Best Band Saws Under $200, $300, $400, $500, $600, $700, $800, $900 & $1000

Have you been sitting for hours looking for the right vertical band saw? Trust me I’ve been there and I know it’s hard to pick just one! I have spent hundreds of hours researching the different band saws, their features, feedback from real users and how they compare to each other within the same price range.  But before I go any further, you should know that most of these models are recommended for DIYers or for home use. For professionals, with a high level of heavy duty use, I suggest that you check out the more expensive models. After all that research, this is what I have found.

When considering features, bang for your buck, and project needs, one product came out on top for each budget. These are the winners for each price category:

• Overall pick: Woodskill 3A 9-Inch Band Saw
• Under $300: Woodskill 3A 9-Inch Band Saw
• Under $400: SKIL 3386-01
• Under $500: WEN Band Saw with Stand
• Under $600: Jet 714000 JWB-10
• Under $1300: RIKON 10-324

Some of these models aren’t top class but remember that I don’t recommend any of these products for heavy duty work.

Now let’s get into all the details!

Take a look at the comparison table to find out all the details about each model! If you want to know what is important to look at in a band saw I suggest you skip to the buyer guide below but if you just want to cut to the chase and see how the different models compared, including the good, the bad and the ugly, keep reading.

Read this: Band saw vs miter saw

Overall Pick for the Best Band Saw for DIY / Home Use Woodworking

This is a big choice, after reviewing so many models and looking at every specification and feature, I have chosen the Woodskill 3A 9-Inch Band Saw as my overall pick and you may be wondering why.

Don’t forget to check out the Woodskill 3A 9-Inch Band Saw here on Amazon and on WEN for a few more details!

Woodskill 3A 9-Inch Band Saw: Your Ideal Woodworking Companion

If you’re on the lookout for a dependable bandsaw tailored for woodworking, the Woodskill 3A 9-Inch Band Saw deserves your attention. In this concise review, we’ll explore its key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.

At the heart of this bandsaw lies a robust 3A motor, designed to deliver both power and precision. With a blade speed of 2500FPM and a motor speed of 1720RPM, you can expect clean and efficient cuts. Whether you’re working with wood or soft metals, this bandsaw can tackle the task with ease.

One of the standout features of the Woodskill 3A is its versatility. It boasts a maximum cutting depth of 3-1/2 inches and a cutting width of 9 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects. Whether you need to create intricate curves or make precise straight cuts, this bandsaw has got you covered.

Woodworking often demands precision, and this bandsaw delivers just that. Its sturdy cast aluminum table can be tilted from 0° to 45°, allowing you to achieve the perfect angle for your cuts. Additionally, the included 120° miter gauge ensures accuracy in your work. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting, these features will help you achieve professional results.

Safety is a top priority when working with power tools, and the Woodskill 3A 9-Inch Band Saw doesn’t disappoint. It features a double safety switch for added protection, ensuring that the machine remains inactive when not in use. The sturdy steel base minimizes vibrations during operation, enhancing stability and safety. Additionally, the 2-1/2″ dust exhaust port and dust brush on the saw wheel keep your workspace clean and reduce dust inhalation.

Real-world users of the Woodskill 3A have shared their experiences, noting its value and performance. They have said:

• It’s not amazing quality, but for light home use, it gets the job done nicely.
• Perfect size for workbench top, easy setup, and the added fence is a bonus.
•  After initial issues, Woodskill’s support resolved the problem, and now it cuts great.
•  Impressed by its accuracy and features. It’s a worthwhile addition to my workshop.
•  Durable, stable, and surprisingly quiet. Perfect for small to medium woodworking projects.

In conclusion, if you’re a woodworking enthusiast in search of a versatile and reliable bandsaw, the Woodskill 3A 9-Inch Band Saw ticks all the boxes. Its combination of power, precision, and safety, backed by user satisfaction and a solid warranty, makes it a smart choice for your DIY and home woodworking projects.

Related: Band saw vs circular saw

 

Best Band Saws for Woodworking – Comparison Table

 

Best Band Saw Reviews

Best Band Saws Under $500

POWERTEC BS900 (unavailable)

Have you never heard of POWERTEC? Let me tell you a little bit about it, they have 40 years of experience in the woodworking industry and their products are developed to suit your needs.

Now as in for the POWERTEC BS900, this model has a ½ HP motor that can reach 1725 RPM.

It has a depth of throat of 9 inches, a maximum cutting capacity of 3 – ⅝ inches at 90° and 2 inches at 45°.

On the other hand, the blade has a length of 62 inches and a width of ⅛ – ⅜ inches and if you take a look at the comparison table, most of the models under $200 can handle that same size.

