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Choosing the best band saws for woodworking with the right set of features for the price is hard. There are a lot of different models with price ranges that cover the occasional hobbyist to the larger furniture manufacturing company. Most of us have a limited budget and you don’t want to spend two thousand dollars or more on a machine and not get the expected results, right? Therefore, we made this post for the smaller businesses, individual professional contractors, the serious hobbyists, and those beginning woodworkers among us, based upon the best band saws we have used for woodworking projects while keeping some money in our bank account.
Most of the bandsaws we list here are around the 14-inch wheel size, with some larger and some smaller, depending on the specific usage. Many woodworkers and product manufacturers consider the 14-inch size the minimum wheel size and corresponding motor power for larger sawing projects without having to pay thousands for one saw machine. Of course, there are larger and more expensive ones for the larger woodworking companies and experienced serious hobbyist as well as smaller and more affordable bandsaws for the average hobbyist and small woodshop alike.
Also, shopping online makes choosing a band saw hard. A lot of online manufacturers and product reviewers tend to write things you like to hear about a machine, and when it arrives, sometimes they don’t work. Therefore we also made a buyers guide that will educate and help you understand how band saws work and what features you should look for when you are buying one. By the time you are done reading this article, you will know which band saw you should buy.
Best Band Saws For Woodworking – My List
If you are already familiar and experienced in using band saws, here’s my list of recommended band saws for woodworking.
| Products | Product Name | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Professional Pick  | Professional Pick |
| Buy On Amazon |
2nd Professional Pick  | 2nd Professional Pick |
| Buy On Amazon |
Close 2nd Pro Pick  | Close 2nd Pro Pick |
| Buy On Amazon |
Serious Hobbyist Pick  | Serious Hobbyist Pick |
| Buy On Amazon |
Features and Price Pick  | Features and Price PIck |
| Buy On Amazon |
Classic Cast Iron Frame  | Classic Cast Iron Frame |
| Buy On Amazon |
Affordable Quality  | Affordable Quality |
| Buy On Amazon |
Benchtop Pick  | Benchtop Pick |
| Buy On Amazon |
Budget / Starter Pick  | Budget / Starter Pick |
| Buy On Amazon |
Best Band Saws For Woodworking – My Reviews
Powermatic PM1500 15-Inch – Gold Standard Woodworking Band Saw
- Wheel Size: 15-Inch
- Power: 3 HP
- Speed: 3100 FPM
- Throat Capacity: 14 Inches
- Vertical Cutting Capacity: 12 Inches
More detailed review ↴
Powermatic is sometimes called the “gold standard” when it comes to power woodworking tools with a high quality reputation and a corresponding price to match. Their PM1500 bandsaw model has the quality and features that professional and serious hobbyist woodworkers would expect while still being within their budget range, especially since this saw will last several years. While they make even larger, more powerful, and pricier band saws, if your business or hobby budget allows, you should seriously consider this one.
Since bandsaws with 14-inch drive wheels are considered the minimum size for professionals and those that perform significant resawing, the Powermatic PM1500 certainly meets and exceeds that requirement with its cast iron15-inch wheels and 3 HP motor to drive the saw blade at 3100 feet per minute (FPM) that can easily saw through hard maple and white-oak. It also has 14-3/8 inches of throat (half-width horizontal) cutting capacity along with 14 inches of resaw (vertical) cutting capacity. It uses blades with lengths of 153 inches and accommodates blade widths from 1/8 to 1 inch. And it’s cast iron cutting table is large at 21-1/2 x 16 inches with cast iron trunnions securing it in place. To produce all this power, the bandsaw runs only on a 230 Volt 20 Amp circuit so it requires a bit average homeowner garage.
Every adjustment on the Powermatic PM1500 can be made by hand, including blade guides that are securely adjusted by thumbscrews and Powermatic’s Accu-Fence that is fully adjustable, aligns to the blade, and squares to the table. It’s upper guide-post is can be adjusted to maintain parallel travel with the blade while maintaining it’s rigidity.
The PM1500 comes with many safety features, including a blade tension release that prevents the saw from starting when the blade tension is lowered or released. It’s foot brake provides a quick, hands-free method of stopping the wheels and turning off the power. Plus, it also has a small window in the upper wheel housing to monitor the blade during operation. And it has two dust ports, one at the blade guides and one near the bottom wheel housing, for hookup to a dust vacuum or collection system with a minimum of 400 CFM.
