A 14 inch band saw is an indispensable addition to any workshop; whether you’re a professional woodworker or DIY enthusiast.
This handy piece of equipment can be used to make long, straight cuts or cut curves. As you’ll come to learn, it can be used for other tasks as well, which is why it’s a favorite for many homeowners.
Now, if you’re looking for this type of band saw, you might feel overwhelmed by the dizzying array of options available. It is where we come in. We’ve narrowed down your selections to 5 of the best 14 inch band saws on the market.
Types of 14 Inch Band Saws
These tools can be classified into two main types: floor standing and benchtop-style models.
The floor standing varieties comprise a cabinet-style unit that is placed on the floor; hence the name. These band saws are designed for professionals. As such, they come equipped with bigger motors and stronger frames.
Conversely, benchtop models are designed to be placed on a workbench or table. They are much smaller in size, which is why they’re the best choice for a home-based worker.
What Are 14 Inch Band Saws Best Used For?
These tools come in a variety of sizes. There are small band saws, which are about 10 inches in size to the more powerful 20-inch cabinet-style units.
The 14-inch size is in the middle of the pack, and this is one of the reasons why it’s so popular. It’s not too small, which makes it capable of tackling a decent amount of work. But it’s also not so big that it becomes too difficult to navigate.
With this in mind, these tools are best used for light to medium duty tasks. They’re perfect for cutting curves as well as slicing tenons and smaller rabbets. But, they might not be the best option if you’re looking to resaw strips from very large pieces of wood.
How to Choose the Right 14 Inch Band Saw
Frame
The majority of band saw frames are made from one of two materials: welded steel or cast-iron.
Welded steel is the most preferred option because of the benefits it confers. A steel frame provides better resistance against vibration that a cast iron frame does.
It also offers improved cutting capacities without compromising on strength or deflection. This makes it the best suited for heavy duty tasks. A cast iron frame, on the other hand, is suitable for everyday band saw operations.
Throat
Throat is one of the key metrics used to distinguish between different types of band saws. It’s a distance that is usually estimated from the blade to the vertical frame portion of the band saw.
It is this length that determines the cutting capabilities of the tool. For instance, if you’re looking to buy a 14 inch band saw, then expect its throat capacity to be 14 inches. Similarly, if you were to go for an 18 inch, it means you’d get 18 inch throat capacity.
Motor
Another thing you’ll want to think about is the amount of horsepower you’re getting from the band saw’s motor.
For light duty tasks, such as resawing or cutting thin stock, a motor with a 1 to 1 ½ HP will suffice. But if you plan to take on heavy duty tasks, like making your very own veneer using exotic hardwood, then you’ll need a more powerful band saw. For such jobs, look for motors with 2 ½ to 3 HP motors.
Blade
Another feature you should pay attention to when purchasing your band saw is the blade. Specifically, check the number of teeth per inch and its width.
To determine the best blade for you, think about what you’ll be using your band saw for. If you plan to do a lot of metal cutting, then go for a blade with many small teeth. For woodcutting, a blade with fewer, larger teeth is just what you need.
When it comes to width, narrow blades are able to cut tighter curves while curves made with wider blades are a bit loose.
Dust Collection
Don’t forget to check whether your band saw has a dust collection system. This feature traps all the dust generated from your sawing activities; thus, enabling you to work efficiently.
Table + Wheels
This is one feature that you should never overlook, especially because it’s where you’ll be doing all the cutting from.
The majority of saws have rectangular tables, with an average width of about 12 inches and a height ranging from 12 to more than 14 inches. The bigger the table, the bigger the work surface you’ll have.
While you’re checking the table, also pay attention to the band saw wheels. It is these wheels that rotate the blade so that it can cut. When you inspect the condition of the wheels, they should be looking brand new with no signs of wear or tear. Any deviation from this is an indication that the band saw has been used before or is defective.
Weight
The weights of these tools vary widely depending on the specific type you’re using. It goes without saying that floor standing models weigh more than their benchtop counterparts.
So if you’re looking for a band saw that you’ll be able to carry from one location to another, a benchtop design is your safest bet. However, if you’ll be operating from one stationary point, then a floor standing model offers increased range of use.
Extra features
There are a few other features you should watch out for:
Reviews of the Best 14 Inch Band Saws
1. Two-Speed 3966T 14-Inch Band Saw from WEN
Looking for a band saw that strikes the perfect balance between pricing and features? Then you’ll want to check out the WEN 3966T model. It comes at a mid-range price, and has a nice selection of features.
One of its highlights is the 9.5-amp motor that powers it. This significantly boosts its cutting power. To be specific, you will be able to comfortably cut workpieces that are up to 8.85 inches deep and 13 ⅜ inches wide.
In terms of blade compatibility, the saw is designed to take blades that are 100 ¾-inches, and which range anywhere between ⅛ and 1-inch in size.
These blades can cut at two different speeds: 1480 or 3280 FPM. This is a welcome feature because it gives you the flexibility to choose the speed that works for the specific material you’re tackling.
Also playing a part in this band saw’s cutting efficiency is the spacious work table that it comes with. Its dimensions are 21 ½ by 15 ¾ inches, which gives you plenty of space to place your workpieces.
Better yet, the table can be swiveled up to 45 degrees; helping you achieve your desired angle or pattern of cuts. And to help you achieve maximum accuracy, this tool also comes fitted with a rip fence.
Pros
Cons
Not every homeowner has a big chunk of space that they’re willing to spare so they can set up an industrial band saw. If you’re looking for something that is a little more compact without sacrificing the cutting power, then the Grizzly G0555 is just what you need.
