The horizontal bandsaw is often mistaken as a chop saw alternative. But there is more to these saws than just cutting metal. Horizontal bandsaws are capable of cutting, wood, plastic, and metal with ease.
With a horizontal bandsaw making straight and precise cuts on metal becomes effortless. And that’s not all with this saw you can also cut stock down to size. Moreover, horizontal bandsaws are capable of more complex cuts.
Now that we have established the benefits of owning one, you are now probably thinking of buying one. So, where should you start? The first thing to note is that these saws aren’t cheap.
As such, buying one is an investment.
Let’s find you the best horizontal band saw by analyzing some of the best options available on the market. We have compiled a list of size horizontal bandsaws that we felt offered the best value for money.
For our top pick, we went with the KAKA INDUSTRIAL BS-712R, 7"x12" Metal Band Saw,...(#ad). Codenamed the BS-712R offered the best value for money. The runner’s up position went to the Grizzly Industrial G0561-7" x 12" 1 HP Horizontal...(#ad) .
All the other entrants on our list are fantastic machines in their own right, though, and are worth a look at.
Review Of The Best Horizontal Bandsaw For Metal Cutting
KAKA Industrial: Best Metal Cutting Band Saw
- 20×0.9x2362mm blade size
- 27,41,59,78MPM blade speed at 60Hz
- 7 inch by 12-inch rectangular capacity
- 750w motor
- V-belt drive system
- This bandsaw is equipped with dual voltage 115V or 230V single phase,motor, pre-wired for 115V. You can also rewire as needed.
- 7" Metal Band Saw Machine,V-belt drive. Can be swivelled The bow can be rotated, which can cut 30°，45°，60°，90°. With 4 different speed,The maximum processing capability of BAND SAW BS-712R is 7"(178mm). The belt gear of it has four cutting speeds. The saw bow can be swivelled between 45° and 90°.
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Let’s start with the Kaka BS-712R bandsaw. This was our top choice, thanks to its universal usability. It can be used in small shops and at home, making it appealing to many. But that’s not the only reason it tops our list.
Capable of cutting both vertically and horizontally, it is one of the most versatile, while its quick clamp vise makes it easy and quick to secure materials. This clamp rotates from 0 to 45 degrees, giving you the flexibility to make angled cuts.
When cutting metal, the blade can overheat; however, thanks to the inclusion of coolant, this is not something to worry you. Also, with its four speeds, you are able to cut metals of varying densities.
In our tests, it had no trouble cutting steel and aluminum metal pieces. At the base of the unit are four wheels that make it easy to move it around inside your shop.
What we liked
- Can be used both in a domestic and commercial setting
- It is capable of cutting both vertically and horizontally
- The clamp rotates making it easy to make angled cuts
- We found it easy to tune the feed rate
- With its four wheels at the base, it is easy to move around
What we did not like
- The wheels are fixed thus not steerable
This is probably the best horizontal band saw for a small shop. It has a lot of great features, key among them being the cooling system and its versatility.
Best Industrial Horizontal Band Saw: Grizzly Industrial G0561-7″ x 12″ 1 HP
- Four blade speed options
- 1 Horsepower motor
- 3/4″ X .03″ X 93″ blade size
- 7″ x 12″ max rectangular capacity
- Adjustable hydraulic feed
- Automatic shut off
- Blade size: 3/4" X .03" X 93"
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From metal to wood and anything in between, the Grizzly industrial G0561-7 can handle it all. This versatile metal cutter would be an excellent addition to any workshop. And there is plenty to write about this saw, so what did we like about it?
Firstly, it comes with four-speed options of 80, 130,180, and 235 FPM. As such, it can handle cutting metals of varying density as well as wood. At the core of its cutting ability is a 93-inch long blade.
This blade offers a better cutting capacity. For setting up, you have blade guides and a quick release valve. Thus securing material for cutting is easy.
The heavy-duty one-piece steel frame gives it stability when in use and is also durable. At the base, you get cast-iron wheels and a heavy-duty bearing that ensure ease of mobility.
What we liked
- The saw has a powerful motor
- The heavy-duty one-piece base offers excellent stability and prevents the saw from rattling
- Has a shutoff feature that shuts off immediately after a cut
- It is quick and easy to set up material for cutting
- Comes with an efficient cooling system for metal cutting
What we did not like
- Is a bit slow to change the blade
- It was not easy to adjust blade speed
We gave this the title of the best industrial horizontal band saw, because of what it had to offer. Compared to some other options, it proved to be quite powerful. Also, its versatility means you can cut a wide variety of materials.
Best Horizontal Band Saw for Production: Jet 414560 HVBS-712D Deluxe Bandsaw, 7 x 12″.
