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Finding a high-quality band saw can be problematic considering the number of products on the market. Not all of the band saws are created equal-some of them are barely functional. We wanted to save your time and provide you with a list of best band saws on the market.
If you are a professional, you will find useful machines that will make your woodworking enjoyable. On the other hand, DIY-ers will find affordable band saws that will make their hobby easier.
You will learn everything there is to know about the best band saws on the market, and it won’t take you a lot of time.
Best Band Saws in 2020
Rikon 10-305 10” Band Saw
Rikon 10-305 10″ is a budget band saw usable by hobbyists and DIY-ers. This machine isn’t expensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space.
This band saw is easy to move since it weighs 73lbs. It is a machine with a 1/3 HP, 3.5 amp motor that can handle many tasks. You can cut wood easily, as well as metal sheets. The blade speed is 2,780 FPM, which is good, but we would like to see more than one speed.
You receive a rip fence that will help you with resawing tasks, but you can easily remove it if you don’t need it. The 10-305 makes sure that you work safely because it includes a paddle switch. The switch locks the blade when you press it, preventing damage.
Rikon made sure that your work environment stays clean by including a 2-1/2″ dust port. The best part is that the dust port doesn’t make a lot of noise.
You don’t receive a stand when you buy the Rikon 10-305 10″ band saw, which explains the low weight. You also won’t be getting a miter gauge – you have to buy it separately.
This band saw is a great choice for hobbyists who want to work on wood and soft metals. It is not expensive and comes with useful features.
WEN 3962 10” Two-speed Band Saw
If you want to focus on moderate work in your small workshop, then WEN 3962 10″ band saw might be a good choice.
This band saw is an adjustable tool with a 3.5 amp motor. It also features two speeds of 1,520 FPM and 2,620 FPM.
This band saw weighs 73 lbs, and is quite sturdy, besides being wobble-free. WEN 3962 allows you to make 6″ cuts thanks to larger-than-average throat size of 9-3/4″. You are free to bevel the table up to 45 degrees, which allows you to make angled cuts.
We appreciate the inclusion of a removable fence, as well as the miter gauge. WEN 3962 comes with a stand, which is a nice gesture. Your work area will remain debris-free thanks to the 3-in-1 dust port. The included light will help you see your work area clear.
We don’t like the body of this band saw, it is flimsy. Another minor snag concerns newbies-it is hard to set up.
The plastic tension knob tends to break, and the blade could’ve been a bit better than it is.
Wen 3962 10″ band saw is a smart choice for hobbyists, DIY-ers, and some pros. It is a versatile tool that won’t set you back a lot.
This band saw lets you cut a wide variety of materials, and it looks eye-catching. If you need a practice tool or you want to get started with woodworking, then this bandsaw could be a great choice.
Dewalt DWM 120K 5” Portable Band Saw
The Dewalt DWM 120K 5″ is a sturdy portable band saw with plenty of useful features. You won’t have a lot of trouble lugging it around since it weighs only 15 pounds.
The adjustable front handle makes this bandsaw able to fit almost anyone’s hands. The rubber shrouds protect the casing from bumps and cracks.
The DWM 120K isn’t a battery-powered band saw, instead it utilizes a cord to power the 10 amp motor. When it comes to the speed, you have a choice of five speeds between 100 and 350 SFPM. The cutting capacity is 5″, but you could probably make it 6″ if you aren’t a newbie.
You receive a case with this band saw, which only helps with portability. This portable machine comes with a light that makes it easier to make accurate cuts.
Finally, the DWM 120K comes with a hanging hook that lets you hang the tool anywhere you want.
While this bandsaw is considered portable, the inclusion of a cord limits its portability. Moreover, the included case doesn’t have a lot of room, and it’s not easy to shut. Another problem is the lack of a trigger lock.
All in all, Dewalt DWM 120K is a powerful machine with limited portability.
It is a decent choice for professionals and hobbyists, and it is capable of taking a beating.
While it might not be very affordable, it is a good choice for the worker on the go.
