The best band saw alleviate any cumbersome task of sawing, cutting or ripping thicker materials. Whether you aim to cut curved or straight lines, it handles them all neatly and rapidly.
There are a bunch of band saws out there; they vary from the width, depth, table and price, confusing your purchasing decision of the most suitable product for your demand. To make everything easier, we have compiled a list of the most outstanding products on the 2024 market.
Before you get into our band saw reviews UK, we’d like to point out our best winner – the Lumberjack BS254. It provides ideal cutting capacity, powered LED light, a dust extractor and dual-speed control. Surprisingly, it comes at a quite affordable price, so that you will not need to spend a huge amount of money on a band saw.
But there are more than just a single high-quality product on this list. We don’t want to waste your time any longer. Let’s get started.
What Is A Band Saw?
A band saw is a long blade cutting tool, containing a constant toothed metal sheet. This tool might have two to three wheels continuously rotating in a similar plane. They drive the blade when cutting whatever you feed.
Relying on the blade, a band can cut wood, plastic or metal. The blade of a band saw comes in various configurations and sizes. The configuration is considered the teeth per inch (TPI) and is an important factor to consider when purchasing a band saw.
This cutting tool also requires an engine to operate. The power of this motor is measured at Amps and ranges from 2.5A to 3.5A. Like the table saw, you also need a stand for the band saw. Some products boast their stand; though, they tend to be pricier.
Meanwhile, others are more portable with a blade, an engine and other critical accessories. However, you will have to seek a table after buying.
How To Choose The Best Band Saw?
There are several factors you should keep in mind when choosing a band saw as follows.
Horsepower
For most powered tools, horsepower is important. You need a band saw that can slide through materials without coming to a halt or bogging down. There will be lots of friction on the blade, especially with thick materials.
An underpowered saw will not complete the job flawlessly. Many saws boast electric engines that generate from 0.5 to 1.5 horsepower, with 0.5-horsepower models successfully tackling light-duty tasks.
Heavier-duty projects will need more power. If you plan to saw hardwood hunks into boards for your work, consider a saw with a powerful engine of 1 to 1.5 horsepower.
Frame
Before you buy a band saw for your work, consider its construction. You need to ensure the saw’s frame can hold up as it cannot be replaced. Generally, the best band saw comes with a cast-iron frame.
It might be heavy, yet it is durable and solid. It is not likely to bend or break, meaning a lot regarding keeping the right tension on your band.
Also, you might need to find a band saw made from welded or die-cast steel. This type of material is not as durable as cast iron but costs less. It is also significantly lighter than the cast iron saw.
Throat
The size of the throat is a critical measurement referring to the distance between the saw’s frame and blade. It can identify how wide of the cut-off you can create.
Also, it shows how much room is available to manage a workpiece on the worktable for scrollwork and complicated cuts. When seeking a saw for your projects, you can notice the sizes of the throat prominently shown on the box’s side.
Blade Width
A great benefit of the best band saw is the capacity to accept the different width bands. The widths of the band can help you complete your task faster and easier.
For instance, a wider band can let you make truer and straighter resaws on the hardwood chunks, while thinner models make curves and scrolling cuts like a breeze. To ensure you will get the most out of the saw, go for the one that accepts different widths.
The range of 1/8-inch to 1-inch in width can ideally handle many tasks from metalworking and wood to scrollwork and crafts.
Weight
This factor is another critical element when purchasing a band saw. Every good band saw should be heavy enough to stand the ground while you are passing materials through its blade.
Older band saws are often very heavy (up to over 90 kg). While you probably don’t need a heavy saw, the weight makes the saw sturdy. It is advisable to choose a heavy model you can manoeuver comfortably.
Dust Collection
This factor might be a hot-button subject with band saws. As the saws do not generate the kind of RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) that mitre or circular saws do, they do not send metal shavings or sawdust flying toward a port of dust collection.
These matters slowly accumulate inside, scarcely making it to the port of dust collection regularly placed at the saw bottom. To ensure your saw’s dust collection works, choose the model with the right size of couplings.
You will probably need to clean the band saw out sometime, yet seeking the best fit can help control the dust matter.
Safety
Though band saws seem to be an outdated tool technology, today’s products come with several safety features. They include adjustable blade guards and oversized stop buttons, making the saws safer.
A band saw can take advantage of tension and sliding bevel gauges. The reason is that they can securely sit in a groove and let you make a proper cut when keeping your hands safe from the blade.
Moreover, you can protect kids’ safety by using removable keys of power to keep them from reaching the saw when you’re not looking.
Best BandSaw For Woodworking Reviews UK 2024
Here is our top 5 best bandsaw for woodworking list you can consider.
1 – Einhell TC-SB 200/1 4308018 Band Saw – Best For Budget
The Einhell 4308018 is a good bang for your buck. Though it comes at a low cost, it does not compromise its important features. In particular, the band saw boasts a powerful motor of 250 W.
