Choosing the Best Band Saw for Woodworking: Capacity, Blade, and Value
You need a band saw for woodworking and you want to choose the best one. Band saws for woodworking come in many sizes and price ranges. You need to know about capacity, blade selection, motor power, and value.
A woodworking band saw is a band saw designed for cutting wood. It uses a continuous blade that runs over two wheels. Band saws are used for curve cutting, ripping, resawing, and scroll work.
Key Factors to Consider
1. Throat Capacity
The throat is the distance between the blade and the column. It determines the maximum width of stock you can cut.
| Size Class | Throat | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch | 8 to 9 inches | Small craft work, scroll cutting |
| 10-inch | 9 to 10 inches | Small projects, hobby work |
| 12-inch | 11 to 12 inches | Medium projects, furniture parts |
| 14-inch | 13 to 14 inches | General woodworking, resawing |
| 18-inch | 17 to 18 inches | Large furniture, thick stock |
| 20+ inch | 19+ inches | Production work, large resawing |
2. Resaw Capacity
Resaw capacity is the maximum height of stock you can cut vertically.
| Size Class | Resaw Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch | 3 to 4 inches | Thin stock only |
| 10-inch | 4 to 6 inches | General hobby work |
| 12-inch | 6 inches | Medium projects |
| 14-inch | 6 inches (12 with riser) | General resawing |
| 18-inch | 10 to 12 inches | Serious resawing |
| 20+ inch | 12+ inches | Production resawing |
3. Motor Power
Motor power determines how easily the saw cuts thick or hard material.
| Motor | Best For |
|---|---|
| 1/3 HP | Light hobby work, thin stock |
| 1/2 HP | General hobby work, thin to medium stock |
| 3/4 HP | General woodworking, medium resawing |
| 1 HP | Heavy woodworking, resawing hardwood |
| 1-1/2 to 2 HP | Production resawing, thick hardwood |
4. Blade Width Range
The range of blade widths the saw can accept determines its versatility.
| Width | Best For |
|---|---|
| 1/8 inch | Scroll work, tight curves |
| 1/4 inch | General curves |
| 3/8 inch | General woodworking |
| 1/2 inch | Resawing, straight cuts |
| 3/4 inch | Production resawing |
5. Build Quality
Frame: Cast iron frames are more rigid and absorb vibration better than welded steel frames. Wheels: Cast iron wheels are heavier and provide more momentum than aluminum wheels. Table: Cast iron tables are larger and more stable than aluminum tables. Blade guides: Bearing guides are better than metal blocks. Cool Blocks are a good upgrade.
6. Price and Value
| Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 100 to 200 dollars | 9 to 10-inch benchtop, aluminum frame, 1/3 to 1/2 HP |
| 200 to 400 dollars | 10 to 12-inch floor, cast iron frame, 1/2 to 3/4 HP |
| 400 to 800 dollars | 14-inch floor, cast iron frame, 3/4 to 1 HP |
| 800 to 2000 dollars | 14 to 18-inch floor, heavy cast iron, 1 to 2 HP |
| 2000+ dollars | 18+ inch floor, production grade, 2+ HP |
Popular Woodworking Band Saws
9-Inch Benchtop Saws
Best for: Small craft work, scroll cutting, hobby use. Price: 100 to 200 dollars. Popular models: WEN 3959, Ryobi BS900, Central Machinery 9-inch. Limitations: Small throat, limited resaw capacity, small motor.
14-Inch Floor Saws
Best for: General woodworking, resawing, furniture parts. Price: 400 to 800 dollars. Popular models: Delta 28-400, Jet JWBS-14, Grizzly G0555, Rikon 10-305. Benefits: Good throat capacity, 6-inch resaw (12 with riser), 3/4 to 1 HP motor.
18-Inch Floor Saws
Best for: Serious resawing, large furniture parts, thick stock. Price: 800 to 2000 dollars. Popular models: Laguna LT18, Grizzly G0513, Rikon 10-354. Benefits: 17 to 18 inch throat, 10 to 12 inch resaw, 1-1/2 to 2 HP motor.
Blade Selection for Woodworking
General Woodworking
Blade: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 15 to 20 dollars. Best for: General cutting, curves, and straight cuts in material 1/2 to 4 inches thick.
Resawing
Blade: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: 25 to 35 dollars. Best for: Resawing thick stock into thinner boards.
Curve Cutting
Blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 12 to 18 dollars. Best for: Cutting curves and circles in material 1/2 to 3 inches thick.
Scroll Work
Blade: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: 10 to 15 dollars. Best for: Fine scroll work and tight curves.
FAQ
What size band saw do I need for woodworking?
For general woodworking, a 14-inch floor saw with a 3/4 HP motor is the best all-around choice. It has enough throat capacity for most projects and enough resaw capacity for most boards. For small craft work, a 9 or 10-inch benchtop saw is sufficient.
What is the best band saw for resawing?
A 14-inch floor saw with a riser block (12-inch resaw capacity) or an 18-inch floor saw (10 to 12-inch resaw capacity). Use a 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal M42 blade.
How much should I spend on a woodworking band saw?
For general woodworking, budget 400 to 800 dollars for a quality 14-inch floor saw. For hobby use, 200 to 400 dollars for a 10 to 12-inch saw. For serious resawing, 800 to 2000 dollars for an 18-inch saw.
References
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw Buying Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Popular Woodworking. “14-Inch Band Saw Comparison.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Selection Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.
- Rockler. “Band Saw Buying Guide.” Rockler Woodworking and Hardware.
- Olson Saw. “Wood Cutting Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