- 10 by 12 inches infeed table
- Multi-position blade guides
- Quick-lock vise
- Built-in storage cabinet
- 7 by 12-inch rectangular capacity
- ¾ inch wide blade
- Large 9" x 12" infeed table assembly extends the support area, and can be used in either horizontal or vertical positions
- Toolless quick lock vise with preset mitering positions at 15, 30, and 45 degrees
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Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A close competitor of the Grizzly g0561 the Jet 414560 could have taken the second position were it not for its hefty price. But when you look past its price, you are rewarded with a fantastic piece of hardware.
It features the same ¾ inch blade width as the Grizzly and a rectangular capacity of 7 x12 inches. In our tests, it had no trouble cutting through 2x4s and metal bars.
The blade guides on this model are fitted with ball bearings. This makes it easy to adjust. There is a chip tray that catches most burrs and chips. Additionally, it also features a storage cabinet for all your smaller tools.
There is a standard coolant system installed. In addition to horizontal cutting, it is also capable of vertical cutting with a capacity of 8 inches.
What we liked
- The ¾ inch blade width is excellent for cutting through various materials
- Comes with a large work table for easy vertical cutting
- It is easy to adjust the blade guides thanks to the installed ball bearings
- Has an automatic shut off feature
- Is able to make straight and precise cuts
What we did not like
- The coolant system tends to drip and splash
- It is overpriced in our opinion considering its similarity to other less costly options
Were it not for its hefty price; this would have occupied position two. It has all the great features you would expect from a high-end bandsaw.
Jet HVBS-712 7″x12″: Best Horizontal and Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw
- 9-7/16″ X 10″ work table
- 286-pound weight
- 120v standard plug
- 1-gallon coolant tank
- Rapid action vise
- Blade wheels are made from flanged cast iron for increased durability
- Rapid-action vise miters to 45 degrees
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It was hard to choose between the JET HVBS-712 bandsaw and the Grizzly G0561-7, so we decided to include both. The Jet HVBS-712 bandsaw is a fantastic saw in its own right, though.
As with other saws, it is capable of both vertical and horizontal cuts. What impressed us about this saw was how easy and quick it was to transition from vertical to horizontal and vice-versa.
Similar to the other options on our list, you get to choose your preferred speed setting. This is great when you want to cut different materials. In our tests, it performed well when cutting both steel and aluminum.
For a clean work surface, it is equipped with a chip-tray. In terms of safety features, it has an automatic shutoff. This is not the most groundbreaking feature, but it is still worth mentioning.
What we liked
- Is very well constructed and durable
- The inclusion of a chip-tray helps maintain a cleaner and healthier work surface
- Can be used to cut both vertically and horizontally
- Switching between horizontal and vertical cutting is easy
- Has a great price to performance ratio
What we did not like
- It is not easy to use especially for beginners
- Has a small fluid collection pan, which leads to some fluid ending up on the floor
This is a standard bandsaw that offers consistency. It provides all the features you would expect from a horizontal bandsaw. Overall, it is an excellent option for a small workshop.
Best Small Horizontal Band Saw For Metal Cutting: WEN 3970T 4-inch x 6-inch with Stand
- 16.5” x 36” x 38” size
- 0 to 60 degrees vise bevel range
- 4 inch by 6-inch rectangular capacity
- 80, 120 and 200 FPM adjustable blade speed
- Automatic shut off
- Automatic shut-off turns the band saw off after a cut has been completed
- Capable of operating in both vertical and horizontal positions
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Another budget option on our list is the Wen 3970T. Considerably cheaper than others on the list, let’s see what it has to offer.
As with most other band saws, this one comes with adjustable blade speeds. However, unlike our other options, you only get three-blade speed options. These are 80, 120, and 200 FPM. With these three speeds, the saw is capable of cutting through various materials.
For safety, you get an automatic safety feature. When you are done cutting, the saw automatically shuts off.
What stood out for us about this saw is how portable it is. Weighing around 105 pounds, it is considerably lighter than some of the other options on the list. Furthermore, it comes with two wheels instead of four, which gives it more stability.
What we liked
- Comes with an automatic shut off for safety
- This bandsaw is considerably lighter than some of its competitors
- Priced at a reasonably affordable price tag
- Has three different blade speeds which you can adjust
What we did not like
- It’s a bit undersized for certain works
- It sits low and can be challenging to mount on a bench
Overall, this is the best cheap horizontal band saw on the list. It is affordable without compromising on quality.
SHOP FOX W1715 3/4 HP
- Single-phase 3/4HP motor
- 110v power plug
- 64.5″ x 0.5″ x 0.025″blade size
- Automatic shutoff
- 4 inch by 6-inch rectangular capacity
- Vertical cutting attachment
- Motor: 3/4 HP, 110V, single-phase 1,725 RPM
- Blade speeds: 78 FPM @ 40 RPM, 108 FPM @ 60 RPM, 180 FPM @ 80 RPM
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Not all horizontal bandsaws costs arms and legs; some come in at a reasonably affordable price tag. And one such model is the Shop Fox w1715. Though it is cheap in horizontal bandsaw standards, it is a great option.
