Do you need a new bandsaw? Perhaps you are buying your first one for woodworking or construction; in any case, we got your back because we offer you the list of the best bandsaw machines of 2023 on the internet.
We will help you to get one that is perfect for your goals and budget, like the JET JWBS-14DXPRO, a superb bandsaw for woodworking.
The reviews you are going to read have been written by experts, which are a product of an in-depth and technical analysis of the good and the bad of each bandsaw, translated into simple and straightforward words. The best from both worlds!
JET JWBS-14DXPRO – Best Bandsaw for the Money
Our Top Recommendation for Band Saw!
The JWBS 14” Deluxe Pro band saw boasts innovative, updated features that improve precision. It can manage even the robust resawing tasks measuring up to 12 inches, giving you more control over accurate cuts.
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Here you have a straightforward comparative analysis, to compare our top band saws against each other, to help you pick the option that delivers exactly what you need.
Best Band Saw Reviews
It does not matter if you are a professional or a hobbyist; you need to find a bandsaw that is the perfect match for your craft and projects.
We will help you to find that machine that will bring you the ideal cut, be it for a rocking chair, complex cabriole legs or irregular metal shapes.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | JET JWBS-14DXPRO – Best Bandsaw for the Money | • Quick-release blade tension. • Longer Blade Life • easy access door | |
 | Grizzly G0555LX – Best 14 Inch Bandsaw | • Outstanding Cutting Speed • 14-Inch Cut • Upper and Lower Ballbearing Blade | |
 | Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 – Best Woodworking Bandsaw | • Superior precision and stability • Powerful Motor • Sturdy construction of steel and cast iron | |
 | WEN 3962 – Best 10 Inch Bandsaw | • Non-skid base • 4-inch thick solid memory foam • Multiple colors | |
 | Rikon 10-305 | • A quality rip fence included • affordable • Super lightweight and portable | |
 | WEN 3975T – Best BencWEN 3959T 9” Benchtop Band Saw | • Multi-speed setting • Compact design • Easy to store | |
 | WEN 3960 9-Inch Benchtop Bandsaw | • A dynamic motor • Great for cutting timber and plastic • Durable construction quality | |
 | Powermatic 1791216K | • Ample and useful light • Powerful motor that stays cool • Powerful Motor |
#1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO – Best Bandsaw for the Money
QUICK SUMMARY
- 12-Inch Resaw Capacity
- 2 Speed System
- Heavy Construction
- Blade Guide
For serious hobbyists looking to get an edge, the JET JWBS-14DXPRO is the 14-inch bandsaw you need in your life.
It brings you the versatility of a vertical blade and a cast iron frame with superior cutting capacity, power and speed. More expensive than your regular vertical bandsaw, but certainly much more efficient.
The JET is a gem of a bandsaw because it combines great power and speed with a generous cutting capacity, along with the features necessary to create complex and detailed shapes and curves like cabriole legs.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Build Quality
It features a durable cast iron frame and cast iron tables (15-inch x 15-inch). Its frame is strong and sturdy, to bring you more confidence, security and control, which is essential for complex designs.
It also has a weight of 290 pounds, and in consequence, heavier than your average bandsaw. It will allow you to channelize all the power and speed of this machine as you cut through different materials, with beautiful results.
Power and Speed
It is the nearest you can get to an industrial-grade bandsaw, thanks to its powerful 1 ¼ HP motor. You can cut wood, plastic, aluminum and metal with ease. Its performance is superior to your average light-duty bandsaw.
When you unite this tremendous power with its impressive blade speed of up to 3,000 SFPM, it becomes clear that you can do all sort of things with this bandsaw.
Cutting Capacity
You can work materials with big dimensions, because it tops at 12 inches in height and 13.5 inches in width. Based on our experience, this range will allow you to work with all sort of materials, including big wood blocks, especially since it offers a 12-inch resaw capacity.
