Best Band Saws for the Workshop: 7 Top Picks for Every Budget

A band saw is the most versatile stationary tool in any woodshop. It resaws lumber, cuts curves, rips stock, and handles joinery. No other single tool covers that much ground. But here's the truth: most "best band saw" lists just rank by price and call it a day. That's useless if you're a hobbyist who doesn't need a 300-pound floor model, or a pro who'll outgrow a benchtop unit in a month.

We looked at throat depth, resaw capacity, blade guides, vibration, and actual user feedback to pick the best band saws across every category. Whether you're spending $160 or $1,800, there's a clear winner for your situation.

Quick Picks: Best Band Saws at a Glance

• Best Overall: JET JWBS-14SFX. 13" resaw, rock-solid steel frame, virtually zero vibration.
• Best Value: Grizzly G0555LX. Full 14" floor-standing capability under $1,000.
• Best Budget: WEN BA3959 9". A functional band saw for under $200.
• Best for Small Shops: RIKON 10-3061 10". Benchtop size with 5" resaw and tool-less guides.
• Best Mid-Range: WEN BA3962 10". 6" resaw with included stand at a fair price.
• Best for Serious Woodworkers: RIKON 10-326 14". 13" resaw, two speeds, five-year warranty.
• Best Premium: Laguna 14|BX. Ceramic guides, disc brake, whisper-quiet operation.

What Actually Matters in a Band Saw

Before the reviews, here's what separates a good band saw from a frustrating one:

Resaw capacity is the maximum height of cut. If you want to slice thick boards into thinner ones (resawing), you need at least 6 inches. Serious resawing demands 12-13 inches.

Throat depth is the distance from the blade to the frame, and it determines the widest board you can cut. A 14" band saw has roughly 13.5" of throat.

Blade guides keep the blade tracking straight. Cheap saws use simple roller guides. Better saws use ball-bearing or ceramic guides that reduce friction and last longer.

Vibration ruins cuts. Heavier cast-iron frames and balanced wheels dampen vibration. If a saw vibrates, no amount of blade tuning will save your cuts.

Motor power matters most for resawing hardwoods. A 1/3 HP motor handles scroll work fine, but you want at least 1 HP for resawing anything thicker than 4 inches.

Our Top Picks

JET JWBS-14SFX 14-Inch Steel Frame Bandsaw (Best Overall)

JET JWBS-14SFX 14-Inch Steel Frame Bandsaw (Best Overall)

Woodworkers who want a professional 14" saw that handles everything

BrandJET

TypeFloor-standing bandsaw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage115/230V, 1-3/4 HP

Weight272 lbs

Warranty2-year JET warranty

Pros

• Massive 360 sq. in. cast-iron table provides excellent workpiece support
• 13" resaw capacity handles the thickest stock you'll encounter
• Welded steel frame virtually eliminates vibration
• Dual 4" dust ports for effective dust collection

Cons

• Blade not included, so budget an extra $30-50
• At 272 lbs, you'll need help moving it into position
• Premium price point above $1,600

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

The JET JWBS-14SFX is the band saw we'd recommend to anyone building a serious workshop. The tubular steel welded frame weighs 272 pounds, and that weight translates directly into stability. Vibration is practically nonexistent, which means cleaner cuts and less blade drift during resawing.

The 360 square inches of cast-iron table surface gives you genuine workpiece support, not the cramped platforms you get on cheaper saws. With 13 inches of resaw capacity and the ability to run blades up to 3/4" wide, this saw handles everything from delicate scroll work to ripping 12/4 hardwood.

The dual 4-inch dust ports are a nice touch. Band saws are notorious dust generators, and JET actually engineered the collection system instead of tacking on an afterthought port.

Grizzly G0555LX 14" Deluxe Bandsaw (Best Value)

Grizzly G0555LX 14" Deluxe Bandsaw (Best Value)

Hobbyists who want a full 14" floor-standing band saw under $1,000

BrandGrizzly Industrial

TypeFloor-standing bandsaw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage110V/220V, 1 HP

Weight218 lbs

Warranty1-year Grizzly warranty

Pros

• Full 14" floor-standing band saw under $1,000 at exceptional value
• Computer-balanced cast-iron wheels for smooth, vibration-free cuts
• Two blade speeds (1,800/3,100 FPM) for versatile material handling
• Quick-release tensioner and rack-and-pinion guide post adjustment

Cons

• Stock 3/8" blade is mediocre, so plan to replace it immediately
• 6" resaw capacity limits what you can slice
• 14" x 14" table feels small for larger workpieces

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

The Grizzly G0555LX proves you don't need to spend over a grand to get a legitimate 14-inch band saw. Computer-balanced cast-iron wheels deliver smooth operation, and the two blade speeds (1,800 and 3,100 FPM) let you optimize for different materials. Use the slower speed for metals and plastics, the faster for ripping wood.

The quick-release blade tensioner and rack-and-pinion guide post adjustment make blade changes faster than on most saws in this price range. The precision-ground cast-iron table tilts 10 degrees left and 45 degrees right.