JET JWBS-14DXPRO Deluxe PRO 14” Band Saw
If you are a professional, the JET JWBS-14DXPRO is the best band saw for you. It is a powerful tool that gives more than the competitors.
A 1-1/4 HP motor powers this machine, providing speeds of 1,500 and 3,000 SFPM. It is capable of handling many cutting tasks. The cast iron frame boosts the longevity of this bandsaw and makes it durable and wobble-free.
The work table is big, and you can tilt it 45 degrees to the right and 10 degrees to the left. You can easily cut big work pieces on the JWBS-14DXPRO. The blade is easily adjustable and it doesn’t have a lot of friction thanks to the ball bearing.
Don’t worry about problems with large stock, because this bandsaw has a 12″ resaw capacity. The blade guard can be adjusted from zero to 12 inches, eliminating the need for a riser block.
The 4″ dust port will keep your work environment free of debris. The stand comes with a storage shelf, which helps you keep your tools nearby.
Unfortunately, JWBS-14DXPRO is not a cheap machine. Another problem is that you have to order a rip fence separately. Lack of any LEDs is noticeable, and the confusing user manual won’t win anyone’s love.
Finally, this is a sturdy band saw that doesn’t come cheap. It is a versatile, high-quality tool that provides awesome cutting results and plenty of work space.
SKIL 3386-01 9” Band Saw
If you are a beginner or a hobbyist, then the SKIL 3386-01 could be good for you.
This easy-to-use band saw comes with a powerful 2.5 amp motor. Unfortunately, the motor has only one speed, making it less versatile.
This small band saw is sturdy and capable of cutting wood, aluminum, copper, brass, and more. The best part is that buying 3386-01 won’t cost you a lot.
The cast iron base makes this bandsaw stable and sturdy. This is the best band saw for a beginner who wants versatility. To aid in versatility, this machine has a large table that can tilt from zero to 45 degrees.
Skil 3386-01 comes with an adjustable and lockable fence. It also boasts a retractable LED light, but it only works when the machine is on. Beginners will clearly see their work piece and the cuts applied to it. The miter gauge helps with accurate cuts, and the dust port keeps everything clean.
This feature-rich band saw can cut metal, but not with consistency. You shouldn’t do any large projects with this tool since it is a bandsaw for beginners. One noticeable problem is the wobble. The vibrations make this machine wobble, albeit not a lot.
To conclude, if you are a DIY-er who wants the best band saw for newbies, the SKIL 3386-01 is an excellent choice. It has many useful features, and it is not expensive.
Grizzly G0555LX 14” Deluxe Band Saw
The Grizzly G0555LX 14″ Deluxe is a band saw capable of cutting wood and metal. It is the best band saw for small projects. It is a machine that can be used by pros, as well as hobbyists.
This band saw weighs 250 pounds, which limits its portability. Fortunately, the computer-balanced cast iron wheels make moving it a bit easier.
This sturdy band saw is extremely durable and comes with a 1HP motor. You won’t work on large projects, but you will deal with smaller ones with ease. Luckily, the G0555LX offers two cutting speeds-1,800 and 3,100 FPM.
The table can tilt up to 45 degrees right and 10 degrees left. A feature that helps with irregular, odd, and curved pieces. We love the included miter gauge and a rip fence; both of them are high-quality.
One minor problem is the cutting height. It is only 6″. Another problem is related to the dust port. It is a 4″ dust port that simply isn’t efficient. The most confusing feature is the light that needs a separate power cord.
Despite minor snags, the G0555LX is the best band saw for small projects. It can handle plenty of abuse, and it is easy to set up. The stand is sturdy and reduces wobble to minimal levels. If you need a machine for small DIY projects, think about this band saw.
Laguna Tools MBAND14120175 14”/12” Band Saw
If you want the best band saw with lots of safety features, the Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 could be a good choice.
It is a beautiful machine that provides stability during work. It weighs 267 pounds and boasts a strong steel frame. You will be able to focus on your work without annoying wobbling dragging you down.
