Best Bandsaw

Shopping for the best Bandsaw is an investment – a hefty one, to be exact. Knowing that these machines cost a lot, you have to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your hard-earned money.

That said, when shopping online, the right choice may not always be that obvious. Manufacturers tend to advertise their products in a way that convinces you that there’s no downside to them – which isn’t the case, most of the time.

Worry not, though, as we’ve already done the heavy lifting and picked the top models in this category. Through this guide, you’ll understand how to pick the right Bandsaw for you, no matter whether you’re a rookie or an experienced woodworker. Go ahead, go through our reviews to discover the good products as well as the bad ones. Don’t forget to check our buying guide if this is your first time shopping for Bandsaws.

By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be informed enough to know which one is the best Bandsaw for you, and that’s the first step in shopping with confidence.

The Best Bandsaw – Our Picks

#1 – Jet JWBS-14DXPRO Bandsaw

The Jet Jwbs-14dxpro is the kind of machine that does just about everything. The unit is solid, and it can cut pieces of about 12″ in height while maintaining the user’s safety thanks to a retractable blade guard that you can alter from 0 to 12″. All of this is done by the Jet without using a riser block, which is a time-saver, especially if you have projects of different sizes.

Jet’s Bandsaw has a large 15×15-inch table, and its blade adjustments are easy and take up no time. It also comes with a clear blade tracking window, which helps you make sure that the blade is always lined up the way you want.

The only downside to this unit is that it doesn’t come with a built-in rip fence, which might also be an upside because most manufacturers include cut-rate fences in their devices. Many people find themselves obliged to purchase aftermarket fences anyhow.

All in all, if you need a good-quality, robust Bandsaw that’s capable of handling big projects without trouble, the JET machine is the best Bandsaw for you.

What we like about it

The JET JWBS-14DXPRO has a tremendous capacity. You can easily rip 12-inch pieces with it. In addition to that, its blade adjustments are wonderfully fast and easy. Not to forget that it comes with a large, 15″ by 15″ table. Last but not least, it has an easy-view blade tracking window so you’ll always be able to check the table saw’s alignment. What else could you possibly ask for in the best Bandsaw?

#2 – Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Bandsaw

If you’re looking for ease of use, portability, and precision rather than sheer power, then the Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 is the best Bandsaw for you.

Granted, this unit isn’t the lightest around, as it weighs approximately 12.4 pounds, but you needn’t worry about it as the tool is so effective that you won’t need to hold it for more than 10 minutes or so when cutting the pipe. Yes, this is a Bandsaw that can cut through anything like a hot knife cutting through butter.

For power, the M12 uses a lithium-ion battery, which can keep the tool efficient throughout 150 cuts on a full charge. Add that to the lack of annoying cords and the 1 5/8 inch cutting capacity, and you’ve got yourself an excellent Bandsaw for plumbing or electrical work.

What we like about it

Despite being cordless, the Milwaukee M12 offers enough power and efficiency to cut through any kind of pipe with ease. We also like the fact that it’s light enough for one-handed use and that it comes with its own Lithium-ion charger. In short, if you’re looking for portability AND the bang for your buck, the Milwaukee M12 is the way to go.

#3 – Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw

Apart from being a decent Bandsaw, the Grizzly G0555LX has a variety of features that you wouldn’t predict for a model in this price range.

The great power it offers and the large table with which it comes are just impressive, but what makes this model stand out are the factors that facilitate its operation. For example, this unit has computer-balanced cast iron wheels, sparing you the cost of buying a set on your own, which is something you’d do with most other models. It also comes with a high-quality fence, which is rare for all types of saws. It’s also a low-vibration tool, which means high-quality and precision for all your cuts.

The only niggle with this model is its mediocre dust collection port, meaning that you’ll need to do some research to find out whether it’s compatible with your dust collection system. Looking past this flaw, the Grizzly is still an excellent Bandsaw to consider.

What we like about it

This model comes with a high-quality fence, something rare for its rivals. It’s also a low-vibration unit, which will spare you clumsy cuts and guarantee you precision and high-quality. In addition to that, the Grizzly g0555lx is a robust tool, and it also comes with cast-iron wheels, which is something you’d have to pay for separately if you choose to purchase a different model. If you’re looking for the bang for your buck, this is the best Bandsaw you can get.