The main limitation is 6 inches of resaw capacity. That's enough for most hobbyist work: you can resaw a 2x6 or slice veneers from thinner boards. But if you regularly resaw 8/4 or thicker stock, you'll want the JET or RIKON 10-326 instead.

WEN BA3959 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw (Best Budget)

WEN BA3959 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw (Best Budget)

Beginners and occasional users who need an affordable band saw for curved cuts

BrandWEN

TypeBenchtop bandsaw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage120V, 2.8 Amp

Weight42 lbs

Warranty2-year WEN warranty

Pros

• Under $200, the lowest entry point for a functional band saw
• Lightweight and compact enough to store on a shelf
• Includes rip fence, miter gauge, and dust port
• Two-year warranty from WEN

Cons

• 3-1/2" cutting depth makes resawing impossible
• Accepts only blades up to 3/8" wide
• Underpowered for hardwoods and thick stock

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

Let's be honest about what a $160 band saw can and can't do. The WEN BA3959 won't resaw lumber or cut through 3-inch hardwood without complaining. What it will do is give you a real band saw experience: curved cuts, scroll work, and cutting irregular shapes at a price point that makes it a no-brainer for beginners.

It comes with a rip fence, miter gauge, and 2-1/2" dust port out of the box. The table bevels to 45 degrees. At 42 pounds, you can slide it onto a shelf when you're done. For someone who's never used a band saw and wants to learn the basics before investing in a floor model, this is the right starting point.

RIKON 10-3061 10" Deluxe Bandsaw (Best for Small Shops)

RIKON 10-3061 10" Deluxe Bandsaw (Best for Small Shops)

Small-shop woodworkers who want real capability in a benchtop form factor

BrandRIKON Power Tools

TypeBenchtop bandsaw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage115V, 1/2 HP (5.5 Amp)

Weight77.5 lbs

Warranty5-year RIKON warranty

Pros

• 5" resaw and 1/2" blade capacity in a benchtop size, which is impressive
• Tool-less spring-loaded guide system for quick blade changes
• Two blade speeds for wood, plastic, and soft metals
• Five-year warranty, the best in class

Cons

• Fence alignment can be finicky out of the box
• 77.5 lbs is heavy for a benchtop unit and not truly portable
• 9-5/8" throat limits maximum workpiece width

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

The RIKON 10-3061 punches well above its weight class. In a benchtop form factor, you get 5 inches of resaw capacity, blades up to 1/2" wide, and RIKON's patented spring-loaded tool-less guide system that makes blade changes genuinely fast instead of a 20-minute ordeal.

Two blade speeds (1,515 and 3,280 FPM) give you flexibility across materials. The 1/2 HP motor won't match a floor model, but it handles most hobbyist resawing in hardwoods without bogging down. Just feed slowly.

The five-year warranty is the best in its class and signals that RIKON stands behind the build quality. If your shop is a one-car garage or basement corner and a floor model isn't practical, this is the band saw to get.

WEN BA3962 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw (Best Mid-Range)

WEN BA3962 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw (Best Mid-Range)

DIYers who want a step up from 9" saws with a stand included

BrandWEN

TypeBenchtop bandsaw with stand

Power SourceCorded

Voltage120V, 3.5 Amp

Weight81 lbs

Warranty2-year WEN warranty

Pros

• 6" resaw capacity is impressive for this price range
• Includes stand, worklight, fence, miter gauge, and dust port
• Accepts blades up to 1/2" wide
• Two-year warranty and solid WEN customer support

Cons

• Cast aluminum table is less durable than cast iron
• 3.5-amp motor may struggle with hardwoods at full resaw depth
• Stand can feel slightly wobbly under aggressive cuts

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

The WEN BA3962 hits a sweet spot that's hard to argue with. For around $350, you get 6 inches of resaw capacity (matching the Grizzly G0555LX floor model), plus a stand, worklight, fence, miter gauge, and a 3-in-1 dust port adapter. That's a lot of saw for the money.

Two speeds (1,520 and 2,620 FPM) and 1/2" blade capacity put this firmly above the budget benchtop category. The 14-1/8" x 12-1/2" table provides decent work surface, and the included stand means you're not sacrificing bench space.

The trade-off is the cast aluminum table instead of cast iron. It's lighter and less rigid, but for a hobbyist who isn't running this saw eight hours a day, it's a reasonable compromise at this price.

RIKON 10-326 14" Deluxe Bandsaw (Best for Serious Woodworkers)

RIKON 10-326 14" Deluxe Bandsaw (Best for Serious Woodworkers)

Dedicated woodworkers who need full resaw capacity with premium build quality

BrandRIKON Power Tools

TypeFloor-standing bandsaw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage115/230V, 1-3/4 HP

Weight256 lbs

Warranty5-year RIKON warranty

Pros

• 13" resaw capacity matches saws costing significantly more
• Tool-less guide system with the fastest blade changes in its class
• Quick-adjust fence with tall 6" rip fence for stable resawing
• Five-year warranty from RIKON

Cons

• Fence requires careful initial calibration out of the box
• 256 lbs, so you'll need a friend and a furniture dolly
• Mobile base not included (sold separately)

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

The RIKON 10-326 gives you nearly everything the JET does (13" resaw, 3/4" blade capacity, cast-iron table) and adds a few things JET doesn't: two blade speeds and a five-year warranty.

