TOP 12 best band saws: 2021-2022 rating by price/quality and which one to choose

When choosing a band saw, you should ask yourself a lot of questions. At a minimum, it is worth deciding what materials you will be working with, what size and thickness the workpieces will be, and how important the ergonomics of the tool are with the ability to work in hard-to-reach places.

The ranking of the best band saws in 2021-2022 was compiled based on user reviews and expert ratings.

At the same time, the reliability and quality of the design, the functionality of the tool and its price were taken into account.

This rating shows the best models of band saws in terms of price/quality ratio.

Rating of the TOP 12 best band saws of 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
TOP 12 best band saws for the home by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	BISON ZPL-350-190	Find out the price
2	Makita 2107FK	Find out the price
3	Makita DPB181Z	Find out the price
4	DeWALT DCS371N	Find out the price
5	Metabo MBS 18 LTX 2.5 0	Find out the price
6	Milwaukee BS 125	Find out the price
7	Milwaukee M12 BS-0	Find out the price
8	Milwaukee M18 CBS125-0	Find out the price
9	Enkor Corvette-31M	Find out the price
10	Milwaukee HD18 BS-0	Find out the price
11	Milwaukee M18 CBS125-502C	Find out the price
12	Milwaukee M12 BS-402C	Find out the price

Final finishing

The wooden saw is ready for use after assembly, but it is better to make a casing that covers the upper pulley.

This is not so much for aesthetic purposes as it is for safety - even if the tape slips off the pulley, it will remain in the casing.

It wouldn’t hurt to make a container for chips that is easy to take out and empty.

It is better to take the belt drive out from under the table so that sawdust does not fall on it. To protect the engine, it is also recommended to install a casing to prevent the penetration of dust and other particles.

Final treatment of the wood with varnish or paint will not only extend its service life, but also protect your hands from unpleasant rolling pins and splinters of untreated wood. First, all surfaces must be sanded and treated with antiseptics to prevent rotting.

The video provides an overview of a homemade wooden saw and explains the advantages of this solution:

How to choose a band saw for your home?

The main parameter that needs to be taken into account when purchasing a tool is what material it will work with.

Saws for wood have a vertical blade, and for metal, as a rule, a horizontal blade..

It is most optimal if the device specializes in cutting one thing, but can also be used to work with other materials.

Other important characteristics of band saws:

power - a device from 500 to 900 W is suitable for home, power from 900 W is typical for a semi-professional instrument;
speed - it is better if the device has 2-4 operating modes, which can be configured in accordance with the purposes and complexity of processing;
blade width - the thicker the tape, the coarser the workpieces it can handle; A 40 mm blade is considered average.

You should also pay attention to the frequency and size of the teeth: short and frequent ones are for metal sheets, long and sparse ones are for denser and thicker products.

Operating principle of a band saw machine

create very precise cuts
Cutting work on such equipment occurs under normal conditions, when the workpiece is located at a right angle to the axis of the equipment, or at an angle that cannot be more than 60 degrees.

To activate the additional mode, you must select a different location of the working unit or change the angle of the rotating frame. The use of an inclined cutting pattern allows you to process workpieces with less effort. In order not to encounter such an unpleasant phenomenon as overheating of saws during the operation, they resort to cutting fluid. It can be water or a liquid viscous composition, which must be continuously supplied to the blade of the blade, which will ensure its constant washing. In addition to the protective effect, such a liquid allows you to avoid rapid premature wear and also reduces the number of metal particles formed.

Among other useful features, it should be noted that such band saw machines can include special meshes, thanks to which you can remove chips and dust from the blade without interruption. Thanks to this option, you can ensure a better and smoother cut. The benefit of its use lies in the fact that it has a positive effect on the operational life of the saw and at the same time prevents the ingress of processing waste onto the operator.

Metal band saws offered today can be classified into the following types:

Carbonaceous. They are used when cutting unalloyed and alloyed steels;
Bimetallic. They have become widespread when using heavy cutting conditions;
Carbide. With their help, you can effectively cut difficult-to-cut metals. Most often, the latter are alloys containing large amounts of titanium and nickel;
Diamond. They can be used to cut abrasive materials.

