The 6 Best 14-inch Bandsaw for the Money

As an avid woodworker, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with bandsaws over the years. And let me tell you, finding the perfect one can be a real game-changer in the workshop. That’s why I took it upon myself to test and review countless 14-inch bandsaws, searching for those exceptional few that stand head and shoulders above the rest. Now, fellow craftsmen, if you’re an older man who appreciates the raw power and precision of a well-crafted tool, then you’re in for a treat. Today, I unveil my top picks for the 6 Best 14-inch Bandsaw on the market, destined to elevate your woodworking projects to new heights. So, grab your safety goggles, tighten your work gloves, and join me on this exciting journey to bandsaw nirvana!

So, why would someone need a 14-inch band saw? The answer lies in its unparalleled cutting precision, remarkable power, and the incredible versatility it offers. From intricate curves and detailed patterns to straight-line cuts and resawing, this tool empowers craftsmen to bring their imaginations to life, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with woodwork and metalwork.

One of the standout features of the 14-inch band saw is its ability to make intricate, curved cuts with ease. Equipped with a narrow, flexible blade that moves in a continuous loop, this saw provides exceptional control and maneuverability. It allows craftsmen to create complex designs, sculptural masterpieces, and decorative accents that add a touch of artistry to their projects.

Current List (2023):

A comparison study between 14-inch bandsaws and larger models found that 14-inch bandsaws offer a good balance between size, cost, and functionality, making them a popular choice for both hobbyists and professionals.

The Top 6 Best 14 Inch Bandsaw on the Market

1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw

The JET JWBS-14DXPRO stands out among its competitors due to its exceptional quality, performance, and user-friendly features. Its solid construction ensures stability and reduces vibration, leading to cleaner cuts. The powerful motor enables effortless cutting through a wide range of materials, while the large cutting capacity accommodates various workpiece sizes.

The ability to adjust the blade speed allows for greater versatility, ensuring optimal performance for different cutting tasks. The precision and accuracy offered by the JWBS-14DXPRO, combined with its safety features, make it a standout option in the 14-inch bandsaw category.

The JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Bandsaw is an excellent choice for woodworkers who require a reliable and versatile bandsaw capable of handling a wide range of cutting tasks, including resawing and cutting thick stock with precision and accuracy.

Unique Key Features

• Built-in 12-inch resaw capacity: This bandsaw is equipped with a 12-inch resaw capacity, allowing you to easily cut thick stock or veneers for various woodworking projects.
• Cast iron frame and table: The bandsaw features a sturdy cast iron frame and table, providing stability and reducing vibrations during operation. This ensures precise and accurate cuts.
• Upper and lower ball bearing blade guides: The JWBS-14DXPRO comes with ball bearing blade guides both above and below the table, promoting smoother blade operation and reducing friction for improved cutting performance.
• Blade tensioning system: This bandsaw has a convenient quick-release blade tensioning system, allowing you to easily change blades and adjust the tension for different cutting tasks.
• Precision blade guide system: The bandsaw incorporates a precision blade guide system that ensures accurate tracking and reduces blade drift, resulting in clean and straight cuts.
• Dual-speed poly-V belt drive system: The JWBS-14DXPRO features a dual-speed poly-V belt drive system, allowing you to switch between two blade speeds to accommodate various materials and cutting requirements.

Pros

• One of the best things about this is that it was easy to set up.
• It is not a cheap tool, but the quality is fantastic, making it an excellent purchase for the price-to-quality ratio.
• The quick-change blade, other precision, and safety features are also highly dependable.
• Cast Iron Construction

Cons

• No fence included
• The table needs a lot of polishing

Related Articles:

• Our List of the Best Bandsaws
• Our List of the Best Resawing Band Saws

2. Rikon 10-325 14” Bandsaw Deluxe

Affordable, reliable, and easy to use with an adjustable rip fence, it has been a popular choice among woodworkers for decades.

