If you’ve been struggling to meet your cutting demands and dread having to get out the hacksaw every time the need arises, you might save yourself a ton of time and effort by investing in a band saw. Band saws are essentially a serrated metal blade that runs in a continuous loop, cutting through a range of materials in seconds when powered up.
We’re starting by reviewing our favorite models, but we’ve also included a short buying guide at the end if you want more information on what to look for. Once you’ve read about the best models available and taken the info in the buying guide into consideration, you should be able to select the best band saw for your needs with relative ease.
This list of the top 10 band saws is a great place to start, with a roundup of the most reliable, accurate, and powerful band saws currently available on the market. No matter what your budget is, what materials you want to cut, or how often you will use the tool, you’ll find a selection of great choices on this list. And once you’ve made a decision, then the fun can really begin.
DEWALT DCS374B 20-Vold Max Deep Cut Band Saw
With a 5-inch cutting capacity, this powerful Dewalt band saw cuts through metal like a hot knife through butter. The variable speed control offers both versatility and precision, while the LED work light shines on your work area to ensure you have total visibility, even in low light. This tool is battery powered, though the battery and charger do not come included with the price. Being battery powered, the tool is portable and can be used on jobs where you don’t have access to a power outlet.
The integrated hanger makes for easy storage, ensuring that the band saw isn’t stored in a way that will harm any of the vital components.
Users of this tool are overwhelmingly positive about it. They love how effortlessly it cuts, how easy and intuitive it is to use, and how long the battery lasts between charges. This isn’t the least expensive model on the market, but it’s also far from the most expensive, and considering the quality of the tool, it’s incredibly competitively priced.
Many users of this band saw find that they don’t know how they ever lived without it, and we’re sure it will quickly come to be ranked among your favorite tools to use both at home and on the job site. If you’re looking for a deep cut portable band saw, you can’t go wrong with this Dewalt model.
For more quality tools like this, check out our guide to the best metal cutting circular saws.
JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit
This standalone woodworkers’ band saw is a serious piece of gear and will set you back a little over $1,000. For that good chunk of cash, the Jet band saw has features galore; it is the all-singing, all-dancing band saw that you never knew you needed, boasting more features than any other on the market.
With a target audience of professional woodworkers, this band saw means serious business. It has a cast iron frame, making it sturdy and durable, along with a new high-tension spring design. The saw boasts a cutting depth of 12 inches and 55 cutting angles. And safety is definitely a priority with this machine, as seen from the retractable blade guard and the easy view window, so you can visually check the accuracy of your cutting without getting too close to it.
Users of this band saw love how robust and high-quality it is. Blade changes are quick, and cuts are accurate and stable. Users note that while this machine is fairly easy to set up, it does require two people to assemble it due to the weight and lifting needed.
While most users were extremely happy with this band saw, some did note that the instruction manual was poor, with typing errors resulting in misleading information, so be ready to think the steps through as you go.
You may also be interested in some of the top miter saws from our list. Check them out.
Makita XBP02TX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
This variable speed band saw is lightweight and cordless, coming equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery charges in just 45 minutes, which means you can spend less time charging and more time cutting. With added features for improved usability, this band also saw boasts a built-in LED light, rubberized, soft-grip handles, and a compact design.
Users of this tool are thrilled with the high-quality build of the model and the power it possesses. Like most Makita tools, this has been well-designed and well-executed. It cuts through a range of metals effortlessly and is a joy to operate.
There is some debate among users over the weight of the tool, with some believing it to be very lightweight compared to other portable band saws available, while other users felt it was heavy and would be too uncomfortable to use for long periods of time or in awkward positions. Both are correct, depending on how accustomed to using band saws and what you’ll be using the band saw to do.
Our guide to the top-rated electric chainsaws offers more amazing power tools like this. Check them out.
Milwaukee 2729-21 M18 Fuel Deep Cut Band Saw 1 Battery Kit
This band saw set from Milwaukee includes the band saw itself, a heavy-duty case, a rechargeable 5.0 Ah battery, a charger, and a Milwaukee blade. The power of this saw is surprising considering how compact it is. It effortlessly cuts through a variety of metals, featuring a deep cut for use on a broad range of projects.
Users of this band saw had no complaints with the saw itself, though some noted that the included blade wasn’t of a high enough quality and recommended buying a separate blade immediately for better results. Popular among users is the portability provided by the rechargeable battery, though it would be an improvement if two batteries were included so that one could be in use while the other is charging.
All in all, we agree that you’ll want a spare battery for any model you buy and any throw-in blades are going to be on the lower, cheaper end of the product selection spectrum.
Here are some of the best-selling circular saws on the market that provide top performance. Don’t miss them.
WEN 3939 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
This benchtop woodworking saw features a 12-inch by 12-inch table for a spacious work area. With a 2.8-amp motor, this saw has plenty of power, with the ability to make cuts of 3-5/8 inches deep and 9 inches wide. Included with the saw are a miter gauge, a carrying handle, a blade guard, a dust port, and a fence for aiding straight cuts. Backed by a 2-year warranty, this WEN model is a good value for the money, offering a versatile and robust tool for a reasonable price.
Users of this band saw are impressed with the quality of cuts and the variety of features included for the price. The main complaint from users is the difficulty in setting up the blade and adjusting it to make high-quality cuts. The blade adjustment on this tool is extremely sensitive, meaning that the slightest turn of the knob will throw it completely out of alignment. Users of the tool spent many frustrating hours learning how to adjust the blade correctly, but were very happy with the results once they found the sweet spot.
Other users with less patience wrote the saw off as temperamental and unfit for use. This WEN band saw would be a good fit with someone who wants a good quality saw at a fairly low price and is willing to put in the necessary work to get it cutting right. If you don’t have the time or patience to be tweaking the blade adjustment, then you would be better off spending more money and getting a higher spec tool.