TOP 12 best band saws for the home by price/quality for 2021-2022

BISON ZPL-350-190

A benchtop belt-type tool with an asynchronous motor and a power of 350 W is distinguished by its simplicity of design, ease of use and quality of processing wood and other materials..

The manufacturer names soft and hard wood, plastic, plywood, and chipboard as recommended materials, but you can also work with metal.

The device has a fairly reliable metal base, which ensures the stability and reliability of the saw.

Additional features include connecting a vacuum cleaner.

The angle of the surface is adjustable, so you can customize the table to suit your needs.

Before work, you can also adjust the thickness of the cut . For safe operation, a limit switch is provided, so the saw will not work when the door is open.

Specifications:

power: 350 W;
number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 190 mm;
operating speed: 15 m/s;
dimensions: 29x75x38 mm.

pros

reliable installation;
simplicity of design;
light weight;
compatibility with different materials;
quality of cut.

Minuses

one operating mode.

Makita 2107FK

Powerful and reliable tool from one of the most famous manufacturers of power tools.

The saw is suitable for working with wood, metal, rubber structures and for cutting pipes. It is light, small, stands stable on a table or any other flat surface and has a good power of 710 W.

When processing, the height and width of the cut are 120 mm . To work with different materials, there is a mechanical speed controller, which ensures smooth switching for safety and cutting quality.

A special feature of the tool is the presence of fluorescent illumination of the entire working area.

Its inclusion does not depend on the inclusion of the tool, so you can first adjust the light, and only then start cutting.

The kit includes a saw blade, a hexagon and a case.

Specifications:

power: 710 W;
number of modes: 2;
cutting width: 120 mm;
operating speed: 1 m/s;
dimensions: 523x188x269 mm.

pros

power;
ease;
quick change of blades using a clamping lever;
smooth gear shifting.

Minuses

low speed.

Makita DPB181Z

Cordless hand saw with powerful motor, light weight and ergonomics.

The electrical device is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a voltage of 18 V.

For safe operation, restart protection is provided.

The cutting speed is selected in accordance with the material with which you plan to work.

The device starts smoothly and gradually picks up speed . If the load reaches a peak, the engine speed is automatically stabilized.

For ease of work, the entire work area is illuminated.

Specifications:

power: 100 W;
number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 64 mm;
operating speed: 3.2 m/m.

pros

light weight;
quality of materials;
fast cutting;
does not heat up;
little waste (chips).

Minuses

no battery included;
one operating mode.

DeWALT DCS371N

Bright, lightweight, compact power tool with lithium-ion battery operation and hand-held design.

The model is designed for precise cutting of metal, aluminum and plastic and allows cutting even in hard-to-reach places.

Output power is 460 W. Operation is possible thanks to a lithium-ion battery with a voltage of 18 V.

Battery and charger are not included and must be purchased separately.

Using this model, you can carry out work even in fire hazardous environments: the formation of sparks when cutting metal is excluded.

Specifications:

power: 460 W;
number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 63 mm;
operating speed: 174 m/m.

pros

light weight;
you can work with metal;
high power;
ease of use.

Minuses

no battery included;
no speed control.

Metabo MBS 18 LTX 2.5 0

A band saw from a well-known German manufacturer is designed for working with metal and plastic.

It runs on an 18 V battery, which is not included in the package and must be purchased separately.

With this tool you can quickly and safely (without the risk of sparks) make very thin and clean cuts with high precision and cleanliness of work.

At the same time, “burrs” and burn marks do not remain on the product.

The maximum workpiece width that can be obtained using this tool is 63.5 mm.

Depending on the material used and the thickness of the workpiece, the speed can be adjusted using a switch for smooth speed changes.

When stored, the device does not take up much space, and operation does not require special skills or experience.

Specifications:

power: 460 W;
number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 64 mm;
operating speed: 174 m/m.

pros

Quick technology for quick change of equipment;
precise and neat cuts;
smooth speed control;
rubber pads on the handle for ease of use;
backlight

Minuses

no battery included;
price.

Milwaukee BS 125

High-performance and very powerful band saw with manual design for easy operation.

It has small dimensions, a convenient shape, a minimal level of vibration and practically does not heat up.

