TOP 8 best band saws: rating 2020-2021 and expert recommendations for choosing a tool + customer reviews

Band saw manufacturers

One of the most important criteria for choosing construction equipment is the reputation and reliability of the manufacturer. Vyborexperta.ru has selected companies whose products you can trust:

• Jet – produces equipment for working with metal or wood. Most of the products are intended for professionals - industrial enterprises or creative workshops. The company's assortment also includes manual or electric lifting equipment.
• Proma is a Czech company that was born in 1992. Since 2003, the brand's products have been represented on the Russian market. The brand's catalog contains more than 600 items of construction tools, equipment for wood or metal processing. They satisfy the diverse needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
• Metabo is a German manufacturer of power tools that is in demand by professionals and DIYers all over the world. The main differences between his products are high power, durability, and ergonomics. The brand provides an extended warranty for its products and also provides customers with excellent service support.
• Encore is a company that has been producing tools since 1992. The brand's catalog contains several thousand items of goods that are useful in metal and woodworking. The brand is known for providing after-sales support, service support and prompt repairs under or after warranty.
• Metalmaster is a company with production facilities in Russia, China, and Poland, which allow us to combine high quality and affordable prices for goods. The main direction of the brand is equipment for metal and wood processing. Each batch undergoes a thorough pre-sale inspection.
• Stalex is a company that produces equipment for small workshops or large factories. The catalog also contains many additional accessories for machine-building, repair, metalworking, construction and other companies.
• Makita is a Japanese company that has been around since 1915. At first it was engaged in the production of electric motors, then in 1958 it switched to hand-held construction tools. Today, the brand’s catalog contains about 1,000 items, and production plants are located in the UK, Germany, and Romania.

Metabo BAS 260 SWIFT

Characteristics

General characteristics

• Type : tape
• Design : machine
• Power : 350 W
• Output power : 260 W

Treatment

• Cutting height : 100 mm

Additional Information

• Functions and capabilities : connecting a vacuum cleaner
• Dimensions (WxHxD) : 425x840x525 mm
• Weight : 32 kg

Price

Price from 20,799 to 22,799 (Average price: RUB 20,799)

Reviews

pros

Beautiful. Quiet.

Minuses

The machine is a basic level and requires serious adjustment for normal operation. It is very difficult to adjust a straight cut and get rid of slight beating of the blade.

A comment

It's a good machine if you understand what you're using it for.

Without careful adjustment - wasted money.

The brain, straight arms, the key for 10 and 13 should always be nearby.

After dancing with a tambourine, tightening and fixing the lowering tire using home-made devices, I achieved a straight cut with virtually no deviation to the side.

But!!! It's long and difficult. The machine is not bad, but entry level!!!.

One more moment. Dense wood such as maple and oak with a thickness of more than 3 cm straight saws normally, but VERY slowly. The figured cut is only on thin wood up to 1 - 1.5 cm, there is not enough power, it stops..

Pine, spruce, plywood, plastics - it's a blast.

For yourself, to cut something at the dacha, for a small handicraft project, this is an excellent option. For more serious work, no.

pros

Peels.
Cutting height up to 10 cm.

Minuses

Quality was expected. Still, it’s twice as expensive as the simplest Chinese ribbons. There is no quality.

The mechanism for lowering the stop is made extremely simply - a profile rides along two plastic squares. Presses against the curved wall of the housing. After closing and screwing the door, the distortion is removed and the stop falls freely down. Of course, it dangles and does not hold the canvas. I had to make shaped guides.

Initially, the top button, which blocks operation when the door is open, was not pressed. This was an easy fix.

The eccentric on the rip fence is very thick and can be easily released during operation. According to rumors, if you push it too hard, the aluminum on the bar will be dented.

The groove for the cross fence is slightly wider than the bar, and the plastic square of the cross fence itself dangles noticeably on the axis, so there is no need to talk about the accuracy of the angle when cutting crosswise.

A comment

I haven’t worked with other models, so I can’t advise or dissuade.

Video

5th place

Band saw rating

The choice of construction equipment and tools depends on the tasks that the user sets for him. For domestic use, small-sized desktop models are sufficient. In small workshops, semi-professional equipment is preferred. Powerful productive machines are useful in large production. When compiling the rating, VyborExpert specialists studied the characteristics of models offered on the market, reviews and opinions of professionals, and customer reviews. When comparing products and adding them to the TOP of the best, the following criteria were taken into account:

• Depth and width of cut;
• Power;
• Table size;
• Functional;
• Value for money;
• Availability in stores.