Another important aspect are the cast iron tables, which you can tilt up to 45° to the right and 10° to the left. Along with the generous dimensions, it opens up for you endless sawing options, even from the most daring angles.
Blade and Guides
The blade is the soul of a bandsaw, because without a good one, it will be useless. Fortunately, the JET comes with a durable blade with generous dimensions: 105 inches in length and 1/8 – 3/4 of an inch in width.
In addition, it comes with ball bearing guides, which is a premium feature, because it extends the useful life of your machine by decreasing friction.
Another aspect we liked very much is that it includes a blade-tracking window, which allows you to monitor the entire process with ease and security. Certainly, another premium feature that will make your work easier and more efficient.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Powerful Phase One Motor
- Outstanding Blade Speed
- Generous Cutting Capacity
- Sturdy Construction
- 5-Year Warranty
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive
- No Headlight
EXPERT TIP
It works incredibly well with hardwoods. It cuts through with ease and smoothly, which allows you to obtain accurate cuts. Therefore, if you need to work with oak and maple regularly, then this machine will suffice your needs!
Staff | Pro Tool Guide
#2. Grizzly G0555LX – Best 14 Inch Bandsaw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Powerful motor
- Computer balanced cast-iron table
- Upper and Lower Ballbearing Blade
- 14-Inch Cut
As strong and powerful as a bear, the Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe is loyal to its name and that is why we have picked it, because it has complied with all of our tests, and therefore, it deserves to be part of the list of the band saws of 2023. It is equipped with innovative technology to bring you a better performance. Let’s review it in detail.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Build Quality
It features a resistant cast iron frame, a heavy-duty stand and a precision-ground cast iron table (14”x14”). Furthermore, it weighs 247 pounds, which in addition to its strong construction make it sturdy and heavy, which will bring you more control when using it. It combines the versatility of a vertical bandsaw with the control and security of a heavy-duty build quality.
Power and Speed
The Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe you will get a powerful motor of 1HP. Furthermore, it can reach a speed of up to 3,100 FPM. This combination of raw power and speed will allow you to process a wide variety of materials including big blocks of wood as well as metal.
Cutting Capacity
It comes with a decent throat capacity of 13 ½ inches with a maximum height of 6 inches. Its dimensions are enough for most small workshops, although, we would not recommend it if you plan to use it for industrial purposes, because you will need more generous cutting capacities.
Furthermore, it comes with a resaw capacity of 6 inches, and even though it will not be enough for a professional metalworking shop with tons of demand, for a hobbyist or normal operations it will be superb, especially since it resaws easily and smoothly.
Its table offers you different angles for cutting any piece of material. You can tilt it 45° to the right and 10° to the left, in consequence, bringing you tons of angles to work the way you want, to obtain the results you desire.
Blade and Guides
It includes a blade that is 93 ½ inches long and 1/8 – 1/3 of an inch wide. Long and wide enough to cut through a wide variety of materials with precision and detail, thanks to the top speed it can reach. Furthermore, it comes with upper and lower ball rearing guides, to extend the useful life of the blade.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Powerful mood of 1HP
- Outstanding Cutting Speed
- Sturdy and Solid Construction
- Ideal for hobby shops and small workshops
- Excellent Precision
What We Didn’t Like
- Resaw Capacity is limited
- Fine sawdust leakage
EXPERT TIP
It works incredibly well with hardwoods. It cuts through with ease and smoothly, which allows you to obtain accurate cuts. Therefore, if you need to work with oak and maple regularly, then this machine will suffice your needs!
Staff | Pro Tool Guide
#3. Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 – Best Woodworking Bandsaw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Powerful Motor
- Direct Start With Safety Key
- Steel Frame Construction
- 1/8 Inch Blade Width
Continuing with the series of heavy-duty band saws, here we have the Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175. This big boy comes with a powerful motor, outstanding speed, generous cutting capacity and many extras that make it worthy of getting a place in our exclusive list.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Build Quality
It includes a strong steel frame and cast iron worktables (21 ½”x16”). Furthermore, it comes with a pyramid spine for more stability and support. It weighs 267 pounds, which is enough to bring you superior control, support and stability, which is necessary when working with industrial-grade projects.
