Whether it’s furniture, model making or decorations – many projects can be implemented with wood in your home workshop. A saw that meets a wide range of requirements is one of the must-haves for every do-it-yourselfer. The prime example of such an all‐round saw is the band saw, which can saw both rough sawing work and filigree details. In the blog, we explain what the band saw can do and why it is an enrichment for every DIY fan who likes to work with wood, because we subjected the Einhell band saws to our practical test!
We have found out for you how the different models perform in the band saw test, what advantages they have in comparison to other saws and which model is best suited for you. In the following, we will also explain how you can make clean cuts, what you should pay attention to when using your band saw and how to choose the right saw blade.
This is how a band saw works
The classic band saw is a semi-stationary machine – it needs a place to stand stable or, depending on the model, can be mounted on a stand, but at the same time you can always move the machine elsewhere if you reorganize your workshop or the band saw just don’t need it.
The main difference in how the band saw works is how the saw blade runs, because unlike many other saws, the saw blade is not moved vertically up and down. In the band saw, a closed saw band is placed over two deflection rollers so that the saw blade always moves from top to bottom and runs in a circle. Ball-bearing guides reduce the vibrations of the saw band, so that you can easily make precise cuts with the band saw . If you work with a thin saw blade, you also work gently and have less material loss compared to other saws. With a height-adjustable saw band guard, you can also regulate the passage height and adapt it perfectly to the size or thickness of your workpiece and material. The saw band protection additionally stabilizes the saw band.
The band saw in the test: Advantages compared to other saws
Do you already have various saws at home and both a hand-held circular saw and a jigsaw are part of the inventory in your workshop? We tell you: It can still be worth buying a band saw, because the semi-stationary machine is superior to other saws in some areas and scores with a wide range of possible uses. We have summarized the points for you:
- Versatile: The band saw proves to be a real all-rounder! Whether straight and precise cuts, cross-sections or circular, curved cuts – if you use the right saw blade, the band saw is the machine that makes all of this possible.
- Miter cuts: Miter cuts are also no problem for the band saw thanks to the inclinable work table. You can adjust the angle of the work table by up to 45° and get started. The rip fence can also be helpful here.
- Stationary machine: As a semi-stationary machine, the band saw also has the advantage that larger workpieces can be processed with it, because greater cutting heights can be achieved compared to the jigsaw. In addition, the workpiece does not have to be fixed first, as with the hand-held saw. Rather, the wood is simply fed through the machine.
- Fine cutting pattern: If you work with a thin and fine-toothed saw blade, you can make very fine cuts with the band saw, which would not be possible with a hand-held circular saw, for example.
Technical terms simply explained
You have no experience with the band saw or are you still considering buying one at all? So that you know what you should look out for when choosing your model in addition to a good price‐performance ratio, we will briefly explain the most important terms on the subject of band saws.
Cutting height
The cutting height describes how high or thick the workpiece can be at most so that you can still process it with your band saw. The cutting height therefore depends on how much “air” there is between the work table and the guide rollers. That’s why the cutting height changes, for example, if you tilt the work table. You should also adjust the cutting height to your workpiece using the height-adjustable saw blade guard so that the saw blade is stable and the cut is straight.
Passage width / projection
The passage width indicates the distance between the saw blade and the housing . The passage width depends, among other things, on the size of the work table. So if you want to process larger workpieces, for example because you are trying to make furniture, you should choose a band saw with the largest possible opening width.
Table size
Actually, the table size is self-explanatory, because it shows you the dimensions of the work table . The larger the work table, the larger the workpieces can be placed on it. Table size and passage width are mutually dependent.
Cutting speed
The cutting speed, also often called saw blade speed , describes how fast the saw blade of your band saw runs. With the Einhell TC‐SB 305 U band saw, you can even choose between two saw band speeds.
Small or large band saw: This model is suitable for you
Smaller works: TC-SB 200/1
The Einhell band saw TC‐SB 200/1 is our compact saw with a motor output of 250 watts. With a passage width of 200 mm and a maximum cutting height of 80 mm, it can be used for smaller jobs. Are you looking for a smaller model at a low price to practice working with the band saw? Then you are well advised with this saw!
Large projects: TC-SB 305 U
The TC‐SB 305 U band saw is best suited for large workpieces. With a passage width of 305 mm and a maximum cutting height of 170 mm, the model is perfect for woodworking for larger projects. With this model you can also choose between two saw band speeds and adjust them optimally to the workpiece and material. The 750 watt machine is also equipped with a stable base.
Versatile: TC-SB 245 L
Between the large and small band saws you will find our band saw TC‐SB 245 L. With 400 watts, it is not only in the middle when it comes to motor power, the passage width of 245 mm and the cutting height of 101 mm also ensure that the Band saw is a good choice for processing medium-sized workpieces. The integrated LED light also gives you a good view of your workplace at all times.
Practical equipment and accessories
- Rip fence: As a guide for straight or long cuts
- Cross stop: practical tool for angle cuts
- Angle stop: For easy determination of a cutting angle
- Extraction adapter: For connecting an extraction device for a clean workplace and optimal visibility
- Push stick: For safe guidance of the workpiece and to protect against injuries
- LED light: For an optimal view of the workpiece, even in poorly lit areas
Set the band saw and saw blade correctly
As soon as you assemble the band saw for the first time, you will notice that the semi-stationary machine is very complex. So that you can work safely and precisely, you should definitely follow the enclosed operating instructions and proceed step by step. You should also know in advance that you have to adjust your band saw correctly after every saw blade change before you start the next project. You can also find out exactly how to proceed when changing the saw blade and adjusting it in your instructions.
By the way: To use the band saw, you have to tighten the saw blade . When you have finished working on the saw, you should loosen the saw blade again , because this not only protects the band saw blade, but also the device.
In order to achieve the best possible results, it is best to take a look at your saw blade before using the band saw, because a clean cut cannot be produced if the saw blades are not sharp or if the saw teeth are torn out.
The right saw blade for your application
- Curves and radii: The narrower or thinner the saw blade, the better you can cut tight radii and curves.
- Straight cuts: Because thin saw blades tend to tear, it is better to use a wider or stronger saw blade for straight cuts.
- Fine cutting pattern: If you value a particularly fine cutting pattern, you should choose a fine-toothed saw blade. This usually runs slower than coarse saw blades, but saws finer.
- Non-ferrous metal: Finely toothed, hardened saw blades are best suited for sawing sheet metal. However, you should first read in the operating instructions whether your band saw is suitable for processing metal.
- Attention – unsuitable material: Of course, as with almost every saw, there are also some materials with the band saw that you should not use it to process. For example, magnesium, hard metal and hardened material are unsuitable for the band saw.
Conclusion: The band saw as an all-rounder in your workshop
For processing wood, the band saw is a machine that should find a place in every hobby and home workshop! With our three models in different sizes and with different capacities, it should be possible to find the right machine for every hobby carpenter. If you then have the right band saw blades at hand, nothing stands in the way of your work and the band saw becomes a practical all-rounder for DIY work.
