Vertical band saws are a common tool used in many workshops and manufacturing plants. These saws are designed to make precise cuts in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. The vertical orientation of the blade allows for greater control and accuracy when cutting, making it an ideal choice for many projects.
When considering purchasing a vertical band saw, there are a few critical factors to keep in mind. The first is the size of the saw itself. Depending on the size of the materials you will be cutting, you may need a larger or smaller saw to get the job done. Additionally, the power of the motor and the speed of the blade can also affect the performance of the saw.
Another important consideration is the type of blade that comes with the saw. Different blade types are designed to cut through different materials, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs. Blade width and tooth count are also factors to consider when selecting a blade.
We researched and tested several vertical band saws to determine which ones offer the best combination of power, precision, and ease of use. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at our top picks and what makes them stand out from the rest.
Best Vertical Band Saws
If you’re in the market for a vertical band saw, there are a lot of options to choose from. These versatile tools are great for cutting curves and irregular shapes in a variety of materials, from wood to metal. To help you find the best vertical band saw for your needs, we’ve put together a list of our top picks. Check out the options below to find the perfect saw for your workshop.
WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
If you’re looking for a compact and powerful band saw, the WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw might be the one for you. It’s perfect for both intricate and powerful cuts, and it comes with a variety of features to make your woodworking experience more enjoyable.
Pros
- The 2.8-amp motor rotates the blade up to 2500 feet per minute, making it easy to cut through a variety of materials.
- You can create cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide, giving you plenty of room to work with.
- The spacious 12-1/4 x 11-7/8-inch work table can be beveled up to 45 degrees, allowing you to make angled cuts with ease.
Cons
- The blade that comes with the saw might not be the best quality, so you may need to purchase a replacement blade for better results.
- The dust port might not be as effective as you’d like, so you may need to clean up more sawdust than you’d prefer.
- The saw is relatively heavy at 41.3 pounds, so it might not be as portable as you’d like.
The WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw is a great choice for anyone who needs a compact and powerful saw for their woodworking projects. The motor is strong enough to handle a variety of materials, and the work table is spacious enough to accommodate larger pieces of wood. The bevel feature is also a nice touch, allowing you to make angled cuts with ease. However, the blade that comes with the saw might not be the best quality, so you may need to purchase a replacement blade for better results. Additionally, the dust port might not be as effective as you’d like, so you may need to clean up more sawdust than you’d prefer. Finally, the saw is relatively heavy at 41.3 pounds, so it might not be as portable as you’d like. Overall, though, the WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw is a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful saw for their woodworking projects.
JET HVBS-712 Metal Bandsaw
If you’re looking for a reliable metal bandsaw that can handle a variety of materials, the JET HVBS-712 is a great option. With its adjustable material stop and rapid action vise, you can achieve repeatable cuts with ease.
Pros
- The 9″x12″ work table is a great size for most projects and is sturdy enough to handle heavy materials.
- The rapid action vise allows you to quickly and easily adjust the angle of your cuts up to 45 degrees.
- The storage cabinet and chip tray are a nice addition, keeping your workspace clean and organized.
Cons
- The fixed wheels make it difficult to move around, so you may need to invest in a dolly or other moving solution.
- The vertical option can be a bit sketchy and may require some extra caution when using.
- The blade can be difficult to change, so make sure you have the right tools on hand.
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy metal bandsaw, the JET HVBS-712 is a great option. It’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, with its adjustable material stop and rapid action vise making it easy to achieve precise cuts every time. The 9″x12″ work table is a great size for most projects, and the storage cabinet and chip tray keep your workspace clean and organized. However, the fixed wheels can make it difficult to move around, and the vertical option may take some extra caution to use safely. Overall, the JET HVBS-712 is a great investment for anyone looking for a reliable metal bandsaw.
JET J-8203K Vertical Bandsaw
If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable vertical bandsaw, the JET J-8203K is a great option. With its powerful motor and adjustable table, it can handle a variety of materials and cutting angles.
Pros
- Comes with 14 TPI metal and 6 TPI wood cutting blades for versatile cutting options
- Features a solid one-piece steel base for added stability during use
- Table tilts 45° right and 15° left for adjustable cutting angles
Cons
- At 280 pounds, it may be difficult to move around your workspace
- May not be the best option for heavy-duty industrial use
- Some users may find the price point to be higher than other vertical bandsaws on the market
The JET J-8203K is a great choice for those who need a reliable and versatile vertical bandsaw. Whether you’re cutting wood, plastic, or metal, this machine can handle it all. The adjustable table allows for precise cutting angles, and the solid one-piece steel base ensures stability during use. However, it may not be the best option for heavy-duty industrial use or for those who need a more portable machine. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality vertical bandsaw that can handle a variety of materials, the JET J-8203K is definitely worth considering.
RIKON Power Tools 15-400
Looking for a versatile and powerful metal cutting bandsaw? Look no further than the RIKON Power Tools 15-400. This saw is perfect for those who need a tool that can handle a variety of metals and can be used in both horizontal and vertical positions.