For comfortable operation, lighting of the entire working area and smooth speed adjustment are provided..

The speed switch is four-section, with a range of 0-116 m/min. The design of the gearbox protects the motor from getting stuck.

The technology of the model allows for quick blade changes without a key . The thrust sole is also adjusted manually without tools.

Specifications:

power: 1100 W;
number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 125 mm;
operating speed: 116 m/m.

pros

high power;
build quality;
motor protection against web jamming;
LED backlight.

Minuses

no battery included;
price.

Milwaukee M12 BS-0

The power tool with a manual design has a compact size and low weight, due to which cutting workpieces can be carried out even with one hand in a limited space.

A unique feature of the device is the REDLINK system, which protects it from overheating.

The manufacturer recommends using the saw for working with steel, stainless steel, copper, plastic and aluminum.

Cutting takes place quickly, accurately, without unnecessary vibration and with an optimal noise level, and the products are not damaged or have burrs.

Functionality includes backlighting, electronic engine protection and smooth speed control.

Specifications:

number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 41 mm;
operating speed: 85 m/m.

pros

electronic engine protection;
backlight;
smooth speed control;
cold and precise cutting;
light weight and dimensions.

Minuses

no battery included;
small depth of cut.

Milwaukee M18 CBS125-0

Battery-operated manual band saw with brushless motor and electronic safety system.

To use the device, you must purchase a battery and charger separately, which are not included in the package.

The model has a thin metal gearbox and bright illumination of the entire working area, making working with various materials comfortable and safe..

The device allows you to cut various workpieces, including metal ones.

The intelligent REDLINK PLUS system protects the tool from overload, increases productivity and extends battery life.

You can replace the blade during operation by pressing just one key.

Specifications:

number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 125 mm;
operating speed: 116 m/m.

pros

spindle lock;
high speed;
brushless motor;
five-stage speed control.

Minuses

price.

Enkor Corvette-31M

The budget machine with a power of 350 W and an asynchronous motor type has a stable and reliable aluminum alloy base, convenient design and easy to operate..

The working area is adjusted using an inclined mechanism and adjustment of the saw blade stabilizer.

There is also a desktop extension and the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner.

The cutting height is 80 mm . Cutting speed - 15 m/s. The noise level is 96 dB, quite high, but optimal compared to analogues.

There is no excessive vibration, heating or risk of sparks.

All necessary attributes, including a set of keys and a screwdriver, are included in the package.

Specifications:

power: 350 W;
number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 80 mm;
operating speed: 15 m/s;
dimensions: 300x360-520 mm (desktop).

pros

price;
dust collector;
you can connect a vacuum cleaner;
adjustable table;
doesn't heat up.

Minuses

one operating mode.

Milwaukee HD18 BS-0

The manual design of the band saw is equipped with illumination of the entire work area and provides a cutting height and width of 85 mm.

Convenient shape, small dimensions and low weight make the device suitable for working on the ground and in hard-to-reach places.

Motor overload protection and high performance are due to the introduction of REDLINK technology.

The thrust sole is adjustable without a key in one movement, which makes it easier to work near walls, ceilings and other places with limited space.

Replacing the blade, if necessary, is done by pressing one button.

Specifications:

number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 85 mm;
battery voltage: 18 V.

pros

runs on all Milwaukee® M18™ batteries;
backlight;
ergonomics and light weight;
Ease of Management;
ability to work in hard-to-reach places.

Minuses

no battery included;
one operating mode.

Milwaukee M18 CBS125-502C

A manual band saw is battery-powered and allows you to cut various workpieces, including metal.

The maximum height and width of the cut is 125 mm.

The delivery set includes 2 lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 5 Ah and a voltage of 18 V.

The advantages of the model are the presence of bright illumination of the entire working area, electronic motor protection, spindle lock.

The device is equipped with a brushless motor and has a five-stage speed control with a limit of 116 m/m.

The canvas changes by pressing one key.

Specifications:

number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 125 mm;
operating speed: 116 m/m.

pros

2 batteries included;
maximum section size 125x125 mm;
fast charging;
spindle lock;
hook for convenient storage.

Minuses

price;
heavy.

