Bandsaws Buying Guide
| Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
$2605.07 | 602 | 204 |
Wood cutting bandsaws are one of the most versatile stationary tools you can own. It cuts straight lines and curves; it can cut thicker stock than a table saw; it can resaw thick material into thin for book-matching or veneers. We've watched Sam Maloof, our woodworking hero, use the band saw with an exposed blade like a carving tool (don't try this at home) making arms for his beautiful chairs.
The best reviewed book on bandsaws we've seen is Lonnie Bird's "The Bandsaw Book". Reviewers found it an excellent resource for user's who are considering a bandsaw purchase and a good book for those that already own one. "Band Saw Handbook" by Mark Duginske is another well-reviewed book. You might also consider Popular Mechanics Workshop Band Saw Fundamentals: The Complete Guide by Rick Peters.
Bandsaws Analysis
We've divided our bandsaws into four different analysis 9-10" bandsaws, 12-14" bandsaws, 15-16" bandsaws, and 17-18" bandsaws. The size (in inches) of the bandsaw is based on the diameter of the wheels. The larger the wheels, the wider the material that can be cut before you start running into the side of the saw. In general, as you add size to the wheels, you need to add power to the motor driving the lower wheel. Larger bandsaws tend to need larger motors.
Types of Bandsaws
9-10"
are the smallest saws, fitting easily on your bench-top. Don't expect these small saws to have much power or to be able to resaw wide boards, but they are great if you have limited space and need to store the saw while it is not in use. If have lots of space, they are also handy as a second bandsaw dedicated with a thin blade for cutting curves.
The 19 products in 9-10" Wood Cutting Bandsaws have an median rating of 3.5 with an average price of $1543.16. There are 204 products in Bandsaws with an average ranking of 4. The average price is $2605.07. The product links have more information on each model.
12-14"
The 14" saws are the smallest of the serious bandsaws. Most of them are large enough that they sit on a stand or a cabinet. A few might be small enough for a bench-top. They generally have sufficient power and clearance for some limited resawing. The better saws are built for heavy use. If you have the space, the 14" saw is the place to start; they represent the sweet spot on the price/performance curve.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandsaws | |
$2605.07 | 602 | 204 |
| 12-14" | |
$1518.52 | 409 | 54 |
The 54 products in 12-14" Wood Cutting Bandsaws have an average rating of 4 with an average price of $1518.52. The average ranking of the 204 products in Bandsaws is 4 with an average price of $2605.07. Click on the 12-14" Wood Cutting Bandsaws product links for detailed information on the specific models.
We like one product from 12-14" Wood Cutting Bandsaws a bit more than the rest. The Grizzly Industrial G0555 is our favorite. To find you why, click here.
15-16"
are midsized bandsaws. They take less floor space than a larger bandsaw, but have sufficient power for most tasks.
The 15 products in 15-16" Wood Cutting Bandsaws have an median rating of 3.5 with an average price of $3944.75. The 204 products in Bandsaws have an average rating of 4 and an average price of $2605.07. Click the individual 15-16" Wood Cutting Bandsaws product links for additional reviews and information on the seperate models.
17-18"
17-18" Bandsaws are the smallest of the large bandsaws. A well-made, well-tuned, 18" bandsaw can resaw fairly wide boards (9" and wider) all day without the motor bogging down. These saws have a larger footprint than a 14" saw and they tend to be very heavy. This extra weight will make the saw more powerful, more stable, and less likely to vibrate. It also makes it hard to move around your shop. Consider an 18" bandsaw if you need to cut wide boards and have the space and the budget.
The 35 products in 17-18" Wood Cutting Bandsaws have an average ranking of 4 with an average price of $2203.32. The average ranking of the 204 products in Bandsaws is 4 with an average price of $2605.07. The specific product links have additional information on each model.
Portable Bandsaws
Great for cutting hard material surfaces such as steel (especially steel pipes), portable band saws make clean, precise cuts. Some great tips? Look for one that has a comfortable side grip, and be sure get the blade up to the appropriate speed before applying it to any surface.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandsaws | |
$2605.07 | 602 | 204 |
| Portable Bandsaws |  |
$295.49 | 28 | 30 |
The 30 products in Portable Bandsaws have an average ranking of 4.5 with an average price of $295.49. The 204 products in Bandsaws have an median rating of 4 and an median price of $2605.07. The specific product links have additional data on each model.
19-21"
The average rating of the 15 products in 19-21" Wood Cutting Bandsaws is 4 and the average price is $3317.73. The 204 products in Bandsaws have an median ranking of 4 and an median price of $2605.07. Click on the individual 19-21" Wood Cutting Bandsaws product links for additional information on the specific models.
22-28"
The 204 products in Bandsaws have an median rating of 4 and an median price of $2605.07. The individual product links have detailed information on each model.
Other Bandsaws
These are bandsaws that just don't fit into one of our categories. They cut metal, meat, glass, and just about everything else.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandsaws | |
$2605.07 | 602 | 204 |
| Other Bandsaws |  |
$2898.27 | 15 | 27 |
The 27 products in Other Bandsaws have an median rating of 3 with an average price of $2898.27. The 204 products in Bandsaws have an average rating of 4 and an average price of $2605.07. Click on the Other Bandsaws product links for additional information on the specific models.
