The best band saw for woodworking in 2026 is the Bernardo HBS 360 for hobbyists (1.1 kW, 210mm cutting, €742 net) and the Laguna 14BX for professionals (1.9 kW, 346mm cutting, disc brake + ceramic guides, €2,155 net). For workshops with limited space, choose models with 320-400mm flywheels; for intensive production, 500mm+ flywheels and motors over 3 kW are needed. Here is the complete ranking with technical specifications and updated prices.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: All Band Saws
Quickly compare the 10 selected models. Net prices excluding VAT (update: January 2026).
#
Model
Power (S1)
Cutting Height
Cutting Width
Net Price
Target
| 1 | HBS 360 | 1.1 kW | 210 mm | 345 mm | €742 | Hobbyist |
| 2 | HBS 320 | 0.75 kW | 170 mm | 305 mm | €634 | Hobbyist |
| 3 | HBS 400 N | 2.2 kW | 260 mm | 410 mm | €1,455 | Semi-pro |
| 4 | HBS 400 | 1.5 kW | 220 mm | 380 mm | €1,115 | Hobbyist+ |
| 5 | Laguna 1412 | 1.3 kW | 330 mm | 350 mm | €1,827 | Professional |
| 6 | Laguna 14BX | 1.9 kW | 346 mm | 350 mm | €2,155 | Professional |
| 7 | Laguna 18BX | 2.2 kW | 410 mm | 460 mm | €2,847 | Intensive Pro |
| 8 | HBS 510 | 2.2 kW | 305 mm | 480 mm | €1,967 | Semi-pro |
| 9 | HBS 500 N | 3.5 kW | 350 mm | 500 mm | €2,860 | Professional |
| 10 | HBS 600 N | 4.0 kW | 435 mm | 600 mm | €3,130 | Professional |
Target Key:
- Hobbyist: occasional use, <10 hours/week, budget <€1,000
- Semi-pro: regular use, 10-25 hours/week, budget €1,000-2,500
- Professional: intensive use, >25 hours/week, budget >€2,500
Top 3: Quick Choice by Category
No time to read everything? Here are the top 3 choices based on usage.
Best Band Saw for Hobbyists: Bernardo HBS 360
Why: 1.1 kW power, 210mm cutting height × 345mm width, 545×515mm cast iron table inclinable 0-45°, 2 speeds (370/800 m/min). Costs €742 net and includes LED light, ball bearing roller guide, rip fence with magnifying lens, miter gauge, and base. Best capacity/price ratio under €1,000.
Best Semi-Professional Band Saw: Bernardo HBS 400 N
Why: 2.2 kW with braked motor, 260mm height × 410mm cutting width, inclinable table -5°/+45°, 2 speeds (420/840 m/min). Costs €1,455 net and is the only Bernardo model under €2,000 with an integrated motor brake. Handles panels up to 41cm wide.
Best Professional Band Saw: Laguna 14BX
Why: 1.9 kW with foot-operated disc brake, ceramic guides (10× longer lifespan than metallic ones), balanced cast iron wheels with polyurethane coating, 346mm cutting height. Costs €2,155 net. The difference compared to the 1412 (€328 more) is justified by the foot brake and more powerful motor (+600W).
Complete Ranking: Technical Specifications
1. Bernardo HBS 360 – The Best for Hobbyists
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 1.1 kW S1 / 1.5 kW S6 (230V single-phase)
- Cutting height: 210 mm
- Cutting width: 345 mm
- Blade dimensions: 2560 × 12.7 × 0.5 mm – 4 TPI
- Supported blade width: 6-25 mm
- Blade speed: 370 / 800 m/min (2 speeds)
- Table: cast iron 545 × 515 mm, inclinable 0-45°
- Table height: 1020 mm
- Dust extraction port: Ø100 mm
- Machine dimensions: 800 × 700 × 1700 mm
- Weight: 70 kg
- Price: €742 net (€905 VAT incl.)
Strengths: ball bearing roller guide for maximum precision, rip fence with magnifying lens for precise reading, integrated LED light, robust base included. Aluminum flywheels with special rubber coating increase blade life by 30-40%.
Ideal for: hobby woodworking, small craft workshops, work up to 10 hours/week.