Some masters are interested in additional options. The millimeter scale in combination with several stops will help you process workpiece parts more accurately. Adjusting the speed is necessary when cutting materials of different hardness. This is usually required at a professional level.

The best polishing machines

BISON ZPL-750-305

Characteristics

General characteristics

• Type : tape
• Design : tabletop
• Power : 750 W
• Number of speeds: 2

Treatment

• Cutting height : 130 mm
• Cutting width : 305 mm
• Support surface : 495×390 mm

Additional Information

• Functions and capabilities : connecting a vacuum cleaner
• Delivery set : longitudinal guide, angle stop, 2 hex keys
• Weight : 61 kg

Price

Price from 17,530 to 23,142 (Average price: 19,410 rubles)

Video

2nd place

The best metal band saws

Metal cutting machines are equipped with a blade with teeth for cutting metal, alloys or other hard materials. The belt moves not in a circle, but back and forth. When choosing, you should look at the power and depth of cut. VyborExpert specialists conducted a niche analysis and selected the 3 most reliable models.

Metalmaster BSM-85 17434

The machine from Metalmaster allows you to quickly and efficiently saw metal workpieces in small-scale production. The speed can be smoothly changed from 40 to 88 m/min. The angle of inclination can be adjusted to 45 or 90 degrees due to the rotating mechanism of the vice. The overhang can be changed, which allows you to process workpieces of different sizes.

Thanks to the side stop, you can immediately set the material to the desired level and obtain parts of the same size. The cast iron frame provides good rigidity to the entire structure. Light weight and compactness make the machine mobile. It can be moved to another location alone.

Advantages

• Powerful frame;
• Smooth cut;
• Does not vibrate during operation;
• Reliable clamping of the vice.

Flaws

• There is no cutting depth adjustment.

The model is designed for quick cutting of non-ferrous or ferrous metals, alloys and other hard materials. The machine can handle workpieces with a diameter of up to 85 mm. It is also convenient for sawing with frequent angle changes.

Stalex BS-912G 388011

The most productive band saw machine in the ranking. Thanks to the presence of wheels and a handle, it is convenient to move it around the workshop alone. The model copes with workpieces with a diameter of up to 23 cm. The throttled hydraulic feed cylinder automatically adjusts the lowering speed of the saw frame for different material profiles. This ensures optimal cutting conditions and long service life of the machine. The rotating jaws of the vice with a gear drive are reliable and allow sawing at an angle. Ergonomic control levers fit comfortably in your hand.

Advantages

• Narrow cutting width;
• Low energy intensity;
• Ease of maintenance;
• Precise cutting.

Flaws

• Price (166,000 rubles).

The band saw from Stalex is a semi-professional equipment and is needed when you have to work with various types of metal workpieces. The model is reliable and easy to maintain, it will last for many years even with daily loads.

Makita 2107FK

A reliable hand-held band saw for metal, according to the VyborExpert team. The model is suitable for cutting pipes and rubber. It is most often used in electrical, plumbing or assembly work. The speed controller allows you to select the optimal power when cutting various materials. The clamping lever allows for quick blade installation or replacement. You can work with the saw even in the dark. It has built-in lighting for the work area, which can be turned on as needed.

The saw copes with parts of various shapes with a diameter of up to 12 cm.

Advantages

• Light weight;
• Double-sided canvas support;
• Build quality;
• Long service life.

Flaws

• They sell out quickly.

The Makita metal band saw can be used independently as a hand tool or together with a proprietary stand (194069-5), which will allow you to make serial cuts of workpieces.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

Experts recommend paying attention to a number of parameters when choosing a band saw:

• power - ranges from 350 to 1800 W; cutting hard materials requires a more powerful saw;
• cutting depth - the parameter can be from 40 to 125 mm;
• blade material - steel is considered the best, since it is harder and more durable;
• blade dimensions - depend on the depth of the cut; using a long and wide saw, you can cut large workpieces;
• frequency of movement - the higher the speed of the saw, the less time it takes to cut through dense material;
• type of power supply - the equipment operates from a 220 V network or from a battery;
• ergonomics - the ease of use depends on the material of the handle and the weight of the tool;
• additional functionality - a protective cover on the saw and a lock against accidental activation ensure safe operation; speed adjustment allows you to select the desired number of revolutions for different materials.

Which band saw is better?

The band saw is selected based on the material it will be working with. At home, the noise level of the installation is important. In small workshops, every square meter is needed, so compact models are most in demand. For rare use, it is better to take a simple, inexpensive model and not overpay for bells and whistles and wide functionality.