Overall, the Powermatic PM1500 is one of the best higher-end woodworking band saw choices if your budget allows it, but provides plenty of cutting power with durable components and safety features.
Pros:
- Professional Grade – 15-Inch wheel size with 3 HP motor
- Strong Wheels – Solid cast iron upper and lower wheels create the power needed for heavy resawing
- High-End Blade Guides – Steel guides
- 3 in 1 dust port – It can fit three different dust hoses
- Bevel Cuts – You can create cuts from 0 to 45 inches
Cons:
- Highest Priced – This is the most expensive model on my list
- Heavy – Almost 400 pounds assembled with a 500 pound shipping weight
Shop Fox W1849 14-Inch – Professional-Grade Woodworking Band Saw
- Wheel Size: 14-Inch
- Power: 2 HP
- Speed: 2820 FPM
- Throat Capacity: 13.5 Inches (12 Inches with Fence)
- Vertical Cutting Capacity: 14 Inches
More detailed review ↴
The Shop Fox brand has developed into one of the top brands of woodworking and metalworking equipment in the Americas. Shop Fox tools are manufactured by the same company that makes the Grizzly Industrial tools with the difference being that the Shop Fox brand tools are sold through a dealer network with accompanying support and warranties. I recommend the Shop Fox W1849 band saw for smaller businesses and serious hobbyists due to it’s features, versatility, and lower price, compared to the Powermatic band saw. Plus it was awarded ‘Top Tool’ by WOOD Magazine for its performance and combination of features
The Shop Fox W1849 band saw has cast iron14-inch wheels with a 2 HP motor that drives the blade at 2820 FPM to provide enough power for most woodworking and resawing tasks. Plus, it comes wired for 110 Volts while accepting 220 Volts, making it easier to set up in your garage or smaller shop. It has a throat capacity of 13-1/2 inches with a vertical cutting capacity of 14 inches while using 120-inch length blades having widths from 1/4 to 3/4 inch. It also has a large cast iron cutting table of 21-3/4 x 16-1/8 inches that can tilt 5°to the left and 45° to the right. Plus, it comes with a miter gauge and a dual-height fence with an indicator scale. The aluminum extruded fence has two setting positions of 1/2″ for close-in detail work and 6″ for extra support when resawing taller pieces. You can get all these features with a lighter unit weight of 261lbs and it has an optional mobile base that is sold separately.
Other notable features in the Shop Fox W1849 include roller disc blade guides, a steel column box-frame with a strong spine to provide a rigid upper-guide post, and a hinged blade-guard enclosure. Safety is provided through the use of a quick-release blade tension lever and viewing windows for tracking and blade tension settings. It also has dual 4-inch dust ports for connection to your dust collector. And you can store your additional blades in the cabinet in the bottom of the frame base.
Overall, the Shop Fox W1849 provides professional-grade features at a lower price range while offering support and a 2-year warranty, therefore, making it my top pick for for individual professionals, smaller businesses and woodworking hobbyists.
Pros:
- Professional Grade – 14-Inch wheel size with 2 HP motor
- Standard Voltage – Prewired for 110V and accepts 220V
- Larger Cutting Capacity – 13-1/2″ throat and 14″ vertical
- Fence Support – Premium aluminum fence supports detail work and resawing
- Safety Features – Quick-release blade tension lever and viewing windows for blade tension tracking
Cons:
- Incorrect Power Specs – Machine plate and manual state 30 Amp circuit but their customer support confirmed it’s requirement is 20 Amp
Laguna Tools MBAND 14BX 110-175 14-Inch – Professional-Grade Woodworking Band Saw
- Wheel Size: 14-Inch
- Power: 1.75 HP
- Speed: 2900 FPM
- Throat Capacity: 13-5/8 Inches
- Vertical Cutting Capacity: 13 Inches
More detailed review ↴
Laguna Tools have been making quality professional woodworking tools for over 3 decades. They were originally started by former furniture makers in Laguna Beach, California and now are located in Prairie View, Texas. During their first 20 years, their saws required 220V but then they started making 14-inch ones running on 110V to cater to the smaller business and serious hobbyists. Their latest 14BX model offers further improvements and I believe it has the best combination of features for the price.
The Laguna Tools 14bx band saw with 14-inch cast iron wheels comes in two versions: a 1.75 HP motor that is wired for 110V and a 2.75 HP motor that is uses 220V. Besides the voltage and power difference, both have the same cutting capacity and other features. The 110V version might be more versatile for the garage hobbyist while 220V version would provide more resawing power for the professional. Regardless, pick as you wish, they are the same price when I checked dealer prices!
