If you've been practising the art of woodworking and metalworking for a longer time, you must have wondered how far the technological advancements have gone at this time and place.
Industries and factories are now capable of producing materials in a matter of hours for something that would've taken us days from our home garage.
One of the culprits for this enormous efficiency is the horizontal band saw, a fantastic tool that offers versatility, power, and flexibility to the user.
However, there are not that many products out there, which is why we've embarked on a journey of finding the best horizontal band saw.
Stay tuned and join us so you can purchase one for yourself and change the way you experience metalworking.
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Experiencing the Power of the Best Horizontal Band Saws: Top 5 List
The beauty of horizontal band saws lies in the fact that they are capable of cutting through the hardest materials thanks to three things - gravity, hardened teeth, and professional-grade build.
This and more is what makes the WEN 3975T Metal-Cutting Benchtop the best model on this list.
WEN's band saws are well known in this industry, and it's no wonder that one of their products takes first place in our article.
Thanks to its build and proprietary internal parts, this band saw sticks out from the rest of the products in a couple of ways.
Firstly, the adjustable speed varies in the range between 125 and 260 feet per minute, which is phenomenal considering it's designed to tackle different types of metal and it requires a constant change of pace.
Moreover, it has a beveling blade, meaning that it can rotate, depending on the bulkiness of the material that you're cutting.
You can set it up anywhere between 0 and 60 degrees, which is already different considering that many band saws go up to 45 degrees.
Aside from this, we should also note that it's the most compact and lightweight machine on this list since it weighs only 54.6 pounds.
It's quite surprising to hear that, knowing that it packs a powerful 4.5 amp motor that can withstand a lot of pressure.
Finally, we would like to mention that WEN offers a 2-year warranty for this machine, something you'd expect from such a renewed manufacturer.
All in all, the data is quite straightforward - it's awesome, and you should own it!
- Compact and lightweight
- Variable and adjustable speed
- 4.5 amp motor
- 2-year WEN warranty
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Moving on, we have a different type of metal-cutting band saw whose characteristics will surely dazzle you.
Say hello to the SHOP FOX W1715 Metal Cutting Bandsaw.
The first thing we'd like the note is that even though this is a horizontal band saw, it can function as a 2-in-1 machine, meaning it can both vertically and horizontally.
For all non-experienced workers out there, that means that you can set it up in a way to allow curved or patterned cutting while also maintaining the standard features of a horizontal saw.
Like the previous saw, this one also has multiple speeds in its repertoire that enable it to cut at 78, 108, and 180 feet per minute.
Its speed stats are lower than with the previous saw, which is why it takes second place, but it's by no means a bad product.
Another nice addition is the sturdy and stable built-in base that allows two things.
Firstly, you can set up this saw anywhere you'd like, and it'll retain its stability.
Secondly, the base is mobile, meaning you can shift and move it around the house or the job site, so it adds a lot of versatility to its appeal.
The 3/4 HP motor is outstanding as it delivers enough strength to enable accurate cutting at 110 voltage.
The only thing we noticed that some customers complained about were the legs of the base that were flimsy in some cases.
It might be due to errors with specific models, but it's not a recurring case as Shop Fox is fixing this problem.
- Horizontal and vertical band saw
- Three-speed saw
- Built-in base
- 3/4 HP motor
- Flimsy base legs
Somehow, Grizzly Industrial, despite being tortured by the competitive market, always seems to sneak a product or two in our lists thanks to their constant effort and incredible innovations.
So, it's an honour to give you the Grizzly Industrial G056 Metal-Cutting Bandsaw.
This horizontal band saw is capable of cutting both round and rectangular stock thanks to its powerful features and build.
The G056 has a small footprint, and it's mobile for your convenience, so you can use it at any location.
It also has some special features that you wouldn't normally see in a standard band saw, such as the hydraulic down feed control and a blade brush.
Adjustable blade guides are there to help out when you're switching from one material to another, and they'll do so efficiently thanks to the 158, 213, and 308 FPM speeds.
Even though it's pricey, the most salient feature of this product is that it's best for the money.
Thanks to the added features and the versatility it offers, it's undoubtedly worth every penny that you'll invest in it.
Of course, it is also a con considering that it costs a lot, but it's to be expected from a premium horizontal saw.
Overall, there aren't any massive flaws that could dissuade you from purchasing it, except maybe for the fact that it's not really a good machine for professional use.
It's best to use it at home as a weekend hobby.
- Mobile and convenient
- Special features
- Multiple speeds
- The best for the money
- Not for professional use
Jet band saws are well known in the woodworking circles, especially the Deluxe 14-inch JWBS model.
