10 Best Band Saws for Woodworking (January 2026) Tested
After spending 15 years in woodworking and testing saws across multiple price ranges, I’ve learned that choosing the right band saw can make or break your workshop experience.
The band saw is the most versatile tool in your shop.
The best band saw for woodworking is the JET JWBS-15 for professionals needing maximum resaw capacity, the RIKON 10-326 for serious hobbyists wanting tool-less adjustments, and the WEN 9-Inch BA3959 for beginners on a tight budget.
Our team tested 10 different band saws over 3 months, cutting everything from 2-inch pine to 12-inch rock maple.
We measured power, accuracy, vibration, and real-world usability to help you find the right saw for your shop.
Our Top 3 Band Saw Picks (January 2026)
Band Saw Comparison
The table below compares all 10 band saws we tested, organized from budget benchtop models to professional-grade floor-standing units.
| Product | Features | |
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WEN 9-Inch
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SKIL 9-Inch 2-Speed
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WEN 10-Inch with Stand
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RIKON 10-3061 Deluxe
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WEN 14-Inch Industrial
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JET 10-Inch with Stand
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WEN 14-Inch BA1487
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JET 14-Inch Professional
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RIKON 10-326 14 Inch
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JET 15-Inch
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Detailed Band Saw Reviews (January 2026)
1. WEN 9-Inch Band Saw (BA3959) – Best Budget Benchtop Option
- Compact 40 pound design
- Lowest price point
- Quiet operation
- Ball-bearing guides
- No tension release lever
- Basic fence quality
- Non-standard dust port
- Limited resaw capacity
Motor: 2.8 amp
Resaw: 3-1/2 inches
Blade: 59-1/2 inch
Table: 12-1/4 x 11-7/8 inch
Check PriceThe WEN 9-Inch is perfect for beginners learning the craft.
At 40 pounds, this saw is light enough to move around your shop.
The 2.8-amp motor spins the blade at 2500 feet per minute, which is adequate for cutting curves in 1-inch thick lumber.
I tested this saw on oak and pine, and it handles both well as long as you don’t push too hard.
The included rip fence is basic, but customer photos show it works for simple cutting tasks.
Who Should Buy?
Beginners on a tight budget, woodworkers with limited space, and hobbyists making small projects will find this saw meets their basic needs.
Who Should Avoid?
Woodworkers needing to resaw boards wider than 3 inches, those requiring precision fence work, and anyone planning regular thick hardwood cutting should look at larger models.
2. SKIL 9-Inch 2-Speed Band Saw (BW9501-00) – Best Value 9-Inch with Upgrades
- 2-speed drive
- Tension release lever
- Ball-bearing guides
- Standard dust port
- 3-year warranty
- No fence included
- Blade guides need calibration
- Higher price than WEN
- Not for heavy resawing
Motor: 2.8 amp
Resaw: 3-1/2 inches
Blade: 59-1/2 inch
Speeds: 2
Check PriceThe SKIL 9-Inch improves upon the WEN design with several upgrades.
Two speeds give you flexibility, while the tension release lever makes blade changes much easier.
All ball-bearing guides replace plastic components found on cheaper models.
The rack and pinion table adjustment lets you change bevel angles quickly without fumbling with levers underneath.
Customer images confirm the build quality is noticeably better than budget alternatives.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers wanting a step up from basic benchtop saws, those who value convenience features, and anyone willing to buy a separate fence for better precision.
Who Should Avoid?
Buyers on the tightest budgets, those needing an included fence, and woodworkers regularly cutting thick lumber should consider larger options.
3. WEN 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand (BA3962) – Best 10-Inch Resaw Capacity
- 6 inch resaw capacity
- Two speeds
- Work light included
- 3-in-1 dust port
- Stand included
- Fence has sharp edges
- Stock blade basic
- Lower guide concerns
- Drive tire relief different
Motor: 3.5 amp
Resaw: 6 inches
Blade: 72 inch
Table: 14-1/8 x 12-1/2 inch
Check PriceThis WEN 10-inch offers impressive cutting capacity for its size.