The following were recognized as the best band saws by the VyborExpert team:

• JWBS-8-M 10000480M from Jet is an inexpensive model for the home or small workshop. It is intended for figured cutting of small wooden parts.
• Proma PP-312 25601312 is a good, reliable saw for small-scale production of wooden products. Adjustable speed and clean surface allow you to work with wood of different species.
• Metabo BAS 318 Precision WNB 619009000 is an easy-to-use machine with well-thought-out workplace lighting, smooth belt running, 2 speeds and table angle adjustment.
• Encore Corvette-35 90350 is the most functional model in the TOP. It is good for straight cutting at different angles or shaped processing of parts of any size.
• Metalmaster BSM-85 17434 is a good device for small-scale production of metal products. It is convenient to adjust the cutting angle and the length of the cut workpiece, and the wheels give the machine mobility.
• Makita 2107FK is a reliable hand-held metal band saw. It can be used independently at home or used with a stand for small-scale production.

To start working with a band saw, it is not enough to simply buy the desired model and bring it to production. You also need to set up the machine itself and select the tape to match the workpiece material. Only in this case will a good result and comfortable work be ensured.

Rating of TOP 8 best models

JET JWBS-9

Characteristics

General characteristics

• Type : tape
• Design : machine
• Power : 350 W
• Number of speeds: 1

Treatment

• Cutting height : 80 mm
• Cutting width : 230 mm

Additional Information

• Functions and capabilities : backlight
• Weight : 17 kg

Price

Price from 9,700 to 14,620 (Average price: RUB 13,860)

Video

6th place

Types of Band Saws

According to the method of arrangement, band sawing machines are divided into:

1. Vertical. They are equipped with a saw frame located vertically. Vertical bandsaw machines for wood are divided into small-sized and large-sized. The saw installed in small-sized devices is the main moving mechanism. In large-sized devices, the workpiece is moved by the operator in the required plane.
2. Horizontal. They are equipped with a saw frame located horizontally. These devices are used for processing large-sized hardwood lumber.

In accordance with the degree of automation, the following types of sawing machines are distinguished:

1. Manual. During operation of the device, the operator must independently feed wooden blanks. The procedure for cutting the bars is also carried out manually. Handheld bandsaws are most often used in home workshops.
2. Semi-automatic. These devices automate the operation of the band saw and vice. Semi-automatic mechanisms are installed in furniture factories.
3. Automatic. All mechanisms of these devices are fully automated. Automatic devices are used in large industrial production. They take up a lot of space.

Based on belt type, machines are divided into:

1. Devices with narrow saw blades. Their width is no more than 6 cm. Narrow saws cannot be sharpened. Therefore, they must be completely replaced if worn.
2. Devices with wide saw blades. Their width can reach 30 cm. Machines with wide saws are highly productive. They are capable of processing hardwood products up to 1 m thick.

Machines are classified by power and size:

1. Carpentry. They are characterized by low power and small dimensions. They have a desktop modification. These machines are used in carpentry workshops.
2. Dividing. They are capable of dividing logs into layers and have medium dimensions. Used in the production of furniture.
3. Log saws. These machines are characterized by high power and large dimensions. They are installed at woodworking enterprises.

There are also separate classifications of band saw machines according to the number of speed modes, the volume of processed products per unit of time and the angle of rotation.

Makita DPB181Z

Characteristics

General characteristics

• Type : tape
• Design : manual
• Battery operation : yes
• Number of speeds: 1

Treatment

• Cutting width : 64 mm

Additional Information

• Functions and capabilities : backlight
• Delivery set : band saw blade, key (without battery and charger)
• Weight : 3.5 kg
• Features : compatible with 4 and 5 Ah batteries

Nutrition

• Battery voltage : 18 V

Price

Price from 11,545 to 16,109 (Average price: RUB 12,603)

Video

8th place

Comparison table of characteristics

The table below presents the main characteristics of the models under consideration. By comparing them with each other, it will be much easier for you to choose a saw that meets your requirements and wishes.

BISON ZPL-350-190

Characteristics

General characteristics

• Type : tape
• Design : tabletop
• Power : 350 W
• Number of speeds: 1

Treatment

• Cutting height : 80 mm
• Cutting width : 190 mm
• Supporting surface : 290×290 mm

Additional Information

• Functions and capabilities : connecting a vacuum cleaner
• Delivery set : longitudinal guide, angle stop, 3 hex keys
• Weight : 17 kg

Price

Price from 6,990 to 9,078 (Average price: 8,789 rub.)

Reviews

pros

size and price are acceptable.