And another thing about the blade, it has a speed of 2460 feet per minute.

The size of the table is 11 – ¾ x 11 – ¾ inches, which is honestly pretty good and most of the models in this price category range in those same dimensions. The table can tilt anywhere from 0° to 45°.

As in for features, it comes with a miter gauge and a rip fence which gives you the opportunity to create high quality objects.

Unfortunately this model doesn’t have a work light and it comes with 1 year of warranty, which is pretty little for such a big purchase.

I give this model 3.5 stars, it has good price and it’s great if you’re just starting out in woodworking or if this is your first band saw.

Go check out the latest price of the POWERTEC BS900 here on Amazon or on POWERTEC for more information!

Owner’s Manual: http://powertecproducts.com/content/BS900Manual.pdf

 

Key features

• 50 pounds
• Throat depth: 9 inches
• Blade speed: 2460 FPM
• Wheel diameter: 9.4 inches
• Miter gauge and rip fence

 

Pros	Cons
Good price	Not for heavy duty use
Good for beginners
Portable
Quiet

 

Related: Band saw vs table saw

 

WEN 3939 (unavailable)

WEN is a well-known brand but here’s a little bit about it in case you haven’t heard of it, it was founded in 1951 and they have grown since then, their goal is to design high quality and affordable power tools.

This model has a 0.5 HP and here’s a fact: there are only 2 items with this kind of power in this price category.

The motor can work with blades up to 2460 feet per minute and it can cut up to 3 ⅝ inches deep and 9 inches wide.

The length of the blade is 62 inches and any size from ⅛ to ⅜ can be used with this model.

If you have a low budget but are looking for a big area to work in then this is the best pick for you, it has a table with 12 x 12 inches, that can bevel up to 45°.

This model includes a miter gauge and a rip fence in order to make straighter cuts, and again this is very important if you’re a beginner in woodworking.

I rate this model with 4 stars because it has a bigger table than the previous model and it’s lighter too! And one last thing, the model comes with 2 years of warranty!

One more thing, this item is a benchtop band saw, which means you can set it up anywhere as long as there’s a table, this is also great for storage!

This product has great reviews and if you’re not one to purchase an item unless the brand is known worldwide, then this is a great pick!

Go check out the current price of the WEN 3939 here on Amazon and have a look at the latest reviews!

If you want a little more information about WEN, check out their page too!

 

Key features

• 44 pounds
• Benchtop
• Throat depth: 9 inches
• Blade speed: 2460 FPM
• 2 years of warranty
• ½ HP motor

 

Pros	Cons
Portable	Not suited for heavy duty
Good design
Good price

 

SKIL 3386-01

As you may have noticed, this is my top pick in the under $400 category and here’s why:

This model has a ⅓ HP motor, that works with blades that can cut 2800 feet per minute, which is actually the second highest under this category. And speaking of blades, the model works with blades between 59.2 inches and 59.5 inches.

And another thing the size of the blades can be between  ⅛ to ⅜, which you may have noticed is pretty much the same for most of the items in this category.

The depth of throat at 90° is 9 inches and the maximum cutting capacity is 3 – ½ inches.

Now the size of the table is 12 x 11 – ¾ inches and it can be title from 0° to 45°, which assure quick angle and height changes

So are you still asking yourself why I picked this model as the best one in this category?

This is the only model that includes a work light, miter gauge and rip fence. Yes, you heard that right!

And it even comes with a dust port that keeps your work area dust-free!

These features make this model the best one as a startup item to purchase, you will have an illuminated area to work in, and you will have better chances of making straight cuts on your first try!

And like the previous model, this item is too a benchtop band saw. It’s even lighter than the WEN 3939.

And one last thing, it comes with 3 years of warranty!

I give this model 4 stars, I personally think it has all the features a beginner could hope for! It also has some good customer ratings!

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the SKIL 3386-01 here on Amazon!

Owner’s manual: https://www.skiltools.com/SK/files/3386%20Manual%20r48048v5.pdf

 

Key features

• 31.3 pounds
• 3 years of warranty
• Throat depth: 9 inches
• Blade speed: 2800 FPM
• ⅓  HP motor
• Benchtop

 

Pros	Cons
Easy to move	Motor overheats sometimes
Good price
Accurate

 

ShopSeries RK7453 (unavailable)

The ShopSeries line belongs to Rockwell Tools, their company was founded in 2005 and although it doesn’t have as many years as other brands, their goal is to produce machinery for DIYers.

The ShopSeries RK7453 has a 2.5 amp motor that works with blades that can cut at 3200 feet per minute.