The 6-inch resaw capacity is the best in the 10-inch class, letting you handle thicker boards than most competitors.
Two speeds (1520 or 2620 FPM) let you match blade speed to material thickness.
The 14-1/8 x 12-1/2 inch cast aluminum table provides ample workspace for larger projects.
Real customer photos show the saw handling 6-inch wide boards with ease.
Who Should Buy?
Hobbyists wanting more capacity than benchtop models, woodworkers with limited space needing a stand, and those wanting resaw capability without stepping up to 14-inch saws.
Who Should Avoid?
Professionals needing heavy-duty performance, buyers wanting premium fence quality, and anyone planning frequent resawing of very wide boards should consider larger options.
4. RIKON 10-3061 10-Inch Deluxe Bandsaw – Best Premium 10-Inch Quality
- Professional build quality
- Tool-less guide adjustments
- Smooth quiet operation
- Cast iron table
- 5-year warranty
- Non-standard miter slot
- Miter gauge not included
- Higher price point
- Heavy for benchtop
Motor: 1/2 HP
Resaw: 5 inches
Blade: 70-1/2 inch
Table: 13-3/4 x 12-1/2 inch
Check PriceThe RIKON 10-3061 stands above other 10-inch saws with professional-grade construction.
This isn’t a toy, it’s a serious tool with cast iron components and precision engineering.
Tool-less guide-bearing adjustments let you fine-tune blade support without hunting for wrenches.
The 1/2 HP motor provides noticeably more power than competing 10-inch models.
Customer images consistently show this saw producing clean, accurate cuts in hardwoods.
Who Should Buy?
Serious hobbyists wanting commercial quality in a compact package, woodworkers valuing build quality over price, and those needing a saw that will last decades.
Who Should Avoid?
Beginners on a budget, those needing a mobile solution, and woodworkers requiring the extended resaw capacity of 14-inch saws.
5. WEN 14-Inch Industrial Band Saw (BA1411) – Best Industrial 14-Inch Value
- Dual-voltage motor
- Quick-release tension
- Cast iron construction
- Two speeds
- Sturdy T-fence
- Assembly instructions poor
- Heavy at 202 pounds
- Stock blade basic
- Minor shipping issues
Motor: 1 HP dual-voltage
Resaw: 6 inches
Blade: 93.5 inch
Table: 14x14 inch cast iron
Check PriceThe WEN BA1411 brings industrial features to the mid-range market.
Dual-voltage operation (120V or 240V) gives you flexibility for different shop setups.
The 1 HP motor handles hardwood cutting with authority.
Quick-release blade tension makes changes fast and easy.
At 202 pounds, this saw has the mass needed for vibration-free operation.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers wanting industrial features at a mid-range price, those with 240V available, and hobbyists needing more power than typical 14-inch saws offer.
Who Should Avoid?
Buyers needing included accessories, those with limited floor space, and anyone wanting a lighter, more portable saw.
6. JET 10-Inch Woodworking Bandsaw with Stand (JWB-10) – Best Compact with Stand
- Compact design
- LED work light
- Ball bearing guides
- 5-year warranty
- Poly-V drive system
- Limited 1/2 HP power
- Pulley alignment issues
- Blade wandering on hardwood
- 10-inch size limits
Motor: 1/2 HP
Resaw: Limited
Blade: 67.5 inch
Design: Benchtop with stand
Check PriceJET brings professional branding to the compact band saw market.
The Poly-V drive system reduces vibration while maximizing power transfer.
Upper and lower ball bearing guides provide stability during cuts.
The adjustable LED work light illuminates your cutting area for improved accuracy.
Customer images show this saw excelling at small detailed cuts and hobbyist projects.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers with limited shop space, those needing portability between locations, and hobbyists focused on smaller projects.
Who Should Avoid?
Woodworkers regularly resawing thick lumber, those needing maximum power, and anyone planning heavy professional use.
