10 Essential Features of Band Saw You Must Know Before Buying

Are you looking to buy the best band saw for your woodcutting or woodworking projects? Whether you are looking for this machine tool for personal use or professional use, having the right one for your application is very important. Since there are multiple options available, it is common to get confused when selecting the suitable band saw for your workshop. 

However, here we have listed 10 essential features you should know before buying a band saw. This article will help you choose the best band saw for your woodworking project. 

• Size Of the Band Saw 

Checking the size of the band saw is an important thing when you are looking to buy one for your workshop. The size of the band saw depends on the size of the two wheels. 14-inch band saws are usually very popular and most used ones. Depending on the brand, the price of these saws can be more or less. 

Bigger size band saws are available in 16 inch and 20-inch sizes. However, these saws are expensive compared to 14-inch band saws. When considering the size of the band saw, you should also check the space in your workshop and choose a saw accordingly.

• Cutting Capacity 

The cutting capacity of the band saw is also an important feature to check before buying one. Smaller models can have a cutting capacity of 3 inches in height and 9 inches in width. On the other hand, larger models can have a cutting capacity of 15 inches in height and 24 inches in width. Depending on the brand and the type of the band saw, the cutting capacity can vary. 

• Tilt Table 

A band saw with a tilt table will allow you to make beveled or angled cuts accurately. In the woodworking world, beveled cuts have a high significance, and most people love these cuts. If you frequently make such cuts, you should look for a band saw with a tiltable table. 

• Motor Power 

Different band saws come with different sizes of motors, so the power of these machines is also different. 14-inch band saws usually come with a 1 to 1.5 HP motor, and they are excellent for most woodcutting jobs. 

A band saw with a 3 HP motor can be used for faster jobs because they offer high power. Some bigger band saw models come with up to a 5 HP motor, and they are used for high power applications such as ripping a 10-inch thick lumbar. Depending on your requirements, you can decide how much motor power you need. 

• The Table Should Be Completely Flat 

This is an important thing to check when buying the best band saw. The table is a significant component of any power saw, and it should be fully flat to provide better results. Band saws from reputable brands usually come with high-quality flatter tables for better performance. Also, the table should be adjustable so that you can set it the way you want and make cuts at different angles. 

• Choose A Band Saw That Comes with Bearing Guides 

Band saws can come with solid guides or bearings to guide the blade in the proper way and prevent it from wandering. Normal band saws usually come with solid guides to keep the blade from deflecting. But superior models come with bearings for the same purpose. Compared to solid guides, bearings are accurate and help reduce wear and tear. 

These saws generally come with two types of bearings in the guide assembly – parallel thrust bearing and diagonal side bearing. The role of parallel thrust bearing is to keep the blade from pushing back. And the diagonal side bearings help reduce side deflection. The flat portion of the blade comes in contact with these bearings, not the teeth portion. 

• Table Insert or Throat Plate

Table insert or throat plate in an insertable part in the table of a band saw that helps minimize scattering and keep small pieces of wood from falling between the blade and table. A table insert is made of plastic, and it will not damage the blade if the blade touches it. And a damaged table insert can be replaced easily. 

• Types Of Band Saw 

Band saws are generally categorized into two types – free-standing or benchtop and compact band saw. A free-standing band saw operated through an electrical source from a wall socket. But a compact band saw operates on a battery. Benchtop band saws are powerful machine tools and can be used for personal and professional purposes. 

On the other hand, compact band saws are cordless and operated through battery power. They are versatile, portable, and are considered small versions of benchtop band saws. They are ideal for use in Jobsite and rough conditions. 

• Blade Tracking Adjustment Feature 

Blades are an important component of any power saw. If they are not properly maintained or used, they can bend or break. So, the blade tracking feature is an important thing to monitor the wear and tear of the blade and avoid frequent replacement of the blade. Most bandsaw models come with this feature, but you must check this before buying one. 

• Purpose Of Use 

When buying a band saw, determining your purpose of use can help you find the right one for your needs. Typically, band saws can be used for making a variety of cuts, but if you narrow down your specific requirements, you can easily get the right tool for your job. 

The types of cuts that can be made with a bandsaw include resawing, curved cuts, crosscuts, bevel cuts, rip cuts, miter cuts, and compound cuts. 

Conclusion 

In a woodworking workshop, a band saw can be used for a variety of purposes. So, it is one of the must-have tools for every woodworker. In the same way, it is also essential to get the best band saw out of many options available. If you consider the important features before buying a band saw, you can easily determine which band saw will be suitable for your workshop.