The Best Band Saws of 2023

Complete your workshop with one of the top band saws for your woodworking and metal projects.

By Tom Scalisi | Updated Feb 7, 2023 4:36 PM

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The Best Band Saw Option

Photo: amazon.com

A sturdy band saw makes rip cuts like a table saw, crosscuts like a miter saw, and reduces the thickness of a board like a planer. With the right band, these tools cut metal, too. Band saws do intricate work to speed workflow and improve overall results, which might just make them one of the most important saws for a DIYer.

But before you upgrade your workshop with this power tool, read this guide for tips and descriptions of the best band saws on the market today.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Wen 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand
  2. RUNNER-UP: Grizzly Industrial 17-Inch Extreme-Series Band Saw
  3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DeWalt 10 Amps 4.75-Inch Portable Band Saw
  4. UPGRADE PICK: Jet 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Bandsaw Kit (710116K)
  5. BEST PORTABLE: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Deep Cut Band Saw
  6. BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt 20V MAX Portable Band Saw
  7. BEST FOR METAL: Wen BA4664 Metal-Cutting Band Saw with Stand
  8. BEST FOR WOOD: Rikon Power Tools 10-326 14-Inch Deluxe Band Saw
  9. BEST FOR GLASS: Gryphon 37-Inch AquaSaw Diamond Band Saw
  10. BEST FOR RESAWING: Ryobi 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Band Saw
The Best Band Saw Options

Photo: amazon.com

How We Chose the Best Band Saws

Though DIY and industrial band saws are relatively simple tools, a lot goes into putting together a list of the best options out there. I had to perform extensive product research and draw on my own experience in order to put together this guide.

First, I compared the cost to features to make sure that each model’s features and capabilities lived up to its price tag. Next, I looked at the power relative to the model’s size to make sure the saw could handle the intended tasks. Finally, each of the models that made it through vetting earned an award based on its strengths and weaknesses.

Our Top Picks

Band saws are about as old-school as it gets. While they’ve been around for more than 200 years at sawmills, workshops, and furniture shops, it takes a lot of consideration to select a band saw for personal use. This guide rounds up the best-in-class models to help cut out some of the guesswork.

Best Overall

The Best Band Saw Option: Wen 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand
Photo: walmart.com

Wen’s reasonably priced 3962 two-speed band saw includes a lot of premium features. The 10-inch band saw runs on a 3.5-amp motor, uses a 72-inch blade, and offers up to 6 inches of cutting capacity. With speeds of either 1,520 or 2,620 revolutions per minute (rpm), the saw adjusts to cut different types of wood. The saw table, which includes an adjustable rip fence and miter gauge, swivels up to 45 degrees to help make cuts at challenging angles.

A three-in-one dust collection port accommodates three different hose sizes—1.75 inches, 2.75 inches, and 4 inches—to ensure compatibility with most collection systems. Just be sure to use the dust collection system when running this saw, as the bearings are susceptible to damage from dust.

Product Specs

  • Style: Floor standing
  • Size: 10 inches
  • Power: 3.5 amp

Pros

  • Built-in multisize dust collection port helps reduce dust and particles in the air
  • Large vertical capacity can accommodate a variety of bandsaw projects
  • Comes with an adjustable rip fence and miter gauge for added user-friendliness

Cons

  • Bearing requires effective dust collection system; may need to be purchased separately

Get the Wen two-speed band saw at Amazon.

Runner-Up

The Best Band Saws Option: Grizzly Industrial 17-Inch Extreme-Series Band Saw
Photo: homedepot.com

Those shopping for a band saw to tackle DIY woodworking projects as well as heavy-duty tasks might want to take a look at the Grizzly Industrial benchtop band saw. Its 2-horsepower (hp) motor holds 8.7 amps of power and has a 12-inch cutting capacity and a 16.25-inch throat for multiple cutting types. It also features a deluxe fence, an extra-wide cast-iron table, a heavy-duty miter gauge, dual 4-inch dust ports, micro-adjusting geared table, and double ball-bearing blade guides for ample ease of use. Plus, this pick has a table tilt that can move 5 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right.