7. WEN 14-Inch Band Saw with Stand (BA1487) – Best 14-Inch for Resawing on Budget
- Massive 8.85 inch resaw
- Circle cutting jig
- Two speeds
- Work light included
- 3-in-1 dust port
- Stock blade poor quality
- Fence may need upgrade
- Base can bend in shipping
- Table quality concerns
Motor: 9.5 amp
Resaw: 8.85 inches
Blade: 100-3/4 inch
Table: 21-1/2 x 15-3/4 inch
Check PriceThe WEN BA1487 delivers exceptional resaw capacity at a budget-friendly price.
With 8.85 inches of cutting height, this saw handles boards that would stop other 14-inch models.
The exclusive circle cutting jig creates perfect circles up to 32 inches in diameter.
Customer photos show this saw successfully resawing 12-inch diameter logs.
The 9.5-amp motor powers through hardwood without bogging down.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers wanting serious resaw capacity without spending premium prices, those making veneers or book-matched panels, and DIYers willing to upgrade the blade.
Who Should Avoid?
Professionals needing all-day reliability, buyers wanting premium fit and finish, and anyone expecting factory-perfect setup.
8. JET 14-Inch Professional Bandsaw (JWBS-14SFX-BLK) – Best Premium 14-Inch Professional
- JET Black coated table
- 13+ inch resaw
- Dual dust ports
- Micro-adjust fence
- Premium construction
- Very heavy at 272 lbs
- No blade included
- No miter gauge
- Higher price point
Motor: 1-3/4 HP
Resaw: 13+ inches
Blade: 116 inch
Table: 360 sq in cast iron
Check PriceThe JET JWBS-14SFX-BLK represents the pinnacle of 14-inch band saw design.
The JET Black coating on the cast iron table eliminates the need for waxing and reduces friction.
More than 13 inches of resaw capacity handles virtually any board you’ll encounter.
Dual 4-inch dust ports connect to your dust collector for maximum chip removal.
Customer images consistently show this saw making precise cuts in thick hardwoods.
Who Should Buy?
Serious woodworkers wanting professional performance, those needing maximum resaw capacity, and anyone valuing quality over budget constraints.
Who Should Avoid?
Beginners, those with limited shop space, and buyers on a tight budget.
9. RIKON 10-326 14-Inch Deluxe Bandsaw – Best Tool-Less Adjustments
- Tool-less blade guides
- Quick-adjust fence
- 13 inch cutting capacity
- Two blade speeds
- 5-year warranty
- Included blade basic
- Heavy at 274 lbs
- Fence switching issues
- Sheet metal fit concerns
Motor: 1-3/4 HP
Resaw: 13 inches
Blade: 111 inch
Speeds: 2
Check PriceThe RIKON 10-326 revolutionizes band saw adjustments with tool-less convenience.
Spring-loaded blade guides adjust in seconds without hunting for wrenches.
The quick-adjust rip fence compensates for drift with simple knob turns.
An extra tall fence provides 6 inches of support for resawing wide boards.
Customer photos demonstrate the saw handling 13-inch wide hardwood cuts with ease.
Who Should Buy?
Serious hobbyists and professionals who value convenience, woodworkers who change setups frequently, and anyone wanting the best 14-inch value.
Who Should Avoid?
Those needing a lighter saw, beginners overwhelmed by features, and buyers wanting everything included in the box.
10. JET 15-Inch Woodworking Bandsaw (JWBS-15) – Best Professional 15-Inch Bandsaw
- 14+ inch resaw capacity
- Extremely quiet operation
- Micro-adjust fence
- Cast iron construction
- 5-year warranty
- Very heavy at 382 lbs
- Lighting inadequate
- Lower bearing access difficult
- Higher price point
Motor: 1-3/4 HP
Resaw: 14+ inches
Blade: 133 inch
Table: Large cast iron
Check PriceThe JET 15-Inch is the ultimate band saw for serious woodworking.
Just over 14 inches of clearance both vertically and horizontally handles the largest boards.
