10 Best Bandsaws 2020 [Buying Guide]

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Heather
Patton

Jennifer
Trimbee

Samantha
Dewitt

How to Choose the Best Bandsaw

A bandsaw it the go-to tool if you need to cut irregular shapes or work with a variety of materials. Picking the right one can be confusing because there are so many different options available, including benchtop, cordless, and full-sized models. We researched a variety of top-sellers and highly rated tools to help you find the right one for you. Before we get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features to keep in mind.

Portable: Full-sized bandsaws are not portable. They’re huge and moving them isn’t really a good idea. That said, there are some awesome benchtop and handheld models available. We included a little bit of everything so you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Power Source: Benchtop and full-sized bandsaws are corded since they’re stationary. Handheld bandsaws are cordless and can be taken just about anywhere. If you go for a cordless, keep in mind that some are bare tools and do not include batteries.

Stand: All of the full-sized band saws include stands. They’re too big not to! Most of the stands are made of the same durable material as the rest of the saw and come equipped with wheels for easy positioning.

Power: Power is rated in either horsepower, volts, or amps, depending on the type of saw you’re looking at. Basically, the higher the number, the more powerful the tool is. Full-sized saws are the most powerful, handhelds the least.

Dimensions: One look at the dimensions and you can see how different these saws vary in size. Handhelds are, by definition, compact while full-sized models are really tall and require a stand. Benchtop models fall somewhere in between.

Warranty: All of our picks include a warranty and they range anywhere from 1 to 5 years. Read the fine print carefully to make sure you know what’s covered and what isn’t for the model you choose.

Top 10 Products

Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at our picks for best bandsaw. If you’re in a hurry, make sure you check out our top and budget picks first so you get a good idea of the range that’s available. We put them right at the top of our list so they’re easy to find. Stick around if you can, all of these products are great and there’s a lot of variety to choose from. Okay, let’s go!

JET JWBS-14DXPRO Pro Band Saw

The JET JWBS-14DXPRO is our top pick and the best 14-inch bandsaw we found in our research. The massive cast iron frame makes it just the right height so there’s no need for a riser block and adds to the life of the tool. It can handle tough jobs up to 12 inches with power, control, and accuracy. The large work table not only helps stabilize the material as you work, but it also tilts 10 degrees left and 45 degrees right so you can meet the specifications of every job. This saw has a cutting capacity of 12” high and 13.5” wide. You can make quick adjustments to the blade with the quick-release tensioner and the blade guides help you make each cut with outstanding accuracy.

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Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Bandsaw

For the best small bandsaw, look no further than our budget pick, the Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Bandsaw. This one isn’t just cordless, it’s the lightest and most compact of any portable bandsaw available. In fact, because of its small size, it can even tackle overhead cuts quickly and easily. With a 1 ⅝” cutting capacity, this tool is suitable for one-handed use and even has an LED light to illuminate the cut line for better accuracy. The battery life is pretty impressive, too. It delivers about 150 cuts per charge and comes with a 30-minute charger. It can even tackle small-diameter metal. That’s not all, it includes a dual-latching lower guard that covers the blade outside the active cutting area, which meets OSHA requirements for guard safety.

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Grizzly G0513ANV Bandsaw

Next up it the Grizzly G0513ANV, a full-sized band saw with stand. If you’re familiar with Grizzly tools, you might notice that this one has a special color scheme. It’s in honor of the brand’s 35th anniversary and includes an awesome decal of a grizzly bear on the side. As for performance, the 2 HP engine powers through wood and has a 12-foot cutting capacity as well as a large throat that can handle most applications. The worktable is made of precision-ground cast iron and features an aluminum fence and miter gauge. Cast-aluminum wheels make it easy to move around your workshop when necessary. The blade changing system is really easy, too. It’s designed for quick tension adjustments and even has a blade tracking window and tension indicator to help you get it just right.

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WEN 3962 Band Saw

Our next pick for best 10-inch bandsaw is the WEN 3962. This band saw has a 3.5-amp motor and a generous 9 ¾-inch throat that’s able to cut boards up to 6 inches thick. Plus, because it has 2 speeds, you can adjust it for use on a wide range of material. The large work table provides generous support to the material as you work. That’s not all, it also bevels up to 45 degrees to make precise cuts for any project. There’s a fence for straight cuts, miter gauge for angled cuts, and a 3-in-1 dust port that fits a variety of extractor hoses to help keep dust and debris under control. One more thing, it also includes a flexible work light for a better view and more accurate results.