For added safety, this large band saw has a motor brake that shuts down in 3 seconds to prevent unwanted cutting. Operators can simply use the foot pedal to activate the electronic brake as well as the manual brake so they can keep their hands on the table or wood at all times. To ensure high quality, this Grizzly band saw also comes with an ISO 9001 factory designation for long-term use.

Product Specs

  • Style: Benchtop
  • Size: 17 inches
  • Power: 2 hp

Pros

  • Comes with multiple user-friendly features; 6 accessories and tools included
  • Table tilts for mitered cuts—5 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right
  • 12-inch cutting capacity for DIY woodworking or industrial-grade cutting
  • Motor brake shuts down in 3 seconds or less for added safety

Cons

  • Only operates at a single speed; not as versatile or accommodating as other band saws

Get the Grizzly Industrial band saw at The Home Depot.

Best Bang For The Buck

The Best Band Saw Option: DeWalt 10 Amps 4.75-Inch Portable Band Saw
Photo: lowes.com

For anyone with a project that requires cutting a lot of metal or pipe, this portable DeWalt band saw makes a great option. Instead of tiring out with a hacksaw or rattling fillings loose with a Sawzall, this model makes quick, smooth cuts in a range of materials. And, with the corded 10-amp motor, users need not worry about batteries dying mid-cut.

This band saw cuts at varying speeds between 100 and 350 surface feet per minute (SFPM), which allows the user to adjust for metal, wood, or other materials on the fly. It can handle up to a 5-inch cut, which works well for most job sites and workshop projects. An onboard LED makes a nice visibility bonus for safer work conditions. Just don’t judge this saw by how the included, low-quality blade cuts: Simply upgrade to a higher quality blade to realize this saw’s true potential.

Product Specs

  • Style: Portable
  • Size: 5 inches
  • Power: 10 amps

Pros

  • Suitable for use on multiple materials: wood, metal, and more
  • Varying speeds for cutting tasks; 100 to 350 SFPM for DIY or professional use
  • An onboard LED light adds ample visibility for precise cuts

Cons

  • Blades may need to be replaced for heavy-duty cuts or long-term use

Get the DeWalt 10-amp band saw at Lowe’s or Acme Tools.

Upgrade Pick

The Best Band Saw Option: Jet 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit (710116K)
Photo: amazon.com

Whether for a pro or a DIYer who just loves pro-level tools, Jet’s JWBS-14DXPRO 14-inch Deluxe Pro band saw kit makes a great choice. At a hefty weight above 200 pounds, this cast-iron floor-standing band saw provides plenty of stability. Its 1¼-horsepower motor powers a 105-inch blade and produces speeds of up to 3,000 SFPM.

Jet’s Pro band saw has a 14-inch throat with a resaw capability of up to 12 inches. A 15-inch by 15-inch worktable allows for tackling some burly chunks of wood. The table band saw tilts 10 degrees left and 45 degrees to the right, so users can find the perfect angle for their cuts. The retractable blade guard adjusts from 0 to 12 inches. A see-through window allows for keeping an eye on the blade’s position. All that said, these pro features come at a pretty hefty price.

Product Specs

  • Style: Floor standing
  • Size: 14 inches
  • Power: 1.25 hp

Pros

  • Massive 12-inch vertical resaw capacity can handle large cutting projects
  • Large 15-inch-square work surface holds large pieces of wood
  • Accepts large blade bands for reduced heat, vibration, and burning

Cons

  • Some users report difficulty using and manufacturing defects; electrical problems are common

Get the Jet band saw kit at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Best Portable

The Best Band Saw Option: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Deep Cut Band Saw
Photo: homedepot.com

Milwaukee’s 2729-20 cordless portable band saw rivals many corded tools. It offers a maximum width and depth of 5 inches and a brushless motor that spins the 14-TPI (teeth per inch) metal-cutting blade at speeds up to 380 SFPM while making efficient use of the batteries.

A safety switch prevents accidental activation, and a built-in hanging hook helps keep it safely out of the way when not in use. Like many of its competitors, Milwaukee sells its band saw as a bare tool. The recommended pair of RedLithium batteries don’t come cheap, but they provide the kind of all-day running power typically required.