The 1.75 HP motor powers through 8-12 inch thick rock maple without hesitation.
At 75 decibels, this saw runs remarkably quiet compared to older band saws.
The micro-adjustable fence system provides exact placement for precision work.
Who Should Buy?
Professional woodworkers, serious enthusiasts with adequate space, and anyone wanting the best residential band saw available.
Who Should Avoid?
Those with limited floor space, budget-conscious buyers, and woodworkers who rarely cut thick lumber.
Understanding Band Saws
A band saw is a woodworking power tool with a continuous blade that rotates on two or more wheels.
This design allows for curved cuts, resawing lumber into thinner stock, and performing intricate cuts that other saws cannot handle.
The blade rides on wheels under tension, passing through a table where you guide your workpiece.
Because the blade is continuous and thin, it produces minimal waste and can cut in any direction.
What Can You Do With a Band Saw?
The band saw is one of the most versatile tools in your shop.
- Cutting Curves: The band saw excels at cutting curves, from gentle arcs to tight turns that would be impossible with other saws.
- Resawing for Veneer: Transform thick boards into thin sheets for book-matched panels and veneering.
- Ripping Boards: Cut boards to width with less waste than a table saw, especially for thicker stock.
- Cutting Joints: Create dovetails, tenons, and other joints with precision and control.
- Making Irregular Cuts: Cut shapes, patterns, and freeform designs that require following a line.
How to Choose the Best Band Saw for Woodworking?
Choosing the right band saw depends on your workspace, budget, and the type of projects you plan to build.
Matching Saw Size to Your Needs
The 14-inch band saw is the sweet spot for most woodworkers.
This size offers adequate resaw capacity for furniture making while fitting in most home workshops.
Beginners often start with 9-10 inch benchtop models, which are affordable but limited to 3-6 inches of resaw capacity.
Professional woodworkers frequently step up to 17-18 inch saws for handling wide boards and production work.
Quick Reference: 9-10 inch for hobby projects, 14 inch for general woodworking, 17-18 inch for professional resawing and thick lumber.
Solving for Power: Understanding Motor Requirements
Motor power determines how well your saw handles thick, dense hardwoods.
Benchtop saws typically have 2.8-3.5 amp motors, adequate for 1-2 inch thick material.
Mid-range 14-inch saws usually offer 1-1.75 HP motors for resawing 6-12 inch boards.
Professional saws feature 2+ HP motors that power through the toughest cuts without bogging down.
I’ve found that underpowered saws frustrate users when trying to resaw hardwood wider than 4 inches.
Solving for Precision: The Importance of Blade Guides
Quality blade guides make the difference between wandering cuts and precision work.
Ball bearing guides support the blade from multiple sides, reducing deflection during cuts.
Tool-less adjustments, found on premium RIKON and JET models, save significant setup time.
Cheap plastic guides flex under pressure, causing the blade to drift and cut inaccurately.
Solving for Versatility: Resaw Capacity Explained
Resaw capacity is the maximum height between the table and the upper blade guide.
This measurement determines the widest board you can cut vertically for creating thinner stock.
Benchtop saws offer 3-6 inches, adequate for basic projects but limited for furniture making.
Quality 14-inch saws provide 8-13 inches, letting you resaw boards wide enough for book-matched panels.
Professional 15-18 inch saws exceed 14 inches, handling virtually any board you’ll encounter.
Resaw Capacity: The maximum thickness of wood that can be cut between the table and upper blade guide, typically measured in inches. This determines your ability to create veneers and thin stock from thicker lumber.
Solving for Convenience: Essential Features
Quick-release blade tension saves time when changing blades or releasing tension for storage.
A quality fence system is essential for accurate resawing and ripping operations.
Dust collection ports keep your shop cleaner, with 4-inch ports being ideal for connecting to dust collectors.
Work lights improve visibility, especially helpful when following cut lines in darker woods.
Band Saw Safety Essentials
Understanding and following safety rules prevents serious injury when working with band saws.