The Laguna Tools 14bx 110V band saw drives the blade at 2900 FPM, has a throat capacity of 13-5/8 inches and a vertical cutting capacity of 13 inches. It also has a larger cast-iron table of 21.5 x 15 inches that can tilt 7°to the left and 45° to the right. It uses a minimum 114-3/4-inch length blade while accommodating blade widths of 1/8 to 3/4 inches. Plus it has ceramic blade guides and a dual-position work light. The 14bx is stronger than Laguna Tools’ previous 14-inch models due to it’s one-piece heavy-gauges steel frame and ‘pyramid’ post spine.
What I really like about the Laguna Tools 14bx model is its tool-less adjustments and safety features. The disc brake stops the saw quickly via a push on the included foot pedal that electronically cuts the power to the blade and mechanically clamps the disc brake. The saw also has a big, red emergency-stop button on the side post right above the magnetic on/off switch. Plus, there is a blade tracking window on the side of the frame that allows the edge of the upper flywheel to be viewed. And two 4-inch dust ports on the back of the machine have 1000 CFM cleaning capability. Wrapping up all these features is a weight just under 300lbs and slick-looking black and silver finish, which will look good wherever you place it.
Overall, the Laguna Tools 14bx model is my tied-for-2nd-pick and a solid choice for the smaller business and serious woodworking hobbyist that provides more-expensive model safety features and durability around the two thousand price range – just remember to buy the blade as well.
Pros:
- Professional Grade – 14-Inch cast iron upper and lower wheels
- Two Voltage Versions – Choose between 110V with 1.75 HP or 220V with 2.5 HP at the same price
- Larger Cutting Capacity – 13-5/8″ throat and 13″ vertical
- Fence Support – Premium aluminum fence supports detail work and resawing
- Safety Features – Disc brake, foot pedal brake lever, and tracking windows
Cons:
- Blade Optional – Doesn’t come with one, must be purchased separately
JET JWBS-14SFX 14-Inch – Full-Featured Woodworking Band Saw
- Wheel Size: 14-Inch
- Power: 1.75 HP
- Speed: 3000 FPM
- Throat Capacity: 13.5 Inches
- Vertical Cutting Capacity: 13 Inches
More detailed review ↴
JET tools are manufactured by JPW Industries, a leading global manufacturer of industrial and woodworking equipment. The are based in Tennessee and have been around since 1958. JPW Industries also makes the Powermatic brand, so you know that quality is embedded in their multiple saw brands. While their JWBS-DX14PRO has been their staple 14-inch band saw, and is certainly a good choice, we believe their newer JWBS-14SFX model provides more resawing capability and a few more features for essentially the same price.
The JET JWBS-14SFX band saw has cast iron 14-inch wheels driven by a 1.75 HP motor at a speed of 3000 FPM, so it certainly has the power. It comes prewired for 115V which means a regular 120v 20amp circuit will be all you need to setup it in your garage, although it can switch to 220V if needed. The 14SFX has a throat capacity of 13.5 inches with a taller vertical cutting capacity of 13 inches compared to the DX14PRO. It uses blade lengths of 116 inches and accepts the usual blade widths of 1/8 to 3/4 inches. It’s construction is a one-piece tubular steel frame, as opposed to cast iron for the DX14PRO, plus stamped steel doors with welded steel pin hinges, and a heavy duty base that provides for stability and durability when sawing large work pieces.
What I really like about the JET JWBS-14SFX is its cast iron table with 360 square inches (21-1/2 x 17″) cutting area, one of the largest tables in the 14-inch wheel saw class. The table tilts from 0° to 45° to the right via its rack-and-pinion system. Plus, its independently adjustable, upper and lower ball bearing blade guides make blade adjustments easily. I also like its 18-1/4 x 6 in aluminum fence with two adjustable positions, the high position supports resawing, and the low position allows the guides to drop to within 1/2 in. of the table surface for sawing thin material. The fence can also be turned vertically to offer even more resawing support.
Not to be outdone by its competitors, the JET JWBS-14SFX comes with a quick-release lever for blade tension to speed up blade changes and a window in the upper wheel house blade tracking. There are also two 4-in. dust ports, one below the lower guides and table and the one at the bottom of the saw. Plus, you can add an optional LED work light and mobile base, both sold separately. The unit’s weight is around 275lbs.
