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The Best Band Saw

Last updated on June 3, 2019

We looked at the top 7 Band Saws and dug through the reviews from 83 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Band Saws.

Best Band Saw

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A band saw is a multi-part tool, involving a stand and work table. If you’re ready to tackle some heavy-duty projects that require cutting wood or metal, this is the tool for you. But choosing the right band saw can be challenging, with so many features typically factoring into your decision.

The first thing you’ll take note of while shopping is the build of the band saw. You’ll be putting the tool through some challenges, so it’s important to choose a band saw with some durability. Build also plays into some ease-of-use issues, including whether the saw vibrates while you’re working. Excess vibration can make it tough to work for long periods of time, as well as impacting how safe the work area is. Some band saws are also designed in a way that cuts down on noise, which can be helpful if you’re working with neighbors nearby.

As for the pricing of various models, it’s important to note what’s included with each band saw. Some come with tables and others don’t, and some come with essential accessories, like a fence or a miter gauge. If you have to buy any of these items separately, it will push up the price, so make sure you factor that in from the start.

If your band saw comes with a table, pay close attention to its build. You’ll be given a very specific workspace measurement, and this is the area you’ll have to work with as you cut various items. Some tables also tilt, making it easier to cut at an angle. You may never use this feature, but it’s handy to have in case you ever need it.

The blade is a very important element in a band saw. You’ll need one with a good blade, but precise cuts rely heavily on tensioning. Some band saws make it easy to adjust that tensioning, providing a knob that simply requires a firm twist. You’ll also find that some allow you to adjust the tension in a way that allows for more precise cuts.

Portability is another consideration. The very thing that makes a band saw so sturdy and reliable makes it also tough to move around. If you plan to set your tool up and never move it, that won’t be as much an issue. If you need to take it from one place to another, though, a cordless band saw or one that is lighter in weight may be a better choice.

Our Picks For The Top Band Saws

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
  The Best Overall

JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

JET

14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit

For a top-of-the-line band saw that gets the work done, you can't go wrong with this option. Although a bit pricey, this tool packs plenty of features, including a high-end motor that reduces vibrations and noise. The included 15 X 15-inch work table can tilt in either direction for angled cuts.

Overall Take

Runs QuietlyThis band saw comes with its own tiltable table for making difficult cuts.

Pros
" The price-to-quality ratio of this machine is great. It’s not a cheap piece of equipment by any means, but the overall quality of its components, as well as the chassis, is extraordinary. In other words, it’s designed to withstand intense..."
Cons
"Surprisingly, there are no extras with this saw. That means you won’t get a miter gauge or even a fence – something that’s basically become a standard accessory on benchtop models. That’s disappointing given the price although not a deal..."

DEWALT 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw

DEWALT

20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw

The portability of the DEWALT 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw makes it popular for those who need to be able to move from one work site to the next. It offers a cordless design and a powerful 20-volt lithium-ion battery. An LED light also helps illuminate your work area for more precise cuts.

Overall Take

Best Portable SawIn addition to being lightweight, this band saw is cordless, making it an excellent choice for those who require a more portable work saw.

Pros
" It has an LED Work Light with a 20 second delay that illuminates dark work surfaces for accurate cutting. So there is no chance to cut it wrong."
Cons
"Sometimes the user will face in the problem for blade replacement of suggesting blade. It may be the wrong size. Also sometimes found 30 days return expired."

Rikon Bandsaw With Fence

Rikon

Bandsaw With Fence

With a solid steel frame, the Rikon Bandsaw With Fence can tackle even the most challenging jobs with ease. You'll see reduced vibrations and quieter operation with this band saw, as well as an affordable price. The included cast-iron table will hold up with many years of use.

Overall Take

High ValueAlthough this band saw has a budget-friendly price tag, it features a durable steel frame and a handy cast-iron table.

Pros
" The main advantage of this unit is its size. It’s significantly smaller than other units in this category meaning it’s a great solution for people who have limited space. On top of that, it’s also quite easy to store it..."
Cons
"Motor is only rated at 4.5-Amp and delivers 1/3 HP."
  The Best Value

WEN Two-Speed Band Saw

WEN

Two-Speed Band Saw

The WEN Two-Speed Band Saw has a steel and aluminum build to help you tackle tough jobs. You'll also get both a fence and miter gauge, which is a plus when combined with the already affordable price. A larger throat means you can handle wood types that are too much for other band saws.

Overall Take

Tackles Challenging ProjectsTough woods are no problem for this band saw, which also comes with a bonus fence and miter gauge.

Pros
" Makes excellent, vary high quality cuts that rival the result of much more expensive tool."
Cons
"Many people complained about the lack of WEN’s quality control and we think there is definitely a good reason for that. The main component that seems to break frequently is the tension knob. It is indeed a piece made of..."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
14

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the band saws available to purchase.
7

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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83

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Tool Nerds, Zentiz, Toolsy, Jen Reviews, Saw Critic.

