Top 15 Best Band Saws On The Market 2024

In a world in which DIY projects are becoming more and more popular, the acquisition of a band saw in a household in which crafting is a way of living is a must. But what exactly is a band saw and how can you use it?

I will answer these questions along with others in this article. Furthermore, I have prepared for you the best 15 band saws on the market from which you can choose. And last but not least, I will offer you a complete buying guide that will aid your decision making.

What Is A Band Saw And How To Use It The Proper Way?

If you are looking for a band saw you probably already know this, but I want to make sure that you have all the information before proceeding. A band saw is nothing more than a powerful saw that has a sharp blade which consists of a band of toothed metal between at least two wheels.

You can use them for many activities such as working with metal or wood. The most important thing is to use it correctly. So here are the most vital 5 steps you have to take for proper use:

Step 1: Choose The Correct Blade

If you are a beginner, you will probably think that using the same blade for all tasks. That is completely wrong. There are tasks in which you will need a finer blade while in other moments you a rougher one is desired.

Therefore, if you have more than one size of blades, and I recommend you do so, check out if what you want to use is suited for the job you want to start.

Step 2: Check The Blade’s Tension

When you don’t use the saw, the blade tension should be low. Because of that, you should raise it every time you want to start working. The blade’s tension is a very important factor so be sure you check this aspect.

Step 3: Check The Blade Guides

The blade level is held in its place by some blade guides. You should have two sets of guides. Be sure that they are as close as possible to the blade. If you do so, you guarantee a good cut.

Step 4: Check The Blade Guard

The last thing that you want is to have a large blade exposed when you make a small cut. Therefore, be sure that your blade guard is as close as possible to the material you are cutting. The other case applies. So, be sure it is at the correct level for your needs.

Step 5: Start Working

You did everything you need to start working. So, check if the machine is plugged in (I recommend you keep it off when you don’t use it) and start your project.

You can find a video tutorial below that will show you exactly all the steps I have explained here.

Which Are The Best Band Saws To Buy?

I know that everybody has a busy schedule and reading the reviews of all 15 best band saws can be time consuming. Therefore, here are the highlights. This way you can pick a few and decide from there.

• Best Overall: JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw
  “Beginner and advanced users friendly; resawing capacity.”
• Best Price: Milwaukee 2429-21XC Band Saw
  “Easy to use, has a good cutting capacity; comes with LED lightning.”
• Best for Resawing: WEN 3962 Band Saw
  “Easy-to-work-with band saw, resawing capacities, powerful motor and benchtop applications.”
• Best for Woodworking: Powermatic 1791216K Band Saw
  “15 inch square working table; has a strong motor and a halogen lamp.”
• Best for Metal: WEN 3970T Band Saw
  “An automatic shut off feature; cuts both horizontally and vertically.”
• Best for Homeworkshop: DEWALT Band Saw
  “Portable band saw, has a powerful motor and capable of doing a big variety of cuts.”
• Best for Beginners: Rikon 10-305 Band Saw
  “Detachable aluminum protection fence, a powerful motor and a micro adjustable guide post”
• Best for Aluminum: Shop Fox W1706 Band Saw
  “14 inch square table, 1725 RPM and has a cutting capacity of 13-1/2-Inch.”
• Best for Stainless Steel: DEWALT DWM120K Band Saw
  “Easy to use and very handy; has a powerful motor and a LED sight light.”
• Best Benchtop: WEN 3975T Band Saw
  “Adjustable cut angles and adjustable speed. Good warranty”
• Best Portable: Makita XBP03Z Band Saw
  “Portable; blade speed of 630 ft. /min. Easy to use and very handy.”
• Best Horizontal: Jet 414560 Band Saw
  “Solid piece with a hydraulic feed control, a large infeed table and with multi-position blade guides.”
• Best All Around: Jet 714400K Band Saw
  “Very easy to assemble and to set up; very practical when it comes to resawing.”
• Best Tabletop: Grizzly Industrial G0803Z Band Saw
  “Very stable and easy to use machine; high quality materials; includes a rip fence, an adjustable blower and a laser guide.”
• Best Mill: Carmyra Portable Band Saw
  “Good price and can be attached to the saw without a drilling bar; high quality construction.”