Powered by a ¾ horsepower 110-volt motor, it isn’t the most powerful out there. But at this price point, it is understandable. In regards to speed, you get three-speed options, 78, 108, and 180 FPM, and these speeds are sufficient for cutting most materials.
Adjusting the speed requires changing the V-belt placement, which is not the best way to go about it, but again it’s understandable. Where this bandsaw truly shines is in the portability department.
It is smaller and lightweight than most of its pricier competitors. For people with a small shop and a limited budget, it is a great option. Its overall construction is solid, and it is equipped with wheels to make it easy to move.
What we liked
- It is offered at a reasonably budget-friendly price
- Thanks to its weight and wheels it is easy to move
- The ¾ HP motor is powerful enough for cutting plastic, metal, and wood
- Comes with an excellent pre-installed blade
- Offers a number of safety features including an auto-shutoff
What we did not like
- The saw has low cutting speeds
- Converting to vertical cutting is troublesome
If you have a small shop and a limited budget, this is a saw to consider. It is reasonably priced and will not take up a lot of space in your shop. In terms of quality, it is perhaps the best budget horizontal band saw.
What To Consider Before Getting a Horizontal Bandsaw
While it is natural to be influenced by price when shopping for a horizontal bandsaw, it’s not always the best approach. The reason being there are many other factors to consider other than price. So let’s take a look at these main factors you should consider
Blade size
The blade size of your horizontal bandsaw matters a lot. While you can replace the default blade, this will cost you extra money, which you probably don’t have. To minimize your cost, we recommend a blade width of at least ½ inches.
However, if you are handling more demanding tasks, the best blade width is ¾ inches or 0.750 inches. A saw that is able to accommodate either a ½ inch or a ¾ inch wide blade is recommended.
Blade speed
Calculated in Horsepower, most horizontal bandsaws have motors of between ½ and one Horsepower. How powerful a motor determines the blade’s FPM or feet per minute. This is how fast the blade is able to cut.
A higher FPM means being able to cut through materials quickly. Therefore, if you have a lot of materials in need of cutting, a higher FPM is recommended. Most bandsaws offer variable blade speeds that range from 80 to 230 FPM.
Blade guides
Being able to make precise and accurate cuts on any material is essential. To do this, you need blade guides. While they are simple components, their importance cannot be understated. The best industrial horizontal band saw will have guides with bearings.
This makes it easy to adjust to fit the size of the material being cut. Also, the guides should stay in place so that your workpiece does not move when cutting.
Cooling system
Most people use horizontal band saws to cut metal. Unlike wood, cutting metal generates friction that heats up the blade. This heating up is not good for the blade. Therefore, bandsaws normally feature a cooling system.
If metal cutting is important to you, consider a bandsaw with an efficient cooling system. The cooling mechanism installed should be able to apply the cooling lubricant while cutting.
Angle gauge
Horizontal bandsaws can also make angled cuts. In fact, most can be adjusted for vertical cutting. Towards this regard, most horizontal bandsaws can be adjusted to a variety of angles.
If making angled cuts is important to you, consider a bandsaw that can be adjusted to fit different angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a horizontal bandsaw?
If you own a workshop, then you need a horizontal bandsaw. The versatility of this type of saw makes it an invaluable addition to your shop. Horizontal bandsaws can cut metal, wood, and plastics.
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Do I need both a horizontal and vertical band saw?
Not necessarily, most horizontal bandsaws can also be used for vertical cutting. Thus you can get one that is able to handle both types of cuts.
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Why is my horizontal band saw not cutting straight?
There are a couple of reasons for this, key among them being a dull blade. If your blade is dull then chances are it will not cut straight. Alternatively, it can be a case of the blade being not installed correctly.
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How much does Horsepower matter?
The motor horsepower has an impact on how fast your blade cuts, as well as the thickness of the materials it can cut. More Horsepower translates to faster blade speeds, which translates to quick cutting.
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Is a horizontal band saw the best saw for cutting brass tubing?
Horizontal bandsaws are primarily used to cut metal, thus will have no problem cutting through brass.
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How do you use a horizontal bandsaw?
When using a bandsaw lift the head until you have enough clearance for your workpiece. Then lightly secure the workpiece in place, without securing the vise clamps. Slide the workpiece back and forth to locate the cut.
Conclusion
Horizontal bandsaws don’t usually get the recognition they deserve. However, these tools are invaluable due to their versatility. There is a lot you can do with a horizontal bandsaw. More importantly, you can use it to cut a wide variety of materials.