The piece of equipment measures 44 by 20.75 by 19.75 inches. While this may seem somewhat big, it actually has a smaller footprint than the majority of these saws.
That said, don’t expect to find flashy features and gimmicks found in bigger, and heavier power tools. Instead, Grizzly emphasized the tiny details and superior craftsmanship that guarantee flawless operation and better cutting.
Speaking of craftsmanship, the manufacturer uses premium-quality materials on this band saw, providing maximum durability. More specifically, both the frame and work table are made of cast iron. For the computer-balanced wheels, the manufacturer has used a combination of cast aluminum and rubber for the tires.
Like WEN 3966T, the Ultimate band saw by Grizzly gives you two different speeds to work with. The 1HP motor powers the blade to cut at a speed of either 15000 or 3200 FPM in case you want to turn it up for certain tasks.
This band saw takes on 92 ½ to 93 ½ blades, which range between ⅛ to ¾ inches in size. This allows it to deliver a cutting capacity of 13 ½ inches. Apart from crosscuts, you’ll be able to use it for resawing thick workpieces. Its resaw capacity is rated as being 12 inches.
Also worth mentioning is that the blade has both upper and lower ball bearing blade guides. The purpose of these is to ensure that the blade stays on track. It also sports a quick-release blade tension, resulting in a user-friendly tool.
Pros
Cons
While Jet isn’t the most popular brand in the power tools industry, it’s proven time and time again that its inventions are worth the investment. The JET JWBS-14DXPRO band saw is a good case in point.
The machinery measures 29 x 28 x 77 inches, so it’s bound to occupy a considerable amount of space. Plus, it weighs just slightly under 250 pounds.
The silver lining of the band saw being huge is that it accommodates a fairly large worktable. It's square-shaped with dimensions 15 by 15 inches. Moreover, you can make a variety of cuts by tilting the table to the right or left. The range of tilt to the right is 45 degrees and the one to the left is 10 degrees.
JET JWBS band saw also delivers a high level of precision. Jet achieves this by including a number of components, such as a rip fence and an effective poly-v belt-driven motor. Not only does it deliver on accuracy but it also gives you two speeds to pick from for optimal control.
The quick-release blade tensioner, allows you to make fast and easy adjustments to achieve your desired results. Factor in the blade guide post and rack & pinion fence, and you’re guaranteed of getting some pretty accurate cuts.
The viewing window is another feature that sets JET JWBS band saw from the crowd. It enables you to track the blade’s movements, so you’re always aware of its position. This significantly enhances your safety.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking for a band saw that comes with everything you need to make your cutting jobs easier? Then you’ll want to look into the W1706 model by Shop Fox.
Available in a white color scheme, this piece of equipment has an aesthetic appeal to it. Its dimensions are 45.5 by 39.5 by 19 inches with a work table that measures 14 by 14 inches. This gives you plenty of room to tackle bigger pieces.
Size and aesthetics aside, the construction of this tool is pretty impressive. The table and frame are made of cast iron, guaranteeing years of service.
In terms of power, you get a 1 HP motor, which runs on a 110 volt/220 volt electric outlet. Its output is estimated at 1,725 revolutions per minute, which is a decent speed for a motor of its caliber.
This motor is what powers the blade, which should be about 93 ½ inches long and between ⅛ and ¾ inches wide. Like some of the power tools we reviewed earlier, this band saw also lets you pick between two speeds: 1500 and 3200 FPM.
But where the W1706 really stands out is the fact that the blade comes with an extension block, increasing its size to about 105 inches. This boosts its resaw capacity up to 12 inches high. Better yet, the riser comprises a block kit, which makes for an easy installation.
A couple of other features you’ll love include the heavy-duty cabinet-style stand, which doubles up a storage unit. This way, you can always keep any tools that you use in close proximity. The band saw also boasts upper and lower ball bearing blade guides to keep it on track.
An extruded aluminum fence and miter gauge have also been incorporated to improve accuracy. Meanwhile, the dust port traps any sawdust generated by your woodworking activity, making cleanups much easier.
Pros
Cons
If you’re on the hunt for an industrial-grade band saw that would be suitable to use at a job site, you should check out Grizzly Industrial G0806 band saw. It comes with a hefty price tag, but that’s not surprising considering the power and features that it offers.
The first thing you’ll likely notice is its size. The 890-pound machinery comes with a massive work table that measures 22 ⅛ by 19 ⅞ inches. With such a huge work surface, you’ll have no trouble tackling bigger projects.
And the best part is, this work table can be tilted in two ways to achieve your desired results. One, you can tilt to the left or right by 15°. You can also swivel it to the front or back by 10°.
It comes as no surprise that the Grizzly band saw is also the most powerful in our review. It’s powered by a 1.5 HP, single-phase motor, which delivers an unparalleled performance.
There’s even a blade speed control, making it easy to adjust how fast or slow the blade spins. This adjustment ranges from 88 to 384 FPM.
Grizzly G0806 features a number of components that you don’t find in small-grade models. These include an on-board blade cutter, ⅛ HP grinder, and a welding station. With such elements, you can make your own blades from scratch using bulk coils of band stock.
The manufacturer has also incorporated a chip blower, which traps any particles generated so that they’re blown away from you rather than towards you.
Pros
Cons
Wrap Up
One of the best 14 inch band saws is the WEN 3966T model. Powered by a 9.5-amp motor, this saw can make cuts that are 13 ⅜ inches wide and 8.85 inches deep.
The band saw comes fitted with a generous work table with bevel capabilities of up to 45 degrees. Plus, it can run at two different speeds, giving you the freedom to work at your own pace. This band saw also sports a miter gauge, which significantly improves the accuracy of your cuts.