Vertical or Horizontal Bandsaw: Which Do You Need?

Posted by Penn Tool Co., Inc on 18th Nov 2022

Vertical or Horizontal Bandsaw: Which Do You Need?

Vertical or Horizontal Bandsaw: Which Do You Need?

When it comes to bandsaws, machine shop owners have a lot to consider.

What’s the difference between vertical and horizontal bandsaw uses, for instance? And which is the best type of bandsaw for their needs?

At Penn Tool Co., we’ve used horizontal and vertical bandsaws for a wide variety of machine shop projects. In this article, our machine tool experts reveal the functional differences, and how to choose the best one for your operations.

What Do You Use a Bandsaw For?

Baileigh Horizontal & Vertical Mitering Bandsaw 1001684 - BS-712MS

Bandsaws are versatile cutting machines that can be used for a variety of materials, including (but not limited to) wood, metal, plastic, and rubber. In fact, these adaptable machine tools are vital in metalworking, woodworking, and even lumbering.

They empower you to quickly make more accurate cuts than you could with other cutting tools. They’re safe, fast, and incredibly precise.

From meat cutting to laminating, band saws are a vital piece of equipment for any professional machine shop. But now the question is: should your bandsaw be vertical or horizontal?

Types of Bandsaws: Horizontal vs. Vertical Bandsaws

There are two primary categories of bandsaws: vertical and horizontal. Vertical bandsaws are typically used for cutting metal, while horizontal bandsaws are typically used for cutting wood.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Some vertical bandsaws can be used for cutting wood, and some horizontal bandsaws can be used for cutting metal.

So how do you decide which type of band saw is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at each type.

Vertical Bandsaws

Baileigh Woodworking Vertical Band Saw 1014217 - WBS-14-S

Vertical bandsaws are perhaps the best bandsaws for metal. They can be used to cut straight lines or curves, and are perfect for cutting small or large pieces of metal.

The blade on a vertical bandsaw is positioned vertically, which gives you more control over the cut. The saw can be fed into the workpiece, or the workpiece can be moved against the saw.

This enables metalworkers to make very precise cuts in their workpiece. Vertical bandsaws are also ideal for cutting curved or irregularly shaped pieces of metal.

Horizontal Bandsaws

JET 10

Horizontal bandsaws are not as versatile as vertical bandsaws, but they can be used to cut a variety of materials, including wood and plastic.

The bandsaw blade direction on a horizontal bandsaw is horizontal, which makes it easier to cut through thicker pieces of wood.

Horizontal bandsaws can also be used for cutting plastics and other materials, but they are not as well-suited for this task as vertical bandsaws.

Find the Best Vertical & Horizontal Bandsaws at Penn Tool Co.

When deciding which type of bandsaw is right for your business, you must consider the types of materials you will be working with most often. However, it’s also advisable to collaborate with machine shop experts to ensure that you find the best bandsaw for your business and your budget.

To learn more about selecting the right horizontal or vertical bandsaw for your operations, reach out to your team today.