Band Saws

Best Band Saws in the UK: Where to Buy, How to Choose, and What to Watch For

Why a band saw should be in your workshop

Thinking about adding a band saw to your toolkit? Whether you’re a hobbyist who loves weekend woodworking or a tradesperson tackling regular home and garden projects, a band saw is like a Swiss Army knife for the workshop. It’s the tool that can slice curves, resaw boards into thinner planks, and cut metal or plastic with the right blade. If you want versatility without needing half a dozen specialized saws, a band saw is the ticket.

Types of band saws and when to pick each

Benchtop band saws: compact and convenient

Benchtop band saws are small, light, and perfect if you’ve got a tight workspace. Think of them as the pocketknife of saws — handy, quick, and surprisingly capable. Typical table sizes range from about 10 inches to 14 inches, and they’re great for hobbyists cutting thin stock or intricate shapes. They usually weigh under 80 pounds, so you can move them around the garage without calling for backup.

Floor-standing band saws: power and capacity

Floor-standing machines are the heavy lifters. These are for folks who need a deeper throat and more resaw capacity — often 6 inches or more. They come with larger tables, heavier frames for stability, and motors ranging from 1 to 3 horsepower. If you’re planning on regular resawing or big projects, a floor-standing band saw is your friend.

Portable/handheld band saws: for on-site cuts

Portable band saws, sometimes called hand band saws, are primarily used by plumbers, electricians, and metalworkers who need to cut pipe and angle iron on site. They’re light, often under 15 pounds, and ideal for cutting metal in awkward positions where a bench tool won’t reach.

Metal-cutting band saws: blades and coolant systems

If you’re cutting steel or aluminium regularly, look for machines designed for metalwork. These often have slower blade speeds, sturdier frames, and options for coolant or lubrication to keep blade life long. These saws can handle thicker stock and are built to tolerate the friction and heat metal cutting generates.

Top UK retailers where you can buy band saws

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople across the UK. They stock a broad range of band saws from entry-level benchtop models to heavy-duty floor-standing machines. Expect good seasonal deals and availability in both online and click-and-collect formats. For a budget-conscious buyer, Screwfix often carries trusted brands and house-brand options that balance price and performance.

Toolstation

Toolstation is another big name for tool buyers, known for competitive pricing and a strong selection of power tools. Their range usually includes portable band saws for metalworkers and compact benchtop models for DIYers. Toolstation tends to appeal to people who want a reliable tool today without breaking the bank.

B&Q

B&Q is a familiar name in home improvement, and they stock band saws aimed at homeowners and enthusiastic DIYers. You’ll find user-friendly benchtop saws and occasional offers on more substantial machines. The advantage here is seeing demo units in-store and pairing your saw purchase with other project materials.

Wickes

Wickes focuses on home improvement and building supplies and will have a small but targeted selection of band saws suitable for common household projects. Their product selection leans toward accessible, easy-to-use models, which is perfect if you’re starting out or need a saw for occasional jobs.

Axminster Tools

Axminster Tools is the specialist for woodworking enthusiasts. They carry higher-end woodworking band saws — brands like Jet, Laguna, and Record Power — and offer knowledgeable staff and detailed product specs. If you want a quality woodworking machine with plenty of aftermarket support and accessories, Axminster is worth a look.

Machine Mart / Central Tools

For metalworking or more industrial-grade machines, Machine Mart’s successor outlets and specialist tool merchants stock a decent range. They’re good for picking up mid-range to heavy-duty band saws with higher torque motors and tougher frames.

Amazon UK and eBay

Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are excellent if you want a huge choice and the chance to compare user reviews. Be careful to check seller ratings and warranty terms, though — buying from marketplaces can vary between brand-new boxed machines and used or refurbished units from private sellers.

Homebase and Robert Dyas

Homebase and Robert Dyas target DIYers and hobbyists, carrying a selection of benchtop and small floor machines. They’re handy if you want a straightforward purchase and often stock familiar brands at reasonable price points.

How to choose the right band saw for your needs

Consider throat depth and resaw capacity

Throat depth (or the distance between the blade and the vertical frame) determines how wide a piece you can cut — think in inches. If you want to cut wide or resaw thick boards, aim for a larger throat and at least 6 inches of resaw capacity. It’s like buying a car: more trunk space means more flexibility.

Motor power and speed ranges

Motor size is often quoted in horsepower. A benchtop saw may have the equivalent of 1/3 to 1 horsepower, while robust floor machines can climb to 2 or 3 horsepower. Variable speed is a bonus, letting you slow down for cutting metal and speed up for wood. Think about what you’ll cut most and choose a motor that won’t stall under load.