If you have paid close attention, then you may have noticed that this is the highest cutting speed that has been reviewed but it also happens to be the highest in the under $200 category!

So if you are looking for a speedy band saw and have a limited budget then this is probably the best fit for you.

It has a depth of throat of 9 inches at 90° and the maximum depth of cut can be 3 – ⅛ inches.

The table size is 11 – 13/16 x  11 – 13/16 inches and it can be tilted anywhere from 0° to 45°.

The blade length is 59.5 inches and the width of the blade is ⅛ inches, I do have to say that the width of the blade is quite small compared to the other models.

This again is a benchtop band saw and could easily be moved around.

As in for features, this item comes with a work light and a miter gauge attachment but unlike the others, it doesn’t include a rip fence.

Lastly, it has a blade guard adjustment that improves precision and accuracy. And it comes with 2 years of warranty.

I give this model 3 stars because it does not seem very high quality. I think this model is very basic even for DIYers.

Go check out the latest price of the ShopSeries RK7453 here on Amazon.

 

Key features

• Benchtop
• 42 pounds
• Flexible work light
• ⅓ HP motor
• Warranty: 2 years

 

Pros	Cons
Good price	Not durable
Portable	Not for heavy duty

 

Genesis GBS900

Here’s a little background information: Genesis Power Tools is owned by Richpower Industries and they have been around since 2003, and like the previous brand, this one too designs tools for the DIYers.

This model has a ⅓ HP motor. It has a depth of throat of 9 inches and the maximum depth of cut can be 3 – ⅛ inches.

The blade length can be anywhere from 59.2 inches to 59.5 inches and the width of the blade is 0.25 inches.

Another thing, the blade speed is 2736 feet per minute.

On another note, the size of the table is 11 – ¼ x 11 – ¼ inches and like all the models in this price category, it can be title up to 45°.

And again, this product is a benchtop band saw so if you’re looking for something small and simple, you’ve found it!

This model includes a miter gauge and a rip fence, but sadly it does not come with a work light.

I give this model 3 stars, it doesn’t have great features and it doesn’t seem very durable.

Check out the latest price of the Genesis GBS900 here on Amazon and on Genesis for further details!

Owner’s manual: http://www.genesispowertools.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/GBS900OpMan.pdf

 

Key features

• Benchtop
• Blade speed: 2736 FPM
• Warranty: 2 years
• 35 pounds

 

Pros	Cons
Good price	Not durable
Easy to set up	Not for heavy work
Quiet

 

Ryobi BS904G

Ryobi has more than 70 years of experience in the manufacturing area and they continue to create tools for professionals and DIYers.

This model has a depth of throat of 9 inches, with the maximum depth of cut being 3 – ⅝  inches.

The Ryobi BS904G has 2.5 amp motor!

The length of the blade is 62 inches and it works with any width between ⅛ inches and ⅜ inches. The speed of the blade is 2500 feet per minute.

The size of the table is 11 – ¾ x 11 – ¾ inches and it can tilt from 0° to 45°. It also comes with upper and lower blade guides for improved accuracy.

Oddly enough, it doesn’t have any outstanding features, it does include a miter gauge!

It comes with 3 years of warranty!

I give this item 3 stars, if I am being honest, I expected more features in this model. Ryobi is a well-known brand that has great tools but I do not think this is one of them.

Go check out the latest price of the Ryobi BS904G here on Amazon and on Ryobi for further details!

Owner’s manual: https://manuals.ttigroupna.com/system/files/7288/original/BS904_BS904G_198_trilingual.pdf?2017

 

Key features

• 2.5 amps motor
• Cutting speed: 2460 FPM
• 37.3 pounds
• Warranty: 3 years
• Miter gauge included

 

Pros	Cons
Good price	No rip fence
Lightweight	Inaccurate

 

Related: Types of saws and their uses

 

Best Band Saws Under $300 – $400

WEN 3962 (unavailable)

The WEN 3962 has a depth of throat of 9 ¾ inches and a maximum cutting depth of 6 inches at 90°.

This model has a ½ HP motor that works with two blade speeds, it can be set at 1520 FPM or at 2620 FPM. I personally think this is great option, especially considering that one of the speeds is 1520 feet per minute, since starting at a high speed as a beginner can be tricky.

The size of the table is 14 – ⅛ x 12 – ½ inches and it can be titled anywhere starting from 0° to 45°. If you compare it to the 9 in. Benchtop Band Saw, you can notice that the WEN 3962 has a bigger working area.

The length of the blade is 72 inches and the width can be from ⅛ inches to ½ inches.

