The band saw is one of the most versatile power tools you can own. The best characteristics of the band saw are its efficiency, precision, and speed. Band saws have more versatility than many other common saws, such as the circular or table saws. Instead of being able to cut only in a straight line, the band saw can cut in circles and other shapes as well.

The band saw first received a patent in 1808. At that time, it had a wooden frame. Two iron wheels were mounted on top of each other, and they were powered by water. The two wheels turned to cut into wood.

While today's band saws are more complex, they work on the same principle. Many band saws are small enough to fit on a worktable. These band saws typically have a 9-inch blade that will make most of the cuts an amateur carpenter will need. Other industrial-size models must sit on the floor and have blades upwards of 37 inches.

You determine the size of the band saw based on the diameter of the wheel. That helps determine the width of the board that can pass through the saw. While some band saws have three wheels that can pass through a wider board, these saws are not as precise and working with them can be more difficult.

In addition to the width of board the band saw can cut, you should consider the depth with which the saw can cut. This dimension is called the cutting thickness; it determines how high you can raise the top wheel above the platform on which you place the object to be cut. As expected, the smaller bench-top saws cannot cut as deeply as the larger floor models.

A third factor in comparing band saws is the thickness of the blade. A thicker blade will not be able to cut as well, as tightly, as a thinner blade. If you will be making primarily straight cuts and are concerned about the speed, however, consider getting a thicker blade, as it will work better for these cuts. Thicker blades are sturdier, making them better for quick cuts.

If your main interest is speed, then you also should look at the number of teeth the saw has. While most people will think, as it seems, that more teeth means faster cutting, the opposite is true. More teeth will slow down the saw because that will mean that more of the blade has to go through the wood. Instead, you will need a thinly populated blade if you plan to cut quickly.

The biggest drawbacks to using a band saw are that they are not portable. Even the bench top varieties are pretty heavy, so you will not be able to move them about quickly or easily. In addition, band saws do not work if you have to make a "plunge cut," meaning that you will cut deep into the wood. Band saws are not made for this type of cut, which you may use in furniture making or other projects. Instead, you will need to purchase an additional saw for this type of project.
by Julia Mercer