The Best Bandsaw Reviews 2019: Buying Guide & Comparison

The main goal for Sawist is to give you bandsaw reviews for the latest and best band saws on the market in order to help you chose the best tool for the money…without being too awfully tiresome, stressful or boring for that matter.

If you find yourself regularly making veneers, or book-matching, this model from Laguna should be at the top of your list. It is my nr 1 recommendation in the 14 inch size, and comes with a very impressive resawing capacity of 12 inches. 

This machine is compact, and would make a great addition to any small shop or home workshop that has limited space. Another thing I really like about this saw, is the ceramic guides which you typically only find on more expensive models. They are very easy to set, and makes this saw a pleasure to use.

This unit also comes with a great carbide-tipped blade (easily $150 if you have to buy it separate) which makes for smooth and accurate cuts.

Add the mobility system and the work light to take this well-engineered saw from good to great.

There are very few bench top saws that are more effective and efficient than the JET HVBS-7MW. This saw is backed by a 3/4Hp motor and a 7-12″ cutting capacity. Due to the tiltable stand, this saw is good cutting horizontally and vertically. Jet set out with only 3 things in mind while creating this saw, quality, comfort, and safety. This saw meets and exceeds in all three categories.

​To ensure accidents are kept to a minimal, a key safety that the saw has is that it switches off after every single cut. This keeps the blade from being at idle for a prolonged period of time. Another special feature about this bench-top band saw is the coolant system that is incorporated. The Jet 414459 has a built is cooling system to ensure that the blade does not overheat therefore resulting in smooth cuts every time.

The 115V 3/4HP motor also has 4 different cutting speeds depending on the work needing done. The cutting speed can be set to 85, 130, 180, and 285 feet per minute. Add this to the hydraulic down feed and you get a cutting experience that will exceed all expectations.​

This portable band saw from Dewalt makes light work of cutting through metal, wood and pvc, and at the price is a great buy if you regularly move between job sites. The battery life is very good even when heavily using the light, and the DCS374B is one of the first tools I grab when I go to a new site.

Whether you are cutting pvc rails with aluminium inside, 3 inch conduit and pallet corners, notching beams or cutting handrail corners, this model is very versatile.

This model comes in at under 500 dollars, and although models in this price range is not intended for commercial use, it comes with a handful of very nice features.

It is portable and is relatively small for a free standing band saw. The motor runs smooth, and cutting through pvc, wood and metal is as good as can be expected from a saw at this price.

The Rikon 10-325 bandsaw (full review here) is an extraordinary tool that has won many awards and is very reliable to get the job done. It is a great tool no matter whether you are ripping, curve-cutting, re-sawing, or cutting in general. This saw outperforms most all stand-mounted saw in its class. A 1-1/2HP motor will ensure that your blade will not bind will cutting the thickest of materials.

The table that is included comes with ball bearing slides and tilt/locks in place for many different cutting angle options. The table also includes a viewing window and a 4-inch dust port. Since the saw is so large, two individuals may be needed for setup. With a shipping weight of 305lbs it is everything but lightweight. The rip fence that is included is made with very heavy construction to ensure it will not break while in use.

A 1-1/2HP motor with 2 speeds allows adjustability depending on what project you are working on. With the tool being the 14″ model, this ensures that you will have enough room for any woodworking or metalworking project.

This corded table top band saw from Skil is small, and definitely fits in the budget category. If you are looking for a good option under 200 dollars, this is the saw for you.

It is one of the lightest 9 inch band saws available, and the build quality is surprisingly good for this price range. It comes with a useful rip fence, which is rare in models of this size. Another nice addition is the LED light mounted on a gooseneck.

At this inexpensive price, the bench top 3386 is aimed at hobbyists and beginners.

If you will be cutting metal regularly, or doing gunsmithing, this model from Grizzly is a great option. It is not cheap by any means, you are looking at a price tag of just under 1000 dollars.

It comes with automatic shut off for the added peace of mind that if something goes wrong, injuries won't be too serious.

In my mind, this is a contender for the best band saw for the money. It comes with a powerful motor, and outperforms models that are much more expensive.

Powermatic really hit it out of the ballpark with this tool. The PM1800 is a very large machine which is why it is categorized into the floor standing category. Whether you are a professional construction worker or an individual that wants to open a business, this tool with do exactly what you need. Many professional woodworkers face the challenge of picking a manufacturer that produces a machine that allows an easy transition. The more time that you have to spend on transitioning to a new piece of machinery, the more money you are losing out on.

Since this machine is very large and heavy, it may require two individuals to assemble. However, the instructions that are included are very in depth and provide well put together assembly instructions and ease of operation sections.

Some key features of this model of bandsaw include a two-step pulley system to provide a heavy duty and balanced transmission assembly. This 18 inch saw has the capability of 18 inches of resawing which allows satisfaction to most individuals in the industry. The 5HP motor is built to withstand heavy workloads and will last a greater amount of time due the fact that it is so large.

The 1 year warranty that is included with the Powermatic PM1800 covers manufacturer defects and parts. However, since this saw is so well put together, there is very little chance that you will ever have to put this warranty to use. This is a very fine piece of equipment and will make any individual that purchases one very happy.

Bench-top band saws are for individuals that will need portability. Most bench-top band saws have anywhere from 8-12″ wheels depending on the brand you chose. The benchtop bandsaw is also the least expensive out of all the saws mentioned here. Benchtop bandsaws are arguably the best band saw to choose because of portability and weight, but the type of work you do might mean you have to consider one of the other types.

Best Suited for: Light usage; home handyman, hobby woodworker

Pros: Cheapest, lightest, portable

Cons: Cannot be used for internal cutting, small cutting capacity, limited cutting space

Stand mounted saws are typically sold in a 14″ diameter configuration. These saws are mounted on cast iron stands for safety or on top of metal cabinets. The stand mounted band saw falls in the medium price range band saw on the market.

Best Suited for: Most curve cutting, small wood shops, most to all wood working tasks

Pros: Very inexpensive compared to floor-standing models, versatile, small work shop footprint

Cons: Limited cut capacity, small motor so limited on board thickness

This is the biggest type of bandsaw that you can purchase, typically coming with a 14-18″ diameter blade. Floor-standing band saws have the largest motors of the three types. The rugged frame construction and versatility make these saws the preferred choice of most woodworking professionals.

Best Suited for: Professional use, heavy woodworking, good for very thick board stock

Pros: stable, powerful, and very consistent

Cons: The most expensive of the three, large shop footprint

These are much smaller than the typical band saw, but has become quite popular with some users.

Check out my Dewalt DWM120 review here​