Now you may be wondering what makes the WEN 3962, better than the WEN 3939.

The WEN 3962 comes with work light but not only that, all the specifications are improved on this model. But what they both have in common are the 2 years of warranty!

And another thing, this model comes with a miter gauge and a rip fence!

I give this model 4 stars, it comes from a great company and it has good customer reviews too! This model will not let you down!

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the WEN 3962 here Amazon.

Key features

• 83.3 pounds
• Warranty: 2 years
• ½ HP motor
• Operates at two speeds: 1520 and 2620 FPM
• Work light

 

Pros	Cons
Powerful	A bit too low
Quiet	Could be a little more accurate
Good design
Good price

Here is a video of an un-boxing and initial set up of the Wen 3962. However, if you want to know how to set up a band saw properly, scroll down to near the bottom of this page.

 

Central Machinery 9 in. Benchtop Band Saw

Here’s a little bit about the manufacturer, Central Machinery is owned by Harbor Freight Tools and they have been around for over 40 years.

The 9 in. Benchtop Band Saw has a depth of throat at 90° of 9 inches and a maximum cutting depth of 3 – ⅝ inches.

It has a ⅓ HP motor. The length of the blade is 62 inches, with a width of ⅛ inches to ½ inches, and lastly the speed of the blade is 2460 feet per minute.

As in for the size of the table, it has a dimension of 11 – ¾ x 11 – ¾ inches, which can be tilted up to 45° and it starts from 0°.

This model does not come with a work light, which can be challenging if you are trying it out for the first time.

It also does not include a rip fence, which normally helps you cut evenly and precisely. So watch up when making those cuts!

The one thing it does include is a miter gauge, which is very important for safety wise.

And there’s one more thing, it only comes with 90 days of warranty! Can you believe it?

Remember that purchasing items at a low price can often lead to surprises you may not like!

I give this model 3 stars, I think that it is missing a lot of features that are a must for a beginner in woodworking.

Lastly, unlike the last model, the 9 in. Benchtop Band Saw is a benchtop band saw, which could come in handy when shifting it around your house!

Go check out the latest price of the Central Machinery 9 in. Benchtop Band Saw here on Amazon.

Owner’s manual: http://images.harborfreight.com/manuals/96000-96999/96980.pdf

 

Key features

• ⅓ HP motor
• Blade speed: 2460 FPM
• Throat of depth: 9 inches
• Table tilt: 0° – 45 °
• Benchtop
• 44 pounds

 

Pros	Cons
Portable	Not for heavy duty
Good price

 

Related: Best circular saw under $200

 

Best Band Saws Under $500

General International 90-030

(unavailable)

Have you not heard of General International before? Here’s a little bit about it: they have 70 years of experience in the manufacturing world.

This model has a ⅓ HP motor, that rips through the toughest woods. It has a depth of throat of 10 inches and a maximum cutting capacity of 4 – 1/16 inches.

If you look closely, you can see that this is the first item with a depth of throat of 10 inches, and that’s probably because I am reviewing more expensive models now.

The size of the table is 13 – ⅜ x 13 – ⅛ inches and it can be tilted up to 45°.

Here is something to consider: the WEN 3962 has a bigger table, so if you are not planning on spending more than $400 but are looking for a big table then that should be your choice!

Now back to the General International 90-030, the length of the blade is 67.5 inches and the width can be anywhere from ⅛ inches to ½ inches.

And again the WEN 3962, has a longer length, so I suggest you pick the WEN 3962 because it has better specifications and it comes with a lower price too!

And not to mention the fact that WEN is a trustworthy company!

The speed of the blade is 2920 feet per minute.

This model includes a miter gauge, a rip fence and lastly a work light, these features are pretty much the basic for a band saw.

And it comes with 2 years of warranty!

This model has hinged doors which means it allows quick release blade tension knob for fast blade changes!

I give this model 3.5 stars. Although General International is not very well-known, this model looks like a good pick for DIYers.

Go check out the latest price of the General International 90-030 here on Amazon for further details!

 

Key features

• ⅓ HP motor
• Blade speed: 2920 FPM
• LED work light
• Rack and pinion adjustable table
• 80 pounds

 

Pros	Cons
Good design
Good features

 

 

 

 

 

Jet 714000 JWB-10

This is my top pick in the under $500 category and here is why:

To start off, let me share with you some details about JET. They started out in 1958 and their tools are used by manufacturing professionals and even by DIYers, they bring quality and reliability to all their customers.

The Jet 714000 JWB-10 has a 10 inch depth of throat and the maximum cutting depth is 4 – ⅛ inches.