Milwaukee M12 BS-402C

The cordless band saw has an 18 TPI blade for precise cutting without sparks, burrs, noise, vibration or heat..

It allows work with products made of steel, stainless steel, copper, plastic and aluminum.

The cutting accuracy is determined by 8 ball bearings-guides . For convenience of work there is illumination of the working area, and for safety - electrical protection of the engine and smooth speed control.

The model is compact, lightweight and suitable for one-handed cutting in confined spaces.

The device is compatible with all Milwaukee® M12 series batteries.

Specifications:

number of modes: 1;
cutting width: 41 mm;
Battery capacity: 4 Ah.

pros

ergonomics;
build quality;
cutting accuracy;
no vibration or heating.

Minuses

price;
one operating mode.

Degrees of automation

A manual band saw for metal is similar in design and mechanism of action to a console saw. In this class of band saw machines, the saw blade moves with the help of the physical efforts of the worker or due to the own weight of the frame itself. Their advantages:

The cost of both the equipment itself and its maintenance and operation is quite low.
In most cases, cutting can be done at an angle of up to sixty degrees.

Flaws:

The manual method of lowering the saw frame leads to vibration of the saw during operation, which reduces the service life of the machine.
In most cases, there is no visual control of the degree of tension of the saw itself and the mechanisms responsible for cleaning the working platform.
When working manually, it is necessary to periodically adjust the cutting strip drive pulleys.

Most often, such manual devices for cutting metal on a band saw are used by small industrial production.

Semi-automatic metal band sawing machines, in which the mechanisms are driven by a hydraulic drive. From manual work, the operator can only feed the workpieces.

Work with a workpiece in a semi-automatic machine is performed in the following way:

After starting the band saw, the workpiece is automatically held.
A special hydraulic cylinder provides a certain cutting speed and pressure.
The saw blade rises automatically after reaching the bottom cutting point.

Automatic machines are used mainly in large enterprises for cutting a large number of workpieces. The main advantage of this device is that there is no need to use physical effort - the worker only has to put the part in a vice and set the necessary parameters for processing.

If the need arises, tape machines of this type can be easily switched to manual control mode.

Video: JET MBS-56CS – band sawing machine for metal.

Which company should you choose?

There are quite a few manufacturers of power tools: some have been on the market for a long time and have proven themselves well, others are gradually giving way to more modern brands, and others are confidently entering the market.

Experts and users name the following companies the best:

JET;
Makita;
Metabo;
DeWalt;
Bosch.

Each of the listed companies offers both simple tools for the home and professional lines.

Features of the band saw machine

General information

So, band saws allow for high-precision cuts, just like a jigsaw. Therefore, they are sometimes also called jigsaw band saws. The operating principle of these devices was developed back in the nineteenth century, and as we see, it remains relevant to this day.

Of course, modern devices in terms of design differ significantly from the first models, however, the basic technological features have remained unchanged. The main feature is a saw made in the form of a ring, which allows for both straight and curved cuts.

It must be said that this device effectively copes not only with precise cuts, but also with rough processing. Therefore, such machines are used for a wide variety of carpentry work; in particular, they are widespread in furniture factories and woodworking factories.

Pictured are band saw blades

Device

Many processing parameters depend on the characteristics of the machine itself

Therefore, when choosing equipment, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with its design and pay attention to some individual components

Each unit consists of the following main components:

C-shaped bed;
Lower and upper pulleys;
Working platform;
Guide elements;
Saw;
Electric motor;
Enclosing dampers.

In addition, the machines use brake mechanisms that allow you to instantly stop the sawing process. If the tape breaks, it is locked with a special locking device, which makes work safe. Another additional element is the guide ruler, which allows you to adjust the width of the cut.

Basic parameters of the saw blade

Main characteristics

The main element of the machine, which affects almost all processing parameters of the workpiece, is the saw. As for the machine itself, its parameters largely influence the ease of use and functionality.

As a rule, the canvas has the following dimensions:

Options	Dimensions, mm
Width	25-50
Thickness	0,9-1,1

True, there are saws with other parameters, however, to perform standard operations it is better to use blades that correspond to the above standard sizes.

Another important parameter of the saw is the material from which it is made. The most common saws are carbon steel.

