The bandsaw is a versatile tool that rips, resaws, crosscuts, and cuts curves. And when the table is tilted, it makes all kinds of angle cuts, too. Plus it can be used to cut tenons, dovetails, and various other joints. The 14-in. size is good for most small shops, so we decided to test nine popular models on the market, evaluating them for wheel roundness, alignment, blade tension, and table flatness.

The Shop Fox is a twin of the General. The 15,000 psi of tension it applied to the blade was matched only by its twin (although neither has a built-in tension gauge). It tied for the highest resaw capacity. Test cuts were acceptable but required a slightly slower feed rate when resawing. It has a decent fence, but blade-drift adjustment is limited. The guide bar and attached thrust bearing deflected easily when pushed front to back, which could cause the blade to twist.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM

While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test.

Buy at Amazon

Veritas Precision Square

This precision square is incredibly versatile, from checking squareness to dialing in machine setups.

Buy at Lee Valley

DeWalt 735X Planer

At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.

Buy at Amazon