Best Band Saw Comparison Chart 2023

Before you go to the full best band saws reviews, I suggest you check out the comparison chart. This way you can have an idea of what are the similarities and differences between the products.

Top 15 Best Band Saw Reviews in 2023

Here there are. The reviews of the best band saws. You will find out their advantages and disadvantages, but also my personal opinion about each one. So let’s start!

1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw

(Best Overall)

I am sure that I am not the only person who considers this machine to be the best overall when it comes to band saws.

This model comes with a great design for the lower & upper cast iron frame. What this feature does is to increase its strength and also its rigidity. Furthermore, it comes with a tracking window for an easy view of the blade.

Another aspect worth mentioning is its enclosed stand. This provides a better organization. Due to its easy access, you can grab the tools you need without any struggle.

Key Features:

• Tracking window;
• 12 in. resaw capacity;
• Retractable blade guard;
• Cast iron frame.

Product Specifications:

Power source	Electric Powered
Made from	Cast Iron
Voltage	115 volts
Blade length	105 inches
Horse power	1.25
Color	White
Brand	Jet

Personal Experience:

I must admit that I simply can’t find any flaw in this model. It works amazing and it is very easy to use. Of course, it comes at a price but if you can’t afford it, don’t think twice about it.

You can check the next video for more details:

2. Milwaukee 2429-21XC Band Saw

(Best Price)

Usually, band saws don’t come cheap, but luckily if you search thoroughly you may find something for every pocket. After testing many low budget machines, I stopped at this Milwaukee model.

Firstly said, it is just as good as a more expensive one but that’s not all. It has a blade tension adjustment and it can be used with only one hand.

You can use it for many types of cuts since it is versatile. Also, it has a LED light that will help you while working. You don’t have to worry to buy a cheaper model. This one comes with 5 years of warranty.

Key Features:

• 150 cuts/charge with the XC battery;
• LED Light;
• 27” x ½” x .020″ blade.

Product Specifications:

Power source	Lithium ion batteries
Made from	Plastic
Color	Red & black
Measurement system	Metric
Voltage	12V
Time needed to charge the battery	30 minutes
Brand	MILWAUKEE

Personal Opinion:

As far as pricing vs quality goes, this model is the best one you will find. So, if you don’t want to make a business out of crafting wood or metal, you should consider it.

You can check out a video below for more details:

3. WEN 3962 Band Saw

(Best for Resawing)

Many people have asked me what is the best model for resawing. As you can imagine, this is a debatable aspect, but for me, the best choice is the 3962 model from WEN.

It comes with a great motor and two speeds which are 1520 and 2620 FPM. You can use either for floor standing or for bench top applications.

This band saw has a light that will help you better see your project while working. Moreso, you can decide how you want to work because it can be used as a floor stand or as a bench top application.

Key Features:

• 72-inch blades;
• 3-in-1 dust port;
• Flexible Worklight;
• Adjustable Fence;
• 3.5 amp motor.

Product Specifications:

Made from	Metal
Color	Black
Color temperature	2700 – 6500 K
Color	Black
Table size	14 x 12-1/2 inches
Power source	Electric Powered
Motor	3.5-amp
Brand	WEN

Personal Opinion:

With a good warranty, this band saw can be the one you are looking for resawing projects. Below, you will find a video made by the guys from WEN that shows you how to install and also tension their machines:

4. Powermatic 1791216K Band Saw

(Best for Woodworking)

I must confess that my favorite material to work with is wood. So, naturally, I was very picky when it came to the machine which is best for woodworking. Finally, I stopped at this Powermatic model and I will tell you exactly why.

It is made from solid steel but also cast iron, making it robust and steady. Furthermore, its motor is enclosed to ensure its longevity.