5,887

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 7 Band Saws and also dug through the reviews from 83 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Band Saws.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

WEN Two-Speed Band Saw

Our Expert Score

8.6
14 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.3
477 user reviews

Our Take

The WEN Two-Speed Band Saw has a steel and aluminum build to help you tackle tough jobs. You'll also get both a fence and miter gauge, which is a plus when combined with the already affordable price. A larger throat means you can handle wood types that are too much for other band saws.

What other experts liked

Makes excellent, vary high quality cuts that rival the result of much more expensive tool.
- BestReviews
The design is pretty neat and user-friendly. The materials used in production are sturdy and reliable. In fact, the majority of included components are made of steel, aluminum, and other trustworthy metals. Therefore, one doesn’t have to worry about longevity or stability.
- Tool Nerds
February 13, 2018 | Full review
Its amazing cutting ability and high cut capacity of 6 inches, which makes it as strong and deep as a standard table saw but more maneuverable in terms of curved and variable cuts.
- Cut The Wood
One of the most significant advantages of the 3962 stationary band saw is that it will not give you kick back as you use it. Whenever you are using a table saw in your applications, you need to be wary that the unit cuts your piece into clean halves or...
- Tool Powers
This table band saw has got the comfortable table to work on. The work table is designed in a way to be leveled up to 45 degrees. It helps the users to get the angled cut just in a nip which might not be possible in another form of the...
- Drilly
The 3-in-1 nature of the dust port was a good choice as well, and as always, the LED light is a nice bonus, as I’m a fan of LED lights for cutting areas.
- Saws Reviewed
There is always something nice about getting a tool with its own stand. It makes a big impact to the layout of your workshop and means that you can work with it much more quickly and easily – without having to move all the bits of wood and piles of...
- Toolerant
WEN 10-inches band saw has wonderful re sewing capacity. It can take on more wood than others 10 inches band saw as it combines with 1-3/4 inch throat for a machine.
- Smart P Tools
Let’s start the highlight with…lights! One of our favorite details about the WEN 3962 Bandsaw reviews is that it comes with a very handy dandy LED headlight above the working table. And if you are someone who especially wears glasses, or tend to squint a lot, this addition is a...
- Tools Adventure
November 27, 2017 | Full review
Another great thing about this band saw is that it is easy to assemble.
- Power Tools Wiz
I like that it is heavy and robust giving it great accuracy in a professional setting. I personally love the spacious work table which is 14 x12-1/2 inches.
- Toil Drop
The work light illuminates your cutting line perfectly. This allows you to beaver away with precision in complete safety even if your workshop is a little on the dim side.
- Miter Saw Judge
This light has a separate power switch, while the stainless-steel gears and ball bearings ensure durability and smooth performance.
- Saw Critic
Just awesome blade of this tool! All user want to cut smoothly by using the bandsaw if that hasn’t happened, then any user doesn’t want to use that tool.
- Pick Top Tools

What other experts didn't like

Absolutely must be aligned correctly in order to produce a good cut, but it can be very sensitive and finicky to set with the plastic tension adjustment knob.
- BestReviews
Many people complained about the lack of WEN’s quality control and we think there is definitely a good reason for that. The main component that seems to break frequently is the tension knob. It is indeed a piece made of plastic and it can struggle to withstand the intensity that...
- Tool Nerds
February 13, 2018 | Full review
Its 9-inch and 10-inch variants are flimsy than the 14-inch version.
- Cut The Wood
However, watch out for the adjustment issues that seem to plague all WEN line of band saws.
- Tool Powers
Sometimes The Blade Setup Is Really Frustrating
- Drilly
Upon first setting the saw up, you may notice how things are a bit...difficult. If you have trouble getting things even and flat at first, and the blade settled in properly, you're not alone.
- Saws Reviewed
The problem is that if you are relatively new to woodwork and DIY, then you are likely to find that this is a bit of a challenge to use and that means we can’t recommend it to absolute beginners.
- Toolerant
Most of the review says the problem of blade tension. If not follow the proper instruction according to the blade size problem can arise.
- Smart P Tools
But is it flawless? Far from it. Poor, construction and flimsy parts really make us question the quality assurance of this saw.
- Tools Adventure
November 27, 2017 | Full review
The WEN can be difficult to adjust. Making it less ideal for complete beginners.
- Toil Drop
This model is extremely sensitive and setting up the stock blade is a tricky and rather tiresome procedure.
- Miter Saw Judge
The wheel alignment becomes complication when changing blades
- Saw Critic
Speed sometimes slow
- Pick Top Tools