Be sure to browse our list of the most popular air hammers from our list, and add the right one to your collection.
Rikon 10-Inch Band Saw Model 10-305
This benchtop band saw from Rikon boasts all of the features of a full-sized band saw. It has a 4-5/8-inch depth cutting capacity, a 3.5-amp motor, and a micro-adjustable guidepost for height. The frame is strong and robust, being made from a solid steel plate. The cast iron work surface is a little over 13 inches by 12 inches, a generous working area given the relatively compact size of the tool itself.
Users of this band saw like the solid build and the quality for the low price. While this isn’t the most accurate band saw, it will be great for home DIY projects and hobbyists. Anyone in the woodworking trade or with larger jobs to complete would be best guided toward spending more money on a full-size model for better accuracy.
For more useful tools, check out our list of top-quality bench vises.
SHOP FOX W1715 3/4 HP Metal Cutting Band Saw
This three-speed band saw is an excellent all-rounder, having the ability to adjust settings to cut through wood, metal, and plastic. The base of the saw has both handles and wheels, making it easily portable for use in different areas. With a vertical cut attachment, a built-in vise for stabilizing, and ball-bearing construction, this saw has plenty of features for such an impressive price.
Users of this tool like how robust the build-quality seems, considering it’s imported and relatively low-cost. The main complaint among users is that the legs, constructed of sheet steel, aren’t very sturdy and have a tendency to tip the tool over and become unstable if you try to move the tool a lot. Some users even made their own base for the saw to combat this problem. In spite of this issue, it’s an impressive tool for the price, though it may not perform well for as long as a better-known brand.
You may also be interested in these reliable air compressors from our list. Check them out.
Milwaukee 2429-20 Cordless Sub Compact Band Saw
This battery-powered band saw is lightweight and compact, making it ideally suited to using it with only one hand. The battery will work for an average of around 150 cuts before it needs recharging, though note that the extended capacity battery and charger are sold separately. The saw also features an LED light to illuminate the cut line, aiding with accuracy and working in low-light conditions, and cuts to a depth of 1-5/8 inches.
Users of this tool recommend it for use around the house or as a mini band saw on job sites where smaller conduits need cutting. It has excellent control on cuttings and is perfect for cutting in small or awkward spaces, where a bulky band saw won’t fit into the space. The low weight of the saw makes it easy to carry around and easier to use as you can take more control of it. Users were especially impressed with how little mess was made when making cuttings.
While it won’t be capable of handling big jobs, and some people may prefer something that will cut to a greater depth, this is a great compact option for people who dread using a hack saw for occasional small jobs.
Take a moment to check out our top selection of the best hammer drills, as well.
Bosch GCB10-5 Deep-Cut Band Saw
This electric band saw is portable and lightweight at 14.5 lbs. It is ideal for smaller jobs or overhead cuttings, with a cutting capacity of 4-¾ inches. With an ergonomic design, this saw is easy and comfortable to handle and features an LED light to illuminate the cutting area. It also has a convenient hanging hook for easy storage.
The saw uses a 10-amp electric motor which provides enough power to cut most materials, even on big jobs, with a variable speed setting of up to 380 surface feet per minute. The saw promises an almost spark-free application, giving you peace of mind for a safer working environment.
Users of this saw are blown away by the power of it, making easy work of most cutting jobs both at home and in professional environments. For a compact band saw, this is an excellent option that will be suitable for almost any cutting work. The only concern among users is regarding the durability of the saw, as in order for it to be lightweight, it is constructed from less heavy-duty materials and may not stand up to the abuse that most tools receive on a job site.
SKIL 3386-01 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Band Saw
This electric tabletop band saw has a cutting capacity of 3-1/8 inches. The workspace is a generous 11-13/16 inches, constructed from aluminum. It has a tilting range from 0 to 45 degrees and includes a lamp attachment for better visibility and accuracy when cutting. Also included with the saw are a hex key, a miter gauge, a parallel guide, and a blade. A rip fence aids with straight cutting, while blade tracking helps with easy blade alignment. To help keep your workspace clean, a dust port is also featured, which can be attached to a vacuum for easy cleanup.
Users of this tool love how lightweight it is, making it portable to move around a workshop. It makes a great job of intricate and detailed work though would not be robust enough for use in professional or commercial settings. Some users experienced a loss of power after a few months of use, though this was remedied by tightening up the drive belt.
As a low-cost hobby saw, this tool will fulfill most needs of a novice woodworker.
What to Look for in a Band Saw
If you’ve ever browsed the range of band saws available online or in your local DIY store, the choice and numerous options can seem overwhelming. There are many different types of band saws; some are battery powered and therefore more easily portable, while others require being plugged into an outlet. Some band saws are tabletop models, which will need to sit on a workbench, while others come with their own stand and are intended to be installed in a permanent space in a workshop and not be moved.
Most band saws are suitable for use with metal, wood, and plastic, though will need different blades and adjustable speed settings, depending on which material you need to cut through. Some band saws are so lightweight that they can be operated with just one hand, making them ideal for working overhead.
Before looking for band saws, you’ll need to establish your criteria and evaluate which features will be most important to you. Though the prospect of a lightweight saw may seem appealing, you’ll need to consider the fact that such models will be constructed of a lighter material and will therefore not be as durable. You’ll need to weigh these features against each other; is it more important that your band saw be lightweight or that it is durable? Will low cost win out over a trusted brand, which will probably be longer lasting? Will battery powered or corded suit your working style more? Do you need a band saw for minor jobs around the house, or something that can withstand the heavy use it will get on a job site?