft grip handle reduces operator fatigue.
Safety features include a safety lock trigger switch, a built-in LED light, and an adjustable foot that protects your material and provides positive support for accurate cuts.
For quick and easy storage, there is a removable hook and onboard wrench storage.
To keep the band saw safe in rough working conditions, the thick rubber bumper protects the tool and the externally accessible brushes ensure greater serviceability.
The band saw can be purchased as a tool only or in a full kit. The kit includes two 18V LXT lithium-ion 5.0Ah batteries (BL1850B), an 18V LXT lithium-ion rapid optimum charger (DC18RC), a 44-7/8-inch 18 TPI band saw blade (792556-A), and a sturdy tool bag.
Makita offers a 30-day money-back or replacement guarantee, and a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Very affordable price
- Fast, precise cutting and reliable performance
- Strong Makita-built motor
- Six-setting variable speed control dial
- Adjustable foot
- Lightweight and compact design
- Designed for one-handed operation
- Reliable long-lasting battery power
- Quick charging battery
- Star Protection Computer Control Technology
- Can be used with Makita 18-volt batteries
- Built-in LED light
- Externally accessible brushes
- Onboard wrench storage
- Rubberized soft grip handle
- Protective thick rubber bumper
- Safety lock trigger
- Available in a complete kit with a battery, charger, blade and tool bag
- 30-day money-back or return guarantee
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Not designed for heavy-duty wood cutting tasks
- Can be a little heavy to use one-handed
- Bulky
6. MILWAUKEE 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Band Saw Kit
Compact, lightweight, and extremely affordable, the MILWAUKEE 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Band Saw Kit is a great tool for a wide range of small metal cutting applications.
A power-packed dynamo, the MILWAUKEE has a powerful motor that provides smooth, clean cuts through metal such as pipes, roof bolts, and thick gauge wire. Its single-speed 280 SFPM trigger allows the saw to cut through 3/4-inch electric metallic tubing (EMT) in seconds. The M12 XC High Capacity REDLITHIUM battery provides up to 150 cuts per charge with the included M12™ lithium-ion battery charger.
Working with this band saw is so easy as it weighs only 6.75lbs and the rubberized easy-gripping handle is comfortable to hold, which makes it the ideal tool for overhead or one-handed cutting applications.
You can work safely with MILWAUKEE as it meets OSHA Guarding Requirements. The band saw has an LED light that highlights the cut line, and you can adjust the blade’s tension and tracking.
The band saw comes with an 18 TPI blade and a sturdy carrying bag.
MILWAUKEE offers a 5-year warranty on its amazing band saw.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Excellent price
- Powerful motor
- Can cut 3/4-inch EMT in 3 seconds
- Delivers smooth, clean cuts
- Fast cutting speed for it size
- Up to 150 cuts per battery charge
- Ideal for a wide range of applications
- Lightweight and compact
- LED light
- Meets OSHA Guarding Requirements
- Suitable for one-handed use
- Rubberized easy-gripping handle
- Quiet operation
- Blade tension adjustment
- Adjustable blade tracking
- Battery and charger included
- 18 TPI blade
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Single speed only
- Battery needs to be fully charged for it to provide 150 cuts per charge
- Short battery life
- No lock-on trigger
- No storage hook
7. DEWALT Portable Band Saw
The DEWALT Portable Band Saw is the perfect tool for tough metalwork and woodworking projects.
The band saw has a sturdy steel shroud and a powerful 10 amp motor that allows the blade to make quick cuts without getting bogged down. Highly versatile, you can change the variable-speed 100/350 SFPM dial to suit stainless steel, ferrous metal, or woodcutting applications. As the DEWALT is a deep-cut saw, it offers a good 5-inch capacity when working with round stock and a 5 x 4¾-inch capacity when working with rectangular stock.
The band saw has a blade tracking adjustment for accurate cuts and a dual blade guide for improved blade alignment. The blade tension changing lever makes the blade changes quick and easy. If you have to work in low-light environments, the bright LED light allows you to see the cutting area clearly.
For long-lasting durability, the quality ball-bearing construction reduces wear and tear. The externally replaceable brushes allow you to make quick repairs, and the rubber bumper around the saw ensures longer tool life.
Featuring an ergonomic design, the saw has an oversized, multi-position front handle and the well-balanced body improves comfort and reduces user fatigue. You can use the integrated hook to store the band saw for easy access.
The cordless portable band saw comes with a hex wrench, a standard 44.875 x 500 x .020-inch blade, and a kit box.
DEWALT offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, a 3-year limited warranty, and a 1-year free service contract. If you want extra portability, DEWALT also makes a cordless battery-powered band saw.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Powerful 10 amp motor
- Sturdy steel shroud
- Sturdy, strong and durable
- Fast dual speed action
- Ideal for deep-cut round stock and rectangular stock
- Blade tracking adjustment
- Dual blade guide
- Blade changing lever
- Smooth running ball bearings
- Externally replaceable brushes
- LED light
- Well-balanced
- Ergonomic oversized, multi-position front handle
- Integrated storage hook
- Includes a hex wrench, standard blade, and a hard kit box
- 90-day money back guarantee
- Three-year limited warranty
- One-year free service
Cons
- Included blade does not cut like butter
- No trigger lock
8. BOSCH GCB10-5 Deep-Cut Band Saw
Whether you are a DIY home improvement enthusiast or a professional tradesperson, the BOSCH GCB10-5 Deep-Cut Band Saw is a powerful and accurate cutting tool.
The deep-cut band saw provides nearly spark-free cuts for safer metal-cutting operation. You can also rely on it to create clean and highly precise cuts up to 4¾-inches on various metal materials such as rebar, conduit, and copper pipes on a single pass. As the saw has a robust 10 amp motor and 6-speeds that range from 100-380 SFPM, you have plenty of power and speed to complete a wide range of projects.
The ergonomic band saw has a well-balanced housing and it is lightweight and easy to use. You can even use it to cut metal pipes over your head. The auxiliary side handle allows for a more secure two-handed operation for bigger jobs and makes the tool even easier to carry. For great visibility in low light conditions, the bright LED light illuminates the cut line for increased cutting accuracy, and the tool has a storage hook.
The BOSCH GCB10-5 band saw also comes with an 18 TPI 44-7/8-inch blade.
BOSCH offers a 1-year warranty on its band saw.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very good price
- Strong motor
- Six variable speeds
- Ideal for deep-cuts up to 4¾-inches
- Powerful performance
- Fast, clean, and precise cutting
- Easy to use
- Can be used with a wide range of metal materials
- Lightweight and compact
- Auxiliary side handle for more secure two-handed saw operation
- Bright LED light
- Storage hook
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Housing is not overly strong
- No lock-on trigger
- No case
Our Top Pick for the Best Band Saw
Our top pick for the best band saw is the DEWALT Portable Band Saw.
Whether you are a DIY renovation enthusiast, a carpenter, or a construction worker, the DEWALT Portable Band Saw is a fantastic power tool. It has an ultra-portable ergonomic design, a reliable strong motor, a bright LED light, and it delivers a superb wood and metal cutting performance.
Check the price on Amazon
