Band Saw With Table: Types, Uses, and Selection Criteria
You are shopping for a band saw with a table and you want to know what to look for. A band saw with a table is a vertical saw where the blade runs vertically and the workpiece is fed into it on a flat table. This is the most common type of band saw for woodworking. You need to know the types, what to look for, and how to choose the right one for your shop.
A band saw with a table is a vertical band saw where the blade runs between an upper and lower wheel. The table sits between the wheels and supports the workpiece as it is fed into the blade. The table can tilt for angled cuts. This design is used for woodworking, metalworking, and general fabrication.
Types of Band Saws With Tables
Benchtop Woodworking Band Saws
Compact saws that sit on a workbench. Designed for light woodworking.
| Feature | 9-Inch | 10-Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Throat | 9 inches | 10 inches |
| Cut capacity | 3 to 4 inches | 4 to 5 inches |
| Motor | 2.5 to 3 amp | 3 to 4 amp |
| Table | Aluminum | Aluminum or cast iron |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches | 62 to 70-1/2 inches |
| Weight | 40 to 50 pounds | 50 to 70 pounds |
Best for: Hobby woodworking, small projects, curve cutting, model building.
Floor-Standing Woodworking Band Saws
Larger saws that stand on the floor. Designed for serious woodworking and resawing.
| Feature | 14-Inch | 16 to 20-Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Throat | 14 inches | 16 to 20 inches |
| Cut capacity | 6 to 12 inches (with riser) | 8 to 12 inches |
| Motor | 3/4 to 1-1/2 HP | 1-1/2 to 5 HP |
| Table | Cast iron | Cast iron |
| Blade length | 93-1/2 to 105 inches | 124 to 144 inches |
| Weight | 200 to 300 pounds | 300 to 800 pounds |
Best for: Furniture making, resawing, curve cutting, serious hobby or professional work.
Metal Cutting Band Saws With Tables
Vertical saws designed for metal cutting. Run at slower speeds than woodworking saws.
| Feature | Vertical Metal Saw |
|---|---|
| Throat | 14 to 18 inches |
| Cut capacity | 6 to 8 inches |
| Motor | 1 to 3 HP |
| Speed | 40 to 500 SFPM (variable) |
| Table | Cast iron |
| Coolant | Optional or built-in |
Best for: Metal fabrication, machine shops, production metal cutting.
Portable Band Saws With Table Attachments
Portable saws that can be mounted in a stand with a table.
Best for: Job site work where both portable and stationary use is needed.
Table Features to Look For
Table Size
A larger table provides more support for the workpiece. For general woodworking, a table at least 15 x 15 inches is adequate. For resawing, a larger table is better.
Table Material
Cast iron: Heavy, stable, and flat. The best choice for a band saw table. Resists vibration and stays flat. Cast aluminum: Lighter and less expensive. May flex slightly under heavy feed pressure. Common on benchtop saws. Steel: Found on some budget saws. Can warp and is not as flat as cast iron.
Table Tilt
The table should tilt from 0 to 45 degrees for angled cuts. Check that the tilt mechanism is smooth and locks securely. A trunnion that is loose or difficult to adjust is a problem.
Table Flatness
The table should be flat. Check with a straightedge. A warped table causes inaccurate cuts. Cast iron tables are usually flat. Aluminum tables may have minor imperfections.
Table Insert
The table insert is the small plate around the blade slot. It should be flush with the table surface. A recessed or raised insert can catch the workpiece.
Fence and Miter Gauge
A fence is essential for straight ripping. A miter gauge is useful for angled cuts. Check that the fence is included and that it is square to the table.
Selection Criteria
1. What Will You Cut?
Woodworking: A 14-inch floor-standing saw is the best all-around choice. It handles curves, ripping, and resawing. Metal cutting: A dedicated metal cutting saw with variable speed and coolant. Both: A combination saw that can cut both wood and metal (with speed adjustment).
2. How Much Space Do You Have?
Limited space: A 9 or 10-inch benchtop saw. Moderate space: A 14-inch floor-standing saw. Large shop: A 16 to 20-inch floor-standing saw.
3. What Is Your Budget?
Under 200 dollars: 9-inch benchtop (Central Machinery, Wen, Ryobi). 200 to 500 dollars: 10-inch benchtop or 14-inch entry-level (Grizzly, Jet, Rikon). 500 to 1500 dollars: 14-inch quality saw (Jet, Grizzly, Laguna). 1500 to 5000 dollars: 16 to 20-inch saw (Laguna, Powermatic, Minimax).
4. What Motor Power Do You Need?
Hobby work: 1/2 to 3/4 HP is adequate. Regular woodworking: 1 to 1-1/2 HP. Resawing: 1-1/2 to 3 HP. Production work: 3 to 5 HP.
5. What Blade Width Do You Need?
Curve cutting: 1/8 to 1/4 inch. General woodworking: 3/8 inch. Resawing: 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Make sure the saw can accommodate the blade widths you need.
Popular Models
14-Inch Saws
Grizzly G0555: Good value, 1 HP, two speed, quick-release tensioner. Jet JWBS-14: Solid construction, 3/4 HP, good fence. Laguna 14bx: Premium, 1-1/2 HP, ceramic guides, resaw capacity. Rikon 10-313: Good value, 1 HP, large table.
Benchtop Saws
Wen 3962: Budget 10-inch, good for hobby work. Ryobi BS904: 9-inch, basic but functional. Central Machinery 9-inch: Budget option from Harbor Freight.
FAQ
What is a band saw with a table?
A vertical band saw where the blade runs vertically and the workpiece is fed into it on a flat table. The table can tilt for angled cuts. This is the most common type of band saw for woodworking.
What size band saw do I need?
For hobby woodworking, a 14-inch floor-standing saw is the best all-around choice. For limited space, a 9 or 10-inch benchtop saw. For resawing, a 14-inch or larger with at least 1-1/2 HP.
What should I look for in a band saw table?
Cast iron construction, at least 15 x 15 inches, tilts 0 to 45 degrees, flat surface, and a good fence. The table should be stable and not flex under feed pressure.
Can I cut metal on a woodworking band saw?
Only if the saw has variable speed that can be reduced to metal cutting speeds (40 to 500 SFPM). Most woodworking saws run at 2500 to 3500 SFPM, which is too fast for metal.
What is the difference between a benchtop and floor-standing band saw?
Benchtop saws are smaller (9 to 10-inch), lighter, and less powerful. Floor-standing saws are larger (14 to 20-inch), heavier, and more powerful. Floor-standing saws are more stable and produce better cuts.
References
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw Buyer’s Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Popular Woodworking. “Choosing a Band Saw.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
- Grizzly Industrial. “Band Saw Comparison Chart.” Grizzly Industrial.
- Laguna Tools. “Band Saw Selection Guide.” Laguna Tools.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Best Band Saws.” ProToolReviews.com.
