When it comes to saws, it can get pretty confusing, especially for new woodworkers. There is a whole range of saws out there, and selecting the ideal piece for your needs is not always easy.
Today, two of the main saw categories, bandsaws and jigsaws, stand out among carpenters, woodcarvers, and DIY crafters.
Join me in this noble stretch as we go through jigsaws vs bandsaws, comparing and contrasting their design, performance, and features, which will help you to identify the best option for your tasks.
The Top Bandsaws Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Grizzly G0555LX Band Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. WEN 3962 Band Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw
Sometimes, a power tool just does everything the perfect way, and the JET JWBS-14DXPRO BandSaw is one of those tools — this is why it is our first pick. Rocking a breathtaking blade speed of 1,500 to 3,000 SFPM, this bandsaw is powerful enough to rip through every type of wood you throw at it.
This bandsaw is sturdy and comes with advanced features that make cutting your workpieces professional and fun. Designed with cast iron frame, you will find this saw heavy, firm, and comfortable to use, no matter the toughness of the workpiece.
Furthermore, it comes with a built-in 12-inch resaw capacity for ripping large pieces of wood. We really liked the idea of piling several blocks of wood and cutting them together for uniformity.
Another outstanding thing about this bandsaw is the easy to use controls. Its large table of 15×15 inches and easy-to-view blade tracing window allows you to easily align the blade for smooth, and professionally looking cuts.
Specs
- 258 pounds
- 29 x 28 x 77 inches
- Corded-electric
Pros
- No block of wood is too tough for this bandsaw
- Easy to use
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Rating – 4.5/5.0
2. Grizzly G0555LX Band Saw
Trailing our first pick closely is this Grizzly G0555LX Band Saw, which packs some of the best features in the industry. But the awesome design and rich features of the bandsaw did not surprise us because Grizzly is known for its commitment to quality. Well, no matter the sawing tasks you have at hand, this saw will never say no.
One thing that sets this bandsaw apart is its design that makes its operation easy and reliable. For example, it is designed with computer-balanced cast iron wheels, and guides for upper and lower ball bearings.
At 247 pounds, this bandsaw is really heavy, right? But from a positive end, this heavy-duty construction of this model makes it long-lasting and firm when cutting wood. Even when cutting tough logs of wood, we found the bandsaw very easy to follow the cut lines for top-notch results.
Specs
- 247 pounds
- 45 x 21.5 x 18 inches
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Comes with a high-efficiency vibration dampening system
- Designed to last
- Cuts even the toughest workpieces easily
- Easy to use
Cons
- The dust collection system is poor
- Heavy
Rating – 4.0 stars
3. WEN 3962 Band Saw
This WEN 3962 Band Saw is a powerhouse. The bandsaw does not just make excellent cuts; it also delivers a remarkable value for money. Powered by a 3.5 AMP motor, you can make cuts up to 6-inch deep and 9-3/4 wide, which is big enough to handle large logs.
The most outstanding thing about this bandsaw is its flexibility. It comes with a table that allows you to make adjustments up to 45 degrees for angle cuts, so you can handle more diverse projects, including those that require angle cuts. Furthermore, it allows you to select between two speeds, 1,520 FPM or 2620 FPM, depending on the project at hand.
For WEN, the overriding consideration for its products is quality. To demonstrate this, this bandsaw is designed with tough materials, including cast aluminum. In addition to this strong construction, WEN also attaches a long warranty for two years.
Specs
- 73 pounds
- 20 x 25 x 58 inches
- Corded-electric
Pros
- A reliable dust management system
- Easy to use
- A lot of features
- Can be used on a wide range of products
Cons
- Cannot be used in a place without electricity
Rating – 4.3/5.0
The Top Jigsaws Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Bosch JS470E |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw
This Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw is our first pick, with its firm construction and rich features, this jigsaw is simply the best. It is a cordless jigsaw powered by an 18-volt Li-Ion battery, which makes it ideal even for off-workshop cutting tasks.
The main selling point of the jigsaw is its design. First, it comes with 3-orbital settings that allow you to work on different types of cutting tasks. Well, no matter whether you have wood, lumber plastic, or metal, this sander will rip it like a piece of cheese.
Another selling point of this jigsaw is the ergonomic design that makes it easy to work for a longer period without getting tired. Also, the jigsaw has a D-handle and a big 2-finger variable speed trigger to enhance the user’s comfort.
To protect the jigsaw from fast wearing and tearing, it comes with Star Protection Controls, which help to prevent overloading, over-discharging, and overheating.
Specs
- 5 pounds
- 3.6 x 12.3 x 9.1 inches
- Li-ion batteries
- Three years limited warranty
Pros
- Easy to change the blade
- Long-lasting
- Cordless
- A long 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Battery is bought separately
Rating – 4.7/5.0
2. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw
Coming close in the second position is Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw, which is designed to make your workshop experience more professional and enjoyable.