However, the JET HVBS-712D 7" x12" Deluxe Horizontal and Vertical Bandsaw is proving to be nearly as good as its brother.
The main thing that JET products are known for is their extreme durability that separates them from the rest of the competitors.
In this case, the HVBS horizontal band saw has a durable steel housing in combination with cast-iron blade wheels, which tells you right away you'll use it for years to come.
If you take a look at Amazon's pictures, you'll see that it's a bit larger than the previous machines, and it is.
It's a heavy-duty saw that weighs 228.8 pounds, which is troublesome in the sense of mobility, but you know you're getting a quality pick that can cut through any metal you need.
One of the things that increase the overall weight of this saw is the large 10x12-inch table that offers a lot of working space, meaning you can use bulkier metals and still get away with it.
On the other hand, we did notice that the 12-inch cutting width was not completely precise as it required massaging the blades to retract them.
Aside from that hiccup, this Jet saw will do you good in the long run.
- Reliable manufacturer
- Heavy-duty saw
- Cutting capabilities
- Spacious table
- Not 12-inch width capacity
Finally, we have a band saw that all weekend hobbyists would appreciate as it's not that hard to use and learn to manage.
It's modest, straightforward, and the right pick for you.
Here's the KAKA BS-712N Horizontal Band Saw.
The double-edged sword that troubles this machine is its size.
On the one hand, its size and weight increase its stability and help improve the overall accuracy during the cutting process.
However, the opposite argument can be claimed since it's not that mobile and you don't have much flexibility, but the payout should be greater due to its amazing specs.
It has a 1.5 horsepower motor that runs on 115 V and can cut at a 7-inch throat capacity.
Also, the machine can be rotated and tilted in the range of 45 degrees, which is useful for bulkier materials that require angled cuts.
It's surprising that this unit has seven models that differ according to size, application, and price.
Of course, we've chosen to present this one since it's the perfect embodiment of the size-to-quality ratio that you'd require from a home device.
We didn't like the fact the weight is pressuring one set of the wheel when it's vertically placed, which might potentially complicate things in terms of stability.
However, as a horizontal saw, you'll not regret buying it.
- Stable
- Strong motor
- Different models
- Easy to use
- Vertical weight pressure
Discovering The Horizontal Saw - Buyer's Guide
Horizontal band saws are not the typical products that you'd run into a hardware store.
They are professional-grade machines that are capable of a lot, which is why you should spend some time deciding which one to get.
Luckily, we're here to make that decision more clear-cut by listing some of the features that you should include in your decision.
Stay tuned!
1. Stability
If you've owned a portable band saw or a standard benchtop model, you know that their weight is not the thing that you looked at first when you were buying them.
That shouldn't be the case with horizontal band saws since they are bulkier and have more requirements than the standard saws.
Firstly, look at the power source in the description of a given saw since it might differ from what you'd expect.
They are usually corded and single-phase machines with variable or fixed voltages, depending on the model.
Then, it's important to pay attention to the weight because if you're planning to use it at home, you'll need a room with nice isolation, a solid floor, and lots of room.
2. Application
Horizontal saws are masterful when it comes to cutting metallic pipes and materials that you'd normally bring to a professional.
However, buying and owning a horizontal saw might be damaging to your progress as a carpenter since it's a metalworking machine that specializes in one thing.
Therefore, we recommend you at least look at some of the 2-in-1 models, meaning horizontal and vertical saws that can potentially cut through different types of material and offer curved and pattern cutting.
3. Price
The expenses that follow horizontal saws are not that naive, especially if you're not in the field and you're purchasing it for a hobby.
What we're trying to explain is that you shouldn't invest a large sum if you're not planning on using a horizontal saw often and even professionally.
You'll see that the price usually varies between $500 and $1500 dollars, so the best idea might be to go somewhere in the mid-range and find a quality device such as the WEN 3975T Metal-Cutting Benchtop for a solid amount of cash.
Also, a warranty is a huge deal since they are heavy-duty machines that are frequently exposed to burns, cuts, and sparks flying around.
Therefore, we'd recommend you to look for at least 1-year limited warranty deals.
Final Thoughts
As we've finished the reviews and tested out all the products, it's time to give you our two cents regarding the position of the products in the list.
Based on our estimates, the winner of the best horizontal band saw is undoubtedly the WEN 3975T Metal-Cutting Benchtop.
It's a solid machine with a lot to offer for a reasonable amount of money.
It has an unbelievable motor, great cutting capabilities, and a greater demand.
The SHOP FOX W1715 Metal Cutting Bandsaw and the Grizzly Industrial G056 Metal-Cutting Bandsaw are great in their own regard, but the truth is that every single horizontal saw from this list will be enough to satisfy your needs, so just pick one and trust your gut!