Thanks to this engine, you can rest assured of its flawless operations all the time. This band saw features an optimal load speed to make it possible to cut with high precision.
Besides, its table size is 305×305 mm to provide you with enough room for successful operations. With a maximum cutting depth of 80 mm and a cutting width of 190 mm, you can enjoy high and effortless performance without any hassle.
On top of that, its table also tilts 45 degrees so that you can engage it in bevel cutting. We are also impressed by its 6 TPI bandsaw blades and BS plug, helping deliver maximum results.
You will love its compact design, saving you much room during use and when you leave it idle. This best budget bandsaw UK provides the benefit of a narrow kerf going easy on the materials and saving energy.
This affordable machine features a supplied push stick indispensable for safe working. It is an ideal standard machine for ambitious DIY enthusiasts, thanks to the support from the ball-bearing guide and parallel stop.
On the downside, this suggestion’s clear plastic guard is slightly useless as the machine vibrates heavily. It flaps around unless it’s firmly tightened down.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Optimal cutting depth of 80 mm
- 6 TPI blades and BS plug for maximum cutting results
- Compact design with an adequate table size
- Supplied push stick for safety
Con
- Heavy vibration
2 – Lumberjack BS254 Bandsaw – Best For Cutting Capacity
We will start with the Lumberjack BS254. This machine is an ideal choice for large cutting capacity. Thanks to its powerful 375 W induction engine, the band saw can guarantee optimal performance.
We also love the three sealed bearings on its blade guard, helping you have precise cuts all the time. Its cast-iron table can tilt in the wide range of 90 to 45 degrees with positive stops at two positions.
Accordingly, you can watch for any angle from the scale and lock it in. Also, it is available to locate a guide fence on the blade’s sides for rip cuts. You will find it easy to lock the angle into the position by activating the lever.
There’s a clear marker to set against its metric scale. If you wish to cut thicker surfaces, you can utilize its 60 mm full face height. In contrast, if you cut thin and narrow strips, you can fit the fence with a small face against its blade to ensure clearance around its guides.
The band saw also stands out with two doors fitted with safety locks. These locks can automatically turn off the engine when you leave the doors open for cleaning or blade changing.
Its dust collection outlet comes with three rings, allowing it to accept three hose sizes of 100 mm, 75 mm and 50 mm diameter. This feature makes it compatible with any extraction system style.
That said, if you are not using the extraction, this band saw is fitted with a built-in dust collection draw. As a result, dust from the machine base can be collected easily and fast here.
On the downside, we found that the blade seems to be slightly low-quality.
Pros
- Large cutting capacity thanks to a 375 W induction engine
- Three sealed bearings for precise, heavy-duty cuts
- Cast-iron, titable table
- 60 mm full face height for cutting thicker surfaces
- Two doors fitted with safety locks
- Dust collection outlet
Con
- Slightly low-quality blade
3 – Silverline 441563 Benchtop Bandsaw – Runner-Up For Budget
Another great affordable band saw is the Silverline 441563 Benchtop Bandsaw. It boasts a bunch of features for great performance. We firstly love its 350 W induction motor with a no-load speed of 1,450 RPM.
With these impressive figures, the machine can deliver flawless cuts with high precision all the time. With the optimal cutting depth at 80 mm, you can cut through various materials such as wood, plastic like a breeze.
Besides, the small benchtop bandsaw features a cutting width of 190 mm to help you cut with ease. Its table measures 300×300 mm, offering you enough space to work at all times.
This best benchtop band saw UK also stands out with its table that can tilt up to 45 degrees for perfect bevel cutting. This machine features a 1,425 mm 6 TPI blade and converter plug to help you get the best cutting results.
Like the Einhell TC-SB 200/1, the Silverline 441563 features a compact design for saving room during use. Its package also includes an instruction manual, mitre gauge, three hex keys, fence, work table, flat washer, table lock handle and work table.
We found that it is quite challenging to get the bench tight and free of any movement.
Pros
- 350 W induction engine
- Deliver flawless cuts with 1,450 RPM
- Optimal cutting depth at 80 mm
- Sturdy tiltable table
- 1,425 mm 6 TPI blade
Con
- Hard to get a tight bench
4 – Scheppach 240V Basa 1-Hobby Bandsaw – Best For Novices
If you are quite new to workshop jobs, the Scheppach Basa 1 Bandsaw might be right for you. This best hobby bandsaw UK is ideal for non-demanding and simple projects without any requirement of top-end additions and professional functions.
Though it is the smaller variation of famous Basa models, it can guarantee all functions we have in bigger equivalents. It features a 300 W induction engine that is enough for standard tasks.
Besides, its solid cast iron table can tilt up to 45 degrees for accurate bevel cutting. We also like its one-hand setting control, allowing you to manoeuver the machine with a single hand.
Moreover, you will love its robust steel and cast alloy construction with smooth vibration-free performance. There is also a front and back locking rip fence for straight cuts.