Product Specs

  • Style: Cordless
  • Size: 5 inches
  • Power: 18 volts

Pros

  • Large cutting capacity for heavy-duty cutting tasks; suitable for large or thick pieces of work
  • Adjustable speeds up to 380 SFPM; cuts quicker than many other models available
  • Brushless motor for power extends battery life for long-term use

Cons

  • Batteries are expensive to buy or replace; not included with purchase

Get the Milwaukee band saw at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Acme Tools.

Best Cordless

The Best Band Saw Option: DeWalt 20V MAX Portable Band Saw
Photo: amazon.com

A tangled cord can make an awkward cut impossible. But that won’t happen with DeWalt’s 20V MAX Portable Band Saw. It runs on a lithium battery (not included) for cord-free woodworking. For those already invested in the DeWalt 20V MAX battery power tools, this band saw accepts the same batteries

The lightweight tool weighs about 3 pounds (with the battery) and offers a 2½-inch cut capacity. Speedy for a portable band saw, it covers up to 570 SFPM. Tool-free blade changes have users back in business in no time.

Product Specs

  • Style: Cordless
  • Size: 2.5 inches
  • Power: 20 volts

Pros

  • Works with the brand’s 20V MAX batteries for added versatility
  • High-speed cutting capacity can tackle heavy-duty cutting quickly
  • Lightweight at only 1 pound without the battery; suitable for transporting or moving around the workshop

Cons

  • Smaller cut capacity than some competitors; may not tackle large or thick pieces of wood well

Get the DeWalt 20V MAX band saw at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Best For Metal

The Best Band Saws Option: Wen BA4664 Metal-Cutting Band Saw with Stand
Photo: amazon.com

If you’re looking for a band saw to add to your home metal shop, the BA4664 4-inch-by-6-inch Metal-Cutting Band Saw from Wen is worth checking out. This heavy-duty band saw has a 4.6-amp motor that produces ¾ horsepower. It has three adjustable speeds: 80, 1 in 20, and 200 feet per minute.

The BA4664 has an automatic shutoff that engages when the blade cuts through the metal. It also makes bevel cuts between 0 and 60 degrees, allowing you to create perfect metal joints. You also can stand the saw up vertically and use it as a standard band saw.

Product Specs

  • Style: Corded
  • Size: 4.5-inch-diameter capacity
  • Power: 4.6 amps

Pros

  • Adjustable speed for a variety of materials and cutting tasks
  • Cutting capacity up to 4.5-inch diameter metal pipes or up to 4-inch-by-6-inch rectangular materials
  • Smooth cutting action reduces fatigue and vibration for user-friendliness

Cons

  • Comes with a low-quality blade; may require a replacement

Get the Wen 4664 band saw with stand at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

Best For Wood

The Best Band Saws Option: Rikon Power Tools 10-326 14-Inch Deluxe Band Saw
Photo: amazon.com

If you’re looking for a wood band saw that can handle some serious lumber, the Rikon 10-326 may be your solution. This band saw can handle cuts up to 13 inches, and the 1.75-hp motor has all of the power you’ll need to slice through thick slabs, so woodworkers can enjoy ripping through seasoned hardwoods with ease.

The extra-tall fence also adds a stable base for resawing lumber and hardwoods, and all adjustments are tool-less, including adjusting speeds from 1,445 SFPM to 2,950 SFPM.

Product Specs

  • Style: Benchtop
  • Size: 13-inch capacity
  • Power: 1.75 hp

Pros

  • Adjustable speed for a variety of materials and cutting types; 1,445 SFPM to 2,950 SFPM
  • Extra-tall fence provides a stable base for resawing when necessary
  • All necessary adjustments are toolless for user-friendliness and safety

Cons

  • Tilt feature is hard to adjust and may take some elbow grease to move

Get the Rikon Power Tools band saw at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Best for Glass

The Best Band Saw Option: Gryphon 37-Inch AquaSaw Diamond Band Saw
Photo: amazon.com

Crafters looking to take their glass game to the next level should check out Gryphon’s AquaSaw band saw. It comes with a diamond blade for cutting glass bottles or sheets for stained glass and other projects. It has a 12-inch by 12-inch work surface with perforations for glass dust to fall through.

This band saw features corrosion-resistant materials like anodized aluminum and stainless steel, which allows the user to cut through beach glass and even coral without worrying about rust or damage. The design includes a direct-drive motor free from pulleys or belts for easier maintenance as well. Do beware, though, that this saw is solely for glass crafters. It is not for cutting wood or metal.