It has a ½ HP motor!

The table size is 13 – ⅛ x 13 – ⅜ inches and again like the previous model, it can be tilted up to 45°.

The blade measures 67.5 inches of length and ⅛ inches to ½ inches of width, with a speed of 2750 feet per minute!

Now if you have looked closely at the comparison table, you may have noticed that the specifications of this model are pretty much the same as the General International 90-030, and you may have even realized that the blade speed of the General International 90-030 is actually faster than the Jet 714000 JWB-10.

So are you asking yourself why I prefer the Jet 714000 JWB-10?

It’s also true that both models include a work light, miter gauge and a rip fence; but the  Jet 714000 JWB-10 comes with 5 years of warranty, while the  General International 90-030 only comes with 2!

And here is another thing, the Jet 714000 JWB-10 comes with a rigid steel stand that allows the band saw to transition from the benchtop to the floor. Wait, benchtop?

Yes, you heard that right! With this model you can work on your table, which also has the advantage of easy transportation.

I give this model 4.5 stars, it has great features and you have to consider that JET is a very known company!

The motor is also more powerful than General International 90-030!

Go check the latest price of the Jet 714000 JWB-10 here on Amazon for a few more details!

Owner’s manual: http://content.jettools.com/assets/manuals/714000_man_EN.pdf

 

Key features

• Benchtop and floor steel stand
• Upper and lower ball bearing blade guides
• LED work light
• Magnifying cursor
• 83 pounds
• Warranty: 5 years
• ½ HP motor

 

Pros	Cons
Reduced vibration	Not for heavy duty jobs
Easy to control
Comfortable
Easy to transport

 

Related: What is a table saw used for?

 

Best Band Saws Under $600

Grizzly G0555LX

Have you never heard of Grizzly Industrial? Well here are the things you need to know: it was founded in 1983 and they create products for contractors and beginners!

The Grizzly G0555LX has 14 inches of depth of throat and 6 inches of maximum depth of cut.

It has a 1 horsepower motor!

It has a 14 x 14 inches table that can be tilted 10° to the left and  45° to the right.

It has a 93 – ½ inch blade with a width of ⅛ inches to ¾ inches. The speed of the blade can be set at 1800 FPM or at 3100 FPM.

I really like the fact that it starts from 1800 feet per minute because it is best for beginners to start slow.

This item does not include a work light which is honestly pretty upsetting, it does come with a miter gauge and a rip fence which ensures accuracy and precision.

It has an upper and lower ball bearing blade guides and thrust bearings!

I give this item 3 stars, I do think that 1 year of warranty is too little for a band saw.

And one more thing, it has a cast iron frame and table!

If you want to read some customer reviews make sure to check those out here on Amazon.

Go check out the latest price of the Grizzly G0555LX here on Amazon for a few more details!

Owner’s manual: http://cdn1.grizzly.com/manuals/g0555lx_m.pdf

 

Key features

• Cast iron frame and table
• Computer balanced cast iron wheels with rubber tires
• 229 pounds
• Two speeds: 1800 FPM or 3100 FPM

 

Pros	Cons
Durable	No work light
Accurate	Short warranty
Easy to set up

 

Grizzly G0555

This is my overall pick in the under $700 category, and you might be wondering why this model is better than the Grizzly G0555LX.

First let me tell you about the Grizzly G0555 , it has 14 inches of depth of throat and a maximum depth of cut of 6 inches.

The size of the table is 14 x 14 inches and it can be tilted from 15° to the left to 45° to the right.

The speeds of the blade can be set at 1500 feet per minute or at 3200 feet per minute!

And again like the previous model, the Grizzly G0555 includes a miter gauge and a rip fence but not a work light!

The length of the blade is 93 – ½ inches and the width can be anywhere from ⅛ inches to ¾ inches.

You may notice that most of the specifications and features are pretty much the same as the Grizzly G0555LX, so why is the Grizzly G0555 better?

The Grizzly G0555 starts from 1500 feet per minute and the Grizzly G0555LX starts from 1800 feet per minute, I prefer that beginners use a lower speed because it is their first time and this could prevent any accidents!

And the Grizzly G0555 reaches a higher speed, which is great when you have got a few hours of experience!

One last thing, the Grizzly G0555 is a lot more lighter than the Grizzly G0555LX!

I give this item 3.5 stars because it has great customer reviews and it looks pretty durable!

And again this item has 1 year of warranty, which is not a lot in I am being honest.

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the Grizzly G0555 here on Amazon and on Grizzly Industrial for more information!