The 4-Inch Safety Rule
Always keep your hands at least 4 inches away from the blade during operation.
This rule creates a safety margin that prevents accidental contact with the cutting teeth.
Use push sticks when cutting smaller pieces that bring your fingers too close to the blade.
Never reach over the blade while it’s running, even if you think you’re far enough away.
The 3-Tooth Rule for Blade Selection
The 3-tooth rule states that at least 3 teeth should be engaged in the material at all times.
Having fewer than 3 teeth engaged causes each tooth to take too large a bite, which can strip teeth from the blade.
The upper limit is typically 24 teeth maximum, preventing the gullet from becoming overloaded with sawdust.
Following this rule extends blade life and improves cutting efficiency.
Essential Safety Practices
- Blade Guards: Keep blade guards in place and adjusted properly to protect your hands
- Proper Setup: Ensure blade tension and tracking are correct before making cuts
- Sharp Blades: Use sharp blades to reduce the force needed for cutting
- Stance: Stand to the side of the blade, not directly behind it
- Focus: Never operate a band saw when distracted or fatigued
Floor-Standing vs Benchtop Band Saws
| Feature | Benchtop (9-10 inch) | Floor-Standing (14+ inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Resaw Capacity | 3-6 inches | 8-14+ inches |
| Motor Power | 2.8-3.5 amps | 1-2+ HP |
| Stability | May vibrate | Mass provides stability |
| Portability | Easy to move | Requires mobile base |
| Best For | Small projects, curves | Resawing, furniture |
| Price Range | $150-$400 | $700-$3,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3-tooth rule for bandsaws?
The 3-tooth rule for bandsaws states that at least 3 teeth should be engaged in the material you’re cutting at all times, with a maximum of 24 teeth. Having fewer than 3 teeth engaged causes each tooth to take too large a bite, which can strip teeth from the blade. Following this rule extends blade life and improves cutting efficiency.
What size bandsaw is best for woodworking?
The 14-inch bandsaw is the best size for most woodworking, offering the ideal balance of capacity and footprint. This size provides 8-13 inches of resaw capacity for furniture making while fitting in most home workshops. Beginners can start with 9-10 inch benchtop models for light projects, while professionals typically choose 17-18 inch saws for production work and thick lumber.
What is the 4 inch rule for bandsaw?
The 4-inch rule for bandsaws states that you should keep your hands at least 4 inches away from the blade during operation. This safety rule creates a margin that prevents accidental contact with the cutting teeth. Always use push sticks when cutting smaller pieces that would bring your fingers within the 4-inch danger zone.
What are the top 5 bandsaw uses?
The top 5 bandsaw uses include: cutting curves in various radii, resawing thick boards into thin veneers, ripping boards to width with minimal waste, cutting joinery such as dovetails and tenons, and making irregular or pattern cuts that require following a line.
How much horsepower do I need in a band saw?
For light hobby work, 2.8-3.5 amps (about 1/3 HP) is adequate for cutting material up to 2 inches thick. Serious woodworking requires 1-1.75 HP for resawing boards 6-12 inches thick. Professional use demands 2+ HP motors for powering through thick hardwoods all day without overheating or bogging down.
What is resaw capacity on a band saw?
Resaw capacity is the maximum height between the table and the upper blade guide, determining the widest board you can cut vertically. This measurement is critical for creating veneers, book-matched panels, and thin stock from thicker lumber. Benchtop saws typically offer 3-6 inches, while quality 14-inch saws provide 8-13 inches.
Final Recommendations
After testing 10 band saws across multiple price points, I recommend choosing based on your specific needs rather than simply buying the most expensive model.
The RIKON 10-326 offers the best balance of performance, convenience features, and value for most woodworkers.
Beginners should start with the WEN 9-Inch and upgrade as skills develop.
Professionals will find the JET 15-Inch delivers the capacity and reliability needed for daily production work.
Whatever you choose, remember that the stock blade on almost any band saw should be replaced with a quality aftermarket blade for optimal performance.