This robust band saw has a halogen lamp which is built-in and will help you work on its 15 inch square table.

As the warranty goes, you will receive a one year warranty when buying this model.

Key Features:

• 14-inch band saw;
• 1-1/2-horsepower motor;
• 15 in / 15 in table;
• Quick-release feature.

Product Specifications:

Power source	Electric Powered
Chip blower	Yes
Color	Dusty yellow
Lamp wattage	60 watts
Blade speed	3000 SFPM
Motor	115/230V 60Hz
Table tilt	45 R, 10 L
Brand	Powermatic

Personal Opinion:

This is an amazing model that will make your life so much easier when it comes to working with wood. Yes, it is not the cheapest one, but it is worth every penny.

The next video review is a very nice one and I suggest you give it a look.

5. WEN 3970T Band Saw

(Best for Metal)

There are always discussions about the band saws for wood and for metal. So, since the previous model was dedicated for the wood working process, I felt it natural to continue with metal.

With a variable 0° to 60° cut, this WEN model is the best one for working with metal. Its blade speed is variable and will permit you to work more than one type of metal.

What makes this band saw super special is its automatic shut off system. What this means is that once the cut is completed, it automatically turns itself off.

Key Features:

• Automatic shut-off feature;
• 3 speeds;
• 4.6 amp motor.

Product Specifications:

Speeds	80, 120 & 200 ft
Cutting angle	0° to 60°
Color	Orange & black
Power source	Electric Powered
Style	6-Inch Metal Bandsaw
Brand	WEN

Personal Opinion:

So do I think that this WEN machine is the best for metal cutting? Yes, I do. But I also think it is great for horizontal cutting.

Below, you will find a video with the unboxing and the setup of this WEN model.

6. DEWALT Band Saw

(Best for Homeworkshop)

Many people make the mistake of thinking that if they buy a band saw they automatically can start their own homeworkshop. Well, unfortunately, that is not exactly right.

However, there are models that were designed with this task in mind. For example, this DEWALT model. It allows you to make a great variety of cuts and it has an onboard storage.

It is amazing as portability goes. You can make easy adjustments with it. Furthermore, it has an onboard storage that will permit you to find the tools you need at your hand’s reach.

Key Features:

• Onboard storage;
• Telescoping fence;
• Anti-kickback pawls;
• Miter gauge.

Product Specifications:

Color	Yellow and black
Power	15 Amp
Motor speed	5800 rpm
Brand	DEWALT

Personal Opinion:

I love how easy it is to move around your household with it. So, if you want to have the portability and work your way around your house, this is the model you want.

7. Rikon 10-305 Band Saw

(Best for Beginners)

Everybody is a beginner at one point, regardless of the activity. But if you have the right tool with you, the learning curve is way easier.

What I found to be a good model for people at the beginning of the road is the 10-305 machine from Rikon. It comes at a good price, so you won’t have to invest a large amount of money to start your journey.

It has a very solid design that will ease your work. This model is great for cutting bowls but also for pen blanks. Furthermore, you can lower or raise the guide post with a simple turn of a handle.

Key Features:

• 1/3HP motor;
• Micro Adjustable Guide Post;
• Sturdy work surface.

Product Specifications:

Power source	Ac
Fence height	2’’
Horsepower	0.33 HP
Voltage	115 volts
Re-Saw capacity	4-5/8″
Color	Blue
Tilting angle	0-45°
Motor	1/3HP
Brand	Rikon

Personal Opinion:

I really think that this model is the best one to start working if you are a beginner. It is straightforward and easy to use.

At first glance, you won’t be able to see the difference between this machine and the 10-306 model from Rikon. This is why I think the next video is so important:

8. Shop Fox W1706 Band Saw

(Best for Aluminum)

The next article in discussion comes from Shop Fox. The reasons why this machine is on this list are multiple, but I will give you the most important ones.

First of all, it was made using great quality cast iron. You will see that the wheels, the table and the fence are made using this material. Secondly, it has a powerful motor that provides you the capacity of working at great speeds.