#4 – Wen 3962 10-Inch Bandsaw

In addition to its great cuts, the Wen 3962 10-Inch Bandsaw gives you great value for the money. It’s a two-speed, 10″ Bandsaw that comes with a table capable of tilting up to 45 degrees, which makes it incredibly adjustable and fit for any project on which you set your mind. If you own a dust collection system, it’s probably compatible with this model since it features a 3-in dust port.

The first setup can take longer than that of other units, which is what dropped this one to the third place. In case you’re a Bandsaw rookie, you’re may find the blade changing to be more difficult than on other systems. But as soon as it’s correctly set up, you’ll find it to be one of the most precise and most robust models available.

If you’ve already owned a Bandsaw before, you will love this one. If it’s your first, you’re still buying an excellent Bandsaw, but it’ll take you some time to master using it.

What we like about it

In addition to the excellent work light, the WEN comes with a beveling table that can tilt up to 45 degrees, which makes it highly adjustable and perfect for any task. Not to forget that it is a two-speed unit, allowing you to switch to the convenient speed whenever need be.

#5 – Powertec BS900 Bandsaw Tool

This model sure is a low-cost one. If you’re familiar with cheap tools, you should know that they’re full of flaws. At times, they’ll come in handy, but mostly they’ll be a waste of money.

This tool has smooth blade switching as well as a blade tracking window, but these are its only qualities. It doesn’t include a fence, and what’s even worse is that it doesn’t include a dust collection system either. That means that you’ll be prone to do a lot of cleaning if you use this machine.

It also includes a variety of plastic parts, which explain its low cost. You wouldn’t expect it to last for a long time, would you? If you need a cut-rate model and have the will to look past these drawbacks, this might be a good purchase for you. Otherwise, this is certainly not the best Bandsaw for you.

What we like about it

There are only a couple of factors to appreciate about the Powertec Bandsaw. The first of them is the fact that it has easy blade change, which will spare you some time and effort. The second is the fact that it boasts a blade tracking window. Other than that, there isn’t really anything worth mentioning in this tool.

Choosing the Best Bandsaw – Buying Guide

Going through the previous reviews, you sure learned a good deal of information that should assist you while making your decision, whether you’re a rookie or an expert.

Like every power tool purchase, it’s crucial to keep in mind what features and power you need for your tasks. We can’t know precisely how you’re going to use your Bandsaw, but we’ve assembled some Bandsaw-related pieces of advice in our buying guide to help you set your priorities straight.

Power

As opposed to what many tradesmen believe, more power isn’t always good, especially if you get an excessive amount of energy that’s left unused. However, you should also consider the case in which you have too little power. In most cases, a 1-1/2 horsepower motor will be sufficient for your projects. If you’re to work with exotic hardwoods or similar tough tasks, you’ll need something between 2-1/2 and three horsepower. Though a motor as powerful usually requires 220V, meaning that you’ll have to get a specialized electrical supply.

Using a weaker motor, you’ll risk your ability to cut your stock of harder wood. If the engine is too frail, you can still make the cut, but it will take more time. Having the perfect amount of strength will save you a lot of time and keep you from faulting your pieces.

Price

Power tools’ high cost doesn’t always mean they have great value. It’s common for some expensive tools to break down in no longer than a week. Even if a warranty covers it, it can be a waste of your valuable time.

One thing to bear in mind when shopping is that more expensive doesn’t always mean better and Cheaper doesn’t always mean worse, even though it’s generally true.

Instead of focusing on the price, you should think more about the value and getting the best investment. Three parts determine a Bandsaw’s value; durability, ease of use, and being fit for your projects.

Durability

Bandsaws operate with one blade under extremely high tension to make cuts, which means the whole body of the tool is under pressure when in use and when resting. If the machine’s body isn’t made of suitable materials, it’s unlikely to last. It’s also going to pressure your blade more and limit its performance, which will give you imprecise cuts and shorten the blade’s lifespan.

Your Own Needs and Projects

Various types of projects require multiple types of blades, but there are characteristics of each tool that can make them fit for a variety of projects.

If you’re to do tasks using softer wood varieties, you don’t need a tool that’s too powerful. In fact, that might be the wrong thing to go for. The blade’s pace might be too fast and damage your piece instead of performing a high-quality cut. That might also be a potential danger. When cutting, the piece should show some resistance. But if the blade cuts through it extremely easily, you’ll lose control, and that’s when accidents occur.

