When it comes to woodworking, there are many tools that can help you get the job done. One of them is a bandsaw, which is an extremely versatile saw that cuts with a continuous movement of the blade’s edge through a slot in the workpiece.
In this article, we will compare some of the best bandsaws in the market to help you find one that works well for your needs. We will also discuss what makes up an excellent bandsaw for wood and how to determine which would be best for your specific needs. We have also narrowed down some of our favorite top-rated bandsaws and would love to share them with you!
Bandsaw Comparison Cheat Sheet
| Brand and Model | Pros | Cons |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Bandsaw Kit, Deep Cut (DCS374P2) | Heavy-duty and durableCan be used on materials other than woodPortable | Replacement blade may be unsatisfactory |
| Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw, 14″ | PowerfulDurable | HeavyShips from overseas |
| WEN 3939T 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Bandsaw | Spacious work areaFlexibleSafety and precision features | Small |
| Rikon 10-3061 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw | Compact, space-saving design5-year warrantyGood for small to medium projects | Limited blade speed options |
Things to Consider Before Buying a Bandsaw
Budget
The first thing you want to determine when looking at bandsaws is how much money you have to spend. This may seem like common sense, but many people overlook this important detail and find themselves more confused than they should be because of the wide range of options available. With bandsaws, it is easy to get carried away especially when you start talking about things like top-of-the-line fence systems, built-in tables, and other features.
But what’s important is to get a bandsaw that you can afford and one that can get the job done. You might not have all the bells and whistles some of the other bandsaws offer, but if you can afford a bandsaw that won’t turn your woodworking hobby into a nightmare, then go for it.
Size
Another important thing to determine is the size of the bandsaw you need. This will depend on the size of wood you will be cutting as well as the size of your garage or workspace. Bandsaws are measured by the distance of the blade to the throat. This also determines the size of wood you can cut with your bandsaw.
Here are the most common Bandsaw sizes in the market:
- 9-inch (30mm)
- 10-inch (250mm)
- 14-inch (350 mm)
- 18/19-inch (450 mm)
A 9-inch bandsaw is small enough to be placed on top of a workbench. They may be small but they are powerful enough to cut through all types of wood. An 18/19-inch bandsaw will be more suitable for larger workshops. The greater the cutting capacity of the bandsaw you choose, the larger the overall size of the bandsaw will be. Keep this in mind especially if you have a smaller garage or workstation.
Power
Smaller bandsaws will naturally have smaller and less powerful motors while the bigger ones will have more powerful motors. Bandsaw motors are usually measured in horsepower. Bench-top bandsaws typically have 1/2 HP motors whereas the larger ones will have 3/4 HP motors or 1 HP motors. Wood is relatively easy for bandsaws to cut through, so you don’t need to worry much about the power as you would about the size of the bandsaw.
Our Top 5 Bandsaws for Woodworking
DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Bandsaw Kit, Deep Cut (DCS374P2)
First, let’s look at one of Dewalt’s most portable bandsaws, the DCS374P2. For starters, the portability is a huge plus already given that you’re allowed more flexibility and movement depending on the kind of workspace you have.
Compared to a benchtop bandsaw, you aren’t as restricted. The metal bandsaw that it comes with has a 5-inch cutting capacity. However, you only get a factory version of the replacement blades. Nonetheless, this model is compatible with other bandsaw blades so you won’t have a problem replacing it.
This model also has a 4-inch cut capacity that can go through SCH 40 pipes and double strut fairly easily. You have variable speed options so you can adjust it for the material you’re working on even when it isn’t wood, allowing you more possibilities and better control. This model also comes with a LED work light that can make working on dark surfaces a bit easier.
Finally, it boasts of the trademark DEWALT-built brushless motor for optimal performance and long-lasting durability. Not only that, it’s quite powerful for a portable bandsaw and can keep up with its benchtop counterparts. It also comes with an integrated hang hook that allows you to store it easily without damaging any of the parts.
Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw, 14″
The Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw has most of the same features and technical specs as the G0555. This model is made in and ships from Taiwan so you might have trouble looking for local physical store sellers, but the overall performance more than makes up for the cost of shipping or the store markup.
The G0555LX boasts an all-ball bearing construction that includes upper and lower ball bearing blade guides, reinforced further by a cast iron frame and table that’s been precision-grinded to near perfection. The design and specs have passed CSA certification and meet the CSA C22 requirements.
Weighing in at a total of 247 pounds, the setup may seem daunting but the G0555LX comes with computer-balanced cast iron wheels and rubber tires that allow you to easily move it around your workspace as needed without the assistance of complicated equipment. It comes with a deluxe heavy-duty stand. Due to the nature of this powerhouse of a bandsaw, it may arrive in more than one box at separate times, but rest assured the wait time is worth it.
WEN 3939T 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Bandsaw
The WEN 3939T may seem smaller than most bandsaws but it performs just as well, if not better. The model comes with several features and attachments such as an adjustable blade guard, a fence to easily line up your cuts better, and a lot more.
Safety and precision are crucial to every craftsman so these features are pretty welcome and make it more accessible and beginner-friendly.
The WEN 3939T comes with a spacious 12 by 12-inch worktable that can be adjusted for bevels up to 45 degrees, making it flexible for the kind of cuts that you need to do. This model boasts a 2.8-amp motor which allows the blade to rotate at a speed of up to 2460 feet per minute.
You also get to be flexible with your blade options using 62-inch blades that can be anywhere between ⅛ to ⅜ inch in size.
WEN also offers a 2-year warranty coverage so you can rest easy knowing that your bandsaw will not only be incredibly effective and efficient, it will also last for a long time.
Rikon 10-3061 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw
The Rikon 10-3061 is a great space-saving option that can keep up with a lot of the bigger models in terms of performance and output. While it only has two blade speed settings, 1515 or 3280 feet per minute, it is more than enough to cut nearly anything you’d need to.
The bandsaw blade works well for smooth cutting in wood as well as metal and plastic. The motor boasts of a ½ HP capacity making it a great choice for small or medium projects.
It comes with a spacious 13.75”x12.5” table that can tilt up to 45 degrees for beveling. It also comes with a sizable fence, a dust port for vacuum attachments, tool-less blade guides, a quick release blade tension lever, and a viewing window.
RIKON Power Tools also offers a 5-year limited warranty for this model, so you’ll be covered for a pretty lengthy time and will last you a good number of projects.
So, Which One Should I Get?
Having gone over the main considerations above and the different specifications in each of our recommended models, this question comes down to the subject of needs.
It is worth considering the size, type, and scope of the woodworking projects you’ll be working on and if you’ll have other things to do or make in the future.
We recommend picking the model that’s flexible and durable enough to cover those crafting needs.
Best of luck shopping!