Like our first pick, this jigsaw uses an 18-volt rechargeable battery, which is powerful enough for most cutting tasks. Pulling a maximum of 3,000 strokes per minute (SPM), this cordless jigsaw can indeed rival some corded models.
Another feature you will like about this jigsaw is the unique locking mechanism. You simply select the speed and lock it there, so that your hands can remain free and you can work without getting fatigued. It also implies you can concentrate on cutting the workpiece for more professional results.
To make it easy and convenient for you to use the jigsaw, you can use any standard T-shank blade. And now onto the sweet part; you do not need any tool to change the blade. Simply lift the front section, snap the used blade out and snap in the new-easy, fast, and convenient.
Specs
- 4.9 pounds
- 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches
- Battery-powered
- Standard T-shank model
Pros
- Uses a Trigger lock system that makes it easy to control
- Cordless
- Compact, light, and easy to use
Cons
- Works only with T-shank blades.
Rating – 4.7/5.0
3. Bosch JS470E
The Bosch JS470E is another top-rated jigsaw; we prefer calling it a powerhouse, a monster rig that never says no to the job. Frankly, this jigsaw would beat our two first picks by a huge margin, but it falls short because it is corded. See, you can only work with it when there is electricity supply: with no electricity, you are stuck!
Bosch put a lot of effort into crafting this masterpiece with the aim of delivering two things; performance and comfort. The tool comes with a 1:4 orbital action tool settings for multiple blade strokes for handling even the most demanding tasks. Furthermore, it comes with a variable speed dial that allows you to control the blade speed depending on the task at hand.
On comfort, Bosch equally did a great job by ensuring you can work for more hours without getting tired. The jigsaw uses a D-handle that is firmly rubberized for a perfect grip. Indeed, the handle is big enough so that you can use both hands to guide it when cutting workpieces.
Specs
- 5.9 pounds
- 15.8 x 14.5 x 4.5 inches
- Corded-electric
- 30-day money-back, and one year warranty
Pros
- High-efficiency dust management system
- Can be used on a wide range of cutting projects
- Easy to change the blade with no tools
Cons
- It is corded
Rating – 4.7/5.9
Jigsaw Vs Bandsaw: What Are The Main Differences?
A jigsaw is a power tool (handheld) that uses a reciprocating type of blade when cutting through workpieces. The main advantage of a jigsaw is its convenience and capability to make angle cuts.
To use a jigsaw, the blade is fitted on the upper part of the saw and moves up and down to make either straight or curved cuts. The saws are pretty easy to operate, and you can even cut your workpieces without ripping the edge.
Unlike the jigsaw, a bandsaw is bigger and designed to use a long sharp blade that runs on two or more wheels, which help with load distribution.
Buying Guide
Having differentiated between the bandsaws and jigsaws, you are now closer to identifying the ideal piece for your workshop or DIY tasks.
So we will now tell you how to narrow down to the best piece. Here are the main things to consider.
Brand
Like other woodwork power tools, the brand that designs a bandsaw or jigsaw plays a great role in determining its quality. So, you better stick with the best brands out there.
These are manufacturers that have demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering exceptional quality, no matter what. We are talking about respected brands such as Makita, Rikon, Grizzly, Ryobi, DeWalt, and Bosch, among others. You cannot go wrong with these brands!
Power
The work you can do with a bandsaw or jigsaw depends on the power of its motor. If you are a busy woodworker with a lot of cutting tasks, it is advisable to go for a tool with a very powerful motor.
Durability
When you decide to buy a bandsaw or a jigsaw, the goal is picking a piece that is reliable and durable. Therefore, it is important to look for the model that is engineered to last. You can know this by checking several things, including the manufacturer’s warranty, money-back guarantee, and past users’ feedback.
Ease Of Use
Whether your workshop is new or you are used to working in construction sites, the best bandsaw or jigsaw should be easy to use and get professional results.
Final Thoughts
As we demonstrated in this jigsaw vs bandsaw comparison, these two types of power tools are designed differently for varying purposes. The bandsaw is stronger, bigger, heavier, and comes with a bigger motor for tough cutting.
However, the jigsaw is relatively smaller, has less power, and is ideal for less tough cutting tasks. But no matter the nature of your task or budget, rest assured of getting the ideal bandsaw or jigsaw in our reviews above.
While the jigsaws and bandsaws we have captured above are the best out there (they are unbeatable), our best choices are JET JWBS-14DXPRO (bandsaw category) and Makita XVJ03Z (jigsaw category) because of their features and demonstrated performance.