Thanks to having great balance and stability, along with its powerful motor, you can process thick blocks of material effortlessly. Furthermore, you get plenty of accuracy.
An important feature to mention is the Anodized Aluminum Throat Plate, which increases the durability of the machine.
Power and Speed
It comes with a powerful 1 ¾ HP motor and a cutting speed especially designed for wood. You get tons of power with the MBAND1412-175 14 x 12, which makes it ideal to process all sort of materials ranging from wood to metal.
Cutting Capacity
With this vertical bandsaw, you get a throat capacity of 13 5/8” inches and a whooping resaw capacity of 12 inches. It will make your work much easier, because you will be able to work with even very big and thick blocks of wood.
Furthermore, you can tilt the worktable 45° to the right and 7° to the left. A generous range of movement, to work any material from the most favorable angle, which is necessary when doing complex designs that require laser-like precision.
Blade and Guides
Its blade is 115 inches long and its width ranges from 1/8” to 3/4″. You can customize the blades according to your needs with ease, because it is easy to replace them in this machine.
It includes ceramic blade guides, which are excellent for processing green wood. If that is your main activity, then these guides will protect your blade much better than ball-rearing blade guides will. Furthermore, they are very resistant and they do not accumulate wear at all.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Outstanding Motor of 1-3/4 hp
- Ideal for cutting different types of woods
- Sturdy construction of steel and cast iron
- Superior precision and stability
- Ideal for workshops with high demands
What We Didn’t Like
- Poorly positioned lower guide
- Fills with dust during heavy cuts
#4. WEN 3962 – Best 10 Inch Bandsaw
QUICK SUMMARY
- 3.5 amp motor
- Uses 72-Inch blades
- Operates at two speed
- 2-Years Warranty Included
A great bang for the buck. That sentence alone defines the WEN 3962, one of the most affordable band saws in the market, which makes it excellent for beginners or for those who need a spare machine in their workshop.
Nonetheless, it is not all about the price, and that is why we have analyzed it patiently, to let you know everything about it.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Build Quality
Its construction is light because it only weighs 73 pounds. It is made of steel and includes a worktable of 14”x 12 ½”, which is equipped with a useful work light. Overall, we liked the build quality of the WEN 3962, but we would not rate it as sturdy.
Overall, for the price, it is quite good. Although, if you need far more control and stability, we would not advise you to choose it. Other than that, it is a good buy.
Power and Speed
It comes with a 3.5 amps motor and a speed that ranges from 1,520 to 2,620 FPM. It works with 120 volts of power, which brings the motor a top power of 0.5 HP (approximately). It might not be enough for industrial use, but for beginners, hobbyists and small workshops, it is ideal.
It will cut through different materials including metal and aluminum. Nonetheless, when it comes to thick metals beyond one inch, we would advise you to look for a more powerful choice like the JET JWBS-14DXPRO Deluxe Pro.
Cutting Capacity
It comes with a throat capacity of 9 ¾ inches, which will allow you to work with materials up to 6 inches deep and 9 ¾ wide. It will help you to process different kinds of materials, nonetheless, keep in mind that for really tick blocks, it will not be enough, because it has not been designed to meet such demands.
It comes with a resaw capacity of up to 6 inches, which is plenty for everyday operations that most small workshops have to do, as well as hobbyists.
In addition, the worktable tilts 45° to the right, but unfortunately, it does not tilt to the left, which will limit the number of angles you can work from.
Blade and Guides
It includes a 72-inch long blade with a thickness of 3/8 of an inch. Nonetheless, you can substitute it with similar blades with a width of 1/8” up to 1/2”. Based on our tests, its blade will cut through different materials like wood and aluminum with ease and efficiency.
