Best Bandsaws for Woodworking
At Harvey Woodworking, we're dedicated to providing the highest quality bandsaws, built with performance, precision, convenience, safety and reliability at the core of each of our products.
Being the OEM manufacturer for most major brands before creating our own products, we've mastered the art of making the best bandsaws on the market.
Let customers speak for us
This fence is extremely well built. It was accurate and required no adjustments for the alignment. I installed this fence on a SawStop Industrial model. I did have to drill all new holes as the SawStop's holes are at 22mm below the top surface and the Harvey fence needs it to be a minimum of 26mm. This was a small issue that require drilling holes in the table top accurately. It is very solid and moves freely. I am pleased as punch about this fence. For me it is well worth the money to get this accuracy. I could not notice any deflection with this fence. I look forward to years of fun ripping.
Was not wanting to pay up but so glad I did. This fence is amazingly accurate. Put it on a ridgid saw and it fit perfectly with very lil modification.
First of all, this machine is wonderfully powerful, very smooth, very high-quality in engineering and materials and has proved to be a fantastic addition to my shop. One minor thing is that there is a gauge inside the upper cabinet next to the wheel that shows the tension on the blade. There’s a pointer that moves up and down on a graphic scale. On my machine, it did not work at all. It was not even connected to the tension mechanism. I had to add a spring that pulled up on the pointer arm so that it kept contact with the elevation of the tension device. Now it works well. This was not even mentioned in the instruction booklet. There’s even a little window where you can see this pointer without opening the upper wheel housing. Very odd. Considering how completely well-thought-out this machine is, I wonder why that happened. I also added a work light that is wired to the main switch. Most LED work lights now are dual voltage. I simply ordered one with a strong magnetic base and a gooseneck and removed the plug at the end, stripped and tinned the wires, added heat shrink tubing to toughen the end of the wire and provide a strain relief, and then I opened the switch housing. With the wiring diagram, I found the two wires that output the switched power to the motor and loosened the screws, slid those tinned wire tips inside the terminal clamps and re-tightened the terminal clamps. Using a rat tail file I filed a small groove in the edge of the switch housing and anchored the strain relief on the cable there. I reassembled the switch housing and using magnetic hooks, routed the wire safely to the top of the machine. Now I have a good strong work light that turns on with the motor and turns off as well. This is something I think should have been included in the original design of the machine. It would be simple to add a work light to this machine. All in all, it’s a fantastic machine. The price was reasonable as well. One pro tip for mounting it to the Mobile base they also sell. I use the strips of cardboard under the edges of the machine base that I had previously rubbed with paraffin on their underside. This allowed me to remove the bolts, anchoring the machine to the pallet. It was delivered on and slide it relatively safely, controllably, and easily onto the Mobile base which I lashed to the pallet. This made it possible to transfer a 300+ pound machine onto the mobile pace safely single-handedly. There is no contact of the machine and the mobile base in the process either. It came out perfectly. I’ll include a photo
Setup wasnt very difficult, needed help putting the bolts through when mounting the table, delivery was insanley fast (within a week for me) no issues or complaints. Only suggestion I have is give options for different plugs (like twist lock nema 6-20L) from factory. This machine is very well thought out and gorgeous.
This was the perfect “wingman” for my SawStop!
I had no problem assembling and installing this myself without help. Make sure you get a couple shim stocks (I used .018 x 4 x 9 from Ace Hardware) so that the slide is above your table saw. It still took me several times to get it exact, so make it easy on yourself and get it right.
I have used this everyday and it has made shop life easier. My large panels are effortlessly crosscut with precision! No blade burn or accidental movement throughout the cut.
It is well designed and has an aesthetically appeal. I absolutely love my new Compass and the AH-3T hold down is larger than I expected and that’s a good thing. Harvey did it right!
My only complaint is that the manual doesn’t have any instructions on how to calibrate the flip stops accuracy with the scales. However, I came up with a fail safe way to calibrate it and the repeatability and precision has been maintained ever since.