The motor has 1-1/3HP and 14 amps, which is powerful enough to handle demanding cutting tasks. The only problem is that it has only one speed.
When it comes to safety features, the MBAND1412-175 includes a safety switch. It also gives you a safety key needed to power on the machine. If you are not satisfied with the 14″ blade, you can change it without too much hassle. The quick-release blade tensioner will help you do the change in an instant.
This durable machine comes with a 4″ dust port that keeps your workshop or garage clean. The best feature is the low operating volume. You don’t need ear protection when using this band saw.
This is one of the best band saws for professionals. It is not cheap, so think whether you need it before you purchase it. The light attachment has to be bought separately, and it doesn’t work well. The included rip fence is flimsy, and the blade guards are hard to adjust.
Overall, this high-quality bandsaw has some snags, but it offers plenty, so it is worth thinking about.
Powertec BS900 9” Band Saw
If you are looking for the most affordable band saw, then the Powertec BS900 could be the one you want.
This band saw weighs only 43 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around. Its 2.5 amp motor has 0.5 HP, which is enough to cut wood only. The motor works at 1,725 RPM, and it doesn’t overheat if you use it for a long time.
The 9″ throat and the 62″ blade give you lots of flexibility with cutting tasks. You receive a tracking window that doesn’t distort your view. It gives you more control over your cutting tasks.
The table isn’t big, but it is good enough for smaller jobs. You can use the rack and pinion adjustment to lock the table when you angle it.
The 2″ dust port might seem small, but it does a good job at keeping your work area clean. Because the BS900 is cheap, the frame is lightweight. The frame has plastic parts, so you will need to be careful not to bump it. You don’t receive a rip fence, and the machine sometimes wiggles during use.
If you want to start working on DIY projects, this is the best bandsaw for you. It comes at a low price, and it offers you plenty to get started.
Makita XBP02Z Portable Band Saw
Makita XBP02Z is the best cordless band saw on the market.
It is a tool useful for plumbing, metal building, HVAC installations, as well as electrical installations. The fact that it comes without a cord and that it weighs only 15 pounds makes it excellent for overhead work.
The XBP02Z uses an 18V lithium-ion battery that offers six speeds between 275 and 530 FPM. The only problem is that the battery and charger are sold separately. The XBP02Z includes a safety trigger switch with a lock-off feature.
The included blade is good enough to perform a burr-free cut in 10 seconds. It can withstand continuous use and you can easily replace it. There is no adjusting, you only need to mount the new blade.
We like that the handles are rubberized. You can use this bandsaw with one hand without it slipping. You receive the XBP02Z in a tool bag that can hold and protect it. Unfortunately, this bandsaw makes a lot of noise, so bear that in mind.
All in all, the XBP02Z is the best cordless band saw at an affordable price. It lacks the battery and charger, but it performs clean cuts. It can handle rough environments, so it is a good tool if you are constantly on the move.
Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Band Saw
The Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 is the most compact cordless band saw on the market.
Hobbyists and DIY-ers will enjoy this unit since it is easy to use. It weighs only 12.4 pounds with a battery, which makes it extremely easy to carry. Moreover, you won’t have to do any assembly; it is usable out of the box.
The 12V high-capacity battery powers the motor which can achieve variable speeds of up to 280 SFPM. The best part is that the battery doesn’t take long to charge, only 30 minutes. The housing is made of plastic, but it is sturdy enough to provide only a little vibration.
You will find an LED light above the blade. When it comes to the blade, it is 27″ long and easy to replace and align. The blade lets you cut various materials, and it is covered with a lower guard outside the active cutting area.
The 2429-2XC M12 includes a small fixed brush that keeps your work area clean. If you cut metals, a small magnet will catch the shavings, which boosts longevity.
All in all, this band saw comes at an affordable price, and it includes a battery and a charger. You also receive spare blades, but they aren’t of great quality. The plastic shroud could’ve been better since it doesn’t feel sturdy. If you need a compact bandsaw that can be used with one hand, the Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 might be a smart choice.