Lastly, you will be able to adjust and release the tension very easily and this is a great feature for me.

Key Features:

• 4-inch dust port;
• Ball bearing blade guides;
• Deluxe extruded aluminum fence;
• Fence scale & magnifying window.

Product Specifications:

Voltage	110 volts
Made from	Steel
Motor	1 HP / 1,725 RPM
Blade speeds	1,500 and 3,200 FPM
Cutting capacity	13-1/2-inches
Table tilt	45° right, 10° left
Brand	Shop Fox

Personal Experience:

I love this machine. It looks great and it works even better.

9. DEWALT DWM120K Band Saw

(Best for Stainless Steel)

Working with stainless steel might not seem as a very complicated task, but it has some requirements. This is why it is very important to have a machine that will help you along the way.

The model that I discovered to be the best for this job type comes from DEWALT. It has a 10 amp motor and a LED lighting system that will let you see exactly how you work.

Not only that it is easy to use and has ergonomic handles, but you can also control its speed as you please. Lastly, it is portable and lightweight, so you can take it with you even if you have to move around.

Key Features:

• LED lighting;
• Speed control feature
• Ergonomic feature.

Product Specifications:

Power source	Electric Powered
Color	Yellow
Voltage	120 volts
Motor	10 amp
Speed	100-350 sfm
Brand	DEWALT

Personal Opinion:

This band saw is fast and it is clean and you can do your job with all the safety measures that are required.

What a video review? Here is one below:

10. WEN 3975T Band Saw

(Best Benchtop Band Saw)

I want to take my time and present to you another very good product from WEN. This time, I will discuss their 3975T model which, in my opinion, is one of the best bench band saws available on the market.

Not only that you can adjust its blade speed, but you can also deposit it easily since it is very compact.

This band saw is a great return of investment because it is versatile and easy to use. Furthermore, it has multiple speeds and you can take it with you wherever you need to since it is portable.

Key Features:

• Adjustable blade;
• Compact design;
• Multiple speeds.

Product Specifications:

Motor	4.5 amp
Speed	125-260 fpm
Angle cut	0-60 degrees
Color	Orange & Black
Brand	WEN

Personal Opinion:

It cuts clean, it is easy to use and it is a very good value for money. What more can one want?

11. Makita XBP03Z Band Saw

(Best Portable Band Saw)

When working remote, you need a portable band saw that will be easily transported but also will return good results.

Of course, today there are many portable machines, but my personal favorite is the XBP03Z from Makita.

Not only is it lightweight, but it also has an aluminum blade housing that will provide an increased durability.

It has an ergonomic design that makes it very easy to work with, even if you need to handle it with just one hand.

Key Features:

• One-hand working feature;
• Ergonomic design;
• Enclosed blade.

Product Specifications:

Power source	Battery Powered
Batteries required?	Yes
Voltage	18 volts
Color	Blue & Black
Light	LED lighting
Brand	Makita

Personal Opinion:

It is hard to believe that this little fellow has so much power, but it does. Also, it comes at a more than a decent price so it’s the perfect deal.

12. Jet 414560 Band Saw

(Best Horizontal Band Saw)

If what you are looking for is quality, then Jet has your back. This beauty is everything a professional could want.

First of all, it is extremely safe to work with it. You can position the blade in more than one position and it has a complete coolant system.

It has an adjustable hydraulic downfeed which you will discover to be very helpful. However, probably its most amazing aspect is its micro adjustable tool. What this does is to permit you to make an accurate setup that will be very helpful for repetitive tasks.

Key Features:

• 3/4″ Bi-Metal blade;
• 8″ rubber wheels;
• Adjustable hydraulic downfeed.

Product Specifications:

Throat capacity	4-8’’
Infeed table size	10 x 12″
Mitering positions	15, 30 & 45°
Brand	Jet

Personal Opinion:

This is a very solid model. It is steady and easy to use, providing great results. Yes, it is more expensive than others, but it is worth it.