Owner’s manual: http://cdn2.grizzly.com/manuals/g0555_m.pdf

 

Key features

• 167 pounds
• Two speeds: 1500 FPM or 3200 FPM
• 1 HP motor
• Miter gauge and rip fence
• Heavy-duty stand

 

Pros	Cons
Good design	The rip fence does not work well
Runs well	Short warranty
Easy to change blades	No work light
Handles hardwoods

 

Best Band Saws Under $800

RIKON 10-324

This is my top pick in the under $800 price category!

The RIKON 10-324 has 13 – ⅝ inches of depth of throat and 13 inches of maximum depth of cut!

As like I mentioned before, this is the largest depth of cut in the whole review!

The size of the table is 21 – ½ x 15 – ¾ inches and it can be tilted -5° to the left and 45° to the right.

It has 111 inch blade with a width of 3/16 inches to ¾ inches. It can be set at either 1445 feet per minute or 2950 feet per minute!

It has a 1.5 HP powerful motor too!

As in for features, it includes a miter gauge and a rip fence but unfortunately it does not come with a work light.

Did you realize that this model has a bigger blade than the WEN 3966!

I know that you may be thinking that this should be my overall pick but you should look at every factor before making a choice!

And one more thing, this model comes with 5 years of warranty!

I give this item 4.5 stars, it surely has great features but it is a bit more expensive than the WEN 3966!

And one more thing the table is made from cast iron!

Go check out the latest price of the RIKON 10-324 here on Amazon for further details!

 

Key features

• Two speeds: 1445 FPM or 2950 FPM
• Hinged Blade Guard With Sight Window
• Quick Release Blade Tension
• 1.5 HP motor
• 212 pounds
• Warranty: 5 years

 

Pros	Cons
Easy to assemble
Quiet

 

JET 708115K JWBS-14CS

The JET 708115K JWBS-14CS has a depth of throat of 14 inches and a maximum depth of cut at 90° of 6 inches.

The size of the table is 15 x 15 inches and it can be tilted from 10° to the left and 45° to the right.

It has a 1 horsepower motor!

It has a 93 – ½ inch blade with a width of ⅛ inches to ¾ inches and the speed of the blade is 3000 feet per minute!

I honestly think that 3000 feet per minute is quite too fast if you are just starting out so if you do decide to pick this item, watch out for the speed!

This model does not comes with a work light but it includes a miter gauge and a rip fence which is great for beginners!

This model is pretty simple and I recommend it for home workshops, and like all the items in this review, I do not suggest you try any heavy duty projects with this item.

This item comes with 5 years of warranty which I honestly think is pretty great!

I give this item 4 stars, JET is a trustworthy company that you can rely on and it will not let you down!

It has good customer reviews too, make sure to read the latest ones here on Amazon!

Go check out the latest price of the JET 708115K JWBS-14CS here on Amazon for a few more details!

Owner’s manual: http://content.jettools.com/assets/manuals/708115K_man_EN.pdf

 

Key features

• 1 horsepower motor
• Cast-iron table
• Graphite-impregnated polymer blade
• 185 pounds
• 14 inch wheel diameter
• Motor is fan-cooled for longer life

 

Pros	Cons
Easy to set up	Dust collection is not great
Good value
Durable

 

Best Band Saws Under $1000

Shop Fox W1706

Here is a little bit about Shop Fox, they have over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing business and they are committed to create the finest products for woodworkers.

This model has 13 – ½ inches of depth of throat and a maximum depth of cut of 6 inches.

One more thing, the frame and table are made from cast iron, which means that this band saw will be a reliable shop fixture for many years to come.

It has a 1 horsepower motor that operates with a 93 – ½ inch blade with a width of ⅛ inches to ¾ inches.

It has a table with dimensions of 14 x 14 inches and it can be titled 10° to the left and 45° to the right.

The speed of the blade can be set at 1500 feet per minute or at 3200 feet per minute.

I think that if you have a high budget but are a beginner, then this is probably a good pick because it has a low speed as a starter!

Sadly enough, this model does not include a work light but it comes with a miter gauge that will help you achieve precise angles and perfect cross-cuts; and a rip fence that offers solid work support!

It also has an easily adjustable hairline scale that can be positioned so it locks solidly in place.

And one more fact, it has an integrated cabinet that is great for storage!

I personally think that this item is better than the Delta 28-400 because although that model does have a larger table, it does not have any features that I very much recommend for any band saw!

This model comes with 2 years of warranty which isn’t really a lot!

I give this model 3.5 stars. It has good features and good customer reviews too!

Make sure you check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the Shop Fox W1706 here on Amazon for a few more details!