Overall, the JET JWBS-14SFX can complete with the above Shop Fox and Laguna Tools band saws with a more affordable price range under 2k, making the JWBS-14SFX a good choice for the smaller business professional and serious hobbyist that does a good amount of resawing.
Pros:
- Professional Grade – 14-Inch wheel size with 1.75 HP motor
- Larger Cutting Capacity – 13-1/2″ throat and 13″ vertical
- Larger Table – 21-1/2 x 17 inches
- Fence Support – Premium aluminum fence supports detail work and resawing
- Safety Features – Quick blade tension release and upper post tracking windows
Cons:
- Table Shift – Slight shifting when tilted
- No Storage – Empty base could be used as storage
RIKON 10-324TG – Best Hobbyist Band Saw For The Money
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- Wheel Size: 14-Inch
- Power: 1.5 HP
- Speed: 1445 and 2,950 FPM
- Throat Capacity: 13-5/8 Inches
- Vertical Cutting Capacity: 13 Inches
More detailed review ↴
If you have researched enough you may know that “RIKON” band saws are almost featured in every woodworking blog and you can see them on every workshop. Why? Because they are good and do the job at more affordable price ranges. RIKON Power Tools is a division of Richen Enterprise, Inc. headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. I especially like the RIKON 0-324TG band saw for the hobbyist or lower volume professional that has a limited budget. And I believe it offers the best combination of woodworking features for the lower price range.
The RIKON 10-324TG is a powerful enough band saw that can be used for most projects. It features 14-inch wheels driven by a 1.5 HP motor with dual 115/230 voltage for setup in your garage, basement, or wood shop. It comes with two different blade speeds of 2,950 FPM or 1,445 FPM speed, depending on the size of your project. The 10-324TG provides a professional-grade cutting capacities for its class with a throat capacity of 13-5/8 Inches and a resaw capacity of 13 inches. It uses an 111-inch long blade, and can accommodate blade widths from 3/16 to 3/4 inches”. The 10-324TG also has a large, cast iron table at 21-1/2 inches long and 15-3/4 inches wide that also tilts 5° to the left and 45° to the right.
What I like about the RIKON 10-324TG is it’s versatility. It’s study due to its rugged welded steel column and frame but also lighter at 219lbs. It comes with a rip fence that can be easily increased together with the re-saw bar by 6″. It comes with an upper and lower ball bearing blade guides that will reduce friction. And it can also cut metals with the appropriate blade type. Plus it has one 4-inch dust port, a blade tracking window on the upper wheel post and blade tensioners on both the upper and lower wheel housings.
Where RIKON saves costs and offers a lower price on this band saw is it cast aluminum wheels and open base, which really functions just as stand. Unless your are doing heavy resawing, I believe this RIKON model is more than sufficient for most hobbyist woodworking needs. It’s blue and silver finish looks good as well and RIKON provides a 5-year warranty.
Overall, the RIKON 10-324TG has the best combination of features including a lower price that makes it a great hobbyist and semi-professional choice for lower volume users.
Pros:
- Semi-Professional – 14-inch wheels with 1.5 HP motor and 13″ resaw height
- Metal Cutting – Will handle metal-cutting blades with ease
- Accepts 111″ Blades – Can use every style of 111″ length blades.
- Fence – It comes with a rip fence that can be easily increased by 6″
- More Affordable – Lower-to-mid 1K price range
Cons:
- Lack of Storage – Empty base lacks any storage
- Aluminum wheels – Aluminum wheels tend to fatigue sooner than cast iron but they reduce the tool’s weight
Grizzly G0555- More Affordable Classic Bandsaw
- Wheel Size: 14-Inch
- Power: 1 HP
- Speed: 1500 and 3200 FPM
- Throat Capacity: 13.5 Inches
- Vertical Cutting Capacity: 6 Inches (optional riser extends to 12 inches)
More detailed review ↴
Grizzly Industrial tools are manufactured by the same company that makes the Shop Fox tools, and founded by the same team, with the Grizzly ones sold through mail order and having a shorter warranty. That said, the company is able to offer industrial standards in the Grizzly models with a more affordable price. The Grizzly G0555 is my favorite ‘classic’ woodworking band saw. It was awarded the “Best Value” by WOOD Magazine and provides a more affordable choice for the serious hobbyist and smaller volume professional woodworker.