It also includes adjustable ball-bearing guides, to make your work more efficient as well as to protect the blade of your machine.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Affordable Price
- Ideal for beginners and hobby shops
- Decent power and speed
- Well rounded performance
What We Didn’t Like
- Complicate setup
- Hard to adjust
#5. Rikon 10-305
QUICK SUMMARY
- Solid Steel Design
- Spacious cast-iron table
- A quality rip fence included
- Raise and Lower Guide
In the club of light-duty and affordable band saws, the Rikon 10-305 is a great choice, otherwise it would not be here. It features a solid frame, a sturdy work surface, a decent motor and premium features. It is the scaled-down version of the popular 10-325 and 10-345 models, but at a lower price.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Build Quality
It includes a frame made of solid steel plate and a cast iron worktable (13 ¾”x 12 ½”). It weighs only 76 pounds. Despite its promotion as a super sturdy bandsaw, in our experience, it is only suitable for beginner, medium and medium-advanced projects that do not require copious amounts of accuracy.
Nonetheless, for similar band saws in this price range, it is far studier thanks to the legit steel plate frame and design of the machine, which allows it to preserve more stability and balance. It is small and light, which is ideal for reduced spaces like a small workshop or a garage.
Power and Speed
Its motor has a power of 0.33 HP and a cutting speed of up to 2,780 FPM. It is not, by any means, a good choice for industrial-grade projects, but for hobbyists and small workshops, its power and speed will be more than enough. Based on our analysis and experience, it works best with wood and plastic.
Cutting Capacity
It has a cutting capacity of 4-5/8 x 9-5/8 inches and a resaw capacity of 4 – 5/8 inches. It is not the most generous in the market, and that is why we suggest you to use it if you do not need large cutting capacities or tremendous power and speed.
You can tilt the worktable in a range of 0-45°, which is the standard in the industry. You will be able to work from different angles to obtain the results that your project requires.
Blade and Guides
It comes with a blade that is 70 ½ inches long and with a varying width of 1/8 up to 1/2 inches. Despite its low price, they have not cut corners with the blade, because it cuts effortlessly within its limitations.
It comes with an adjustable guidepost, which will allow you to adjust the height easily, to meet the demands of your project. In addition, the ball-rearing guides, a premium feature, will extend the useful life of the blade.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Super lightweight and portable
- Great value for money- affordable
- Excellent for hobbyists and small shops
What We Didn’t Like
- Light build brings less stability
- Customizable is hard and limited
#6. WEN 3975T – Best BencWEN 3959T 9” Benchtop Band Saw
QUICK SUMMARY
- The 59.5” blade can cut up to 3/8 inches wide
- Compact design
- 59.5” blade can cut up to 3/8 inches wide
- 2.5Amp motor that rotates 2500ft/min
This WEN 3959T bandsaw is a top choice for amateurs and professionals. It is easy to assemble – fixing and swapping the blade is simple. Also, it’s pretty quiet in operation. More so, the bandsaw can make long rip cuts with precision and accuracy, helping in saving much effort and time. Continue reading as we highlight some exclusive features that make this powerful tool a valuable choice even amateurs with minimal experience can use.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
A 2.5” Dust Collection Port
This benchtop bandsaw comes with a 2.5-inches dust collection port that performs well at absorbing the dust produced while working. It is significant for users or workers who suffer from allergies and asthma.
In addition, you can also maintain a clean working environment that will save you effort and time.
Blade Variety With Tool-Free Switching
This bandsaw uses 59.5-inch blades that make it a versatile product to have in every workshop. In addition, you get a blade with an impressive cutting depth from 1/8 to 3/8 inches. So you can create various cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide using this device.
More so, you will benefit from an easy switch mechanism that allows changing the blade without using any special tool.
Bevel Cutting Options
It allows yA great feature for amateur woodworkers trying to grasp new techniques is angled or bevel cutting, offered by this WEN bandsaw. The work table is spacious enough to manage all cutting tasks and can be leveled up to 45-degree to manage angled cuts of up to 9 inches wide and 3.5 inches deep.
