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4 Best 14 Bandsaw
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
Buying Guide for the Best 14 Bandsaw
Choosing a 14-inch bandsaw can seem overwhelming, but understanding the main features will help you find the best match for your needs. Think about what kinds of materials and projects you want to tackle, like resawing lumber, making curved cuts, or general woodworking tasks. A good bandsaw feels sturdy, cuts smoothly, and is easy to adjust. Let your intended use guide your choices among the key specifications outlined below.Throat Size (Cutting Width)The throat size is the distance from the blade to the frame, and for a 14-inch bandsaw, this measurement typically approaches 14 inches. This determines how wide a piece of material you can cut. For most general woodworking, 14 inches offers plenty of capacity to handle medium to large pieces. If you often cut very wide panels, look for bandsaws with the largest throat size in this class. For occasional use or smaller projects, standard throat size will be more than enough.
Resaw Capacity (Cutting Height)Resaw capacity refers to the maximum height of material the saw can cut through—think of how tall a piece of wood you can slice. Basic 14-inch bandsaws may cut 6 inches high, but some have riser blocks or come designed for up to 12 inches. If you plan to cut thick logs or resaw wide boards into thinner slices, look for higher resaw capacity. If you mainly make smaller parts or curved cuts, a basic height is usually fine.
Motor PowerMotor power (measured in horsepower) affects the saw's ability to cut through thick or dense wood without slowing down. Bandsaws in this size usually range from 1/2 to 1-1/2 horsepower. Heavier tasks, like resawing thick hardwoods, benefit from more power, while lighter, occasional work is fine with less. Choose more horsepower if you expect to do a lot of resawing or cut harder materials—otherwise, a standard motor should suit general use.
Frame ConstructionThe frame holds everything together, affecting both stability and vibration. Bandsaw frames are typically made from either cast iron, steel, or aluminum. Cast iron frames are the heaviest and absorb vibration very well, making for smooth, quiet cuts—best for heavy, frequent use. Steel frames are lighter and more portable but may vibrate more. For hobbyists or occasional workers, frame type is less critical, but frequent users or serious woodworkers will benefit from cast iron.
Blade GuidesBlade guides keep the blade running true, preventing drift and poor cuts. Common guide types are blocks (often made of metal or ceramic) and bearing guides (using small bearings). Bearing guides are quieter and require less maintenance, while ceramic guides last longer and are less prone to gumming up. For precision work or frequent use, spend attention on guide quality. For lighter or occasional use, either type will work, but good adjustment options are still important.
Table Size and FeaturesThe table supports your work, so its size and adjustability matter. Larger tables make handling big pieces easier, while tilting tables let you make angled cuts. Cast iron tables are preferred for stability, while aluminum tables are lighter. If you deal with wide or heavy materials, pick a larger, robust table. For light work or small spaces, compact tables may be fine.
Dust CollectionBandsaws create a lot of sawdust, so dust ports help keep your workspace clean by connecting to vacuums or dust collectors. Port sizes vary (often 2-4 inches). For shop health and visibility, a good dust port helps. If you have a dust collection system, make sure the saw's port size matches your setup. If not, consider this less critical, but a dust port is still useful for occasional cleaning.