For most woodworkers, we recommend
they buy a 14" band saw with a riser block. While larger machines offer more capacity and power, the price of the 14" makes it the most practical machine.
For beginners, keep in mind that the 14" refers to the distance between the blade the post of the saw. You'll be able to saw into the center of a 28"-wide board with a 14" saw. Fourteen-inch band saws are offered in two basic configurations (open-stand or closed-stand) and are available with 3/4 hp, 1 hp or 11/2 hp motors.
Resaw Capacity and Motor
Most 14" saws will resaw a piece of wood that's 6" wide (see photo at right). Some saws will accept an accessory riser block to double the resaw capacity to 12" for between $40 to $70. Kits typically include an extra-long guard and post for your blade's guides. The downside to riser blocks is that they increase the length of your saw's blade (and add to the cost of the blade).
You don't have a lot of options when it comes to the power of the saw. If you're going to do any resawing, buy a 1 hp model.
Guides
Three basic types of blade guides are available. Metal guide blocks, fiber or plastic guide blocks (sometimes called cool blocks) and ball-bearing systems. Metal blocks have been standard for years, but non-metal guides give you tighter adjustment with less friction. Bearing guides provide even more superior control with low heat concerns. We recommend ball-bearing guides. There also are excellent aftermar-ket guides available. pw
14" Band Saws
|
Brand & |
Street Price, |
HP/ |
Volts |
Resaw |
Tilt |
Max. Blade |
Weight |
Guide |
Frame |
Comments |
|
Model |
low/high |
Amps |
|
Capacity |
Left/Right |
Width |
in lbs. |
Type |
Type |
|
|
Bridgewood BW-15BS |
$295 |
3/4/i2 |
II5 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
I" |
I72 |
M |
Open |
I5"/2-speed ,opt.4" riser |
|
Craftsman 22414 |
$550 |
1 '/2/I0 |
II5 |
6" |
I5°/45° |
3/4" |
202 |
M |
Open |
|
|
Delta 28-275 |
$500/$609 |
3/4/I0.7 |
II5 |
6I/4" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
20I |
M |
Open |
Riser block option |
|
Delta 28-280 |
$700/$839 |
1/9 |
115/230 |
6I/4" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
224 |
M |
Closed |
Riser block option |
|
Delta 28-255 |
$800/$850 |
1/9.0 |
II5 |
6I/4" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
224 |
M |
Closed |
Riser block option |
|
Grizzly G1019 |
$300 |
3/4/I2 |
II0/220 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
2I0 |
M |
Closed |
Riser block option |
|
Grizzly G1019Z |
$325 |
i/i4 |
II0/220 |
6I/8" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
I60 |
M |
Open |
Riser block option/2 speed |
|
Grizzly G1148 |
$445 |
I /I 4 |
110/220 |
7I/2" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
I75 |
M |
Open |
Two-speed |
|
JET JWBS-140S |
$500 |
3/4/I0 |
II5/230 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
I83 |
NM |
Open |
Riser block option |
|
JET JWBS-14CS |
$550/$580 |
I /I 0 |
115/230 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
I97 |
NM |
Closed |
Riser block option |
|
JET JWBS-C140S |
$629/$699 |
3/4/I0 |
II5/230 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
I86 |
BB |
Open |
Riser opt., Carter guides |
|
JET JWBS-14MW |
$640 |
I /I 0 |
115/230 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
206 |
NM |
Open |
Riser block option |
|
JET JWBS-C14CS |
$679/$699 |
I /I 0 |
115/230 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
200 |
BB |
Closed |
Riser opt., Carter guides |
|
JET JWBS-C14MW |
$ 749/$799 |
I/I0 |
II5/230 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
209 |
BB |
Open |
Riser opt., Carter guides |
|
Lobo BS-0143 |
$329 |
3/4/NA |
II5 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
|
I76 |
NM |
Open |
3-speed |
|
North State WA14M |
$425 |
I/NA |
115/230 |
6I/4" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
250 |
M/BB |
Open |
|
|
Powermatic 044 |
$600 |
I /7 |
115/230 |
9" |
I5°/45° |
3/4" |
2I4 |
BB |
Open |
One-piece frame |
|
Powermatic 141 |
$1700 |
3/4/I0.6 |
II5/230 |
6" |
I5°/45° |
3/4" |
375 |
BB |
Open |
One-piece frame |
|
Reliant DD90 |
$297 |
I/NA |
115/230 |
53/4" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
I68 |
M |
Open |
4-speed |
|
Ridgid BS1400 |
$499 |
3/4/ |
II5 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
3/4" |
I95 |
M |
Open |
|
|
Tradesman 8157 |
$399 |
I/NA |
115/230 |
6I/4" |
I0°/45° |
|
I62 |
BB |
Open |
|
|
Transpower SB500 |
$265 |
I/NA |
II5 |
6" |
I0°/45° |
|
I95 |
NM |
Open |
|
