Yes, there are many band saws on the market, and yes, there are many features that you need to consider when you are trying to pick out what you want to buy. But choosing which band saw will be best for your needs isn’t as hard as it seems at first glance. This guide is designed to help you learn what you need to know to decide which band saw is right for your needs.
When it comes to outfitting your home workshop, a bandsaw should not be the first consideration. Other tools, like a table saw, chop saw, and bench planer will see more use. But as craftsmanship improves, a bandsaw becomes critical for cutting delicate curves in sheet goods and resawing planks into thinner slices. Bandsaws are not limited to woodworking, either. Metalsmiths, plumbers, and other tradesmen find them indispensable for making precise cuts on pipe, conduit, and sheet metal. Here’s how to find the right bandsaw for your project list.
1. Size and space
You have to ensure that you have enough space for it. You also need to make sure that it is large enough for the materials you are going to cut and that it is still going to be easy for you to use. You can always think about getting a band saw with wheels if you want a more portable option rather than one that is stationary, which will be useful if you have trouble moving heavy things or if you are just looking for something more efficient when it comes to moving things around. Check out some of the best bandsaws for sale in Australia that can fit with your space and the size you need.
2. Throat and height capacity
You will need to be aware of the height capacity of your band saw. Height capacity is simply the height from which you can cut materials with your band saw. This is also called vertical capacity, and you will want to get a band saw that can cut material that is taller than six or eight inches.
The throat opening, also known as the gullet, is the open area of the band saw throat. The throat capacity is measured from the outside of the blades to the center point in front of the blade. In fact, the throat capacity is where the biggest difference is. It accounts for 40% of your cutting capabilities. If you have a smaller throat capacity, you might be limited to what you can cut. The larger throat capacities are great because they give you more space for your wood projects.
3. Motor
The next consideration is what type of motor will be used with your band saw. Controlling the power levels on your band saw will give you more design control and easier cuts for intricate cuts when needed.
4. Power
Power is another difference between band saws. Because of larger motors, large-sized band saws are more powerful than smaller ones. The power also leads to easier cuts and less time working with the machine. If you want a job done in a shorter period of time, larger band saws will get the job done more quickly than smaller ones.
Of course, there are different capabilities in different brands, but one of the most sensitive things to keep an eye on is, don’t be fooled by amps counted by the motor alone! Most band saw models use more than one moving part to do work, so you also need to know how much torque each part has.
