In this article, we take a hard look at the best floor standing bandsaws on the market.
A good bandsaw is a valuable addition to any woodworker or metalworker’s arsenal. This tool is useful for a variety of tasks, including curved cutting, re-sawing, ripping, and compound cutting, and it can handle both bulk and intricate work.
The top bandsaws are usually feature-rich machines with plenty of tools to assist the user in ensuring smooth and accurate cuts. The type of wheels (usually cast iron or aluminum) cutting guides, angles and capacity, motor, frame and base support, and blade speed are all important considerations. Here are 10 options for the best floor-standing bandsaws to consider when you are getting ready to invest in your next major tool.
1. Grizzly G0555
The popular 14” Grizzly bandsaw features cast aluminum wheels with rubber tires, a heavy duty gauge steel stand and upper and lower ball bearing blade guides. The 92-1/2”-93-1/2” 6 TPI hook blade has a width of 1/8”-3/4”, speeds of 1500 FPM (ft. per min.) and 3200 FPM and delivers a cutting capacity of 13” (throat) and 6” (height).
The adjustable 14”x14” ground cast iron table tilts 45 degrees right and 15 degrees left. The G0555 bandsaw also has a miter gauge, a quick release tension lever for easy plate changes and a cast iron frame. The machine is powered by a 1 HP, single-phase motor delivering 11 amps at 110V and 5.5 amps at 220V.
2. JET JWBS-14DXPRO
The 14” JET JWBS-14DXPRO has a cutting capacity of 13.5” (wide) x 12” (height) and a large 15”x 15” table that tilts 45 degrees right and 10 degrees left. The poly-v belt drive system increases the precision and allows for two speeds 1500 SFPM and 3000 SFPM, supported by a 1 1/4 HP motor.
The lower ball bearing guide reduces friction, the tracking window improves safety, and the rack and pinion system increases accuracy. The lower and upper frame are made of cast iron for strength and stability.
3. Grizzly G0555LX
Another feature-rich Grizzly bandsaw, the G0555LX is equipped with a 1 HP, 110V/220V, single phase motor delivering 1725 RPM, computer balanced cast iron wheels, and a 93-1/2″ long, 1/8″- 3/4″ wide blade that operates at 1800 FPM and 3100 FPM.
The upper and lower ball bearing blade guides improve performance and the cast iron frame delivers stability. The table is also cast iron with dimensions 14″ x 14″ x 1-1/2″, and tilt capacity of 10 degrees left and 45 degrees right. The cut capacity of the saw is 13-1/2″ and 6″ (height).
4. Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175
Featuring a large cut capacity and table, the MBAND1412-175 is Laguna’s first 110V offering. The machine has a 1 3/4 HP, 115/230V, TEFC (totally enclosed, fan-cooled) motor and dynamic balance solid cast wheels with polyurethane tires for cool operation. The blade is 115″ long 1/8” wide blade, and the cut capacities are 12″ (resaw) and 13 5/8″ (throat).
The micro-polished 21 1/2″ X 16″table is mounted on a heavy duty 8″ X 13″ trunnion and angles 7 degrees left and 45 degrees right. The bandsaw also features an 18″ X 5 1/2″ X 1/2″ aluminum Rip Fence, 10-point ceramic blade guides, double windows, quick release blade tensioner, and a 4” dust port.
5. Shop Fox W1706
The 14” Shop Fox is equipped with cast iron blade wheels and a deluxe aluminum fence. The saw offers a cut capacity of 13 1/2” (throat), 6” (height) and 12” (height) with the optional extension kit. The motor is a 1 HP, single phase motor delivering 1725 RPM. The 93-1/2” long and 1/8”-3/4” wide blade can operate at speeds of 1500 FPM and 3200 FPM to efficiently cut on the tilt able 14”x 14” cast iron table (tilt of 45 degrees right and 10 degrees left).
The saw also features a cast iron miter gauge with a scale that adjusted to 30 degrees either way, a cabinet type stand, magnifying window, and a quick change blade release.
6. Grizzly G0513ANV
The 17” heavy-duty G0513ANV commemorates 30 years of the Grizzly brand and features a 2HP 110V/220V, single phase motor, large cut capacity and table, a deluxe extruded aluminum fence, and a miter gauge. The micro-adjustable 17”x 17” table is 1-1/2” thick and tilts 45 degrees right and 10 degrees left.
The cut capacities are 16-1/4” (throat) left of blade and 12-1/8” (height), and the 6-TPI hook blade is 131-1/2” long, 1/2″ wide and operates at speeds of 1700 FPM and 3500 FPM. Blade changes are made easy with the quick change tensioner. One of the top large bandsaws, the G0513ANV also features Euro-style blade guides, blade tension indicator, and dual dust ports.
7. Delta 28-400
The Delta 14″ bandsaw has a heavy-duty steel frame, aluminum rubber coated 9 spoke wheels, tool-less tensioning, and a large 15 3/4″ x 18 7/8” ground cast iron table having tilt capacity of 3 degrees left and 45 degrees right. The upper and lower ball bearing blade guides improve precision, and the 1 HP, TEFC, 115V/230V, single phase motor delivers speeds of 1,620 FPM and 3,340 FPM. An excellent floor standing bandsaw for the money, the machine’s 93 1/2” blade cuts 13-5/8” (width) and 6” (height).
8. JET 708115K JWBS-14CS
The 14” JET boasts of a rigid one-piece cast iron frame that provides strength and reduces vibration and an adjustable 15”x15” table that tilts 45 degrees right and 10 degrees left. The fan-cooled 1 HP motor moves the 3/8”, 6.0 TPI blade at 3000 SPM and both combine to deliver a cutting capacity of 6 x 13-1/2”. Other features of the machine include roller bearing guides, graphite impregnated polymer blocks in the guides for cooler operation, and a built-in 2” dust chute.
9. RIKON 10-326
Designed as a bandsaw for metal cutting and woodworking, the 14” 10-324 has a cut capacity of 13″ (height) and 13-5/8″ (width), tool-less blade guides, and quick-adjust, oversized rip fence. The powerful 1 3/4 HP, 115V/230V motor delivers two blade speeds: 2,950 FPM and 1,445 FPM for the 111″ long 5/8″ wide 6 TPI blade. For added support, the rip fence and resaw bar are 6” high, and for easy angle adjustments, there’s a quick-lock trunnion system with lever and gear unlock.
10. Powermatic PM1500 1791500
A heavy-duty, feature-rich machine, the 14” Powermatic bandsaw is has balanced 9 spoke cast-iron wheel, 1.5 HP, 115V motor, bearing guides and a large-sized workspace. The two-piece cast iron table is 15”x 15” and can be extended to 15”x20” and tilted 45 degrees right and 10 degrees left. The body is cast iron with a steel base cabinet for stability and a halogen lamp for illuminating the blade.
The 1/4″ blade can be used for 6” under the guide and 13-1/2” (width) cutting. The unit also features the Carter quick release handle with the full tension, full release, and relaxed tension positions, a chip blower, and trunnion support.
By BCR Staff
May 2019
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