Wood Band Saw: Applications, Limitations, and Buying Criteria
You are shopping for a wood band saw and you want to know what to look for. A wood band saw is one of the most versatile tools in a woodworking shop. It can cut curves, rip lumber, resaw boards, and cut irregular shapes. You need to know the applications, limitations, and how to choose the right one for your shop.
A wood band saw is a vertical band saw designed for cutting wood. The blade runs vertically between two wheels, and the workpiece is fed into the blade on a table. Wood band saws are used for curve cutting, ripping, resawing, and irregular shape cutting.
Applications
Curve Cutting
The primary use of a wood band saw. The blade follows curved lines to create irregular shapes.
Best blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth for general curves. 1/8 inch, 14 TPI for tight curves. Best saw size: Any size. Larger saws handle wider stock.
Ripping
Cutting wood along the grain to reduce width.
Best blade: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth for general ripping. 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth for thick stock. Best saw size: 14-inch or larger with a good fence.
Resawing
Cutting wood across the grain to split a thick board into thinner boards.
Best blade: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Best saw size: 14-inch or larger with at least 1-1/2 HP and a riser block for 12-inch capacity.
Crosscutting
Cutting wood across the grain to length. Less common on a band saw (a table saw or miter saw is better for this), but possible.
Best blade: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth. Best saw size: Any size with a miter gauge.
Cutting Irregular Shapes
Cutting shapes that cannot be done on a table saw or miter saw.
Best blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth for general shapes. 1/8 inch, 14 TPI for intricate shapes. Best saw size: Any size. Larger saws handle larger workpieces.
Limitations
Not for Metal Cutting
Most wood band saws run at 2500 to 3500 FPM, which is too fast for metal cutting. Only use a wood band saw for metal if it has variable speed that can be reduced to 40 to 500 FPM.
Limited Straight Cut Accuracy
A band saw is less accurate for straight cuts than a table saw. The blade can wander, and the cut surface is rougher. For precision straight cuts, use a table saw.
Limited Crosscutting
A band saw can crosscut, but a miter saw or table saw is better for this task. The band saw excels at curves and resawing, not crosscutting.
Blade Width Limits
The saw can only accommodate blades up to a certain width. Narrow blades are needed for tight curves, but they wander on straight cuts. You need to change blades for different types of work.
Dust Production
Band saws produce a lot of dust. A dust collection system is essential for a clean shop and healthy air.
Types of Wood Band Saws
Benchtop Saws (9 to 10-Inch)
Compact saws for light hobby work.
| 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 |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches | 62 to 70-1/2 inches |
| Price | 100 to 200 dollars | 200 to 400 dollars |
Best for: Small projects, model building, light curve cutting.
Floor-Standing Saws (14-Inch)
The most popular size for serious woodworking.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Throat | 13-1/2 to 14 inches |
| Cut capacity | 6 to 12 inches (with riser) |
| Motor | 3/4 to 1-1/2 HP |
| Blade length | 93-1/2 to 105 inches |
| Price | 400 to 1500 dollars |
Best for: General woodworking, furniture making, resawing.
Large Saws (16 to 20-Inch)
Professional saws for large work and production resawing.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Throat | 16 to 20 inches |
| Cut capacity | 8 to 12+ inches |
| Motor | 1-1/2 to 5 HP |
| Blade length | 124 to 144 inches |
| Price | 1500 to 5000 dollars |
Best for: Large furniture, production resawing, professional work.
Buying Criteria
1. Throat Capacity
Choose a throat that is larger than the widest stock you will cut. For general woodworking, 14 inches is adequate. For large furniture, 16 to 20 inches.
2. Resaw Capacity
Choose a resaw capacity that matches your resawing needs. For general resawing, 6 inches is adequate. For wide boards, 12 inches (with riser) or a 16 to 20-inch saw.
3. Motor Power
Hobby work: 1/2 to 3/4 HP. Regular woodworking: 1 to 1-1/2 HP. Resawing: 1-1/2 to 3 HP.
4. Table
Cast iron is the best choice. At least 15 x 15 inches for general work.
5. Fence
A good fence is essential for ripping. Check that the fence is included and square to the table.
6. Blade Guides
Roller bearings are the best. Cool Blocks are a good upgrade. Metal blocks are standard.
7. Quick-Release Tensioner
Makes blade changes easier and extends blade life.
8. Dust Collection
Look for a 4-inch dust port.
Popular Models
Best Benchtop
Wen 3962: 10-inch, 3.5 amp, two speed, stand included. Cost: about 230 dollars. Rikon 10-305: 10-inch, cast iron table. Cost: about 300 dollars.
Best 14-Inch (Value)
Grizzly G0555: 1 HP, two speed, quick-release. Cost: about 500 dollars. Jet JWBS-14: 3/4 HP, solid build. Cost: about 550 dollars.
Best 14-Inch (Premium)
Laguna 14bx: 1-1/2 HP, ceramic guides. Cost: about 1200 dollars. Powermatic 14B: 1-1/2 HP, cast iron wheels. Cost: about 1500 dollars.
Best 16 to 20-Inch
Laguna 18B: 2 HP, 18-inch throat. Cost: about 2500 dollars. Powermatic 20B: 5 HP, 20-inch throat. Cost: about 5000 dollars.
FAQ
What is a wood band saw used for?
Curve cutting, ripping, resawing, and cutting irregular shapes. It is one of the most versatile tools in a woodworking shop.
What size wood band saw should I buy?
For hobby work, a 10-inch benchtop saw. For general woodworking, a 14-inch floor-standing saw. For large furniture and resawing, a 16 to 20-inch saw.
Can I cut metal on a wood band saw?
Only if the saw has variable speed that can be reduced to 40 to 500 FPM. Most wood band saws run at 2500 to 3500 FPM, which is too fast for metal.
What is the difference between a band saw and a table saw?
A band saw cuts curves and resaws. A table saw makes straight cuts with precision. A band saw is more versatile for irregular shapes. A table saw is more accurate for straight cuts.
How much does a wood band saw cost?
Benchtop saws start at about 100 dollars. 14-inch floor-standing saws cost 400 to 1500 dollars. 16 to 20-inch saws cost 1500 to 5000 dollars.
References
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw Buyer’s Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Popular Woodworking. “Choosing a Wood Band Saw.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
- Grizzly Industrial. “Band Saw Comparison Chart.” Grizzly Industrial.
- Laguna Tools. “Wood Band Saw Selection Guide.” Laguna Tools.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.