Blade size and availability

Blades come in various widths and tooth configurations. Narrow blades handle tight curves, wider blades excel at straight cuts and resawing. Make sure replacement blades in the sizes you need are readily available in the UK — it’s no good buying a great saw if the blades are rare or expensive.

Table size and tilt

A larger table gives you more support when cutting larger workpieces. Look for tables that tilt for bevel cuts, usually up to 45 degrees. A stable table and a good rip fence can make your cuts precise and repeatable, which is essential if you’re working on furniture or joinery.

Blade selection and maintenance

Choosing the right blade for the job

Blade selection is half the battle. For wood choose blades with larger, widely spaced teeth (lower TPI), and for metal pick a fine-tooth blade (higher TPI). Bi-metal blades are a popular compromise for mixed-use, giving long life and good performance.

Tensioning, tracking, and sharpening

Proper blade tension and tracking are key to clean cuts and long blade life. Most saws have tension gauges; follow the manufacturer’s guidance measured in turns or a gauge. When blades go dull, you can either grind them (for some blade types) or replace them. Regular cleaning and checking the guides will keep cuts accurate and blades lasting longer.

Lubrication and cooling for metal cutting

When cutting metal, using coolant or cutting fluid can dramatically extend blade life and improve cut quality. Even a simple mist or steady drip can help. Think of it as giving the blade a drink — it reduces heat and cuts down on warping or premature failure.

Safety tips every user should know

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Wear eye protection, hearing protection, and a dust mask when cutting wood — and always use gloves when changing blades (but not when feeding material into the saw). PPE isn’t optional; it’s like insurance for your eyesight and hearing.

Guarding, push sticks, and feeding technique

Use blade guards and keep hands clear of the cut line. Use push sticks or push blocks for narrow cuts and feed material steadily without forcing it. Let the blade do the work — pushing too hard causes blade wandering and potential kickback.

Secure workpieces and avoid distractions

Clamp irregular or small pieces and never cut freehand pieces that can twist. Keep your workspace tidy and avoid distractions — mistakes often happen when your mind is somewhere else.

Accessories and upgrades worth investing in

Quality blades and a good fence

Buying an extra set of quality blades for different materials is a smart move. A robust rip fence and a reliable miter gauge make accurate cuts easier. Upgrading these will often improve your results more than buying a bigger saw.

Dust extraction and lighting

Dust extraction keeps your workspace cleaner and reduces airborne particles you don’t want to breathe. Good lighting helps see the cut line and prevents mistakes. Think of these additions as the glasses and vacuum for your saw — they make everything clearer and cleaner.

Resaw fences and jigs

If you plan to resaw regularly, a dedicated resaw fence or a simple sled can dramatically improve consistency. Jigs for circle cutting, tapering, or making repeat cuts are time-savers and worth investing in as you progress.

Comparing prices and getting the best value

Where to find deals and what to prioritise

Look for seasonal sales at major retailers like Screwfix, Toolstation, and Axminster. Compare warranty lengths and included accessories. A slightly more expensive saw with a solid warranty and better support often saves money over time. It’s like buying shoes — cheap ones may wear out faster and cost you more in the long run.

Buying used or refurbished

Used machines can be a bargain if they’ve been well maintained. Check for frame straightness, smooth wheel bearings, and complete blade guides. If you can test a second-hand saw before buying, do it — you want to hear the motor run smoothly and see the blade track cleanly.

Hire vs buy

If you need a band saw for a one-off job, hiring might be cheaper than buying. But if you’ll use a saw repeatedly, purchasing quickly becomes more economical. Think about how often you’ll use it and what jobs you’ll tackle — that will guide the right choice.

Final thoughts before you click “buy”

Choosing a band saw is balancing capacity, build quality, and budget. Think about the size of the material you’ll cut, whether you need metal-cutting capability, and where you’ll keep the machine. Don’t fall for the lowest price alone — a well-built saw from a reputable UK retailer with good support will be more useful and cheaper in the long run. And remember: invest in quality blades and safety gear — they make the biggest difference in performance and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Whether you’re shaping curves for a chair, resawing timber for veneers, or cutting metal pipe on site, the right band saw makes the job faster and neater. UK retailers like Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Wickes, and specialist sellers such as Axminster offer a range of options tailored to different needs and budgets. Focus on throat depth, resaw capacity, motor power, and blade availability, and don’t skimp on safety equipment. With the right machine and a couple of quality blades, you’ll get years of reliable service — and a workshop that feels a little more powerful every time you switch it on.