The patented spring-loaded tool-less guide system is a genuine time-saver. Changing blades on a 14" band saw usually involves wrenches and swearing. RIKON's system makes it a quick, clean process. The quick-adjust fence with its 6-inch tall rip fence is purpose-built for resawing, providing the tall reference surface you need to keep thick stock straight.

Two blade speeds (1,445 and 2,950 FPM) give you the flexibility to cut non-ferrous metals at the slower speed, something the JET can't do without a pulley swap.

The price typically falls a couple hundred dollars below the JET, making it the smarter buy for woodworkers who also occasionally cut aluminum or brass.

Laguna 14|BX Bandsaw (Best Premium)

Laguna 14|BX Bandsaw (Best Premium)

Woodworkers who want the quietest, smoothest-cutting 14" band saw available

BrandLaguna Tools

TypeFloor-standing bandsaw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage110V (1.75 HP) / 220V (2.5 HP)

Weight270 lbs

Warranty5-year Laguna warranty

Pros

• Ceramic blade guides produce the smoothest, quietest cuts in this class
• Foot-operated disc brake for quick, safe blade stops
• One-piece cast-iron frame eliminates vibration
• Excellent dust collection with 4" port

Cons

• Blade not included, so budget extra
• 220V version (2.5 HP) requires a dedicated circuit
• Most expensive 14" band saw on this list

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

The Laguna 14|BX is the band saw you buy when you care about the cutting experience, not just the specs. Laguna's ceramic blade guide system produces noticeably smoother, quieter cuts than the ball-bearing guides on the JET and RIKON. You can hear the difference immediately.

The foot-operated disc brake is a safety feature no other saw on this list offers. It stops the blade quickly when you need to clear a cutoff or reposition, and it becomes second nature after a few sessions.

The one-piece cast-iron frame is heavy and rigid. Combined with the ceramic guides, this saw produces the cleanest cuts of any 14" model we've seen. If you're cutting veneers or doing detail work where surface finish matters, the Laguna earns its premium.

That said, the 12" resaw capacity is an inch less than the JET and RIKON, and at nearly $2,000, you're paying a significant premium for the refinement. For most woodworkers, the RIKON 10-326 or JET deliver 95% of the performance at a lower price.

Band Saw Buying Guide: How to Choose

Match the saw to your work

• Scroll work and curves only: A 9" benchtop (WEN BA3959) is enough.
• General woodworking with light resawing: A 10" benchtop with 5-6" resaw (RIKON 10-3061 or WEN BA3962).
• Regular resawing and thick stock: A 14" floor model is non-negotiable (Grizzly G0555LX minimum).
• Production resawing: You need 12-13" resaw capacity (JET, RIKON 10-326, or Laguna).

Don't cheap out on blades

This is the single biggest upgrade you can make to any band saw. The stock blades that ship with most saws are mediocre. A quality 1/2" Timberwolf or Starrett blade on a $300 saw will outcut a stock blade on a $1,000 saw. Budget $25-40 for a good blade and consider it part of the purchase price.

Check your electrical

Floor-standing band saws often run on 115V or 230V. The 230V option draws less amperage and runs the motor more efficiently. If you have (or can add) a 230V outlet in your shop, use it.

Think about dust collection

Band saws throw fine dust everywhere. Look for a 4" dust port, which connects directly to standard shop vacuum hose or dust collector ducting. Saws with only 2-1/2" ports work with shop vacs but won't keep up during extended resawing.

Common Questions

What size band saw do I need?

For most home woodworkers, a 14-inch band saw is the sweet spot. It gives you enough throat depth for wide boards and enough resaw capacity (6-13" depending on the model) for real work. A 9-10" benchtop works if you only do curved cuts and light work.

Can a band saw replace a table saw?

Not entirely, but it comes close. A band saw resaws, cuts curves, and rips stock. It can't make dado cuts or handle sheet goods as easily as a table saw. Many woodworkers consider the band saw their most important tool and add a table saw later.

How often should I change the blade?

When cuts start drifting, the blade dulls visibly, or you notice more burning on the wood. For hobbyists, a good blade lasts months. For daily use, expect to change blades every few weeks. Keep a sharp backup on hand.

Do I need a floor-standing model?

If you resaw lumber regularly or work with stock thicker than 5-6 inches, yes. Benchtop models max out at 5-6" resaw capacity and lack the power and stability for sustained heavy cuts.

Final Thoughts

For most woodworkers building a shop, the RIKON 10-326 or JET JWBS-14SFX are the saws to build around. They'll handle everything you throw at them for years and won't limit your growth as your skills develop.

If budget is tight, the Grizzly G0555LX gets you into a real 14" floor model under a grand. Replace the stock blade and you've got a seriously capable saw.

And if you're just getting started and want to learn what a band saw can do before committing, the WEN BA3959 at $160 is the lowest-risk way in. You'll know within a few months whether you want to upgrade, and you'll have the skills to choose wisely when you do.