Pros
- The 3/4HP motor provides plenty of power for cutting through tough metals.
- The hands-free setting and auto-off safety paddle switch make this saw easy and safe to use.
- The ability to be used horizontally or vertically gives you more flexibility in your workspace.
Cons
- The blade speeds may not be suitable for all types of metal cutting.
- The saw is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around your workspace.
- The brake feature may not be necessary for all users.
The RIKON Power Tools 15-400 is a great choice for those who need a metal cutting bandsaw that can handle a variety of metals and can be used in both horizontal and vertical positions. With a powerful motor, hands-free setting, and auto-off safety paddle switch, this saw is easy and safe to use. However, the blade speeds may not be suitable for all types of metal cutting, and the saw is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around your workspace. Overall, if you need a versatile and powerful metal cutting bandsaw, the RIKON Power Tools 15-400 is definitely worth considering.
HRT2 3 Speed Vertical Band Saw
If you need a versatile metal cutting band saw, the HRT2 3 Speed Vertical Band Saw is a great option.
Pros
- Adjustable horizontal and vertical positions allow for accurate cuts on workpieces up to 4 in. x 6 in. (rectangle) and 4-1/2 in. (round)
- Three speeds available to cut everything from brass and aluminum to rugged alloy and tool steels
- Gravity feed cutting pressure adjustment in horizontal position for precise cuts
Cons
- Stand is a bit flimsy and may need reinforcement
- Blade tension knob may be prone to breaking
- Some reviewers have reported difficulty with getting straight cuts and keeping the blade on the saw
The HRT2 3 Speed Vertical Band Saw is a solid choice for metalworkers who need a machine that can handle a variety of materials and cuts. The adjustable positions and three speeds give you a lot of versatility in your work, and the gravity feed cutting pressure adjustment ensures that you can make precise cuts. However, the stand may need some reinforcement to make it sturdier, and the blade tension knob may not be as durable as you’d like. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty with getting straight cuts and keeping the blade on the saw.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and powerful vertical band saw, the HRT2 3 Speed Vertical Band Saw is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the potential issues with the stand and the blade tension knob, and take care to ensure that you’re getting the most accurate cuts possible.
JET HVBS-56M Vertical Band Saw
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile vertical band saw for your workshop or job site, the JET HVBS-56M is a great choice.
Pros
- Longer saw life thanks to a steel, heat-treated worm driving a bronze worm gear in an oil bath
- Added stability with a heavy-duty 14-gauge steel stand (with shelf) that has been redesigned for rigidity and ease of use
- Fully-adjustable ball bearing blade guides for precise cuts
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty with blade alignment
- The motor may not be powerful enough for heavy-duty cutting tasks
- The saw is relatively heavy and may be difficult to move without assistance
The JET HVBS-56M Vertical Band Saw is a versatile and reliable tool that is well-suited for smaller shops and job sites. The steel, heat-treated worm driving a bronze worm gear in an oil bath ensures a longer saw life, while the heavy-duty 14-gauge steel stand provides added stability. The saw is also fully-adjustable, allowing for precise cuts, and the motor and electrics are certified safe by the CSA Group. However, some users have reported difficulty with blade alignment and the motor may not be powerful enough for heavy-duty cutting tasks. Additionally, the saw is relatively heavy and may be difficult to move without assistance.
Bundle Bow Products GP-5 GuidePRO 6 Inch Vertical Band Saw Resaw Feather Board and GP-7 GuidePRO 4 Inch Extension
If you’re looking for a vertical band saw resaw feather board that produces consistent, smooth, and square cuts with less vibration, then the Bow Products GuidePRO is a great choice.
Pros
- The GuidePRO applies firm and consistent pressure along the entire leading edge of taller work pieces, producing better cuts on the band saw, especially when re-sawing.
- The 6″ flexible silicone feather ensures consistent vertical contact between the band saw fence and the edge of the work piece, accommodating wide variations in material shape and thickness.
- The ergonomic handle allows the user to comfortably apply pressure in the right direction.
Cons
- The GuidePRO is a bit pricey compared to other vertical band saw resaw feather boards on the market.
- The GuidePRO is designed to work with any standard 3/4″ x 3/8″ miter slot, which may limit its compatibility with certain band saw models.
- The GuidePRO may take some time to set up and adjust properly for optimal performance.
The Bow Products GuidePRO is a high-quality vertical band saw resaw feather board that is easy to set up and use. The included 4″ extension GP-7 increases the reach of the GuidePRO to 10″, making it even more versatile. The detachable base with a squaring and measuring tool allows you to set the fence square to the base and set the fence the desired distance from the blade. The GuidePRO works well with taller work pieces, producing better cuts with less vibration. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and effective vertical band saw resaw feather board, the Bow Products GuidePRO is definitely worth considering.
JET HVBS-56V Bandsaw
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile vertical bandsaw, the JET HVBS-56V is a great option.
