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Looking for the best band saw?
If so, you’ve landed on the right page.
With a new band saw in hand, you are finally ready to begin making that cabinet or other woodworking project you want to start. But where do you start? Which is the best band saw for you?
Finding the best band saw for your needs can be difficult. However, taking time to research, test, and evaluate the best options available can make all the difference between being able to get your project completed and being forced to put it off until later.
So which band saws are the best band saws on the market this year? And more importantly, which products deserve top-notch customer reviews on Amazon? Well, that’s what we’re going to talk about today.
This guide will help you rank your options with information, including what features are most important for a good band saw and why. This review will help you find the right tool for your residential or commercial needs.
Let’s dive into the best band saws.
Best Band Saw Overall: RIKON Power Tools Deluxe Band Saw
Features
- Tool-less blade guides
- A quick-release blade tension lever
- Large blade tracking knob and viewing window
- Dust port for shop vacuum hookup
- 0-45° tilting cast iron table for easy operation
What You’ll Like
Rikon has been a leader in power tool manufacturing for over 60 years. A long time ago, Rikon was known for its saws, drills, and other power tools. The company is still producing some of the best power tools on the market today.
The company’s 10-3061 Deluxe Band Saw and 5/16” x 70-1/2” 6TPI band saw blade are great options for any woodworker. The motor on this product is 1/2HP which is more than enough to handle larger projects such as cabinetry or cabinets made from multiple wood pieces.
What You Might Not Like
The only downside to this product is that it maxes out at just under the advertised 5 inches of wood thickness before the blade guides would start to get in the way during usage. You might want to pay attention to that if you’ll be working with exact 5-inch wood stocks more than a few times in your workshop.
Best Band Saw For Budget: DEWALT MAX Portable Band Saw
Features
- LED Work Light with 20-second delay
- Blade tracking adjustment
- Tool-free blade changing lever
- Dual-bearing guide rollers
What You’ll Like
The DEWALT MAX Portable Band Saw is a band saw that is designed for the DIYer. It comes with a metal blade, which means you’ll be able to cut up to 2-inch SCH 40 pipe. This feature makes it perfect for professionals who need to cut pipes at their job site.
The Centered Band Saw Handle provides more accuracy and less user fatigue. The handle also has an ergonomic soft grip back handle that provides comfort and flexibility. In addition, the DEWALT MAX Portable Band Saw has dual-bearing guide rollers, ensuring the smooth operation of the blade on its track.
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What You Might Not Like
The blade guard is not included in the box and has to be purchased separately. That shouldn’t be too much of an issue for most people who aren’t planning on cutting large pieces of wood with this saw. However, if you need a larger guard or want to cut materials like plywood or hardwood, you should consider purchasing one separately.
Best Compact Band Saw: Milwaukee M12 Cordless Band Saw
Features:
- Compact, one-handed cuts design
- Powerful XC battery-powered motor
- LED light feature
- Adjustable blade tracking
- 30-minute fast charging
What You’ll Like
The Milwaukee M12 Cordless Band Saw is one of the best compact band saws available. It’s a lightweight tool with a lot of power and can make cuts up to 3/4-inch EMT. This property of the Milwaukee M12 makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, including cutting conduits and other materials with a minimum amount of room to move around.
The M12 has an ergonomic handle that allows you to cut with one hand while holding onto the guard, making this a safe and easy tool to use. The blade tension adjustment lets you set your blade tracking angle, which can help ensure that your cut is straight and accurate. There’s also a LED light that highlights the cut line when you’re using it at night or in dimly lit areas.
What You Might Not Like
The only thing we didn’t like about this band saw is that it is relatively heavy for its size at 12.4 pounds. It’s not too bad, but it is still heavier than other cordless band saws on the market.
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The Best Band Saw For Heavy Duty: Rikon 10-305 Band Saw
Features
- Solid Steel Design
- Rip Fence
- 0.33HP motor for cutting bowl and pen blanks
- Micro-Adjustable Guide Post
What You’ll Like
The 10-305 is a scaled-down version of the popular 10-345 and 10-325. It has all the same features as its larger cousins but in a smaller package. You can still make big cuts with this saw, but it will take longer and be more difficult than using the larger models.
The cast iron table on this saw is 13-3/4 inches by 12-1/2 inches, making it one of the largest available on any bandsaw. That large surface area allows you to make long cuts without worrying about damaging your workpiece or cleaning up after each cut.
The motor in this band saw is powerful enough to cut through hardwoods without any problems. It provides plenty of power without being too loud or taking up too much space on your workbench or countertop.
What You Might Not Like
The table may arrive out of alignment and require extra work to get it square and flat. You can easily adjust it using the screw included in the package, but doing so will require more time than just using the tool. Also, the bearing guides do not allow adjustment for a 1/8″ blade, although you can put a 1/8″ blade on if you want to use one.
Conclusion
So which of the four is the best band saw for you? Of course, that depends on your goals, budget, and needs as a woodworker. Although all of the bandsaws we reviewed here should be considered if you’re in the market for a top-quality metal-cutting bandsaw, we hope our review has given you insight into which one might best suit your situation. Good luck in your search!
Your Pal,
Chainsaw Larry
