14-Inch Band Saw: How It Works and Where It Fits
You want to know about 14-inch band saws and whether one fits your shop. The 14-inch band saw is the most popular band saw size for woodworking. You need to know how it works, what to compare, and where it fits in a woodworking shop.
A 14-inch band saw is a floor-standing band saw with a 14-inch wheel diameter. The 14-inch size is the most popular band saw size for woodworking because it offers a good balance of cut capacity, power, size, and cost. Most 14-inch saws use a 93-1/2 inch blade and have a 6-inch resaw capacity.
How It Works
Basic Operation
A band saw uses a continuous blade that runs on two wheels. The motor drives the lower wheel through a belt, and the lower wheel drives the blade. The blade runs vertically through a table, and the operator feeds material into the blade.
Key Components
- Frame: Cast iron or welded steel. Supports the wheels and table.
- Wheels: Upper and lower, 14-inch diameter. Carry the blade.
- Tires: Rubber or urethane rings on the wheels. Provide traction.
- Blade: Continuous loop, 93-1/2 inches. Does the cutting.
- Table: Cast iron, ~15 x 15 inches. Supports the material.
- Blade guides: Upper and lower. Keep the blade on track.
- Fence: For straight ripping cuts.
- Motor: 3/4 to 1-1/2 HP. Drives the lower wheel.
Types of 14-Inch Band Saws
Standard 14-Inch Saws
The most common type. Single speed, 6-inch resaw capacity.
Examples: Delta 28-400, Jet JWBS-14, Grizzly G0555, Rikon 10-305, RIDGID BS14002. Cost: 300 to 800 dollars.
14-Inch Saws with Riser Block
A riser block adds 6 inches to the resaw capacity, increasing it from 6 to 12 inches. The blade length changes from 93-1/2 to 105 inches. Cost: Riser block adds 50 to 100 dollars.
14-Inch Saws with Variable Speed
Some 14-inch saws have variable speed, which allows metal cutting at low speeds. Examples: Jet JWBS-14DX, some Grizzly models. Cost: 500 to 1200 dollars.
14-Inch Saws with Cast Iron Frame
Premium saws with cast iron frames provide better vibration damping and rigidity. Examples: Powermatic 14-inch, Laguna 14-inch. Cost: 800 to 2000 dollars.
Specifications
| Specification | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 14-inch floor-standing band saw |
| Throat | 13-1/2 to 14 inches |
| Resaw capacity | 6 inches (12 inches with riser) |
| Blade length | 93-1/2 inches (105 inches with riser) |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/4 inch |
| Motor | 3/4 to 1-1/2 HP, 120V or 220V |
| Speed | Single speed, ~2500 to 3000 FPM |
| Table | Cast iron, ~15 x 15 inches |
| Table tilt | 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | 200 to 300 pounds |
What to Compare
1. Cut Capacity
Throat: 13-1/2 to 14 inches. Determines the maximum width of stock. Resaw: 6 inches standard, 12 inches with riser. Determines the maximum thickness for resawing.
2. Motor Power
3/4 HP: Sufficient for general woodworking. 1 HP: Better for resawing hardwood. 1-1/2 HP: Best for production resawing.
3. Frame Material
Cast iron: Best vibration damping and rigidity. Welded steel: Good rigidity, lighter weight. Stamped steel: Budget option, less rigid.
4. Blade Guides
Metal guide blocks: Standard. Inexpensive. Cool Blocks: Aftermarket upgrade. Better than metal blocks. Bearing guides: Premium. Best blade support.
5. Table Size
Standard: ~15 x 15 inches. Sufficient for most work. Large: 16 to 18 inches. Better for large workpieces.
6. Fence
Included: Some saws include a fence, others do not. Quality: Check fence quality and adjustability.
7. Dust Collection
Dust port: Most saws have a dust port. Check the port size (2-1/2 or 4 inches).
8. Warranty
Typical: 2 to 5 years. Premium brands may offer longer warranties.
Where It Fits
In a Woodworking Shop
A 14-inch band saw is the most popular size for a home or small professional woodworking shop. It fits between a benchtop saw (9 to 12-inch) and a large floor-standing saw (16 to 24-inch).
What It Can Do
- Cut curves: 1/8 to 1/4 inch blades for curve cutting.
- Rip lumber: 3/8 to 1/2 inch blades for ripping.
- Resaw lumber: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI blade for resawing (6 to 12 inch capacity).
- Cut veneer: Resawing thin slices from thick stock.
- Cut joinery: Tenons, lap joints, and other joinery cuts.
- Cut composites: Plywood, MDF, particleboard.
What It Cannot Do
- Cut metal: Unless it has variable speed (60 to 300 FPM).
- Cut stock wider than 13-1/2 inches.
- Resaw stock thicker than 6 inches (without a riser block).
Popular 14-Inch Band Saw Brands
| Brand | Entry Model | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 28-400 | 400 to 600 dollars | Popular, well-built |
| Jet | JWBS-14 | 400 to 600 dollars | Popular, good value |
| Grizzly | G0555 | 400 to 600 dollars | Good value |
| Rikon | 10-305 | 300 to 500 dollars | Budget option |
| RIDGID | BS14002 | 400 to 600 dollars | Home Depot |
| Powermatic | 14-inch | 800 to 1200 dollars | Premium |
| Laguna | 14-inch | 800 to 1500 dollars | Premium |
| Craftsman | 22400 | 300 to 500 dollars | Budget |
FAQ
What is a 14-inch band saw?
A floor-standing band saw with 14-inch wheel diameter. The most popular band saw size for woodworking. Uses a 93-1/2 inch blade and has a 6-inch resaw capacity.
What can a 14-inch band saw do?
Cut curves, rip lumber, resaw lumber (up to 6 inches, or 12 inches with a riser block), cut veneer, cut joinery, and cut composites. It cannot cut metal unless it has variable speed.
How much does a 14-inch band saw cost?
Budget models start at 300 to 500 dollars. Mid-range models cost 400 to 800 dollars. Premium models cost 800 to 2000 dollars.
References
- Fine Woodworking. “14-Inch Band Saw Comparison.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “14-Inch Band Saw Buyer’s Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.
- Tool Box Buzz. “14-Inch Band Saw Review.” ToolBoxBuzz.com.
- Popular Woodworking. “Band Saw Guide.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
- Olson Saw. “93-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
