8 Best Band Saws for 2024 | Australian 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.

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

1. Woodworm WWBS250 Electric Wood Band Saw

Woodworm’s electric wood band saw is an upgrade on the tool I learned to saw with many, many moons ago. This upgraded model is packed with clever features, including a clever little flexible LED lamp that points down at your work and is really easy to adjust.

The internal workings are no different to the traditional tools we used to use though, which gives me complete trust in this affordable workshop tool.

2. Macc MB-411CSO-3 3-Phase Swivel Head Band Saw

Macc doesn't make DIY tools. They make professional tools for industrial use, and they’re priced accordingly, but we wanted to include a pro model because we believe in this brand, and we know there are some users out there that will be focused on this price range.

If you’re looking for tools that can cope with anything you throw at them, then the swivel-headed band saw by Macc is the best you will find. It can cut pretty much any material, and up to 400mm deep rectangular pieces.

Even at its max mitre range (60 degrees) it can cut through 140mm cylinders.

3. Makita 2107FK Portable Band Saw

This Makita band saw is perfect for serious DIYers. Its durable casing, ergonomic handles, and wide throat give plenty of options for its user, and it’s really simple to set up and change the blade.

If you want a sturdy, trustworthy tool for a reasonable price, then you can’t go far wrong with this Makita band saw, which is ideal for ripping timber and cutting through pipes or overhead branches.

4. Milwaukee M18CBS125S-0 Cordless Band Saw

Milwaukee really does excel at portable power tools like this portable band saw. Its 18V battery might not sound much but it produces a supremely smooth cut on most materials, and has a wide throat that can cope with 127mmx127mm materials pretty comfortably.

This Milwaukee band saw's throat is fitted with an LED lamp to illuminate the cutting area, which I initially thought was a little gimmicky, but have to admit, is really useful.

Even in good light, it is useful to have that extra brightness focused on cut markings.

5. Milwaukee M12BS-0 Cordless Band Saw

This small Milwaukee band saw, is a perfect tool for some jobs, but much too small for others. If you’ve got tough metal bars to cut through, or overhead branches this is ideal, but for anything larger than 41.3mm it’s just not big enough.

The advantage of the narrow cutting width is that you get more control, and a higher degree of safety from this tool than most hand-held band saws. If you value safety over versatility though, this is a really good tool, and very good at what it does.

The problem is that it just doesn’t do very much.

6. Metaltech MTMCB115 Heavy Duty Band Saw

This horizontal band saw from Metaltech is designed for metal work, and can cut up to 110mm pipe, or through a 150mm thick steel bar at a 90-degree cut.

Like all good metal band saws, this can cut perfect mitres too, and works with any materials under 100mm when set up properly.

It's a bulky machine, so it needs some considered space in a garage or workshop that won’t get in the way, but if you’ve got the space, there aren’t many tools that can do the same job for this price.

7. Metaltech MTMCB181 Industrial Band Saw

If you work regularly with metal, whether it’s for DIY, craft, or industrial purposes, then there are few tools that can handle the same cutting specs as the Metaltech MTMCB181.

It’s clever, and very convenient, wheeled base is ideal for larger workshops where it can be stored to the side, or wheeled out for larger jobs where the materials are being cut down from longer lengths.

8. ITM UE712A Single Phase Horizontal & Vertical Cut Band Saw

The ITM UE712A is pretty outstanding for the lower-priced commercial band saws. It’s best used for metals, but can cut timber and plastics too, including the option to rip down timber.

The big selling point of the ITM band saw is that it can be used as a horizontal band saw, and a vertical one thanks to the clever folding tables. If you appreciate versatility, I’m sure this dramatically adjustable band saw will take your fancy.

Woodworm’s carpentry tools are impeccably put together and perfect for carpenters on a budget. As well as high-powered table saws, their cheaper range of band saws and free-standing saw tables are outstandingly efficient, and packed with safety features and modern upgrades on traditional band saw tables.

If you want something compact but capable for your home workshop, this is definitely the best band saw you’ll find for small spaces.

I love the diversity of band saws but it does make it challenging to choose between them, with some costing well over $20,000, and others costing around $400.

The Macc MB-41CSO03 sits somewhere in the middle but has so many useful features that it feels like a significantly more expensive tool. 

If you’re serious about woodworking and want a permanent tool that you’ll use on a daily basis for work or hobbies, then this has to be the best premium band saw you out there.

There are cheaper portable band saws out there but there are few that can cope with the cutting widths of the Makita 2107FK.

This versatile, durable and safe portable band saw is ideal for domestic use, and for using around the garden. It’s corded, so it doesn't need batteries, and the blade is super simple to change. 

Realistically, but most band sawing jobs around the house, these portable tools are significantly better investments than the static saws, which are most useful for preparing timbers and metal for other uses.

The portable saws can still do much of that, but are also able to be used on the move.

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: 

• Table saws
• Concrete saws
• Reciprocating saws
• Circular saws
• Mitre saws and Mitre saw stands