2. Bernardo HBS 320 – Compact Entry Level
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 0.75 kW S1 / 1.1 kW S6 (230V single-phase)
- Cutting height: 170 mm
- Cutting width: 305 mm
- Blade dimensions: 2240 × 12.7 × 0.5 mm – 4 TPI
- Supported blade width: 6-20 mm
- Blade speed: 370 / 800 m/min (2 speeds)
- Table: 480 × 390 mm, inclinable 0-45°
- Table height: 985 mm
- Dust extraction port: Ø100 mm
- Machine dimensions: 800 × 600 × 1600 mm
- Weight: 52 kg
- Price: €634 net (€773 incl. VAT)
Strengths: the most compact in the range (only 52 kg), ideal for garages and small spaces. Same features as the HBS 360: roller guide with bearings, fence with magnifying glass, LED light, base included. Excellent €/mm cutting ratio.
Ideal for: beginners, very limited spaces, small budgets, light work.
3. Bernardo HBS 400 N – The Leap in Quality
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 2.2 kW S1 / 3.0 kW S6 with brake (230V/400V)
- Cutting height: 260 mm
- Cutting width: 410 mm
- Blade dimensions: 3345 × 25 × 0.6 mm – 3 TPI
- Supported blade width: 9.5-37 mm
- Blade speed: 420 / 840 m/min (2 speeds)
- Table: cast iron 450 × 560 mm, inclinable -5°/+45°
- Table height: 890 mm
- Dust extraction port: 2 × Ø100 mm
- Machine dimensions: 875 × 740 × 1740 mm
- Weight: 132 kg
- Price: €1,455 net (€1,775 incl. VAT)
Strengths: the only Bernardo model under €2,000 with a braked motor. Negative inclination (-5°) allows for undercuts impossible with other machines. Balanced aluminum wheels for quiet operation. Double extraction port for maximum efficiency.
Ideal for: advanced hobbyists, small artisanal carpentry workshops, those working with medium to large panels 15-20 hours/week.
4. Bernardo HBS 400 – Quality/Price Balance
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 1.5 kW S1 / 2.1 kW S6 (230V/400V)
- Cutting height: 220 mm
- Cutting width: 380 mm
- Blade dimensions: 2950 × 16 × 0.52 mm – 4 TPI
- Supported blade width: 6-20 mm
- Blade speed: 600 m/min
- Table: 410 × 500 mm, inclinable 0-45°
- Table height: 940 mm
- Dust extraction port: Ø100 mm
- Machine dimensions: 760 × 880 × 1705 mm
- Weight: 140 kg
- Price: €1,115 net (€1,360 incl. VAT)
Strengths: cast iron wheels (quieter and with more inertia than aluminum), 3-roller blade guide for superior precision. The 140 kg weight ensures stability during cuts. Excellent compromise between capacity and price.
Ideal for: those looking for an upgrade from entry-level without moving to a braked motor. An alternative to the HBS 400 N for those who don't need negative inclination.
5. Laguna 1412 – Entry into the Professional World
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 1.3 kW (230V single-phase)
- Cutting height: 330 mm
- Cutting width to the column: 350 mm
- Cutting width to the fence: 310 mm
- Blade dimensions: 2914-2946 mm
- Supported blade width: 3-19 mm
- Blade speed: 965 m/min
- Table: ground cast iron 546 × 406 mm, inclinable -7°/+45°
- Dust extraction port: Ø100 mm
- Machine dimensions: 800 × 683 × 1784 mm
- Weight: 117 kg
- Price: €1,827 net (€2,229 incl. VAT)
Strengths: ceramic blade guides (don't mark the blade, 10× longer life than metal), balanced cast iron wheels for zero vibration, quick-release blade tension lever on the back for fast changes, solid monobloc frame. The -7° inclination is the widest in its category.
Ideal for: professional carpentry workshops that prioritize precision and quietness, resawing thick boards.
6. Laguna 14BX – Power and Precision
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 1.9 kW (230V single-phase)
- Cutting height: 346 mm
- Cutting width to the column: 350 mm
- Cutting width to the fence: 310 mm
- Blade dimensions: 2946 mm
- Supported blade width: 3-19 mm
- Blade speed: 965 m/min
- Table: inclinable -7°/+45°
- Brake: disc brake with foot pedal
- Guides: ceramic
- Machine dimensions: 713 × 755 × 1790 mm
- Weight: 123 kg
- Price: €2,155 net (€2,629 incl. VAT)
Strengths: the disc brake with foot pedal stops the blade in less than 3 seconds (vs 15-20 seconds without brake) – essential for safety and productivity. Compared to the 1412: +600W of power, +16mm cutting height, brake included. The €328 difference quickly pays for itself in an active carpentry workshop.
Ideal for: carpentry workshops with production >20 pieces/day, professional resawing operations, those requiring maximum safety.