Known for a massive selection of power tools, Rikon has developed the 10-325 14-inch Delux Band Saw. With a quick-release blade tension, two speeds, a hinged blade guard, and a massive 16 x 21-inch table, the Rikon 14-inch saw is perfect for most workstations, and diy projects.

The quick-release blade tension is an attention-grabber for two reasons: safety and efficiency. By making sure that the blades are always in their proper place, the Rikon band saw stands firm against a wood stock or metal. With full capability, the Rikon works at 1445 feet per minute speed and 2950 feet per minute.

Finally, a hinged blade guard within the saw creates a sight window to guarantee proper visibility when working with the device. With the line of sight and suitable worktable, the Rikon is near perfect. It also includes a 4-inch dustpan within the partition to help keep the saw tidy.

Unique Features

• Dual Voltage: The Rikon 10-325 Bandsaw Deluxe is capable of operating on both 110V and 220V power sources. This versatility allows users to adapt the bandsaw to their specific power requirements, providing greater convenience and flexibility.
• Integrated Blade Tension Indicator: This bandsaw is equipped with an integrated blade tension indicator, which provides a clear visual display of the blade tension. This feature enables precise adjustments and ensures optimal cutting performance while reducing the risk of blade breakage.
• Quick-Release Blade Tension Lever: The bandsaw incorporates a quick-release blade tension lever, allowing for swift and effortless blade changes. This feature eliminates the need for additional tools and simplifies the blade swapping process, saving valuable time and enhancing user convenience.
• Large Cutting Capacity: The Rikon 10-325 Bandsaw Deluxe boasts an impressive cutting capacity of 13-5/8 inches width and 13 inches height, providing ample space for handling larger workpieces and accommodating a wide range of cutting tasks.

Pros

• Easy and quick to change the blades.
• Powerful motor
• The price fits anyone’s pocketbook.
• It looks like a well-designed saw.
• An excellent mechanism for geared tilting.
• It comes with blade guides for ball bearing.
• Two-speed operations for various applications.
• The table is perfect and has a well-designed and robust fence.
• Adjustable rip fence

Cons

• Poor manual quality.
• It can be a bit fussy to adjust correctly.
• The customer support is too slow to get anything done.
• With a plate welded above it, the dust collector port could be blocked.
• The directions in the manual are pretty vague and do not give details on how to assemble the saw.

3. Grizzly 14-inch G0457 Deluxe Band saw

For the woodworker with a great deal of work on his plate, the Grizzly 14” G0457 Deluxe Band Saw is the ultimate tool. Another unique-looking piece, the Grizzly is a heavy-duty band saw with a stand that supports heavier saws but can also work on lighter projects and delivers decent results.

A conventional upper and lower guide comes with the saw and ball bearings that create extra power for the perfectionist. Within the device’s body, the model is made up of an all-ball-bearing gut and a 3/8-inch blade that can pass through nearly any wooden or metallic surface.

With a hefty shipping weight of over 200 pounds, the Grizzly features a table that is a little over 19 x 14 inches and features a two-horsepower 110V/220V single-phase TEFC capacitor.

Unique Features

• Dual Voltage Capability: The Grizzly 14-inch G0457 Bandsaw Deluxe stands out from other similar bandsaws due to its unique dual voltage capability. This feature allows the bandsaw to be operated using either 110V or 220V power sources, providing greater flexibility for users in different workshop settings.
• Quick-Change Blade System: Unlike many other bandsaws in its class, the Grizzly G0457 Deluxe features a quick-change blade system. This innovative design allows users to easily and swiftly swap out blades without the need for specialized tools or lengthy adjustments. It saves valuable time and enhances overall efficiency during blade changes.
• Integrated Blade Tension Indicator: This bandsaw incorporates an integrated blade tension indicator, which is a distinctive feature not commonly found in other similar models. The indicator provides real-time feedback on the tension of the blade, allowing users to achieve optimal blade performance and prolong blade life.
• Precision Micro-Adjusting Fence: The Grizzly G0457 Deluxe is equipped with a precision micro-adjusting fence, offering enhanced accuracy and control during cutting operations. This unique feature enables users to make precise adjustments to the fence position, ensuring consistent and reliable cuts, particularly when working on intricate or detailed projects.