What to Look For

  • The first thing to look at when shopping for a band saw is build. The iron frame on the JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit means it can withstand even the biggest projects. Ball bearing guides cut down on friction to help you make precision cuts easily. It also comes with two stamped metal feet to keep the band saw stable while you’re working.
  • The Rikon Bandsaw With Fence features a solid steel frame that keeps it in top condition through even your most intense projects.
  • The WEN Two-Speed Band Saw is built with steel and aluminum among other impressive metals. It’s not only built for power and stability, but it also resists kickback to keep you safe. The gears and ball bearings are made from stainless steel to provide smooth, reliable performance.
  • The DEWALT 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw is dramatically different from other band saws in that it’s cordless. It runs on a 20-volt lithium-ion battery. You may find that it doesn’t have the power you get from a corded version, but being cordless does offer more portability. Its cutting capacity is 5 X 4¾ inches for rectangular objects and 4¾ inches for round and square objects.
  • One nuisance with a band saw is vibration and shaking. This can make it difficult to work, reducing the stability and putting your safety at risk. The high-end motor in the JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit keeps vibrations at bay, as does the Rikon Bandsaw With Fence.
  • Although all band saws will make some noise while in use, you can cut down on the noise by going with the JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit or Rikon Bandsaw With Fence. You’ll still hear the motors in these saws, but the noise won’t be excessive.
  • Most band saws come with a table, and the build of that table plays an important role in the overall usability of any saw you choose. The JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit comes with a 15 X 15-inch work table that can tilt 10 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right. Being able to tilt your table means you can achieve angles that wouldn’t have been as doable otherwise. The WEN Two-Speed Band Saw has a 14 X 12½-inch work table that can tilt up to 45 degrees. The Rikon Bandsaw With Fence has a cast-iron table that provides a 13 ¾ x 12 ½-inch work area. Although the build is a plus with this one, you won’t get the tilt you get with other tables.
  • A good fence is essential to making those precise cuts. Unfortunately, not all band saws come with a fence, even when you see one pictured on the product description site. The Rikon Bandsaw With Fence and WEN Two-Speed Band Saw both come with a fence.
  • Another product you’ll need to purchase if it’s sold separately is a miter gauge. The WEN Two-Speed Band Saw comes with a miter gauge, in addition to the fence. With other saws, you’ll have to purchase one.
  • Band saws vary widely in price, so take a close look at features to make sure you’re getting value for the extra expense. The JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit is by far the most expensive, retailing for more than $1,000. On the low end are the Rikon Bandsaw With Fence and WEN Two-Speed Band Saw, which can both be found for less than $300. Considering it doesn’t come with a work table, the DEWALT 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw is a bit expensive, with a price tag that tops $300.
  • The blade plays an important role in how well a band saw performs. The WEN Two-Speed Band Saw can take on some types of wood that are too much for other band saws, thanks in part to a 1¾-inch throat.
  • Band saw blades need to be stretched as tightly as possible in order to do a good job, so tensioning controls are essential when you’re shopping for a band saw. The JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit has a tension coil design to provide cutting depth that wows. You’ll also find you can cut at a specific angle more easily with this model. One of the best things about the Rikon Bandsaw With Fence’s tensioning is a built-in knob that makes it easy to adjust. The WEN Two-Speed Band Saw’s tension knob tends to be on the flimsy side.
  • Occasionally, you’ll have to change your band saw’s blades, and some are much easier to change than others. The JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit has ball bearing guides and yellow marks on the tires to make it easier to see the blade while switching it out. With the DEWALT 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw, you’ll need to double-check to make sure you’re ordering the right blade since it has to be a very specific size.
  • Chances are, you’ll set your band saw up and never move it. But if you do need something that can travel with you, consider the DEWALT 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw, which is not only cordless but weighs only 15.79 pounds. The WEN Two-Speed Band Saw, at 73 pounds, and Rikon Bandsaw With Fence, at 79 pounds, are both maneuverable. But the 258-pound JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit is designed for those who plan to set a band saw up and leave it there.
  • A light can be a huge help, especially if you’re working in poorly-lit areas. The DEWALT 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw’s LED light automatically snaps on, following a 20-second delay, to light up the work area. You’ll also get an LED light with the WEN Two-Speed Band Saw.
  • The blade-tracking window on the JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit lets you monitor your blade for more precise cuts. You’ll also get a blade guidepost that helps with rack and pinion adjustment. When combined with safety features, like quick-release blade tension and a retractable blade guard, the extras may make the extra expense worth it for some.

Band Saw Rankings

1. JET 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 21

2. DEWALT 20V Max Deep Cut Band Saw

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 6

3. Rikon Bandsaw With Fence

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 16

4. WEN Two-Speed Band Saw

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 17

5. SKIL 9-Inch Band Saw

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 21

6. Delta Steel Frame Band Saw

Overall Score: 8.0
Reviews Included: 12

7. POWERTEC BS900 Band Saw

Overall Score: 7.9
Reviews Included: 11

More to Explore

History is filled with examples of inventors striving to find easier ways to cut wood. The invention of the band saw was one of those, starting in 1808. That year, William Newberry patented his idea for a machine that would handle the tough task of sawing wood. However, finding the metal-tooth bands necessary to make a band saw work was impossible at the time, which meant that the idea never gained momentum.

In 1858, a British inventor named Henry Wilson filed a patent seeking to improve on Newberry’s design by boosting durability when it faced extreme strain. Just seven years later, band saws made their way to America, where it gradually became an important part of manufacturing and personal woodworking.

More to explore