That’ an extreme condition, but there are different causes that you might not need a powerful machine. Powerful machines usually have larger tables and larger blade heights. But if all you’re to cut are smaller stocks, all of that extra space will be wasted. That means you’ll be paying a lot of money for space you’ll never use. In that case, you’ll lose value.

However, if you’re to operate on harder or more extensive stock, you’ll need a bigger, more robust Bandsaw. You should just set your priorities straight and find the tool that’s perfect for your needs and spares you the extra capacity.

Not to forget the ease of assembly. In case you’ve never assembled a Bandsaw, keep in mind that it’s not always easy. It’s not the hardest to join, but it’ll take some time for sure. Some units are better- assembled than others out-of-the-box and are built in a way that makes them easier to set up. If you’re a novice, you might save yourself some time and frustration by getting one of those.

Base

The base isn’t the most relevant part of a Bandsaw, but it can affect the cuts, no matter how small its impact can be. Bandsaws have four types of bases; floor, open, closed, and panel.

Floor Base

This type comes with a sturdy metal piece on the floor. Mounted on that piece is a slender solid metal piece that supports the saw and covers the inferior wheel. It sponges up the vibrations well, which places it among the most stable bases.

Closed Base

This is s a metallic trunk upon which the Bandsaw rests. The inferior wheel is on top of this box, meaning that it’s hollow. Some manufacturers use this box as a depot for adjustment tools, additional blades or whatever you’d need while working, by affixing a hinged door to the base. This one as well absorbs vibrations well.

Open Base

An open base comes with four bare support legs, usually combined by thin support bands. The fact that it’s not as in contact with the ground as the previous bases means that it isn’t as stable. Also, since it has less material on it, it won’t sponge up vibrations.

Panel Base

A panel base is a combination of open and closed kinds. It usually has four support legs, upon which metallic or plastic panels are affixed. These panels don’t serve a load-bearing purpose but do add to the aesthetics. Being an open base with additional panels, it has the same stability and vibration-absorbing troubles like the one preceding it.

Your Bandsaw may include a wheel, which is relevant if you’re to put it in storage place between operations. If you’re not planning to use it, you shouldn’t spend any extra bucks on wheels.

If you’ll be moving your Bandsaw around, but the model you picked doesn’t have wheels, don’t worry. Some companies have wheels or casters that could be added to the base. In some cases, aftermarket wheels/casters are compatible, so you’ll be getting the mobility you want at a smaller cost.

Riser Blocks

In some cases, you’ll find the best Bandsaw for you, but that doesn’t have the thickness capacity you seek. Thickness capacity is the interval linking the table to the upper guide assembly/blade guard when set to its utmost height.

Many models have a bypass for this issue: riser blocks. They’re affixed to the frame betwixt the table and the above wheel case, which will boost the thickness capacity. They cost less than 100$ and add up to 1f to thickness capacity.

Bear in mind when mounting a riser block, that it boosts the length of the blade. This increase is usually equal to double the height added by the riser block; once for the portion that goes up and once for the portion going down.

You ought to get a riser block and a Bandsaw from the same brand since a poorly fitting, incompatible riser block will damage your machine. Moreover, you should run the blade across the riser block. If they aren’t lined-up perfectly, you might not be capable of running your device.

Table Tilt

Using a table that tilts, usually up to 45 degrees, you can perform angled rips with a Bandsaw.

Bear in mind that your cut’s depth decreases as the tilt increases. Using a table that tilts in only one direction, you must pass the pie across backward to get the angle you desire.

Some tables tilt up to 45 degrees in on direction and 10 degrees in the other, sparing you some time and work.

The most excellent tables tilt up to 45 degrees in both directions, sparing you the tricky rips.

Picking the Best Bandsaw – Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

We hope our reviews and our buying guide were of use for you to get an idea of what model is the best Bandsaw for you. Before making your final decision, don’t forget to go over our buying guide thoroughly, for a Bandsaw is no small investment, which is why you need to pick carefully.

What are you waiting for, now? Get your new Bandsaw; your projects are waiting!

References:

• vintagemachinery, Pre History Of Band Saws
• datamp, Improvement in sawing-machines