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Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Band Saw

The Makita XBP02Z is our next choice for best portable bandsaw. The cordless design lightweight and easy to maneuver. Rubber bumpers protect the edges from wear and tear for extra durability. One of the best things about this saw is that has a 6-setting variable speed control dial. It’s really easy to use and makes this tool really versatile because it can match the speed to the material. There’s also an adjustable foot that protects the material and adds more stability for more accurate cuts. It also features a built-in LED light to help you see the work area clearly and a removable hook for easy storage or to hang close by while you’re working. One more thing, the ergonomic shape allows for extended periods of work without discomfort.

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DEWALT Max Deep Cut Band Saw

When it comes to tools, DEWALT is one of the most popular brands around and their Max Deep Cut Band Saw is a great example of why. It has a 5 x 4 ¾-inch cut capacity and is powerful enough to cut through pipe and double strut. A variable speed trigger and dial give you more control because you can adjust it to the specific job and material you’re working on. Blade changes are easy, too. Thanks to the tool-less lever system, you never lose blade tension. This saw also features an integrated hanging hook for easy storage or so you can keep it close by while you’re working. It also includes an integrated LED light, 20V batteries, charger, and a hard carrying case.

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Laguna Tools Bandsaw

If you’re looking for the best woodworking bandsaw, take a closer look at our next pick from Laguna Tools. Not only does it come loaded with features, but there are also several upgrades available if you want to take it to the next level. Quick release tension makes adjustments easy and double window let you keep on eye on it while the machine is in operation. That’s not all, the large work table tilts 45 degrees right and 7 degrees left to make just the right cuts for the task at hand. It features an illuminated power switch with a safety key as well as Laguna’s trademark ceramic glides and super smooth work gear and pinion. Plus, the steel frame construction is built to last and comes with electronically balanced solid cast iron wheels.

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Delta Steel Frame Band Saw

The Delta Steel Frame Band Saw is up next. This 14-inch saw features heavy-duty steel frame construction and upper and lower guides with ball bearing for increased smoothness. The 2 rubber-tired balanced aluminum wheels provide superior blade tracking. Maintenance is easy, too. There’s a two-pulley system that makes tensioning simple and a dust brush on the lower wheen that keeps the blades clean. The 4-inch integral dust port keeps things neat and tidy while you work. The over-sized table is made of precision ground cast iron. It has T-slot miter capability plus tilts 3 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right so you can adjust it to get the right cut for the job. Plus, there are 2 speeds so it’s great for wood and some metals.

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Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw

Our next pick is the Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants a band saw in their workshop but doesn’t have a lot of room to spare. This benchtop model gives you all the features you’d find on a full-sized option. The solid steel design is compact and tough. It has a work table that’s larger than most comparable sized saws and a high-quality rip fence that can be easily removed for free-hand work. The micro-adjustable guidepost raises and lowers with the turn of a handle and edge facing thrust bearing help keep things moving smoothly. That’s not all, it also has a safety paddle switch as well as a 2 ½-inch dust port to help you stay safe and keep your workshop clean.

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SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw

If you’re looking for a benchtop option, the best hobby bandsaw around is the SKIL 3386-01. It comes with a ribbed aluminum table that tilts from 0 to 45 degrees and includes a blade guide adjustment so you can set the depth to suit your material. An attached flexible LED lamp helps increase visibility and a 1 ½-inch dust port keeps the work area free of debris. This is a great choice for woodworking. It excels at cutting irregular shapes and can make angle and height changes quickly thanks to the rack and pinion table adjustment. There’s also a rip fence and miter gauge so making straight or cross-cuts is easy, too. The max cutting capacity is 3 ½-inches and it includes a 3-year warranty.

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About the Author

Jennifer Trimbee

Expert Researcher and Writer

Jennifer Trimbee, a lead researcher and writer at GeekWrapped, is an expert writer with many years of experience. Jennifer writes about technology, sports, outdoor, and gear products.

Best Bandsaws

Top 10 Buying Guide

Our Recommendations

JET JWBS-14DXPRO Pro Band Saw

Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Bandsaw

How to Choose the Best Bandsaw

Top 10 Products

JET JWBS-14DXPRO Pro Band Saw

Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Bandsaw

Grizzly G0513ANV Bandsaw

WEN 3962 Band Saw

Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Band Saw

DEWALT Max Deep Cut Band Saw

Laguna Tools Bandsaw

Delta Steel Frame Band Saw

Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw

SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw

About the Author

TOP PICK

JET JWBS-14DXPRO Pro Band Saw