7. Laguna 18BX – Laguna's Top of the Range
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 2.2 kW (400V three-phase)
- Cutting height: 410 mm
- Cutting width to the column: 460 mm
- Cutting width to the fence: 400 mm
- Blade dimensions: 3651-3695 mm
- Supported blade width: 3-31 mm
- Blade speed: 965 m/min
- Table: cast iron 660 × 508 mm, inclinable -7°/+45°
- Brake: disc brake with foot pedal
- Guides: ceramic
- Dust extraction port: Ø100 mm
- Machine dimensions: 759 × 919 × 1975 mm
- Weight: 186 kg
- Price: €2,847 net (€3,474 incl. VAT)
Strengths: maximum cutting capacity in the Laguna range (41cm height, 46cm width). Balanced cast iron wheels with polyurethane coating for smooth operation even under load. Rear lever for quick blade tension. Handles large logs and boards.
Ideal for: artisanal sawmills, industrial carpentry workshops, processing large logs and raw timber.
8. Bernardo HBS 510 – Large Capacity, Affordable Price
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 2.2 kW S1 / 3.0 kW S6 (230V/400V)
- Cutting height: 305 mm
- Cutting width: 480 mm
- Blade dimensions: 3500 × 25 × 0.62 mm – 3.5 TPI
- Supported blade width: 10-40 mm
- Blade speed: 600 m/min
- Table: 490 × 590 mm, inclinable 0-45°
- Table height: 940 mm
- Dust extraction port: Ø100 mm
- Machine dimensions: 930 × 880 × 1865 mm
- Weight: 220 kg
- Price: €1,967 net (€2,400 incl. VAT)
Strengths: 480mm cutting width for less than €2,000 net – unbeatable in terms of capacity/price ratio. Cast iron wheels and 3-roller guide for precision. The 220 kg weight eliminates vibrations. Supports blades up to 40mm wide for demanding resawing.
Ideal for: those working with wide panels on a budget, an economical alternative to professional models.
9. Bernardo HBS 500 N – Professional Bernardo
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 3.5 kW S1 / 4.8 kW S6 with brake (400V)
- Cutting height: 350 mm
- Cutting width: 500 mm
- Blade dimensions: 4100 × 25 × 0.6 mm – 3 TPI
- Supported blade width: 19-38 mm
- Blade speed: 1320 m/min
- Table: cast iron 500 × 640 mm with T-slot, inclinable -5°/+45°
- Table height: 920 mm
- Dust extraction port: 2 × Ø100 mm
- Machine dimensions: 1120 × 950 × 2000 mm
- Weight: 280 kg
- Price: €2,860 net (€3,489 incl. VAT)
Strengths: Dynamically balanced flywheels for quiet operation (<75 dB), height adjustment with rack and pinion and graduated scale, quick blade change with rear lever, inspection window for alignment check. The 3.5 kW motor is the most powerful in the semi-professional range.
Ideal for: Professional woodworking shops that prefer Bernardo, intensive work on large pieces.
10. Bernardo HBS 600 N – Maximum Capacity
Technical specifications:
- Motor power: 4.0 kW S1 / 5.5 kW S6 with brake (400V)
- Cutting height: 435 mm
- Cutting width: 600 mm
- Blade size: 4590 × 25 × 0.6 mm – 3 TPI
- Supported blade width: 19-38 mm
- Blade speed: 1560 m/min
- Table: Ground cast iron 610 × 700 mm with T-slot, inclinable -5°/+45°
- Table height: 910 mm
- Dust extraction port: 2 × Ø100 mm
- Machine dimensions: 1230 × 1000 × 2120 mm
- Weight: 330 kg
- Price: €3,130 net (€3,819 incl. VAT)
Strengths: The 4 kW motor with brake is the most powerful in the entire Krollit range. Cutting capacity of 600×435mm for large panels and logs. Blade speed of 1560 m/min for maximum productivity. The weight of 330 kg ensures absolute stability even under heavy loads.
Ideal for: Industrial woodworking shops, sawmills, intensive production of XL pieces.