In addition, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account the manufacturing technology, on which the hardness of the fabric depends.

According to this parameter, saw blades are divided into three types:

With hardened back;
With flexible back;
Uniformly hardened.

For production machines, another important parameter is the cutting speed of the workpiece. Typically, wood band saws operate at speeds of 700-900m per minute. It is at this speed that most blades with a typical interdental space are designed.

My choice

The first thing to do after assembling the Voronezh “ribbon” is to eliminate possible misalignment of the driven pulley. After which, the Encore Corvette 422 works even with a standard saw. Already at this stage, the novice master really feels the difference between an angle grinder and a bandsaw machine. But there is also a replacement of the engine, installation of a hydraulic cylinder, and many small upgrades ahead. In my opinion, this is an ideal option for a novice master.

I saw how, thanks to the capabilities of the semi-automatic JET EHB 270 DGSVIP, a small company coped with the main flow of work and managed to fulfill the orders of those customers who were placed at the back of a long queue by competitors. The machine is not cheap, but it is definitely worth the money.

Among industrial equipment, I highlight the domestically produced LPS 8535. A simple design determines the reliability of the unit, and a wide range of configurations allows the customer to receive a machine tailored to the needs of their production.

Wiring

Setting - the inclination or angle of rotation of the tooth relative to the plane of the blade, serves to ensure free movement of the blade and the tooth edge. There are different types of wiring. The standard setting consists of a repeating combination of teeth - right, left and straight. The right-left layout is especially often used for cutting soft materials such as non-ferrous metals, plastic, and wood. “Wave” layout is a special layout for cutting thin-walled profiles, small-diameter workpieces, pipes, etc. Combined wiring is used for cutting pipes, profiles with variable cross-sections and packages.

Form NORMAL (N). The tooth has a rake angle of 0°. Saws with this tooth shape are designed for cutting alloys with a high carbon content (such as cast iron), for materials with a small cross-section and for thin-walled profiles and pipes.

HOOK (H) shape. The tooth has a rake angle of 10°. Saws with this tooth shape are designed for cutting solid bars and thick-walled pipes made of alloy steel.

Form RP. The tooth has a rake angle of 16°. Saws with this tooth shape are designed for aggressive cutting of solid bars made of high-alloy steels, difficult-to-cut metals and non-ferrous alloys.

MASTER form. The tooth is manufactured in two versions at a rake angle of 10° and 16°. It has a longitudinally ground chamfer, which improves the roughness of the treated surface. Saws with this tooth shape are designed for cutting solid bars made of high-alloy steels.

The main reasons for premature failure of the belt web.

Chipping (knockout) of teeth
The saw pitch is too small.
Saw pitch too large.
The workpieces are not securely fastened.
Saw speed is too low, resulting in excessive penetration.
Feed pressure is too high, causing the saw to cut into the material too much.
Weak saw tension causes it to slip.
Slipping (stopping) of the saw under load, leading to excessive penetration of the saw into the material.
The saw cleaning brush is missing, does not work, or is worn out.

Cracks in tooth cavities.
Difficult movement of the saw in the guides and pulleys due to contamination of the pulleys or reduced clearance in the guides.
The gap between the guides is too large.
The guides are too far from the workpiece.
The side guides clamp the saw in the tooth gullet area.
Weak side guides cause the saw to tilt
Incorrect saw tension.

IN)

Cracks on the back of the saw.
Wear of the upper support bearing in the guides
High supply pressure.
Wear of side guides.
The blade is pressed against the pulley collar.

Beating (vibration) of the saw
Crooked weld.
The saw pitch is too much.
Missing teeth (broken).
Supply pressure too low or high.

Premature dulling of teeth.
The saw speed is too high for the material.
Saw pitch too small or too large
The saw blade is not parallel to the feed direction.
Defects on the side guides.
The guides are poorly secured or worn.

Non-perpendicular cut.
The saw blade is not parallel to the feed direction.
Large gap in guides.
The table surface is not perpendicular to the saw.
The vice is not perpendicular to the saw.
Low saw tension.
The side guides are poorly secured.

AND)

Burnt chips.
Big serve.
The saw cleaning brush does not work.
Dull saw.
No cooling.