Stationary Band Saw: Capacity, Blade Choice, and Setup
You are thinking about buying a stationary band saw and you want to know about capacity, blade choice, and setup. A stationary band saw is a floor-standing band saw designed for serious work. You need to know about capacity, blade selection, and how to set one up.
A stationary band saw is a floor-standing band saw that stays in one place. Unlike portable band saws, which are handheld, stationary saws are mounted on a stand or cabinet. They are used for woodworking and metal cutting and offer larger capacity and more power than portable or benchtop saws.
Types of Stationary Band Saws
Wood Cutting Stationary Saws
Designed for cutting wood. Run at high speed (2500 to 3000 FPM).
| Size Class | Throat | Resaw | Motor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-inch | 13 to 14 inches | 6 to 12 inches | 3/4 to 1 HP | General woodworking |
| 18-inch | 17 to 18 inches | 10 to 12 inches | 1-1/2 to 2 HP | Serious resawing |
| 20-inch | 19 to 20 inches | 12+ inches | 2 to 3 HP | Large projects |
| 24+ inch | 23+ inches | 12+ inches | 3+ HP | Production work |
Metal Cutting Stationary Saws
Designed for cutting metal. Run at low speed (30 to 400 FPM).
| Type | Cut Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal | 7 to 20+ inches | Cutting bar stock and pipe to length |
| Vertical | 12 to 24+ inches | Contour cutting and notching |
Capacity
Throat Capacity
The throat is the distance between the blade and the column. It determines the maximum width of stock you can cut.
14-inch: Cuts stock up to 13-1/2 inches wide. Good for general woodworking. 18-inch: Cuts stock up to 17-1/2 inches wide. Good for large furniture parts. 20-inch: Cuts stock up to 19-1/2 inches wide. Good for production work.
Resaw Capacity
Resaw capacity is the maximum height of stock you can cut vertically.
14-inch: 6 inches (12 inches with riser block). Good for general resawing. 18-inch: 10 to 12 inches. Good for serious resawing. 20-inch: 12+ inches. Good for production resawing.
Blade Choice
Wood Cutting Blades
| Application | Width | TPI | Material | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General woodworking | 3/8 inch | 4 TPI | Carbon steel | 15 to 20 dollars |
| Resawing | 1/2 inch | 3 TPI | Bi-metal M42 | 25 to 35 dollars |
| Curve cutting | 1/4 inch | 6 TPI | Carbon steel | 12 to 18 dollars |
| Scroll work | 1/8 inch | 14 TPI | Carbon steel | 10 to 15 dollars |
Metal Cutting Blades
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 TPI | Thick solid bar | 1 to 4 inches |
| 10 TPI | General metal cutting | 1/4 to 2 inches |
| 14 TPI | Medium thickness | 1/8 to 1 inch |
| 18 TPI | Thin material | Under 1/4 inch |
| 10/14 variable pitch | Mixed thicknesses | All |
Blade Material
Carbon steel: Good for wood cutting. Affordable. Bi-metal M42: Good for wood resawing and general metal cutting. Longer life. Bi-metal M51: Good for tough metals like stainless steel. Carbide-tipped: For production cutting. Longest life.
Setup
1. Position the Saw
- Place the saw on a level floor.
- Level the saw using the leveling feet or shims.
- Bolt the saw to the floor if needed.
- Ensure adequate space around the saw for material handling.
2. Install the Blade
- Open the wheel covers.
- Release blade tension.
- Install the blade with teeth pointing down (toward the table).
- Apply tension according to the blade width.
- Check tracking.
- Close the wheel covers.
3. Adjust Blade Guides
- Set side guides about 1/32 inch from the blade.
- Set thrust bearing about 1/64 inch behind the blade.
- Set guide post height about 1/4 inch above the workpiece.
4. Adjust the Fence
- Set the fence to the desired width.
- Check that the fence is parallel to the blade.
- Lock the fence.
5. Check the Table
- Check that the table is flat.
- Check that the table tilts smoothly from 0 to 45 degrees.
- Adjust the table trunnions if needed.
6. Test Cut
- Turn on the saw.
- Feed a test piece into the blade.
- Check that the cut is straight and the saw is stable.
- Check for excessive vibration.
Popular Stationary Band Saw Brands
| Brand | Price Range | Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laguna | High | Excellent | Woodworking, resawing |
| Powermatic | Very high | Excellent | Woodworking |
| Minimax | High | Excellent | Woodworking, combination |
| Jet | Medium | Good | Woodworking and metal cutting |
| Grizzly | Low to medium | Fair to good | Woodworking and metal cutting |
| Baileigh | Medium | Good | Metal cutting |
| Delta | Medium | Good | Woodworking |
| Rikon | Medium | Good | Woodworking |
FAQ
What size stationary band saw do I need?
For general woodworking, a 14-inch saw with a 3/4 HP motor is the best all-around choice. For serious resawing, an 18-inch saw with a 1-1/2 to 2 HP motor. For metal cutting, a horizontal saw with 7 to 12 inch capacity covers most needs.
What is the difference between a stationary and portable band saw?
A stationary band saw is floor-standing and stays in one place. A portable band saw is handheld and can be carried to the work. Stationary saws have larger capacity, more power, and better accuracy. Portable saws are more versatile for on-site work.
How much does a stationary band saw cost?
14-inch wood saws: 400 to 800 dollars. 18-inch wood saws: 800 to 2000 dollars. 20+ inch wood saws: 2000+ dollars. Horizontal metal saws: 300 to 3000 dollars. Vertical metal saws: 1000 to 5000+ dollars.
References
- Fine Woodworking. “Stationary Band Saw Buying Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Popular Woodworking. “14-Inch Band Saw Comparison.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Selection Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.
- Practical Machinist. “Horizontal Band Saw Guide.” practicalmachinist.com.
- LENOX Tools. “Band Saw Blade Selection Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