How to Choose the Right Bandsaw
The choice depends on 4 measurable factors:
1. Required Cutting Capacity
Measure the largest piece you will regularly work on:
- Cutting height 170-220mm: boards, battens, standard panels (HBS 320, HBS 360, HBS 400)
- Cutting height 260-350mm: beams, blocks, medium resawing (HBS 400 N, HBS 510, Laguna 1412/14BX, HBS 500 N)
- Cutting height 400mm+: logs, rough timber, heavy resawing (Laguna 18BX, HBS 600 N)
2. Weekly Usage Hours
- <10 hours/week: HBS 320, HBS 360 (motor without brake, light construction)
- 10-25 hours/week: HBS 400, HBS 400 N, HBS 510 (robust construction, 1.5-2.2 kW motors)
- >25 hours/week: Laguna 1412/14BX/18BX, HBS 500 N, HBS 600 N (ceramic or 3-roller guides, braked motors, professional construction)
3. Power Supply Type
- 230V single-phase: HBS 320, HBS 360, HBS 400, HBS 400 N, HBS 510, Laguna 1412, Laguna 14BX
- 400V three-phase mandatory: HBS 500 N, HBS 600 N, Laguna 18BX
4. Available Budget
Net Budget
Recommended Models
Capacity (H × W)
| €600-750 | HBS 320, HBS 360 | 170-210 × 305-345mm |
| €1,000-1,500 | HBS 400, HBS 400 N | 220-260 × 380-410mm |
| €1,800-2,200 | Laguna 1412, HBS 510, Laguna 14BX | 305-346 × 350-480mm |
| €2,800-3,200 | Laguna 18BX, HBS 500 N, HBS 600 N | 350-435 × 460-600mm |
Bernardo vs Laguna: Which to Choose?
The two brands have different philosophies:
Feature
Bernardo
Laguna
| Blade guides | Rollers (3 rollers in pro models) | Ceramic (10× longer lifespan) |
| Brake | Only on 400 N, 500 N, 600 N | Disc brake with pedal (14BX, 18BX) |
| Negative tilt | Only N models (-5°) | All models (-7°) |
| Capacity/price ratio | Better | Lower |
| Build quality | Excellent | Superb |
| Ideal for | Hobbyists, budget-conscious | Professionals, intensive use |
In summary: choose Bernardo if you are looking for maximum value for money. Choose Laguna if precision and long-term durability are priorities over budget.
FAQs
What is the best bandsaw under 1000 euros?
The Bernardo HBS 360 at €742 net. It offers 210mm cutting height × 345mm width, 1.1 kW motor, 2 speeds (370/800 m/min), 0-45° tilting cast iron table, roller guide with ball bearings, LED light, and included base. For €108 less there's the HBS 320 (170×305mm), but the 40mm extra height of the HBS 360 is worth the difference.
How much power is needed to cut hardwoods?
For hardwoods like oak, beech, and walnut, at least 1.5 kW is needed for cuts up to 200mm in height. For 250-300mm cuts on hardwoods, I recommend 2.2-3 kW. Models under 1 kW (HBS 320) are only suitable for softwoods or limited thickness cuts. For professional resawing on hardwoods, consider 3.5 kW+ (HBS 500 N, HBS 600 N).
What are ceramic guides and why are they better?
Ceramic guides (found on all Laguna models) do not mark the blade and last about 10 times longer than traditional metal guides. They reduce friction, allow for more precise cuts, and extend blade life. They are the main advantage of Laguna models over Bernardo.
How often do I need to change the bandsaw blade?
A well-maintained blade lasts 40-80 hours of actual cutting. Signs of wear are: crooked cuts, burns on the wood, needing to push instead of guide. Blades can be resharpened 3-5 times before replacement. For proper maintenance, read the guide on how to sharpen and weld bandsaw blades.
Is 230V single-phase or 400V three-phase better?
230V single-phase is sufficient for motors up to 2.2 kW and is fine for most hobby and semi-professional uses. 400V three-phase is mandatory for motors over 3 kW and is preferable in professional workshops: it offers more torque, reduced consumption, and longer-lasting motors. If you already have a three-phase system, always choose the 400V version.
Is a motor brake worth it?
Yes, especially for professional use. The brake stops the blade in 3-5 seconds instead of 15-20 seconds. This means: greater safety (the blade doesn't idle while you change pieces), greater productivity (less waiting), less blade wear. Models with a brake cost €200-400 more, but for those who use the machine >15 hours/week, it's an investment that pays for itself.
Conclusion
The choice of bandsaw depends on your actual use. For hobbyists on a limited budget, the Bernardo HBS 360 offers the best balance between capacity (210×345mm) and price (€742). For professionals seeking precision and durability, the Laguna 14BX with disc brake and ceramic guides (€2,155) represents an investment that pays off over time.
Remember: an undersized bandsaw will limit you in future projects. It's better to invest €200-300 more today than to have to change machines in 2 years.
Browse the complete bandsaw catalog or discover all woodworking machinery types available.
Last updated: January 2026 – Net prices excluding VAT