Pros

• Flexible size and area of cutting
• Grizzly’s customer service is wonderful.
• The finish and flatness are impressive on the cast iron table.
• The instructions for assembly are thorough and easy to understand.
• No noise does not vibrate, and when running, the blade practically disappears.
• The table can easily be placed on the back of the blade by adjusting the setscrews on the trunnion bracket.
• Cast iron wheels

Cons

• On the end of the power cord, there is no electric plug.
• You can’t rip stock with the fence on the right side of the blade.
• Without removing the table first, you can’t install or remove 3⁄4″ wide blades.

4. WEN 3966 Band Saw

This is a cheaper bandsaw. It has a 120 volt with a 3.5 amp motor. The actual cutthroat is 9 3/4 inches, but the thickness of the cut is 6 inches. It’s a two-speed model. The top speed is 2620 feet per minute, and the low speed is 1520 feet per minute. The blade length is 72 inches. It comes with a heavy-duty stand.

I recommend it for anybody who needs a small bandsaw that can do almost all big bandsaw work. For a small tool and not an industrial-strength saw, it’s great for the price.

Depending on job requirements, you can adjust the motor with a two-speed transmission. You can use a wide range of blades on it, and it has a 6″ resaw capacity. For easier cleaning, it has a 3-in-1 dust port.

This WEN model can make bevel cuts from 0 to 45 degrees. The work table is heavy-duty, and it has a safety blade guard. For better straight cuts, it has a reversible fence.

Unique Features

• Digital Depth Gauge: The WEN 3966 Bandsaw is equipped with a unique digital depth gauge that allows precise and accurate measurements of the cutting depth. This feature eliminates the need for manual adjustments and ensures consistent and reliable results.
• Built-in LED Work Light: Unlike many other bandsaws on the market, the WEN 3966 Bandsaw comes with a built-in LED work light. This feature illuminates the cutting area, providing enhanced visibility and allowing users to make precise cuts even in low-light conditions.
• Quick-Release Blade Tension: The WEN 3966 Bandsaw features a convenient quick-release blade tension mechanism. This allows users to easily and swiftly change or adjust the blade without the need for additional tools. It saves time and effort, enabling efficient blade swaps and minimizing downtime.
• Dual Blade Speeds: One notable and unique feature of the WEN 3966 Bandsaw is its dual blade speed capability. It offers the flexibility to choose between two different blade speeds, allowing users to optimize their cutting performance based on the material being worked on. This versatility makes the bandsaw suitable for a wide range of applications and materials.

Pros

• It has a lot of power.
• There is very little noise.
• Sturdy and long-lasting construction;
• Outstanding performance.
• Powerful and Lightweight.
• Includes a guide fence as well as a miter gauge.

Cons

• Lots of tweaking is required.
• Won’t maintain proper tension
• The tracking will not be accurate.
• The blade comes loose from the wheels.

5. Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 14 x 12 Bandsaw

Despite its distinctive look, the Laguna Tools MBAND 1412-175 14 x 12 Band Saw is a crowd-pleaser due to its stacked list of unique features. In addition, the gray and black design gives somewhat of a space-age look to the device, making it stand out within any workstation.

In addition to the appearance, the Laguna band saw has a 13/4 horsepower motor that powers up to a TEFC of 60 Hz. Also, the voltage includes a fierce 115V with the Amperage of being an impressive 14/7 in height. Along with the tool’s notable achievements, a 6-foot cord with a NEMA 5-15 plug invites users to use the device further from the power source than most other band saws.

Laguna tools is also CSA certified, has a cast iron construction, and includes a one-touch power switch within the safety key and a pre-wired light outlet. With a steel frame making up the body, the Laguna band saw is one of the best tools on case iron wheels.