Minuses

detonation appeared after an hour of operation, noticeable at idle. You probably need to adjust the tension and angle of the upper wheel.

pros

Have not found

Minuses

The guides are very weak, it only takes a couple of times to unscrew and tighten, the saws themselves also become dull very quickly, there are no wiring on the blades and only 1 out of 3 are normal, and that’s enough until the first knot.

A comment

There was a sticker stuck on the work surface, I had a hard time scraping it off, but in the store they said I had to heat it with a hairdryer. What do I tell them about the stickers? In general, there is nothing good to say about the canvases; out of 7, one was superb, the rest were so-so, two immediately burst during installation and you can see consumer goods from the welding of the seam. All my expectations were dashed on the first day of work.

Video

10th place

JET JWBS-14

Characteristics

General characteristics

• Type : tape
• Design : machine
• Power : 1000 W
• Output power : 600 W
• Number of speeds: 1

Treatment

• Cutting height : 200 mm
• Cutting width : 350 mm
• Supporting surface : 500×385 mm

Additional Information

• Functions and capabilities : connecting a vacuum cleaner
• Noise level : 83 dB
• Dimensions (WxHxD) : 770x1800x650 mm
• Weight : 90 kg

Price

Average price: 48,510 rub.

Video

9th place

Tips for choosing

When choosing a saw, you should rely on several points:

1. Power. We advise you to take more powerful devices. They will cope with the amount of work much faster, and you will save time on preparing parts and putting them in order.
2. Device type. We have identified battery-powered and stationary models. Their difference is that cordless saws do not have to be installed in one place. They can be transported and do not depend on nearby electrical power. Cordless saws are much lighter in weight.
3. Functionality. Before purchasing, decide why you are buying a saw and what materials you will be working with. If you will be processing only wood or only metal products, then we advise you not to choose a too expensive device model. If you know that you will be working with different materials, then it is better to take care of buying a functional and useful model.

Metabo BAS 318 Precision WNB

Characteristics

General characteristics

• Type : tape
• Design : tabletop
• Power : 900 W
• Output power : 660 W
• Number of speeds: 2

Treatment

• Cutting height : 170 mm
• Cutting width : 307 mm
• Support surface : 560×400 mm

Additional Information

• Functions and capabilities : backlight, connection of a vacuum cleaner
• Dimensions (WxHxD) : 665x1600x980 mm
• Weight : 79 kg
• Modification (manufacturer code): 619009000

Price

Price from 42,730 to 49,309 (Average price: 44,299 rub.)

Video

12th place

DeWALT DW876

Characteristics

General characteristics

• Type : tape
• Design : machine
• Power : 1000 W
• Output power : 750 W
• Number of speeds: 2

Treatment

• Cutting height : 200 mm
• Cutting width : 315 mm

Additional Information

• Functions and capabilities : connecting a vacuum cleaner
• Noise level : 84 dB
• Dimensions (WxHxD) : 700x1050x500 mm
• Weight : 44.5 kg

Price

Price from 51,360 to 60,802 (Average price: 54,358 rub.)

Video

11th place

Models of wood band saws

Let's look at the most commonly purchased band saws, comparing the cost of the selected models and their main performance characteristics.

Jet

Jet band saws are manufactured in many modifications and configurations. These machines have different productivity, different engine power and they are also designed differently. Among the main advantages of these models is the presence of parallel stops on the machines, with the help of which cuts are made with high precision. The position of the work tables can be changed to cut workpieces at different angles. Precision guides allow for reliable fixation of the workpiece for precise and high-quality cutting.

Prices for Jet band saws start at 20,000 rubles and for each model depend on the scope of delivery.

Bison

Also widely known to manufacturers is the Zubr band saw, which is produced in several versions with different productivity and with its own design features for each model.

These saws are designed for cutting wood pieces of any size and from any species. Typically, chip ejectors are installed with the machines, which are connected to the dust pipes. Thanks to this, the work tables of the machines are always clean.

The simplest Zubr models cost from 9,500 rubles and the cost of equipment from this manufacturer increases as the operating parameters of the machines, power and productivity increase.

Makita

Makita band saws are presented in many design options on the Russian market of woodworking machines.
Most of these models are equipped with illumination of the work area, are designed for quick changes of equipment and have a start key locking system. If necessary, a vacuum cleaner can be connected to the saw to remove sawdust and dust.

The cost of Makita machines starts from 21,700 rubles and increases as the machine becomes more complex and its technical parameters increase.

Metabo band saws, also manufactured in various designs, have similar functionality.

Prices for these devices start from 21,000 rubles. Reliable and high-performance equipment from Metabo has proven itself well among both private users and industrial enterprises.