Choosing the right bandsaw can make a huge difference in your shop, whether you're just getting started in woodworking or refining your setup after years of experience. Bandsaws are incredibly versatile tools — they excel at resawing, cutting curves, processing small parts, and handling detailed scroll work. But the key to getting the best performance is selecting the size that fits your space, your budget, and the type of projects you plan to do.
In this video, bandsaw master Alex Snodgrass walks you through the most common bandsaw sizes and shows you what each one does best. Small benchtop saws are compact and affordable, making them great for hobbyists, small workspaces, and quick curve-cutting tasks. They won’t handle heavy resawing, but they are surprisingly useful and worth holding onto even as your shop grows.
The 14" bandsaw is considered the “sweet spot” for most woodworkers. It offers enough throat capacity and power to resaw lumber and cut thicker stock, while still being manageable in size. Most shops can benefit from a 14” saw because it balances capability and footprint — and there are many aftermarket upgrades, guides, and blades available for this size.
For those who work with larger slabs, thick lumber, or need maximum resaw height and power, an 18" (or larger) bandsaw provides the capacity needed for heavier, wider stock. These are serious shop machines built for demanding work, offering stability, power, and the ability to run wider blades.
Understanding the difference in throat size, resaw height, horsepower, and frame construction will help you choose the right saw for your woodworking needs. No matter which one you decide on, the bandsaw is one of the most versatile and rewarding tools you can own.