Owner’s manual: https://d27ewrs9ow50op.cloudfront.net/manuals/w1706_m.pdf

 

Key features

• Cast iron frame and table
• Upper and lower ball bearing blade guides
• Fence scale with magnifying window
• 1 horsepower motor
• Warranty: 2 years
• 101 pounds

 

Pros	Cons
Easy to set up	Low quality blades
Durable
Easy and fast blade change

 

Delta 28-400

For starters let me tell you a little bit about Delta, they have been around for more than 90 years and they produce machinery aimed at DIYers or professional woodworkers.

The Delta 28-400 has a 13 – ⅝ inch depth of throat and 6 inches of maximum depth of cut at 90°.

It has a table with the size of 15 – ¾ x 18 – ⅞ inches, the table can be tilted 3° to the left and 45° to the right!

Like the previous model, this one too has a 93 – ½ inch blade with a width of ⅛ inches to ¾ inches.

The speed can be set at 1660 feet per minute or at 3340 feet per minute, although the lowest speed is higher than the Shop Fox W1706, it is still a pretty good speed for a beginner in band saws.

And it also reaches a higher speed than the Shop Fox W1706!

And again this model also has a 1 horsepower motor!

But here is the problem, this model does not include any features and it is actually the only model in the whole review that doesn’t!

It does have the miter gauge slot but it does not come with the item.

This model has a heavy duty steel frame design that reduces flexing and features a superior finish and an aluminum trunnion table support for long-lasting durability!

I give this item 3 stars, it’s quite disappointing that it doesn’t include any special features!

One last thing, it comes with 5 years of warranty!

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the Delta 28-400 here on Amazon for more details!

Owner’s manual: http://s3.amazonaws.com/dpec/assets/documents/manuals/bandsaws/28-400/DELTA%2028-400%20Band%20Saw%20Complete%20Manual%20PRESS%2012102013.pdf

 

Key features

• 1 horsepower motor
• Two speed drive system: 1620 FPM or 3340 FPM
• Upper and lower blade guides to ensure consistent tracking for accurate cutting performance
• 180 pounds
• Warranty: 5 years

 

Pros	Cons
Durable	Instruction are lacking
Good dust collection	Expensive
Quiet

 

Grizzly G0555 X

This is my top pick in this price category and I am going to tell you why!

First of all, let me tell you all the details about the Grizzly G0555 X!

This model has 14 inches of depth of throat and 6 inches of maximum depth of cut!

It has a 1.5 horsepower motor and it’s the only one with this kind of power in this price category!

It has a table with 20.5 x 14 inches and it can be tilted from 15° to the left and 45° to the right!

It has a wheel diameter of 13 – ¾ inches!

Like all the items under $1000, this model has a 93 – ½ inch blade with a width of ⅛ inches to ¾ inches.

This is the part where it is completely different to the other two items, the speed of the blade is 3000 feet per minute!

The Grizzly G0555 X also includes a work light, miter gauge and rip fence! Isn’t that awesome?

So what makes this model better in this category?

Starting off with the depth of throat, this model has 14 inches while the Shop Fox W1706 has 13 – ½ inches and the Delta 28-400 has 13 – ⅝  inches!

And another thing, this model has a larger working area than the other two models!

Did you have a look at the Grizzly G0555LX and the Grizzly G0555? Let me tell you why I think that the Grizzly G0555 X is better; the Grizzly G0555 X has a 1.5 HP motor while the other two work with a 1HP motor.

The Grizzly G0555 X has a larger table than the other two models and it comes will all the features!

In sum, I give this model 4 stars. The only one thing I am not very happy about is the 1 year of warranty.

Go check out the latest price of the Grizzly G0555 X here on Amazon for a few more details!

Owner’s manual: http://cdn0.grizzly.com/manuals/g0555x_m.pdf

 

Key features

• 236 pounds
• Fence is adjustable for blade lead
• Cast iron frame and table
• Warranty: 1 year
• 1.5 horsepower motor

 

Pros	Cons
No vibration	Very heavy
Good features
Quiet

 

Best 9 inch band saw

The best 9 inch band saw is the WEN 3962 is has some great features for a small band saw. You can read the full review of this model above.

Best 10 inch band saw

The best 10 inch band saw is the Jet 714000 JWB-10.

Best budget / cheap / inexpensive band saw

The  best budget band saws are those that I rated as the best in the lower price (low cost) categories as follows:

• Best Band Saw Under $200: SKIL 3386-01
• Best Band Saw Under $300 – $400: WEN 3962

These are good cheap band saws and are quite affordable. However, you cannot expect that even the best cheaper price band saws will have all of the  same features and perform as well and have all the functions as a good more expensive model.