The entire Harvey system is incredible. I recently added the router wing and fence to my HW110S and it’s better than anticipated. I’ve never used a router fence that’s so rigid, yet smooth moving. It actually keeps perpendicular to the table and has easy and efficient adjustability. Another excellent case of maximizing function and form from the Harvey folks.
This is thoughtfully designed and perfectly engineered. My first task with this was to put an 80" x 23" piece of 3/4" oak ply through the table saw to trim the end square. Once I got the piece locked onto the sliding table it was immovably secured and the cut was made flawlessly and effortlessly.
From the first time I saw this fence I knew I wanted one. It solved all of the issues I had with my old fence and more. The ball-bearing guides are smooth and make fine adjustments so much easier than the old tap,tap,tap...damn! tap,tap,tap...damn! method I used to have to use. Installation was easy and it fit perfect on my Laguna F3. I recommend watching the installation video from Harvey. Rails and fence are well made and feel like they will hold up for years. So far it is well worth the money.
Solid build.
Easy installation.
Only issue was missing nuts for M10 bolts. Not to worry, had some in my shop. Used a 5/8 inch aluminum bar stock shim to avoid having to cut any tubes on my SawStop ICS. Love it. Might be good to include the locking knob from the MG-36 pro miter gauge to secure at dead zero but that is style points.
I'm a 40+ yr commercial carpenter. First,the product. As you can see in the photo the RG-1 is an impressively engineered tool. The other one is for your do-it yourself neighbor.
Second,customer service. I just miss a sale price and email Harvey if they would honor the sale price or if they had any black Friday sales coming up. Mikey Thomas emails back and lowers the price even below the sale price. Great right ? It gets better! I get the product and the tee bar is a bit big for my shapers and table saws. I email Mikey and he says no problem, what size do I need as he will look around. I'm shocked he's doing this because plenty of places will tell you return it or machine it down yourself. If he even found one I'd fully expect to be charged for the tee bar and shipping, right ? Wrong! He finds one / makes one /who knows and sends it free of charge ! In this day and age who goes this sort of thing ? Not many .
Mikey Thomas Harvey Customer service 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks so much for exceptional customer service!!! Sincerely G. Ryan, Minnesota
Ps give Mikey a raise !
I installed the sliding table on my SawStop that I’ve had for about 6 years now. Adding this sliding table was something that I’ve been looking to do for awhile but just really didn’t know if I needed it. Let me say so glad I got it. Very well made and was pretty straight forward attaching it to the left wing of my saw. A few adjustments and we are up and running. Onlya few things I can say I’m not a fan. Removing the fence I wish they could have made easier to do. Also sliding the fence to the left or right could have used some knurled thumb knobs I think to make that easier as well. Other than those 2 items I’m very happy with the sliding table.
great fence fitted well on my grizzly G0771z love how it locks both ends glides so smoothly so accurate customer service was great and very quick highly recommended
I haven’t yet ordered a shaper with a power feed for my shop, so I needed something better than a standard featherboard to keep material pressed tightly against the fence while routing white oak for 5- and 9-foot lock miter beams. After trying just about every major brand featherboard over the past 25 years, the Compass RG-2 excelled where others fell short. If precision matters to you, give this a try.
I bought the dust collection cabinet before I pulled the trigger on the cast iron table. I need to add a third layer to my current table because the router is bottoming out on the cabinet, causing the lift plate to rise up. So I would be happier if the cabinet was about an inch deeper , but it's an easy fix until I upgrade my work surface.
I installed the Bigeye on my franken-craftsman tablesaw - harvey router table to the left, "vintage" cast-iron extensions to the right - replacing a vega fence from 2004. Nothing wrong with the vega, so true to this day, but it was missing a number of the features I was looking for.
It was installed in less than 1 hr (for the most part, more on that later). The hardest part was moving the saw to get to the back. My existing mounting holes lined up without any need to drill, the eccentric bolts sliding in the t-track is a brilliant design!
On my table, the holes in the harvey router table are slightly higher than the cast iron tables on the craftsman, so being able to use different orientations on the bolts was a life-saver. Dialing it in was effortless.