Bold Black Frame
The all-black frame of this bandsaw looks is made of steel and looks utterly bold. The metallic finish adds more sheen to the machine, making it worthy of having in your workplace. Besides promising a stable and dynamic performance, it also stays lightweight. This means you can carry it from one place to another with ease.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Portable and Easy to store
- Great for cutting metal pipes
- A wide variety of cutting angles
- Multi-speed setting
- Excellent for beginners- easy to use
What We Didn’t Like
- Hard to keep the blades on the wheels
- Not intended for heavy use/ cuts
#7. WEN 3960 9-Inch Benchtop Bandsaw
QUICK SUMMARY
- A dynamic motor
- Spacious work table measuring 12 x 12 inches
- Uses 62 inches blades.
Another top-quality beast of a machine from WEN that made its way to this list is the 3960 9 inches benchtop bandsaw. Powered by a 2.8AMP motor, this bandsaw can handle nearly everything you want to cut. This is a perfect professional-grade benchtop bandsaw for contractors and construction workers. Here’s our expert analysis.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Build Quality
This bandsaw is made of metal and, thus, robust and sturdy. Moreover, it is comparatively lightweight, weighing only 39.7 pounds. This means you can utilize the machine at your convenience, putting in a little effort. And with its solid support, you can manage all cutting tasks with precision, control and security.
Power and Speed
A 2.8amp motor transmits power to the blade included in this benchtop bandsaw. Moreover, it rotates the blade at up to 2460 feet per minute. And this makes the device an excellent choice for woodworkers and metalworkers
Cutting Capacity
This 9-inch benchtop bandsaw cuts up boards up to 3-5/8 inches deep and 9 inches wide. What’s more impressive is that you can bevel up the work table up to 45 degrees. As a result, you can achieve the precise detail you want with different types of cuts.
Blades
Thanks to the 62 inches blades, you can easily manage most cutting materials, achieving precise results. Also, it comes with ball-bearings that ensure smooth operations of the blade.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Super affordable
- Durable construction quality
- Ideal for beginners and small workshops
- Great for cutting timber and plastic
- Easy blade tracking for perfect alignment
What We Didn’t Like
- Less Stability
- Limited resaw capacity
#8. Powermatic 1791216K
QUICK SUMMARY
- 14-Inch Bandsaw
- Powerful Motor
- Solid Steel and Cast Iron Construction
- Extra-large work table
For those with big needs, the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Deluxe is an excellent choice. Built with cast iron and steel, it is one of the sturdiest band saws in the market. Along with a powerful motor, great cutting capacity and several pro features, it contains great value and we have reviewed it with our experts.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Build Quality
It features a solid iron casting that makes it sturdy, which will bring you far more control. Furthermore, it weighs 178 pounds, putting it nearer to the heavy-duty category. It is bigger than your average bandsaw at 20 x 34 x 68 inches. In addition, it includes a strong cast iron worktable (15×20 inches).
Power and Speed
Its motor comes with the outstanding power of 1.5 HP, which is quite good for a machine in this price range. It is coupled with a high cutting speed, which will allow you to work with thick and tough materials. Furthermore, it makes the energy transmission super smooth thanks to the poly-V system, which makes the performance even better.
Cutting Capacity
It comes with a throat capacity of 13.5 inches and a resaw capacity of 11 inches. Such a generous range will allow you to work with big blocks of materials with great precision and control. Furthermore, you can tilt the worktable 45° to the right and 10° to the left, bringing you more angles to work from.
Blade and Guides
The blade measures 105 inches and is strong enough to cut through metal and wood. Thanks to the high power output of the induction motor, you will enjoy a smooth performance. It comes with dual ball-rearing guides, to help you make the best cuts and protect the lifespan of the blade.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Strong and stable construction
- Powerful motor that stays cool even during heavy cuts
- Excellent resawing performance
- Includes meter gauge and fence
- Ample and useful light
What We Didn’t Like
- Problematic Setup
- Only one speed
EXPERT TIP
This machine is one of the most complete you will find for the price. It has a learning curve, but get through it and you will obtain high quality results. It is worth the effort.