Unique Features

• Dual Voltage Capability: The Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 14 x 12 Bandsaw is equipped with a unique feature that allows it to operate on both 110V and 220V power sources. This versatility makes it convenient for users in different locations or with varying power requirements.
• Pyramid-shaped Spine: Unlike many other bandsaws, the MBAND1412-175 incorporates a pyramid-shaped spine design. This innovative feature enhances the structural integrity of the machine, reducing vibrations and promoting smoother, more accurate cuts. The pyramid spine also adds rigidity to the bandsaw, resulting in improved overall performance.
• Disc Brake with Microswitch: This bandsaw model includes a built-in disc brake system with a microswitch. The disc brake provides rapid stopping power, ensuring enhanced operator safety. The microswitch further enhances safety by automatically shutting off the machine when the brake is engaged, preventing accidental starts.
• Dynamic Resaw Bar: The MBAND1412-175 features a dynamic resaw bar that enables precise control and stability during resawing operations. This unique component helps maintain consistent blade tension across the full length of the blade, resulting in cleaner cuts and reduced blade drift. The dynamic resaw bar is designed to optimize the performance of the bandsaw when handling wider or thicker stock materials.

Pros

• It has a long shelf life.
• High-capacity motor
• It has a wide range of applications.
• Blades can be changed in a flash.
• It is equipped with a tracking window.
• It is appropriate for heavy-duty applications.
• Durable materials used in construction
• It is capable of cutting a variety of materials.
• It is a long-lasting tool with a great deal of stability.
• The powerful engine allows you to saw a variety of woods.
• Cast Iron Frame
• Cast Iron Wheels

Cons

• Extremely heavy.
• It is prohibitively expensive
• The blade sizes are on the relatively small side.
• It can’t accommodate blades ranging from 1/8 to 3/4 inches in thickness.

6. Shop Fox W1706 Bandsaw

The Shop fox W1706 Band Saw is easy to set up, and it’s heavy as hell! But that’s not a bad thing at all, and it just means it’s made well. The blade is easy to adjust, and the unit doesn’t vibrate at all. During our tests, we cut oak and pine without any problems. We also used it for heavy cross-cutting, saw-through paces, and plenty of hardwood resawing.

To get the most out of this unit, you can watch the video from Alex Snodgrass. He shows you how to adjust it and set it up. It’s so much better than the manual.

W1706 has a lot of features. Tensioning, blade tracking, and adjusting the guide are effortless. It is even better than some jet bandsaws when it comes to the smooth running and the finish.

Some friends reported that they had to replace some bearings from a wheel when it comes to disadvantages. It doesn’t have casters, which means the first-time placement is critical.

Unique Features

• Patented Tension Indicator: The Shop Fox W1706 Bandsaw features a unique patented tension indicator system. This innovative feature allows users to accurately monitor and adjust the tension of the blade, ensuring optimal performance and extending the lifespan of the blade. This feature is not commonly found in other similar bandsaws, giving the W1706 an advantage in precision and blade maintenance.
• Quick-Change Blade System: Unlike many other bandsaws on the market, the W1706 incorporates a quick-change blade system. This feature enables users to easily and swiftly swap out blades, saving time and effort during blade changes. With the quick-change blade system, you can efficiently switch between different blade types for various cutting tasks, enhancing versatility and productivity.
• Dual Blade Speeds: The W1706 Bandsaw offers dual blade speeds, allowing users to select the appropriate speed for different materials and cutting requirements. This unique feature enables more precise control over the cutting process, resulting in cleaner cuts and reduced material waste. The ability to switch between blade speeds sets the W1706 apart from other bandsaws that may offer only a single speed setting.
• Extra-Large Cast-Iron Table: One notable feature of the Shop Fox W1706 is its extra-large cast-iron table. The spacious table provides a stable and sturdy work surface, which is particularly advantageous when working with larger workpieces. The generous table size enhances accuracy and ease of use, enabling smooth and precise cuts. This feature is less common in other bandsaws of similar size, making the W1706 an excellent choice for projects that require ample workspace.

