Band Saw Types
Here’s a brief overview of the various types of band saws (sometimes colloquially referred to as wood band saws) and their use cases to help you determine which model is best for your needs.
Stationary Band Saws
A stationary band saw, which is sometimes called a floorstanding saw, is ideal for professionals, serious DIY enthusiasts, or anyone who works on a lot of heavy-duty projects and has the floor space to accommodate one. There are three main types:
- Vertical Band Saws: used for cutting wood, thin metal, MDF and more.
- Horizontal Band Saws: typically used for cutting metal pieces.
- Combination Band Saws: have an adjustable speed and can be used for cutting metal or wood.
Portable Band Saws
A portable bandsaw is a smaller version of the stationary bandsaw that is helpful for a variety of projects that are best performed on a jobsite. One of the most common uses for portable bandsaws is cutting metal or plastic pipe, rebar or electrical conduit. These types of saws can also be used for making decorative cuts.
Benchtop Band Saws
A benchtop saw is essentially a smaller version of a stationary band saw that’s designed to sit on top of a work bench or table. This type of saw is usually less expensive than a stationary saw and often has a smaller motor, which means it may not be as powerful. Tabletop band saws are ideal for occasional woodworkers or casual do-it-yourself enthusiasts who work in a small space such as a garage. Although benchtop saws are not necessarily portable, they can be stowed away when they’re not being used if space is limited in your work area.
Helpful Band Saw Accessories and Features
Here are some important things to look for when considering a new bandsaw.
- Table Length and Width: Many larger bandsaws include a table for supporting pieces as you push them into the blade. A saw table with more surface area will provide better stability, making cuts easier.
- Table Tilt Range: A table with an adjustable tilt will allow you to make more precise angled cuts. The greater the tilt range, the greater the versatility.
- Adjustable Stands: If you purchase a smaller bandsaw, placing it on a stand is helpful for making certain types of cuts, especially when working with larger pieces. A saw stand with an adjustable height and wheels for mobility is the most useful type.
- Dust Collection Features: Using a band saw can create a lot of dust, which can be a fire hazard and interfere with work. To combat excess dust, some models have a special blade design that channels waste into a bag or a port that can be hooked up to a shop vacuum hose.
Band Saws vs. Scroll Saws: Which Do I Need?
So which tool is better: a band saw or a scroll saw? Actually, both saws are incredibly useful tools to have in your workshop, but they’re simply intended for different purposes. Here’s a brief overview of each saw type.
- Band saws have blades that cut continuously, which makes them incredibly fast-cutting and efficient saws for tackling large pieces of lumber and other heavy-duty uses.
- Scroll saws have oscillating blades, which means they cut through materials more slowly and cleanly than band saws. Scroll saws are also smaller than band saws and are typically used for detail or ornamental work.
A miter saw is another useful woodworking tool. For more information about this type of saw, see our Compound Miter Saw Buying Guide. Also, chainsaws are helpful for jobs around the yard such as cutting fallen tree limbs. See our Chainsaw Chains and Chainsaw Bars Sizing Guide for additional information.