The Grizzly G0555 is well constructed with a cast iron frame and table along with steel doors all adding up to a weight less than 200lbs. It has computer-balance, cast aluminum 14-inch wheels driven by a 1 HP motor (110V/220V and 5.5 Amp) offering two speed settings of 1500 and 3200 FPM. Throat cutting capacity is competitive at 13-1/2 inches but it does have a lower 6-inch resaw cutting height and a slightly shorter 93-inch blade length size. However, the H3051 Riser Block Kit is available to increase the resaw capacity of this bandsaw from 6 to 12 inches. It does have a smaller table at 14 x 14 inches with more flexible tilt from 15° left to 45°right.
Other G0555 features are that it accepts the usual blade widths of 1/8 – 3/4 inches, has an extruded, T-handle shaped, aluminum rip fence and it comes with a miter gauge and a 3/8″ blade. Grizzly band saws are known for their tight tolerance on blade drift co
The downsides I noticed are that the iron table can rust if not dried after cleaning with water and it lacks some of the newer features such as a laser guide. Also this Grizzly model is essentially a benchtop size band saw with a built-in sturdy steel stand to bring it to standing height.
Like all Grizzly bandsaws, the G0555 comes with a 1-year warranty which covers parts the with parts and accessories for the bandsaw shipped from the Grizzly parts warehouse in Springfield, Missouri.
Overall, the The Grizzly G0555 is a more affordable, basic 14-inch band saw option for the lower volume professional and serious hobbyist alike, offering study construction with a 1k price range.
Pros:
- Serious-Hobbyist Certified – 14-inch wheels with 1 HP motor and 6″ resaw height (extendable to 12″ height)
- Construction – Cast iron frame and table with steel stand
- Durable – All ball bearing construction with upper & lower ball-bearing blade guide
- Affordable – Around 1K price range, sometimes less
Cons:
- Lacks Some Newer Features – Like a laser guide and working light
- Aluminum wheels – Aluminum wheels tend to fatigue sooner than cast iron but they reduce the tool’s weight
Delta 28-400 – Affordable Semi-Professional Bandsaw
- Wheel Size: 14-Inch
- Power: 1 HP
- Speed: 1620 and 3340 FPM
- Throat Capacity: 13-5/8 Inches
- Vertical Cutting Capacity: 6 Inches
More detailed review ↴
Delta have been making band saws for over 100 years and they are known for quality and durable products. They used to be called Delta Machinery and owned by Stanley Black & Decker and headquartered in Tennessee but were sold to the Taiwanese major OEM power tool company Chang Type in 2014. Chang Type has since kept Delta independent while moving Delta’s headquarters to South Carolina and renaming them Delta Power Equipment Corporation. They have also have continued the Delta brand quality in their latest power woodworking tools, including the newer Delta 28-400 band saw. The Delta 28-400 is similar to the above Grizzly model in terms of features and price but with a stylish and modern look.
The Delta 28-400 has 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels that are driven by a powerful 1 HP, dual-voltage 115V/230V motor that includes provides two different speeds of 1,620 FPM and 3,340 FPM for project versatility. You can easily change from one-speed setting to another thanks to its innovative pulley tension system. The Delta 28-400 has a 13-5/8-inch throat capacity with a 6-inch vertical cutting capacity. It uses standard blade sizes of 93-1/2-inch length and can accommodate blade widths from 1/8 to 3/4 inches. It does have a larger table size of 18-7/8 by 15 3/4 inches that tilts 3° left and 45 right with a T-slot miter gauge.
The Delta saw is made of heavy-duty steel including the frame and its stand. It comes with an upper and lower ball bearing guides which will help you to get an accurate cutting process. And it has one 4-inch dust port.
What I really like about this Delta band saw is the quiet operation of its motor, compared to other saws on this post. And even though looks has nothing to do the performance, I have to say that this Delta saw looks better then most of the other models we have reviewed on this post, with its European design and minimalist style.
Delta saves you money on this band saw with the aluminum wheels. But a band saw with aluminum wheels weights less and that’s good for portability with this Delta 28-400 weighing in at 165lbs. They also decided to forgo a rip fence, so you’ll have to buy your own. And similar to the above Grizzly model, it’s basically a benchtop size with a built-in stand to bring it up to standing height.
Overall, the Delta 28-400 is another affordable, basic 14-inch band saw option for the smaller professional woodshop and serious hobbyist alike, offering study construction with a 1k price range, quiet operation, and a simplistic, modern design.