Pros

• Changing sharp edges is a simple process.
• There is storage space built into the machine’s base.
• Extremely well-constructed both inside and out.
• It has a large table and is equipped with a high-quality miter fence.
• Prepared to deal with workpieces that are longer and heavier in weight.
• Cast Iron Frame Table

Cons

• Changing the speeds is a difficult process.
• It has a limited cutting capacity when used without a riser.
• It is not compatible with metal, as is the case with other Shop Fox brand saws.

14-inch Band Saw Buying Guide

When choosing a bandsaw model, one of the most significant factors is the bandsaw’s throat measurement. The throat measurement is the distance from the frame of the saw to the blade, and it determines the maximum width of material that can be cut. In other words, the bigger the throat measurement — the wider the board. Generally speaking, larger bandsaws — ones that are 16″ and above — are sturdier, have a higher power, and are less prone to vibration than smaller 10-, 12- or 14-inch varieties. But does that make them better suited for a home workshop?

If you are looking for a powerful machine that is practical and well-suited for personal use, a 14-inch bandsaw is probably the best choice. Although it is a bit smaller, a 14-inch saw will do pretty much everything that a dedicated handyman needs to be done. Compared to most 16- or 18-inch models, 14” saws do not take up too much space and are not as heavy to move. This gives you flexibility should you need to move your band saw without too much hassle. Also, because of its size and features, the 14″ bandsaw is generally cheaper than larger-sized varieties. On the whole, 14 is an excellent option for your home workshop and your personal cutting needs.

Open Or Closed Base

The difference between an open and a closed base is that the latter tends to keep dust away, clearing the space around the motor. Also, the closed base can provide a practical space for storage — sometimes closed base bandsaws even include handy shelves, allowing you to stow away spare parts and save space within your workshop. If you have no personal preference, keep in mind that the most critical factor is the base’s stability. Generally speaking; however, there should be no difference in stability between an open or a closed base.

6″ Or 12″ Throat

The cut’s depth is the amount of material that can be removed when the bandsaw passes through it once, and it is determined by the distance from the upper blade guides to the table. The depth of the cut can range between 6″ and 36″, but the two most common sizes are 6″ and 12″. While a 12-inch throat is much better for cutting through thick materials, it is also more costly. If you are looking for a basic and affordable option, a 6″ is sufficient — if you ever happen to need to cut through a thicker stock, for instance, if you decide to do any resawing, you can always use an add-on riser that extends the depth from 6″ to 12″. If you think this may be a future need of yours, make sure that the model you choose will allow for the add-on.

Horsepower

Another critical factor to consider when purchasing a bandsaw is its motor. Most smaller bandsaws are powered by a 1/2 to the 1-horsepower motor, whereas larger bandsaws tend to have variable speeds for greater versatility in cutting different materials. For example, if you plan to use your bandsaw to cut through softwoods, you will be OK with a basic 3/4 to the 1-horsepower motor. However, other types of craftwork, like cabinet work or resawing, require up to a 1 1/2 horsepower motor.

Size of Bed

The size of the table of the bandsaw should be approximately 16″ in width and length. Each bandsaw table should be made from a steel or aluminum alloy, and it should have a 3/4 by 3/8 miter slot able to accommodate standard gauges. Also, a bandsaw table should be able to tilt at a 45-degree angle.

Blade Speed

The blade’s speed is key to many aspects in the cut quality. It affects the strip smoothness, the kerf width, and how much power it takes to push through the wood. Processing a board with a slower blade will take higher cutting effort but will result in better strip quality. The average speed of a bandsaw blade is 12,000 to 18,000 feet per minute.

Cutting Fence

Your bandsaw’s fence is an important feature that will allow you to rip and resaw accurately and precisely. Unfortunately, many bandsaws do not include a fence. Sometimes, those that do are not top-quality, so if crosscutting and resawing are important to you, you might have to consider upgrading or purchasing an additional ripping fence.

Dust Collection

Dust collection is a technique used in woodworking to reduce the amount of airborne sawdust from a band saw. It can be achieved by using a vacuum cleaner or other device to suck up the dust created by the blade, before it has a chance to settle on other surfaces.

