Which Band Saw Is Right For Me?

There are two essential Band Saws on the market, floor models and bench-top models. If you guessed that the floor models are more expensive, you're right, but they're also far more accurate and reliable in the long run. Bench-top models can be used on a bench or you can make a bench out of wood for the saw. These generally are a little less accurate, but cheaper overall.

One of the largest models is the Powermatic 1791260 2415-3 24" Band Saw on the left. This 24” band saw has a fan cooled motor to keep out dust and ensure a longer life for the saw itself. The table tilts 45 degrees to the right and 10 degrees to the left for beveled cuts. For safety, the Powermatic features a foot brake for rapid stops. The entire thing is made of solid steel and cast iron to provide stability and durability. The blade housing will hold anything from 1/4” to 1-1/2”. You'll need a space to hold it 34-3/8” x 39”, which is not small, but the Powermatic is sure to live up to the cutting power needed for any cutting of wood or similar thin materials.

A wee bit smaller is the Delta 28-475X X5 14" Band Saw with Closed Stand on the right.This is one of the most popular band saws on the market and features a 1-1/2 HP motor, a blade housing for anything from 1/4” to 3/4” max. This saw is made more for fine cuts on wood, but has a 13-3/4” throat, which means with the right blade it's just as powerful for rough cuts. It also has a miter gauge groove, but you'll have to supply your own., the Delta is a great saw for a small woodworking shop or garage. Nevertheless