Staff | Pro Tool Guide
Bandsaw Buying Guide
To put it in simple terms, the best band saws include professional features. That is the foundation for our buying guide, which will help you to get the perfect machine.
It contains the condensed knowledge and advice from experts on woodworking and construction, who have plenty of experience using and selecting these versatile power machines.
Furthermore, we will show you how to pick the ideal band saw for your specific case, for example, for woodworking in a small shop. Plenty of scenarios, and everything is covered in this guide!
#1. Type
What you intend to do will determine the kind of band saw you need. Here is a complete revision.
Vertical
It is the best choice for curved cuts and more complex designs, because its blade circulates at a fixed position, to allow you to feed the material piece against the blade. Unlike an horizontal bandsaw, it brings you more control over details. Therefore, they are ideal for small workshops, and in fact, for any person who needs to do complex internal and external cuts.
Horizontal
If volume matters a lot to you, like in a professional workshop, then an horizontal bandsaw will be your best choice, because they are designed to cut larger amounts of materials (and tougher). It is ideal for cutting metal, and therefore, it is popular in factories and metalworking shops, thanks to its superior power and cutting capacities.
Benchtop/Portable
If you want a bandsaw that you can transport easily, or for a very small workspace, then a portable bandsaw might be your best ally. Of course, it is designed to deal with lower-impact work rather than heavy-duty and highly demanding projects.
#2. Power
To give you a proper estimation, for a bandsaw of 14 inches, you should look for a motor of minimum 1hp. The same goes for 12 inches.
The higher the demand, the more power you will need. The power of a band saw is measured in horsepower, and therefore, it is important to pick a motor that can deliver the performance that your craft requires. However, most motors fall between 1hp and 3hp, because just a handful go beyond that mark.
#3. Cutting Capacity
Your choice will depend on the kind of throat you need for your project, which is the distance between the blade and the column. For instance, a JETJWBS–14DXPRO has a 14” cutting capacity.
Another important factor to consider is the resaw capacity, which is the distance between the highest point of the blade guide assembly and the band saw table. It will determine how large the stock can be and still be able to slide under the saw guide.
In short, you need to consider the following aspects:
- Throat capacity
- Resaw capacity
- Depth of cut (maximum)
- Width of cut (maximum)
#4. Frame
Like the type of bandsaw, you also need to pay attention to the frame. Here is a complete review of the two most widely used frames:
Cast Iron
This frame is ideal for regular operations that most small workshops have to do every day, that is why they have been used for several generations. Nonetheless, its structure and design limit its cutting capacity, speed and power.
Steel
For big operations that demand outstanding power and cutting capacities, the steel frame is exactly what you need. It is made of strong, heavy and welded steel, to break conventional limitations and allow you to do all sort of operations that factories and metalworking shops have to do regularly.
#5. Speed
If you want to have more control over speed, then you need to choose a bandsaw that offers you different speed options. Nonetheless, consider that the vast majority come with only two options, because most woodworkers prefer to work with the fastest speed available.
#6. Blade Guides
These are the most important elements to look at when choosing a bandsaw. As you have seen, if you have a small workshop, then a vertical bandsaw with a cast-iron frame and a 1HP motor will be enough.
Nonetheless, if you own a metalworking shop with a giant demand, you will need a horizontal bandsaw with a powerful motor of 3HP and a heavy steel frame.
As you can see, it is not really that hard, especially when you have our top choices, which have been used, evaluated and reviewed by experts on woodwork, metalworking and construction.
Conclusion
As you can see, picking the ideal band saw does not have to consume all of your time. Now that you have our guide at your disposal, make sure to follow all of our tips and you will end up with the perfect band saw for your project and needs.
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