Product Specs

  • Style: Benchtop
  • Size: Adjustable
  • Power: Corded

Pros

  • Corrosion-resistant construction for long-term use and ample durability
  • Diamond blade specifically for glass; will not break or wear over time or under heavy-duty use
  • Large work surface for cutting glass sheets or large pieces of glass

Cons

  • Not a heavy-duty machine; not suitable for cutting hard glass items

Get the Gryphon band saw at Amazon.

Best For Resawing

The Best Band Saws Option: Ryobi 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Band Saw
Photo: homedepot.com

Those who need to do routine maintenance on their woodworking projects may want to reach for the Ryobi 9-inch band saw. This band saw uses a 2.5-amp motor that features a blade tracking sight window as well as a rack-and-pinion blade support adjustment system to keep wood in place while using the 3.5-inch cutting capacity. This pick also has a dust collection port and insulation to reduce vibration while working.

This small band saw also comes with a variety of tools and accessories, including a saw table, a rapid set blade tensioning system, a miter gauge, two hex keys, a washer, a table lock lever, tool-free cabinet access, and an instruction manual, all of which add user-friendliness for a variety of woodworking tasks.

Product Specs

  • Style: Benchtop
  • Size: 3.5 inches
  • Power: 2.5 amps

Pros

  • Blade tracking sight window ensures the user can see and guide the wood cutting at all times
  • Rack-and-pinion blade support adjustment system keeps wood in place
  • Dust collection port built-in to reduce dust and debris
  • Comes with tool accessories and an instruction manual for ease of use and versatility

Cons

  • Smaller cutting capacity compared to similar options; should not be used for heavy-duty tasks

Get the Ryobi band saw at The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks



Types of Band Saws

You’ll choose from three types of band saws: floor-standing, portable, and benchtop. Each style comes with advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to take the following points into consideration when shopping for the best band saw.

Floor-standing 

Floor-standing band saws work best in a full-fledged shop with plenty of floor space. As the name suggests, these saws sit on the floor on top of a set of legs or a stand. They’ll sit anywhere in the shop that space allows.

Floor-standing band saws provide plenty of flexibility for maneuvering longer pieces around the saw. They may also accept larger boards or workpieces, but not always.

Benchtop

Benchtop band saws make great options in small garages or workshops with limited space. These band saws sit on top of an existing work surface like a bench or assembly table when in use and conveniently store away when not in use.

A big advantage of benchtop band saws over floor-standing units is that they take up less floor space. However, they require considerable space on a workbench. And not all DIYers have the shelf space to store a band saw when they’re not using it. Those who infrequently use a band saw might wind up losing valuable workbench space for a part-time tool.

Portable

When it comes to taking a band saw to the job site or directly to the project, you can’t beat a portable band saw. These saws run on batteries or plug directly into the electrical supply to bring the cutting power right where it’s needed.

In general, most portable band saws weigh less than 12 pounds, which makes them easy to transport. They usually cut around 300 feet per minute and can typically manage pipes and beams of up to 5 inches wide.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Band Saw

Aside from choosing between floor-standing, benchtop, and portable models, shoppers need to consider several other critical factors, including the saw’s power, its dust collection system, and blade compatibility. Keep the following considerations in mind as you shop for an integral item in the quiver of the best woodworking tools.

Horsepower 

As with almost all power tools, horsepower matters. DIYers and pros need a saw that will cut through the materials they use most often without bogging down or coming to a halt. Saw blades generate a lot of friction, particularly with thicker materials, and an underpowered saw won’t get the job done.

Most band saws have electric motors that produce between .5 and 1.5 horsepower. You can complete lighter-duty projects with a .5-horsepower saw, but heavy-duty work requires more power. If you want to saw hunks of hardwood into boards for woodworking projects, look for a saw that has between 1 and 1.5 horsepower.

Frame 

Before landing on the best band saw for a workshop, DIYers need to consider construction. Be sure that the frame of the saw will last through the projects you plan to undertake, as it’s the one part of the saw that can’t be replaced.