Band Saw Buyer Guide

Let me guess, you probably have a lot of information on your mind right now and you have no idea which item to pick. With the following buyer guide, I hope to make your decision a lot more easier. These are the things you should look at closely when buying a band saw:

• Benchtop or freestanding: this is a pretty basic decision, when you are looking for band saws you should probably have an idea of where you are going to set it up in your house, so this depends on how much space you have available. If you are a beginner and you are not going to be using this item a lot them you should look at the benchtop models because this could save you a lot of space and it is a lot easier to store.
• Depth of throat at 90°: this is located between the inner edge of the blade and the throat of the saw. This is a personal decision because it depends on what you need the band saw for. As I said at the beginning, these models are not recommended for heavy duty use but you should know what you are going to be making in order to choose the size. If you are planning on working with large pieces then I suggest you look for bigger sizes.
• Maximum depth of cut at 90°: this is the distance between the table and the underside of the blade guide/guard, so this gives you an estimate of how tall a piece of wood can be when you are going to be working with the band saw. If you already have a project in mind, then this should be highly considered when picking a model.
• Maximum depth of cut at 45°: now this is basically the same as the previous point, the only thing that changes is the fact that it is the maximum cutting capacity at 45°. And again depending on your needs, this should be taken into count.
• Table Size: this is pretty important, this gives you an idea of how big your area of work is going to be, if you want to work with large pieces then you should look for models with large table sizes because the larger the table, the easier it is to hold and guide stock through the saw. I suggest you have a measuring tape around so you can actually see for yourself and this could prevent surprises at arrival.
• Table Tilt: if you are going to be working with band saws then you should know that some cuts need to be at a certain angle, so this tells you how far to the left and right you can tilt the table. The most common angles in this review are 10° to 45°, but in some models these change which gives you a bit more room for a few more angled cuts.
• Wheel diameter: on the other hand, this element is unknown for most of the models but this basically tells you how large the wheel is in order not to cause fatigue.
• Blade length: if you are going to be working with hardwoods then I suggest you look for bigger blades.
• Blade width: this depends on what kind of sawing you are going to be working with, so if you’re working with re-sawing, cant or cut-off sawing, I suggest you use the maximum blade width, in order to keep the cuts straight and accurate. But if you work with contour sawing, then I recommend you use a narrow blade.
• Blade speed: this is quite important too, this tells you how fast the blade can go. I suggest that you look for models that come with a two speed system. I think this is definitely the right way to go if you’re a beginner.
• Weight: if you are looking for freestanding models then you should be prepared for heavy boxes. This could be an issue if you are planning on moving this item quite a lot. You should know that benchtop band saws are a lot more lighter.
• HP: here’s the thing, if you intend to cut thin stocks, a smaller size motor will be enough but if you are planning on doing any resawing, then I suggest a more powerful motor.
• Light attachment: I personally think this is a great feature to have in a band saw, for some this is secondary but I recommend you go for a model that includes a work light. This will increase your sight on your project and it will create better finishes.
• Miter Gauge attachment: this is used to hold up the pieces of wood at a set angle while making cuts. This is more of a safety feature that I highly recommend especially if you’re just starting out.
• Rip Fence attachment: this attachment is a guide that helps you make even and precise cuts. I think this is a basic feature most beginners should consider.
• Warranty: this is something that’s important too, with these kinds of machines, it’s essential that you have at least 1 year of warranty. If there is a model that fits all of your needs and has a longer warranty then I recommend you choose that one.

 

I know that this is a lot to think about but I hope that this guide has helped you look at the important details!

How do you set up a band saw properly?

Describing how to set up a band saw can be tricky, so it is easier if you just watch the video below.

Do you think you are ready?

So are you finally ready to pick a model? I wanted to remind you that none of these models are made for heavy duty use, they are recommended for either beginners or DIYers. Lastly I wanted to recap on all my top picks in each price category.

But first here’s my overall pick from the whole review, the WEN 3966, this mode will surely please you and it has a great price too!

Here are my top picks:

• Under $200: SKIL 3386-01
• Under $300 – $400: WEN 3962
• Under $500: Jet 714000 JWB-10
• Under $600: WEN 3966
• Under $700: Grizzly G0555
• Under $800: RIKON 10-324
• Under $1000: Grizzly G0555 X

 

Each model has advantages and disadvantages but under that price category, they are the best pick!

Remember to review each model carefully! Now go out there and pick one!

Which of these do you like the best? Please leave a comment and lets me know.  Did you like this review? Please share it on social media.