Due to its 50 x 70 x 45 cm size, this suggestion is limited on the thickness of materials it can handle. Moreover, it comes with a throat depth of only 195 mm. Thus, if you want to cut big and heavy pieces, you will need extra care.
Moreover, its table is slightly loose and needs adjusting to make it steady when cutting.
Pros
- Easy to use with one-hand setting control
- 300 W induction engine for a compact appliance
- Solid cast iron table that can tilt
- Robust steel and cast alloy construction
Cons
- Not for cutting thick materials
- Slightly loose table
5 – Scheppach HBS26 Band Saw – Best For Wood Cutting
The Scheppach HBS26 is a perfect choice for cutting pieces of wood. Though it comes at an affordable price, it meets the essential requirements of cutting. Thanks to a solid and compact workbench of 30×30 cm, you can efficiently work in your materials.
This affordable machine comes with a cutting capacity of 80 mm in height. You will not worry much about its resistance as it is made of sturdy and easy-to-fix material. We are also amazed at its tiltable work surface of 45 degrees, delivering better versatility.
What makes the Scheppach HBS 36 different from other products is the parallel guide, helping you create accurate cuts. With a 180 mm blade, you can cut various kinds of wood and plastic objects.
Additionally, it features a portable design with a dimension of only 45 x 39 x 68 cm. Thus, it will not occupy much space in your workshops or garages.
We found that its motor power is 550 W. Thus, it is advisable to use it in heavy-duty tasks. Moreover, there are no clear instructions on how to use it precisely, requiring you to do your own research.
Pros
- Ideal for cutting any piece of wood
- Compact workbench of 30×30 cm
- Cutting capacity of 80 mm in height
- Tiltable work surface of 45 degrees
- A 180 mm blade for easy cutting
- Portable design
Con
- N/a
So that’s all about the top 5 best bandsaw for woodworking. Briefly, they are great affordable options that can meet your basic demand on cutting with precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Type Of Bandsaw?
The band saws come in two key types: benchtop band saws and floor-standing models. Each kind comes with its pros and cons, so make sure you consider your needs carefully to choose the right style of band saw.
- Benchtop: If you have a modest workshop or garage, a benchtop model might be the right choice. This bandsaw sits on the top of the work surface as an assembly table and bench during operation. You can store it away when you don’t use it.
- Floor-standing: If your workshop is full-fledged with much floor space, you can consider the floor-standing saw. This style sits on the top of a stand or a leg set. You can set it anywhere you like in the shop.
The advantage of this model is you can get much flexibility for controlling longer pieces around the band saw as you can cut them to length. Also, they tend to accept bigger workpieces or boards.
What Are Common Issues And Solutions?
Below are some common issues when cutting with the band saw and their explanations.
- Broke Blade: this issue usually derives from many reasons: too small guiding wheels, too high feed or overstressing of the blade.
Accordingly, the solutions respectively are using a thinner blade, lowering the down-force of materials on the blade and lowering the straightness of the blade between the circling wheels.
- Rough Cut: High feed and wrong tooth pitch might be the causes of this problem. You can adjust cutting conditions to fix the high feed and use proper tooth pitches.
- Blade Blunting: It might be because you cut with tooth-backs. Thus, it is advisable to turn over the blade.
- Blade Twisting: This trouble might be caused by the blade-free guiding, and the blade stuck in cuts. You will need to adjust the guiding and lower the speed as well.
Advice From Experts And Users
When seeking the band saw reviews UK, you might want some helpful advice from previous users or experts. This section is here to help you out.
There are many recommendations on how to use a band saw as follows:
- Before you begin cutting, remember to check if the blade of your band saw is accurately sharpened, set and without being damaged or overheated. You can notice the saw heating if the blade turns purple even after getting cool.
- Don’t let the saw heat up. If this issue occurs, remember to set it away immediately and sharpen it after cooling. It is best to sharpen its blades on time and follow accurate cutting conditions to avoid heating problems.
- You had better ensure the blade is straightened, but not too much, as it can lead to blade disruption.
- Holding the objects needed cutting with both hands to ensure your body isn’t at a similar level as the blade.
- When cutting large dimensions, it’s critical to utilize fixed guidance.
Why Do Some Band Saws Have LED Lights?
The LED lights found in several band saws are aimed to provide a beam running across the materials you’re working on to improve the visibility and accuracy when cutting.
Can You Buy Blade Replacements For The Band Saw?
Of course. Buying another blade to replace your current damaged one can help you avoid unexpected things when cutting. We recommend choosing blades from the same brand as the saw to maximize the appliance’s potential.
Final Thoughts
That’s all our reviews of the best band saw UK. In a nutshell, it is imperative to consider the buying guide carefully before making the final decision.
You can consider the Einhell TC-SB 200/1 4308018 Band Saw if you want to seek a simple-to-use machine for woodworking
Anyway, if you have any further questions, please feel free to let us know. Thank you for reading.
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