In general, the best band saws have cast-iron frames. Cast iron makes for a solid and durable, albeit very heavy, frame. Unlikely to break or bend, these frames maintain the necessary tension on the saw band.

Some band saw frames come in die-cast or welded steel. A less expensive option, this type of metal weighs less and won’t last as long.

Throat 

Throat size, an important measurement, refers to the distance between the blade and the band saw’s frame. It determines how wide a cut-off the saw can make. It also indicates how much space you have to maneuver a workpiece on the worktable for scrollwork and other intricate or complicated cuts. When you look for a band saw for a workshop, you’ll see throat sizes prominently listed on the side of every box.

Blade Width 

To get the most out of a band saw, choose one that accepts different blade widths. Ideally, a range of ⅛ inch to 1 inch wide will handle most tasks from wood and metalworking to crafts and scrollwork. The right blade width makes tasks easier. For example, a wider saw blade allows for making straighter, truer resaws on chunks of hardwood, while thinner blades make scrolling cuts and curves a much easier process.

Weight 

Weight matters a lot when it comes to the best band saws. A saw must be heavy enough to stand its ground while the user passes stubborn materials through the blade. In the case of a benchtop model, it also needs to be light enough to store when not in use.

Some older saws weigh more than 200 pounds. While a saw that heavy might not be necessary, the weight makes it very sturdy. As far as a benchtop model goes, DIYers should choose the heaviest benchtop model that they can lift. This will ensure it stays put while in use and that they can move it off of a workbench when the job wraps up.

Dust Collection 

Dust collection with band saws can be a hot-button topic. Because band saws don’t generate the kind of revolutions per minute (rpm) that circular or miter saws do, they don’t send sawdust or metal shavings flying toward a dust collection port. Dust tends to accumulate slowly inside and rarely makes it to the dust collection port, often located at the bottom of the saw.

To make sure a band saw’s dust collection works as efficiently as possible, be sure that it comes with the correct size of couplings to adapt to existing dust collection systems or a shop vacuum.

Safety Features

Even though band saws represent old-school power tool technology, today’s models have some band saw safety-related updates. Features such as oversize stop buttons and adjustable blade guards help make floor-standing and benchtop models safer, while trigger safeties keep portable band saws from activating accidentally.

Floor-standing and benchtop models may also benefit from sliding bevel and tension gauges, as they’ll sit securely in a groove and allow for accurate cuts while keeping hands clear from the blade.

Also, for those with junior workshop partners walking around, removable keys for power switches keep children from activating a saw by accident.

FAQs 

Now that you know more about band saws and the most important features to consider, you may still have questions about the tools. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how band saws work. If you still have questions, reach out to your saw’s manufacturer and speak to a customer service representative.

Q. Can I use a band saw to cut metal? 

Yes, you can cut metal with a band saw. In many cases, band saws are actually the best way to cut metal. When cutting metal, it’s important to fit the saw with a metal saw band.

Q. What’s the difference between M18 and V18 Milwaukee batteries? 

Milwaukee Electric Tool Company came out with two generations of batteries that provide 18 volts of power: the V18 and M18. The V18 batteries were introduced in 2006. The M18 series of batteries rolled out in 2008 and the RedLithium version of M18 were introduced a few years later.

Because brands like Milwaukee offer versions of the same voltage batteries, it’s important to check which type of battery a tool is designed to use. Typically, new batteries are not compatible with earlier generations, but many early-generation batteries can be compatible with later generations of tools.

Q. Do I need specific saw blades for different cuts? 

You might need a different saw band for different materials and different types of cuts. Resawing chunks of hardwood into usable boards might require a ripping band, while you can make most other cuts with an all-purpose blade.

Blades meant for cutting metal have many more teeth per inch than those meant for wood, so it’s essential to match the right blade to the right material.

Q. How do I sharpen band saw blades?

The easiest way to sharpen band saw teeth is with a file. Hold the file parallel to the saw’s cutting edge and make a few careful passes to put a fresh edge on the front of each tooth.

Q. What is the teeth per inch (TPI) on a band saw? 

Teeth per inch (TPI) refers to the number of teeth within 1 inch of the blade’s length. Blades meant for metalworking will have higher TPI ratings from 6 to 24 TPI. Blades for cutting wood will have lower TPIs from 3 to 6 TPI.

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