Pros:
- Serious-Hobbyist Certified – 14-inch wheels with 1 HP dual-voltage motor
- Construction – Heavy-duty steel frame and table with steel stand
- Durable – All ball bearing construction with upper & lower ball-bearing blade guide
- Affordable – Around 1K price range, sometimes less
Cons:
- Aluminum wheels – Aluminum wheels tend to fatigue sooner than cast iron but they reduce the tool’s weight
- Less Resaw Capacity – Shorter 6-inch capacity, although Delta state they are working on an option to raise it
RIKON 10-3061 – Affordable Quality Benchtop Bandsaw
- Wheel Size: 10-Inch
- Power: 1/2 (0.5) HP
- Speed: 1515 and 3250 FPM
- Throat Capacity: 9-5/8 Inches
- Vertical Cutting Capacity: 5 Inches
More detailed review ↴
RIKON band saws are popular due to their quality build and better affordability. We have reviewed two RIKON band saws in this post and now it’s time to discuss my favorite benchtop size model. I’ve included the RIKON 10-3061 for hobbyists and DIYers due to it’s lower price point while providing sufficient features, especially for the beginning woodworker. That said, the 10-3061 model is a newer version of the previous 10-306 one and a more compact and affordable version of the famous RIKON standing-height 10-325 and 10-345 saws, that maintains the same build quality. If you work mainly on small to medium projects, are a woodworker having limited shop space for a larger size bandsaw or just getting into woodworking, then we suggest you buy this one.
The RIKON 10-3061 band saw has smaller 10-inch wheels driven by a 0.5 HP / 5.5 Amp motor using 115V that provides a two blade speeds of 1515 and 3250 FPM for cutting even the hardwoods. It offers a throat capacity of 9-5/8 inches and a vertical cutting capacity of 5 inches. It uses a blade size of 93-1/2 inch length and can accommodate 1/8 to 1/2 widths. The 10-3061 has a cast iron table measuring13-3⁄4-in. by 12-1⁄2 inches that tilts 0° to 45° left to provide ample cutting area for small to medium wood pieces.
Even though the RIKON 10-3061 band saw is benchtop size and costs around $550, its design is made of strong steel, providing a rigid frame and upper guide post for accurate resawing. You would expect a band saw of this price range to be made from plastic, but once again RIKON shows us why their tools are used almost in every workshop. A rip fence is also included, helping guide larger pieces for ripping and re-sawing, that can be removed in seconds for any freehand cutting.. A micro-adjustable guidepost lets you raise and lower the guidepost and height by simply turning a handle. For safety, it has a paddle on/off switch, a raised and angled 2½ inch dust port lets you vacuum away dust and debris, and a small window on the end of the upper wheel house allows blade tracking.
While RIKON has made many improvements over the previous 10-3061 benchtop saw, they do save costs by using aluminum wheels and a smaller motor. That said, the build quality is excellent for the price. It’s a little workhorse that can pull its weight around the shop. And don’t forget about the RIKON 5-year warranty to keep your band saw running for years. If you’re interested in benchtop size band saws, see my Best Benchtop Band Saws article.
Overall, the RIKON 10-3061 model provides a quality benchtop saw for the beginner, DIYer, hobbyist, and small wood shop at a very affordable price that makes it my favorite benchtop-size band saw.
Pros:
- Affordable – Compared to other band saws but maintains the RIKON build quality
- Compact – Benchtop size weight just 77lbs
- Construction – The frame is made from steel – other models at this price range are made from plastic
- Fence – It has a rip fence which can be removed
- Table – The table is cast iron and is large for a benchtop model
Cons:
- Lower Power – The 1/2 HP motor recommended for medium to smaller projects
- Less Resaw Capability – Tops out at 5-inch vertical cutting capacity
WEN 3962T – Budget / Starter Bandsaw
- Wheel Size: 10-Inch
- Power: 1/3 (0.33) HP
- Speed: 1520 and 2620 FPM
- Throat Capacity: 9-3/4 Inches
- Vertical Cutting Capacity: 6 Inches
More detailed review ↴
WEN Tools have been designing and manufacturing high quality and affordable power tools for decades. Founded back in 1951, WEN originally made its mark by helping bring tools and electricity together) and even pioneered the random orbital technology used in most polishers, buffers, and sanders today. They are based in Elgin, Illinois and continue to make affordable quality tools including band saws. Based upon my experience, I’ve included the WEN 3962T model at my favorite starter and budget band saw for beginning woodworkers and light budget professionals.
