Best Bandsaw For The Money – 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

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If woodworking is your hobby or profession, then it makes perfect sense for you to invest in an appropriate, high-quality power tool. And while there is a plethora of tools that would come in handy on the job, only few boast the efficiency and reliability provided by a band saw.

No matter the woodworking project, a band saw is designed to offer quality and precision with every wood cutting task it takes on. Whether it is simple and clean cuts on a classic piece of furniture, or shaping highly complex designs, their characteristic flexibility make band saws among the most sought-after tools in the market.

If you’re looking for the best bandsaw for the money, look no further.

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What is a band saw?

The bandsaw is a handy tool that is used to cut curves and other irregular shapes like cabriole legs. What’s more, besides the curvaceous, smooth cuts, band saws also work well in ripping lumber into relatively thinner pieces.

Generally, band saws are one of the smoothest cutting tools on the market – another cutting option is a CNC router. Band saws are particularly popular for their ability to provide an ideally steady cut; this is precisely because of the unique downward action provided by its wheels once they are in motion.

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My Top 3 Models

Affordability is among the most fundamental factors you need to keep in mind. If you are looking for the most affordable band saw option, here is a review of three of the best:

1. Grizzly G0457 Deluxe Bandsaw

The Grizzly G0457 14-inch is a feature-packed, handy bandsaw that offers a wide array of functions designed to assist in effortless operation.

The manufacturer has packed this Deluxe model with numerous features that include an exclusive patent-pending fence suited for resawing, a handy quick-release handle and a rigid back bone made of cast iron, all of which make it a tool worth investing in.

It’s very durable and worth every penny.

Features

• Impressive 106-inch blade size
• Blade speed: 3000 FPM
• Cutting capacity of 13.5 inches
• Powerful 2HP motor featuring a 1725 RPM with a 110/220 V for excellent performance
• Product weight: 301 lbs

Pros

• Heavy-duty and durable
• Excellent manufacturer support
• Features a storage facility in its base

Cons

• Costly
• Comes with no electrical plug at the power cord end

Check out the current price of this Grizzly model HERE.

2. Rikon 10-325 14-Inch Deluxe Bandsaw

The Rikon 10-325 is an award winning model that allows you to cut non-ferrous material and wood easily.

This 14-inch Deluxe band saw provides optimal precision courtesy of its exclusive features. It is powered by a powerful motor (1-1.5 HP) that operates with ease and power.

Considering that it comes with a resawing capacity of 13 inches, it easily completes lumber sizing, resaws book-matched projects and slices veneers. What’s more, its blade provides a balanced overall operation due to its precision-balanced cast-iron wheels.

Finally, it comes with a handy manual, wheel adjustment tip sheet and selection for its blade guide, all of which allow for easy operation, assembly and adjustment.

Features

• Blade tension (quick-release)
• 2 motor speeds (1445 and 295 ft/min)
• Hinged blade guard featuring sight window
• Large work table (16 x 21 0.5 inch)
• Dust port (4-inch)
• Limited Manufacturer’s warranty (2 years)

Pros

• Delivers steady and smooth performance
• Offers diverse cutting applications
• Enhanced functionality
• Flexible rip fence
• Quick release blades
• Dust ports ensure work area is clean

Cons

• Table needs adjustment to boost functionality
• Needs proper light adjustment for effective operation

Check out the current price of this Rikon model HERE.

3. JET 708115K JWBS-14CS 14-Inch Bandsaw

With a straightforward, simple design complimented by remarkably powerful features, the JET 708115K JWBS-14CS bandsaw is the ideal tool for craftspeople and hobbyists.

This 14-inch bandsaw featuring Graphite Guide Blocks comes equipped with a dust chute and totally enclosed stand for easy use. It’s also a bandsaw that requires little setup time once it’s out of its package and assures years of steady, heavy-duty use.

Aside from its powerful features and sturdy build, this bandsaw also comes with straightforward and easy-to-follow instructions that help with its smooth operation.

You can be sure of optimal comfort when handling this unit courtesy of its solid rip fence as well as its vibration and friction-free characteristics.

