After reading the band saw reviews, it may not be the first tool necessary for a successful woodshop, and it may be the most resourceful. Best used to cut curves, a band saw can be guided on thick lumber to crosscut short pieces, create cabriole legs, or rip lumber. Besides, the best 14-inch band saw can also produce some of the smoothest cuts of any tool, which can even include metals if appropriate blades are being used.
Primarily, a band saw is made up of wheels—usually, three—with a thin rotating blade and a table to support the item being worked on as well as the motor. Band saws are generally available in a variety of sizes, which can range from small bench-top (mountable for small shops) to massive floor models (stand-alone).
Overall, the band saw size and stock size are determined from different dynamics, such as the distance between the inner portion of the blade and the neck of the saw. With the 14 inch band saw, for example, 14 inches is the distance between the two proportions. The measurements range from 10 to 24 inches in most cases. We reviewed the top 5 14-inch bandsaws below and also the best overall.
The next dimension involved would be the depth of the cut. In this case, depth refers to the table and the underside of the blade’s guard. With this in mind, if you had a saw with a 6-inch cut, which means you can cut about 5 – 7/8 of an inch because some additional clearance will be needed. Read more to find out what are the best 14-inch bandsaws on the market right now.
In addition to the saw’s specific dimensions, another critical aspect would be the size of the actual table. With larger tables, it’s easier to guide and hold the wood or material you wish to cut. In addition to size, the table should also provide the ability to cut a 45-degree angle, which changes what size may be necessary for the project.
Table of Contents
List of the Best 14-Inch Band Saws
JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw
Among all of the available 14-inch band saws, Jet’s JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit is one of the best. Highly rated, the tool has a 12-inch resaw capacity, which makes it perfect for larger wood pieces.
Also, Jet’s 2-speed ploy-v drive belt system means that it’s an excellent portable band saw. With such power in such a resourceful frame, the kit is the sports car of the bandsaw world.
Its firmness and force come from the lower and upper iron case frames, and the blade-tracking window creates an elegant range of view. Also, the integrated blade post allows for pinion and rack adjustments—two elements that make the Jet band saw ideal for most workshops.
Rikon 10-325 14-inch Deluxe
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 work stations.
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 adequate worktable, the Rikon is near perfect. It also includes a 4-inch dustpan within the partition to help keep the saw tidy.
Grizzly 14-inch G0457 Deluxe
For the woodworker with a great deal of work on his plate, the Grizzly 14-inch 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.
A conventional upper and lower guide comes with the saw in additional to ball bearings that create extra power for the perfectionist. Within the body of the device, 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.
WEN 3966
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 big bandsaw work. For a small tool and not industrial-strength saw it’s great for the price.
Depending on job requirements, you can adjust the motor with the 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 the 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.
This 14-inch bandsaw has mostly positive reviews, and it’s very popular from what we’ve seen. Some cons include adjustment complications and unreliability.
Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 14 x 12
Despite its irregular look, the Laguna Tools MBAND 1412-175 14 x 12 Band Saw is a crowd-pleaser due to it’s stacked list of amazing features. 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.
This band saw is also CSA certified 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.
Shop Fox W1706
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, 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 below 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 is effortless. Some users say it’s even better than some jet bandsaws when it comes to the smooth running and the finish.
When it comes to disadvantages, some users reported that they had to replace some bearings from a wheel. It doesn’t have casters, which means the first time placement is critical.
Buying Guide
When it comes to 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-inch 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 important 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. If you plan to use your bandsaw to cut through softwoods, you will be fine 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.
Cutting Fence
Your bandsaw’s fence is an important feature that will allow you to rip and resaw accurately and precisely. Many bandsaws do not include a fence. Those that do are sometimes not top-quality, so if crosscutting and resawing is important to you, you might have to consider upgrading or purchasing an additional ripping fence.
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. If you are planning 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 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 a multitude of 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 of 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.
Conclusion
The JET JWBS-14DXPRO is on the top of this list. It has 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. There’s also a second set of markings on the fence-scale that 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, and that helps with accuracy and keep 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. It has plenty of power or a professional woodworker, and it has 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 in order to see what is the best 14-inch bandsaw for you.