13. Jet 714400K Band Saw

(Best All Around Band Saw)

Another very good model from Jet is their 714400K model. It is also a premium machine but it is a little bit cheaper than the previous one.

With an over 13” resaw capacity, this band saw will let you cut large pieces of wood with ease. Furthermore, it has a very large 360 sq. table.

Its work surface is made from cast iron, giving it a very good stability and durability. Lastly, it has a great dual dust port that will ensure a better efficiency when it comes to collecting the dust.

Key Features:

• Cast iron work surface;
• Dual 4” dust ports;
• 360 sq. in. work surface.

Product Specifications:

Power source	Electric Powered
Horsepower	1.75 HP
Voltage	230 volts
Color	White
Brand	Jet

Personal Opinion:

This is an amazing saw that will help you with your resawing projects and will let you work on big tasks.

14. Grizzly Industrial G0803Z Band Saw

(Best Tabletop Band Saw)

Only two more band saws to go. So, before cloning up I want to talk about this model from Grizzly Industrial.

With a 1/3 HP Motor and a frame and doors made of steel, this band saw will be your best friend when working with wood. If you don’t trust me, just know that it received an award from the Wood Magazine.

Furthermore, the quality of this band saw is supported by the warranty that you receive and the US-based support.

Key Features:

• 62″ Blade Size;
• 9″ Cutting Throat;
• Laser Sight
• LED Light.

Product Specifications:

Motor	1/3 HP
Power voltage	120V
Table size	12″ x 12″ x 5/8″
Cutting capacity/throat	9″
Blade speed	2460 FPM
Brand	Grizzly Industrial

Personal Opinion:

This is a very good value for money. Not only that it comes at a good price, but it feels like working with a premium model.

15. Carmyra Portable Band Saw

(Best Mill Band Saw)

Lastly, I want to talk about a band saw mill and the best one that I could find is produced by Carmyra. It has a good price and will cut your lumber without any problem.

Among the wood types that are very easily handled by this machine, I want to remind you of the cedar, oak and walnut.

This model can be attached to the saw without using the drilling bar. It is efficient and versatile, cutting lumber and planks at adjustable widths and heights.

Key Features:

• Aluminum Construction;
• Adjustable cutting feature.

Product Specifications:

Made from	Stainless Steel
Size	14″ to 36″
Brand	Carmyra

Personal Opinion:

This may not be the most versatile band saw, but if you are into lumber working, then this is the one that you want.

Best Band Saws Buying Guide

So, you’ve seen what are the best bandsaw models available on the market. But how can you choose only one? Fear not. I have prepared a full buying guide for you that will ease your decision making.

Type Of Band Saw

The first thing you want to consider is the type of band saw you need. As you could see there are free standing models or benchtop one. Also, you have the possibility to choose between a powered cord one and a battery model.

They all have their advantages and disadvantages, but in the end, it is just a matter of necessity or preference.

Features

Each model has its unique features. Let’s see what are the most important ones that you should look at.

• The blade: This will make the difference between cuts. It is very important especially if you are working with more than one material.
• The motor: Without this component the blade saw will not work. So, this is the one that will let you work on higher or lower speeds.
• Additional accessories: Each blade saw comes with some extra accessories, such as LED lighting. See what you wish to have and choose accordingly.

Your Work Type

It is no use to buy a band saw for working with metal if you only intend to work with wood. So, think long and hard of this and then decide.

Price

Finally, set up a budget and try to stay within it. It is no use to look at models that exceed or are below your financial possibilities.

FAQs

Before closing this article, I want to answer the most frequently asked questions. I suggest you give them a look.

My Top Pick

So, this is it. You are at the final part of the article. As you could see, in the end, it is not very hard to pick the best band saw for you and your needs.

All there is to know regarding the purchase of one of these machines is in this article. Now, you can choose the one that suits you best and start the crafting project you are dreaming about.

There is no secret that my top pick is JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw but I will love to hear your opinion. Do you already have a favorite or are you still in between?