Pros
- Adjustable material stop for repeat cuts
- Variable speed allows for cutting a variety of materials
- Improved stand with built-in shelf for convenient storage
Cons
- May be too expensive for some buyers
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
- Some users reported missing parts upon delivery
The JET HVBS-56V is a heavy-duty band saw that is built to last. The casted head ensures durability and reliability for years of sawing. The wheels that come standard on the saw allow for added mobility around your shop, making it easy to move from one place to another.
The adjustable material stop is a great feature for those who need to make repeat cuts, as it allows for precise and accurate cuts every time. The variable speed feature also makes this saw a versatile option, as it can cut through a variety of materials.
One downside to the JET HVBS-56V is that it may be too expensive for some buyers, but the high-quality construction and features make it worth the investment. Some users also reported missing parts upon delivery, but this can be easily resolved by contacting the manufacturer.
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile vertical bandsaw that can handle a variety of materials, the JET HVBS-56V is a great option to consider.
JET J-8201K Vertical Bandsaw
The JET J-8201K Vertical Bandsaw is a versatile cutting tool ideal for wood, plastic, bakelite, composites, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It offers solid stability and an adjustable table that tilts 45° right and 15° left.
Pros
- Includes 14 TPI metal and 6 TPI wood cutting blades for versatile cutting.
- Solid one-piece steel base provides extra stability.
- Motor and electrics follow strict guidelines and electrical requirements to be certified by CSA Group for added safety.
Cons
- Buttons can become jammed up with sawdust when cutting wood.
- Some speeds require swapping pulleys from top to bottom, which can be difficult.
- Poor design for dust collection.
The JET J-8201K Vertical Bandsaw is a powerful cutting tool that can handle a variety of materials. The included blades are a nice touch, making it easy to switch between metal and wood cutting. The one-piece steel base provides stability during use, and the adjustable table allows for angled cuts. However, the buttons can become jammed with sawdust when cutting wood, and some of the pulley swaps can be tricky. Additionally, the dust collection design could be improved. Overall, the JET J-8201K Vertical Bandsaw is a solid choice for those in need of a versatile cutting tool.
WEN 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw
If you’re in the market for a powerful and versatile woodworking saw, the WEN 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw is an excellent option for any workshop. With a 3.5-amp motor and a 9-3/4 inch throat, this saw can handle cuts up to six inches deep and 9-3/4 inches wide. The two-speed operation allows for speeds of either 1520 or 2620 FPM, making it perfect for a variety of both intricate and powerful cuts.
Pros
- The spacious 14-1/8 x 12-1/2 inch cast aluminum work table bevels up to 45 degrees, making it easy to create angled cuts.
- The package includes a flexible work light to illuminate the worktable, a 3-in-1 dust port to fit a variety of dust extractor hoses, a fence for creating straight cuts, and a miter gauge for angled cuts.
- Ball-bearings give the blade smooth operation and a long lasting life for years of dependable service.
Cons
- Thicker cuts require patience and a better blade than the one that comes with the saw.
- It can only cut up to 6″ thick or high boards, which may not be suitable for all projects.
- The saw may be underpowered for some users, depending on their needs.
The WEN 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw is an excellent option for those looking for a versatile and powerful woodworking saw. Its spacious work table, flexible work light, 3-in-1 dust port, fence, and miter gauge make it a great choice for any workshop. However, it may not be suitable for those who need to cut thicker boards or require a more powerful saw. Overall, this saw is a great value for its price and comes backed by a two-year warranty and a friendly and helpful customer phone line, all to make sure you remember WEN.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a vertical band saw, there are a few key features that you should consider to ensure you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Blade Size and Speed
The blade size and speed are important factors to consider when choosing a vertical band saw. The blade size will determine the maximum thickness of material that can be cut, while the speed will affect the quality of the cut. A higher blade speed will generally result in a smoother cut, but it may also reduce the life of the blade. Make sure to choose a blade size and speed that are appropriate for the materials you will be cutting.
Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity of a vertical band saw refers to the maximum size of material that can be cut. This is determined by the throat depth, which is the distance between the blade and the column of the saw. Make sure to choose a saw with a cutting capacity that is appropriate for the materials you will be cutting.
Table Size and Tilt
The size and tilt of the table are important factors to consider when choosing a vertical band saw. A larger table will provide more support for the material being cut, while a tilting table will allow for angled cuts. Make sure to choose a table size and tilt that are appropriate for the materials you will be cutting.
Blade Guides
The blade guides are an important feature to consider when choosing a vertical band saw. They help to keep the blade aligned and reduce vibration, resulting in a smoother cut. Look for a saw with high-quality blade guides, such as ceramic or carbide, for the best performance.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you, such as dust collection systems, work lights, or blade tension indicators. These features can make the saw easier and more convenient to use.
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Blade Size and Speed | Very important |
| Cutting Capacity | Very important |
| Table Size and Tilt | Important |
| Blade Guides | Important |
| Additional Features | Optional |