The WEN 3962T has 10-inch aluminum wheels driven by a 1/3 HP, 3.5 Amp motor using 110 Volts. Depending on the size of the project you are working you can choose this band saw to either run at 1520 or 2620 FPM. It has a 9-3/4 inch throat capacity combined with a 6-inch resaw vertical capacity. The design of this saw uses 72-inch blades with widths anywhere from 1/8 to 1/2-inch in size for a variety of both intricate and powerful cuts. The spacious work table measures in at 14 x 12-1/2 inches in size and can be tilted up to 45° to the left. And it includes a rip fence for creating straight cuts and a miter gauge for angled ones.
The WEN 3962T weighs only 74 pounds even with the attached stand, so it is semi-portable. For safety, it has a 3-in-1 dust post where it can fit three different dust extractor hoses (1-3/4, 2-3/4 and 4 inch), a blade guard where you can easily lower or raise the blade by just moving the adjustment knob, and a bright LED work light to help you do the job better.
Due to its light weight and aluminum c the WEN 3962T will produce more vibration. And changing speeds or the blade size can be time-consuming. It’s more of a set-it-and-forget-it type of machine that works great if no adjustments made or once the adjustments are complete. The work light seems to be in bad position, like an afterthought. This WEN model is essentially a budget benchtop size saw with an attached metal stand to make it usable for standing height. In fact, it also comes in a benchtop-only size.
That said, it does comes with a 2-year warranty along with a nationwide network of skilled service technicians and helpful customer phone team support.
Overall, the WEN 3962T is a solid starter or budget standing-height band saw that can be afforded by almost everyone and is especially good for the beginning woodworker or contractor looking to add a multi-feature bandsaw to their tool set.
Pros:
- Very Affordable – With a $300 price range, its easy for beginners
- Two Speed Motor – 1/3 HP & 3.5 amp motor that comes with two speeds
- 3 in 1 Dust Port – It can fit three different dust hoses (1-3/4, 2-3/4 and 4 inches)
- Different Blade Options – You can use the 100-3/4-inch blades from 1/8 to 1-inch depending on your project size
- Portable – Weighs only 74 pounds so you can move it around your garage or shop, or even take it somewhere else
Cons:
- Difficult Speed Setting Changes – You will have to remove the motor belt and adjust it every time
- Time-Consuming Blade Changes – To change the blade is time-consuming
Best Band Saws For Woodworking – Buyer’s Guide
While we have reviewed the above best band saws for woodworking, a quick online search will reveal there are, there are more. But which one should you get?
You can’t buy all of them and try them to know which one fits your needs, so that’s why we will try to make a check-list or a guide in order to show you which one of these you need and which one you don’t. It all depends on your needs, your experience, and your budget.
Uses
Before deciding to buy a band saw you will have to know the size of the project you are going to work. If you don’t already know, band saws can be used to make precise cuts and curves. They are mostly used on wood, there are some models that can be used for metal too, but you need to have the right blades, which is a completely different story.
Related Read — Best Table Top Bandsaw
Except for precise cuts, band saws can be used for different tasks as well, such as re-sawing thin strips of wood, etc.
Since there are so many things that you can use a band saw, you will have to know the job you have to complete with a band saw before buying a band saw. Why? Because there are models that maybe are not made for the kind of task you need to complete and that’s why you need to do some research before buying.
All of the 5 models that we have listed here in this post can be used for almost everything. Some of the models we have listed are not made to complete big tasks, they are more used for home projects and small tasks. We made sure to mention if a model doesn’t have the needed power to complete a big task.
Do you want something to complete easy and small tasks? Or do you have in mind to complete big projects that will include hardwoods? Once you figure this out then it will because easier for you to know which models will work for you and which won’t.
Budget
I know this post is about the best band saws under 1000$, but still there a big difference between 1000 dollars and 500 dollars, right? Don’t go for a cheaper option, you may end up returning the tool and that will eat you a lot of time. And as they say “Time is Money”.
So, if you decided to buy a band saw then at least buy a good one and settle for life. You don’t want to return the tool every month, right?
That’s why you should go for a high-quality band saw. All of the 5 band saws in our best band saws reviews here are high-quality and we are sure you will be settled for a long time. So, try looking for the best budget band saws but also check their quality and features.
Related Read — Best 14″ Bandsaws
Ease of Uses
Power tools can be frustrating, some of them are easy to use and some of them aren’t. It all depends on your experience with different tools.
When it comes to band saws it all depends on the model you own. In my opinion, the hardest part about a band saw is to change the blades. If you are working with different materials then chances are that you will be changing the blades a lot of times.
