Band saws are specialist power tools, so certainly not something you need for day-to-day DIY, but for workshops or serious hobby enthusiasts, you shouldn’t be without one.
We’ve reviewed the best band saws you can buy in Australia right now, compared them, and put together a list of specs to keep an eye out for to make sure you choose not just the best band saw, but the right one for you, your space, and your work.
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Band Saws Buying Guide
What is a Band Saw?
Band saws, or ribbon saws, are exactly what they say on the tin. Rather than the pulsing stiff blade of a jigsaw, or rotating circular saw, band saws are designed for a constant, single directional cut.
They work with a toothed metal ribbon (usually steel) that passes between guides to create straight, but flexible cuts through timber, metal and plastic.
When to Use a Band Saw?
Band saws have a wide range of uses, from accurately cutting curved lines, to stripping down timber into batons and beams, or cutting through the length of timber.
They are designed to be used dry, but some metal band saws do have lubricants and water feeds to help reduce friction when cutting tough or brittle materials.
As we’ll explore later, there are quite a few different types of band saw, and they split into two main categories; workshop band saws (static band saws designed to sit on tables, or built into tables) and portable band saws, which are ideal for cutting through pipe to adjust plumbing, or remove old fence posts with ease.
What to Look for When Buying a Band Saw
Choosing the right band saw involves narrowing down your materials. If you’re a carpenter, then obviously you’ll need a band saw with an extractor for dust, and generally speaking, narrower bands are advisable for more versatile cutting.
For metal, wider blades can be helpful to reduce vibration and for straighter cuts with more control. But let’s cut down the confusion, and look at the most important difference between different band saws:
Blade width
Different blades suit different materials, but the most important factor in selecting the right blade width is the radius of the curve you plan on cutting.
For example, a 25mm blade is ideal for straighter cuts, but can cope with curves with a radius of 175m. For really tight curves, with a radius or 3-8mm you’ll need a 3mm blade.
Many band saws won’t take 3mm blades, so finding one that does opens up more options. However, most band saws will take a selection of blade sizes, so check each model for its blade options before purchasing.
The more choice you have, the wider the range of projects you can undertake with one tool.
Power
As a rule of thumb, tabletop, or freestanding band saws have more power than hand held band saws. The power is relative to the motor, and the power source.
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For DIYers and hobbyists, 1HP is probably enough, but for contractors and professional crafters a larger tool with 2HP gives more flexibility, and less likelihood of the blade catching, jumping or jamming as it is better equipped to cope with tough and brittle materials.
Cutting capacity
Cutting capacity is determined by ‘throat’ and ‘depth’. The Throat measurement of a band saw is the distance between the frame and the blade itself.
If your cut is deeper into your material than the throat, your band saw simply won’t fit. Cutting depth identifies the space between the entry and exit point of the blade, and gauges the thickness of the materials it can cope with.
Because the blade has a constant motion, you can cut through anything as long as it is smaller than the exposed portion of the blade.
Materials
Band saws can cut a variety of materials, but some are designed for timber, while others are designed for metal. Cutting through plastic won’t be a problem for any band saw, but it’s important to be sure you’re buying a band saw that’s suited to either metal or woodwork.
Different Types of Band Saws
So, we know how to understand the specs on band saw listings, but what’s the real difference between portable and static band saws, and what are the limitations of each?
As well as that, static band saws come as both horizontal and vertical tools. Each has unique advantages and disadvantages.
Portable Band Saws
Portable band saws are small, reasonably lightweight, and can be incredibly convenient for outdoor work, or working on the move. However, their size massively limits their capabilities.
For plumbers and landscapers, they are a useful tool to quickly remove old pipework or stubborn posts, but the throat size and cutting depth are very important as they are not adaptable.
Portable band saws also tend to have more limited blade options, and are generally used for straight cuts, rather than curved ones.
Machine / Static Band Saws
Static band saws, either freestanding, or table mounted, are much more versatile in terms of how they can be used, and will generally cut a wider range of materials.
However, they are large machines, and need dedicated space.
Vertical Band Saws
Vertical band saws are the most common type of freestanding band saw. They are the best for cutting curves, and intricate detail. Vertical band saws have more choice too, with more DIY models sold than commercial models.
Horizontal Band Saws
Horizontal band saws are generally used for straight cuts, with the materials clamped in place and the blade itself used to saw through, or onto the material.
They are useful for planing timber and accurately cutting through metal sheets.
Band Saws Safety Guide
There are so many types of band saw that it’s impossible to give a guide on how to use each, but there are some safety considerations that are universally important across all designs:
- Wear protective goggles
- Use cutting blocks to protect your hands
- Be aware of wires, and remove obstacles from your immediate surroundings
- Be aware of shut off switches in case of emergency
- Secure timber with clamps for static or horizontal band saws
- Only use static band saws on level ground
Workshop and Portable Band Saw Reviews
We are currently reviewing new models and will update this post shortly.
Band Saws Frequently Asked Questions
How does a band saw blade work?
Band saws work by driving a blade on a continuous loop around guide wheels. They will always cut in a single direction making them able to handle thicker materials than most saws, and are used in industrial timber manufacturing to prepare logs into usable timber for that reason.
Can you cut straight with a band saw?
Band saws are adaptable tools, primarily designed for curved cuts, but they are capable of straight and accurate cuts if they are set up properly.
To prepare a band saw for straight cuts, use the widest blade possible, and slightly increase the tension (within the safety guidance on your tool).
Which direction should band saw teeth face?
Band saw teeth should point in the direction of the cut. So for vertical band saws, the exposed teeth should be facing downwards, and towards the user.
Never pull timber backwards through a band saw, and always check the saw is installed properly before use.
How do you stop a band saw blade from wobbling?
Band saws are brilliant tools, but for DIY users they can often sit unused for long periods. Over this time, the blade will take the shape of the wheels.
This can cause irregular cuts, and potential problems with alignment. For safety, remove blades from band saws when not in use. Follow this band saw maintenance tips for more info.
Different saws have different functions. For other types of saws, see our product review and buying guides below:
Pick the Best Band Saw for Your Needs
Band saws are one of those tools that you don’t know you need, until you’ve used one. There are very few alternatives that can do what they do, and finding the best band saw for you will make a big difference in your workshop.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional crafter, the best band saws will make a massive difference to your productivity, and can vastly improve the quality of your work – especially if you’re making things on a big scale, or in bulk, and want to reproduce accurate duplicates every time.
Published on August 27, 2022 by Gary Clarke
Last Updated on October 7, 2024