Features

• Powerful motor (1HP) which offers 3000 strokes/minute
• Adequate working area: 15 x 15-inch offset table
• Cast-iron frame build for rigidity reduced vibration and strength
• Inbuilt dust chute and enclosed stand
• 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Weight: 185 pounds

Pros

• Large titling table offers great flexibility
• Vibration-free operation
• Heat and friction reducing blades
• Durable metal housing
• Faster results with powerful engine
• User-friendly design

Cons

• You should renew the dust chute from time to time
• The device should be used as per the guidelines given by the manufacturer

Check out the current price of this JET model HERE.

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Factors to Consider When Buying a Band Saw

The price of a band saw is dependent on a variety of factors ranging from size to features, brand, and others.

Choosing the best band saw for your cutting needs can be quite intimidating, because the market now includes a wide array of options form different companies.

Nonetheless, below are some crucial factors you need to take into account when purchasing a band saw:

1. Size

Band saws come in different sizes ranging from the relatively smaller 14-inch models to larger 16-inch ones.

While larger doesn’t necessarily mean better quality, larger band saws slightly pip their smaller counterparts when it comes to efficiency.

Other than being susceptible to vibrations owing to their significant mass, larger band saws also offer a comparatively bigger cutting capacity, not to mention more power. Nonetheless, compared to the smaller models, they are also costlier, bulkier and more cumbersome.

Depending on your purpose and budget, you can either go for the 14-inch saws (for committed hobbyists or novice woodworkers) or 16-inch (for professionals and large-scale use).

2. Type of Material That Needs Cutting

The materials you are working on play a vital factor in determining your final choice of band saw.

Many of the saws available feature bimetal blades (1) comprising two distinct metals attached to each other. These blades are designed to withstand the rigorous activities of cutting bundles and shapes and possess the rigidity to allow continuous use with heavy metals, steel and solids.

Other saws come with non-bimetal blades while the rest feature coat-tipped blades like carbide-tipped and titanium nitride-tipped blades.

Each is designed to suit a particular task, and the type of material you are using the band saw on dictates what type best suits you. If you are cutting sizeable nickel-alloy steel volumes, carbide-tipped or even tungsten carbide (78-80 HRC) blades are the best options; this is because carbide gives better resistance to heat and is even better than bimetal in such instances since they can hold their edges for longer periods.

3. Motor Size

The size of motors ranges between 0.5-1.5 HP. Smaller motors work harder compared to larger ones.

Nonetheless, the ideal motor size ultimately depends on the purpose. For instance, if your primary objective is cutting softwoods and doing craft work, a size of between 0.5-1 HP is sufficient. For cabinet work or furniture making, a 1+ HP would be more appropriate.

4. Cutting Speed

The maximum band saw cutting speed is about 3500 ft/minute. Although different brands offer varied cutting speeds, your ultimate choice also rests upon your use requirements. Slower speeds, for instance, perform poorly with hardwoods and pose difficulties when changing the belt.

5. Budget

Band saw prices can vary from below $200 to several thousand dollars. Be sure to go for a model that satisfies your needs, and in case you are on a tight budget, you can always go for second-hand ones, although purchasing a new one is recommended move since it tends to last a lot longer and comes with a warranty.

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My #1 Recommendation

While the bandsaws above have been given the thumbs up from me and have earned a spot on this page, there’s one bandsaw model that I recommend above all others for for the money.

My #1 choice is by far the best band saw for the money. Not only is it durable, but it also offers smooth performance as well. It features a 1.5 HP powerful motor which will guarantee you uniform blade operations, and its lumbar sizing is also quite easy to pull off.

The model sports a multitude of useful functions, has a two-speed characteristic, and with adherence to the set guidelines you should have an easy time operating it.

See what my #1 recommended bandsaw for the money is right HERE.

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Conclusion

Purchasing the best band saw for your activities at the most affordable price is actually not that difficult provided you take time to evaluate all your needs and the models that best match them.

When choosing a band saw, you should keep in mind factors like functionality, user-friendly features, and your budget. You also need to ensure that it comes with a warranty and that the manufacturer provides you with support after the purchase.

Good luck shopping for your bandsaw!

Thanks for reading my buying guide. If you have any questions, feedback or comments, feel free to leave them in the comments below. You can also share this page using the buttons below.