You can become easily frustrated if you are dealing with a model that makes this process hard to complete. Instead of spending time changing the blades, you could use that time to rest or do something else.
That’s why I said earlier that you should not go for a cheaper option. Most of the cheap or low-quality band saws can make your life hard when it comes to changing the blades. On the other hand, band saws that allow you to change the blades faster and easier might cost more, but in the long run, you will be happier and relaxed.
Features To Consider
If you have decided on the budget you are going to use, and if you already know what tasks you will complete with a band saw then now it’s time to look at what features you will be needing to complete those tasks.
Power
Most of the band saws have different power. The power for band saws is measured with horsepower or HP. More power isn’t always the best choice. You don’t want to spend a lot of money to get a powerful band saw and to use it on softwood. That would be a total waste of money.
Most of the wood projects can be done with 1 HP or 1-1/2 HP. You don’t need more power if your projects are mostly wood projects. But if you are dealing with some hardwood or metal then you may need a more powerful motor, somewhere 2 HP or 3 HP. Keep in mind that this kind of motors come with 220 volts and you will be needing a special electrical supply.
The 1-1/2 HP motors can still complete the tasks that powerful motors do but you will need to have the right blades and it may or may not take you more time. So, it is up to you. If you don’t have a big workshop then I totally suggest you go with 1-1/2 HP motor power. Odds are that that’s enough power to complete every task you have.
Weight
The weight of the band saw is important. Clearly, not a very important thing, but it’s still good to know if you should buy heavy band saws or not.
From my own experience , I think that you should avoid very heavy or very light band saws. Why? If you have to move the band saw from one place to another then owning a very heavy band saw can give you a lot of problems. And if you own a very light band saw will cause a lot of wobbling.
So, it’s always better to go for heavier band saws, but not very heavy, if that makes sense to you. The material that the band saw is made of makes the real difference when it comes to lifespan and to weight.
High-quality band saws are made from heavy-duty steel. If a band saw isn’t made from steel and it’s made from plastic then I recommend you stay away from that model. It’s low-quality. We are talking about $$$ models. If you paid 100-200$ then owning a band saw that it’s made from plastic it’s okay.
All of our top picks are made from heavy-duty steel. However, band saws do a great job of absorbing vibrations, which helps on getting better and more accurate cuts. Also, vibrations can cut the lifespan of a machine, so having fewer vibrations means a longer life for the machine.
Table tilt
Except for accurate cuts, the band saw can also be used for angled cuts. Most of the low-quality models don’t have this feature.
So if yours doesn’t have it then maybe it’s time to change the band saw. All of our 5 picks have this feature. This is accomplished by a table that tilts. The table tilts to 45 degrees and that allows you to make angled cuts.
There are two kinds of tables that tilt. There’s the one that only tilts one way and the other that tilts on both sides.
Having a table that tilts one way means that once you are done with the cutting on one side then you have to run the peace backward and do the other side. Having a table that tilts both ways will help you complete the task faster.
Different Types
There are two different basic types of band saws, and they are…
Floor-standing Cabinet Models: These types of band saws are more professional. They are mostly used by professionals for big projects.
They usually are heavy and can handle a lot of work and pressure. Most of them are powerful and except for cutting wood, they can be used for a lot of other materials, such as metal.
Bench Top Models: These types of band saws are more for a hobbyist. They are lighter and not that powerful, these machines are mostly used to do home projects, small to medium. They are perfect if you have a small workplace, since they can be moved around easily and they are not that big, so you won’t be needing a big place to store them.
You can still use bench-top models to complete big projects, it depends on the power of the motor they own and the blades you own. So, if you are not a contractor then I highly recommend you start with this type of band saws.
Final Thoughts and My Recommend List
There are a lot of factors you need to look at and consider before buying a band saw. They are expensive so you don’t want to buy the wrong one and waste your money.
We have done our best to list the best band saws and we also made one big buyer guide where we tried to educate you and help you understand how band saws work, and what features you should be looking for when deciding to buy one.
But, in the end, it all depends on you. Like we said a lot of times in this post, that before buying a band saw or any other machine that you need to know what you are going to use it for. That’s the best way to avoid buying the wrong model.
All of our listed models can be used for small, medium, and big projects. They have all the power you need to complete these tasks. Hopefully, we have made it easier for you to choose the right one. And if you are ready to purchase, here’s the table of reviewed band saws:
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