Choosing the Best Band Saw: Capacity, Blade, and Value
You are shopping for a band saw and you want to choose the best one for your needs. There are many models at different price points, and it is hard to know which one is right for you. You need to know what to compare, what features matter, and how to get the best value for your budget.
Choosing the best band saw requires matching the saw to your work, your space, and your budget. There is no single best saw for everyone. The best saw for a hobbyist is different from the best saw for a professional furniture maker.
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
What Will You Cut?
Curve cutting: Any size saw can cut curves. Larger saws handle wider stock. Ripping: A 14-inch or larger saw with a good fence. Resawing: A 14-inch or larger saw with at least 1-1/2 HP and a riser block. Metal cutting: A dedicated metal cutting saw or a combination saw with variable speed. Both wood and metal: A combination saw with variable speed.
How Much Space Do You Have?
Limited space: 9 or 10-inch benchtop saw. Moderate space: 14-inch floor-standing saw. Large shop: 16 to 20-inch floor-standing saw.
What Is Your Budget?
Under 200 dollars: 9-inch benchtop (Wen, Ryobi, Central Machinery). 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, Rikon). 1500 to 5000 dollars: 16 to 20-inch saw (Laguna, Powermatic, Minimax).
Step 2: Compare Key Features
Throat Capacity
The throat is the distance from the blade to the frame. It determines the maximum width of stock you can cut.
| Size | Throat | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch | 8-5/8 to 9 inches | Small projects, model building |
| 10-inch | 10 inches | Hobby woodworking, small furniture |
| 14-inch | 13-1/2 to 14 inches | General woodworking, furniture |
| 16 to 20-inch | 16 to 20 inches | Large furniture, resawing |
Resaw Capacity
The resaw capacity is the maximum thickness of stock you can cut vertically.
| Size | Resaw Capacity | With Riser |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch | 3 to 4 inches | N/A |
| 10-inch | 4 to 5 inches | N/A |
| 14-inch | 6 inches | 12 inches |
| 16 to 20-inch | 8 to 12+ inches | N/A |
Motor Power
More power means faster cuts and less stalling.
| Use | Motor |
|---|---|
| Hobby work | 1/2 to 3/4 HP |
| Regular woodworking | 1 to 1-1/2 HP |
| Resawing | 1-1/2 to 3 HP |
| Production work | 3 to 5 HP |
Blade Width Range
The range of blade widths the saw can accommodate.
| Work | Blade Width |
|---|---|
| Scroll work | 1/8 inch |
| Curve cutting | 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.
Table
Cast iron: Heavy, stable, flat. The best choice. Cast aluminum: Lighter, less expensive. Common on benchtop saws. Size: At least 15 x 15 inches for general work. Larger is better. Tilt: 0 to 45 degrees. Check that the tilt mechanism is smooth.
Fence
A good fence is essential for straight ripping. Check that the fence is included and that it is square to the table.
Blade Guides
Metal blocks: Standard on most saws. Adequate but can groove. Cool Blocks: An upgrade that reduces friction. Roller bearings: The best guide type. Found on better saws.
Quick-Release Tensioner
A quick-release tensioner makes blade changes easier and extends blade life by releasing tension when the saw is not in use. Found on better saws.
Dust Collection
Look for a 4-inch dust port for connection to a dust collector.
Step 3: Compare Popular Models
Best 9-Inch Saws
Wen 3939: Budget option. 2.5 amp motor. Good for light hobby work. Cost: about 120 dollars. Ryobi BS904: Budget option. 2.5 amp motor. Good for light hobby work. Cost: about 130 dollars.
Best 10-Inch Saws
Wen 3962: 3.5 amp motor, two speed, work light, stand included. Good value. Cost: about 230 dollars. Rikon 10-305: Cast iron table, good build quality. Cost: about 300 dollars.
Best 14-Inch Saws (Entry Level)
Grizzly G0555: 1 HP, two speed, quick-release tensioner. Best value. Cost: about 500 dollars. Jet JWBS-14: 3/4 HP, solid construction. Cost: about 550 dollars. Rikon 10-313: 1 HP, large table. Cost: about 500 dollars.
Best 14-Inch Saws (Premium)
Laguna 14bx: 1-1/2 HP, ceramic guides, large resaw capacity. Cost: about 1200 dollars. Powermatic 14B: 1-1/2 HP, cast iron wheels, excellent build quality. Cost: about 1500 dollars.
Best 16 to 20-Inch Saws
Laguna 18B: 2 HP, 18-inch throat, 12-inch resaw. Cost: about 2500 dollars. Minimax S16P: 2 HP, 16-inch throat, professional build. Cost: about 3000 dollars. Powermatic 20B: 5 HP, 20-inch throat, production saw. Cost: about 5000 dollars.
Step 4: Consider Value
Value Rating
| Saw | Price | Features | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wen 3962 | 230 dollars | 3.5 amp, two speed, stand | Excellent |
| Grizzly G0555 | 500 dollars | 1 HP, two speed, quick-release | Excellent |
| Jet JWBS-14 | 550 dollars | 3/4 HP, solid build | Good |
| Laguna 14bx | 1200 dollars | 1-1/2 HP, ceramic guides | Very good |
| Powermatic 14B | 1500 dollars | 1-1/2 HP, cast iron wheels | Good |
Best Value Picks
Best budget benchtop: Wen 3962 (230 dollars). Good features for the price. Best value 14-inch: Grizzly G0555 (500 dollars). Best features per dollar in the 14-inch class. Best premium 14-inch: Laguna 14bx (1200 dollars). Professional features at a reasonable price.
Step 5: Buy a Good Blade
The saw is only as good as the blade. A quality blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf in the correct length makes more difference than any other single factor.
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel.
FAQ
What is the best band saw for a beginner?
The Wen 3962 (230 dollars) for a benchtop saw, or the Grizzly G0555 (500 dollars) for a floor-standing saw. Both offer good features at a reasonable price.
What is the best band saw for resawing?
A 14-inch saw with at least 1-1/2 HP and a riser block, or a 16 to 20-inch saw. The Laguna 14bx (1200 dollars) is a good choice with 1-1/2 HP and ceramic guides.
What is the best value band saw?
The Grizzly G0555 (500 dollars) offers the best features per dollar in the 14-inch class. For a benchtop saw, the Wen 3962 (230 dollars) is the best value.
How much should I spend on a band saw?
For hobby work, 200 to 500 dollars. For serious woodworking, 500 to 1500 dollars. For professional work, 1500 to 5000 dollars.
What is more important: the saw or the blade?
The blade. A quality blade on a budget saw will outperform a cheap blade on an expensive saw. Always buy quality blades from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf.
References
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw Buyer’s Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Popular Woodworking. “Best Band Saws.” 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.