Dust collection is an essential part of any machinery that creates dust, and should not be neglected when one is buying their next bandsaw. The importance of dust collection cannot be overstated – it’s not only for your health and safety but also for the longevity of your equipment.

How often you will be using it

Are you a casual hobbyist, or will you be using this bandsaw in your workshop regularly? How frequently you use your bandsaw should be one of the main determinants of how much money you decide to invest in your new bandsaw. If you often use your bandsaw, it’s best to spend a bit more for the best possible cutting experience.

The materials you will be cutting.

As previously outlined, the more robust the material, the better the machine will have to be. So if you plan to cut through heavy-duty materials, it’s best to consider spending a bit more cash on a bandsaw with a more powerful motor that can cut wood or other materials deeper and faster. Prepare to spend about $200 more than the average cost of a 14-inch bandsaw.

How important add-ons are to you

Certain bandsaws are of average quality but have many add-ons available that can bring up their price. Before purchasing a bandsaw, consider how important the various add-ons are for your craft. For instance, do you need a lamp? If you are making intricate cuts, a lamp might be a good idea. But otherwise, it might unnecessarily bring up the price of your bandsaw. Also, will you need a brush that sweeps the tire? This is a nifty addition; make sure to consider whether it is essential for the particular purpose for which you will be using it.

FAQ

What is a 14 in band saw?

Answer: The 14 inch represents the diameter of the wheels of the band saw. The wheels of this type of bandsaw are 14-inches in diameter.

Is a 14 bandsaw enough?

Answer: If you need a bandsaw for the furniture-making small shop, the 14-inch bandsaw should be the minimum. But you should go with the largest that you can afford if you want to saw large objects.

What size blade does a 14 inch bandsaw take?

Answer: To cut or resaw thick materials, go with a coarse tooth blade that has 2-3 TPI. The 4 TPI blade is used for general wood that has 3 or 4 inches. For slow cutting, go with the 14 TPI blade. And the 6-8 TPI blades are used for most uses.

What power bandsaw do I need?

Answer: There is no definitive answer to this question. Every job is different, and it depends on how thick the wood you need to cut is. Another thing that contributes to the ability of the band saw is the blade too.

How thick of wood can a bandsaw cut?

Answer: 4-inch thick can be cut with a small bandsaw, while 6-inches cuts can be made with a larger bandsaw.

Conclusion

These are the best 14 inch bandsaws, and JET JWBS-14DXPRO is on the top of this list. It has a 12″ resaw capacity built-in. The blades can be changed quickly because of the ball-bearing blade guides. It is easy to adjust the top guides with the rack and pinion guidepost. The second set of markings on the fence scale makes it easy to position the fence for resawing with the attached pivots. You will love the two-speed settings if you cut aluminum or brass. Some downsides can be: the tall fence can be a few inches taller, and you might have to buy the fence kit that costs another $100.

The Rikon 10-325 14-inch Deluxe is also a great choice. One of the best features might be the resaw capability. Users can create perfect veneers because this tool has such high precision designed into it. The material that it’s built with is very sturdy, which helps with accuracy and keeps vibration low. One disadvantage might be the instructions from the manual. It might be hard to understand because it’s kind of vague, and it doesn’t go into detail on how to assemble the unit altogether. On the other hand, it has plenty of power or a professional woodworker, and it has the features of a larger-sized saw. It’s also fantastic if you are starting or learning.

Many band saws come with a fence, which can be used for resawing, along with a miter gauge to use with crosscuts. Since band saws do not usually vibrate, they are sturdier than other types of saws, so fewer errors occur. In fact, many band saws allow for personal updates, so after-market additions are welcome.

Some models range from 10 to 24 inches, which can be measured from the base to the neck. The depth of the model is also a factor as it can be important for deeper cuts of wood. Within these dimensions, consider what type of work you will be using the device to see the best 14 inch bandsaw for you.

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Lucian Grey

I love to share my expertise and love for the art of woodworking with others, providing tips and tricks, reviews of saws and other tools, and inspiration for new projects.