My favorite features include the high-low fence, the stops on the rails, the t-track on the top of the fence, and of course the rear clamping.
The only annoying thing is you can only remove the fence on each end. This is unavoidable given the way the fence slides on bearings in the rail. But, in my small shop that means I can only remove the fence on the far left side forcing me to take lower the blade and remove the splitter, it's trivial, and with 52" to the right, I don't know if I'll ever need to.
The only problem I had was the two set srews on the stops for the scale (one each on two stops) could not be loosened with any standard hex key, it's like they were either stripped or milled for a 2.25mm hex key. They didn't look stripped but no hex key I own (or shipped with the fence) fit tightly enough to loosen the screw.
Harvey's cs came through, sending me replacement stops the same day, but I had to drill and use a screw extractor to remove the faulty stops. Scary on a brand new piece of equipment, especially at this price.
Overall, I love it! The stability of the fence makes ripping large sheet goods far more accurate and scary than my previous fence. Absolutely no deflection.
What customers think about the store
Harvey Woodworking offers high-quality woodworking tools and accessories with exceptional engineering, durability, and precision. Their products, such as table saws, bandsaws, fences, miter gauges, and dust collectors, consistently receive praise for their sup...
AI-generated from customer reviews.
Key Takeaways:
Professional Resaw Capacity: Harvey Woodworking's ALPHA HW615Pro series bandsaws deliver exceptional 15" resaw capacity with stain-less nickel-plated surfaces, eliminating rust concerns while providing smooth, powerful cutting through the largest hardwood lumber.
Ultimate Rust Protection: Featuring the revolutionary Stain-less Nickel-Plating Technology and precision-engineered components, Harvey Woodworking's AMBASSADOR C14Pro bandsaws offer superior corrosion resistance with 500-700 HV hardness rating for decades of maintenance-free operation.
Precision Cutting Systems: Harvey Woodworking's ALPHA A-15 Intelligent bandsaws come equipped with advanced digital controls, tool-less blade guides, COMPASS RG-2 Roller Guides, and integrated dust collection systems for comprehensive cutting performance.
Why Choose Harvey Woodworking Bandsaws for Performance, Precision, Convenience, Safety and Reliability?
When resaw capacity and cutting precision matter in woodworking, Harvey Woodworking's bandsaw lineup sets the industry standard. These aren't just cutting tools—they're precision instruments designed for craftsmen who refuse to compromise on quality. Harvey's philosophy of "Good Enough is Not Enough" drives every engineering decision, resulting in bandsaws that deliver professional results whether you're a seasoned furniture maker or setting up your first serious workshop.
Harvey Woodworking's innovative approach addresses the most common frustrations in bandsaw operation: rust, blade drift, and fence accuracy. Their revolutionary stain-less nickel-plated surfaces eliminate corrosion concerns even in humid environments, while the massive cast iron flywheel construction provides the stability needed for smooth, accurate cuts. The result is a bandsaw that maintains its precision year after year, making it a true investment in your craft.
What makes Harvey Woodworking's bandsaws particularly compelling is their attention to the complete cutting experience. From the whisper-quiet 3HP motor operation to the tool-less blade guide adjustments, every detail is engineered to help you focus on your woodworking rather than fighting with your tools.
Key Features to Look for in Professional Bandsaws
Professional woodworking demands precision, reliability, and performance that stays consistent over thousands of cuts. Harvey Woodworking's bandsaw series incorporates the most critical features that separate professional-grade equipment from basic shop tools:
Revolutionary Stain-less Nickel-Plating Technology: The heart of Harvey Woodworking's rust protection advantage lies in their proprietary chemical nickel-plating process. This autocatalytic plating combines with mid-phosphorus chemical nickel formula to achieve 500-700 HV hardness rating, significantly enhancing wear resistance and rust prevention capabilities. This engineering breakthrough delivers table surfaces that remain smooth and lustrous indefinitely—protection that rivals dedicated industrial machinery.
Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Flywheel Construction: Harvey Woodworking's precision-balanced cast iron flywheels provide the mass and stability essential for smooth cutting through dense hardwoods. The substantial flywheel weight eliminates vibration while maintaining consistent blade speed, crucial for achieving glass-smooth resaw surfaces across different materials and grain patterns.
Tool-less Blade Guide Systems: The blade guide mechanism uses precision ball bearings on each side and back of the blade to eliminate blade deflection and drift. This system provides effortless guide adjustments without tools while maintaining perfect blade tracking, essential for consistent cut quality across different blade widths and cutting applications.
Industrial-Grade Motor Systems: Harvey Woodworking's bandsaws feature powerful 3HP TEFC motors designed for continuous operation. These precision-balanced motor systems deliver consistent power through the heaviest exotic hardwoods, while the integrated foot brake with micro-switch provides instant stopping power for enhanced safety.
Best Harvey Bandsaws for Every Woodworker Looking for Performance, Precision, Convenience, Safety and Reliability
ALPHA HW615Pro Series: Maximum Resaw Performance
The HW615Pro represents Harvey's ultimate resaw capability, combining 15" cutting height with cutting-edge stain-less technology. This powerhouse features a robust 3HP motor and precision-engineered components designed for demanding production environments.
The nickel-plated 20" x 20" cast iron table provides a corrosion-resistant work surface that stays smooth and flat for decades. The integrated precision fence system ensures every resaw cut is accurate, while the tool-less blade guides deliver consistent tracking across all blade widths. Each saw comes equipped with Harvey's COMPASS RG-2 Roller Guide system, engineered for safe and enjoyable cutting through the largest lumber dimensions.
AMBASSADOR C14Pro Series: Compact Professional Power
For woodworkers who demand professional features in a more compact footprint, the C14Pro series delivers 14" resaw capacity through Harvey's advanced cabinet design. The revolutionary stain-less construction extends throughout the saw, including the rack and pinion tilting system that traditionally suffers from moisture exposure.
The massive steel frame construction (over 350 lbs) absorbs vibration while the precision rack and pinion table tilting system provides smooth, accurate bevel adjustments from 45° to -15°. These saws excel in smaller workshops where space is premium but performance cannot be compromised.
ALPHA A-15 Intelligent Series: Next-Generation Technology
At the pinnacle of Harvey's innovation, the A-15 series offers the first truly intelligent bandsaw with advanced digital controls and touchscreen interface. These cutting-edge saws incorporate every Harvey breakthrough, from precision-ground components to voice-controlled LED worklights.
The 7-inch touchscreen displays real-time blade tension, table tilt angle, and blade speed, while built-in sensors monitor all critical functions. The enhanced dust extraction system is fully enclosed within the cabinet for superior performance, while dual safety shutoff sensors ensure operation only when cabinet doors are properly closed.
How Harvey Bandsaws Transform Your Woodworking
Effortless Accuracy With Every Cut
The precision fence system and roller guide technology transforms challenging resaw cuts from a nerve-wracking experience into a pleasure. The COMPASS RG-2 Roller Guide utilizes independent suspension mechanism where each roller adapts to dynamic stock surfaces with consistent holding pressure. Whether you're creating book-matched panels or dimensioning exotic lumber, the fence maintains accuracy that rivals dedicated millwork machinery.
Professional Results From Day One
Harvey bandsaws arrive precisely calibrated and ready for immediate use. The factory alignment process ensures the blade guides, table, and fence are perfectly set up, eliminating the setup headaches common with other brands. The tool-less blade guide system allows instant adjustments for different blade widths, while the quick-release tension system provides consistent blade tension across all cutting applications.
Built For Demanding Use
Professional woodworking often means long sessions with challenging materials. Harvey's robust 3HP motor systems maintain consistent power through dense hardwoods and exotic species, while the precision-balanced flywheels minimize the fatigue-inducing vibration common in lesser saws. The foot brake with micro-switch provides instant stopping power for enhanced safety during extended use.
Investment-Grade Durability
The nickel-plated surfaces and precision-machined components ensure these saws maintain their accuracy for decades. Unlike painted surfaces that eventually chip and rust, Harvey's stain-less technology provides protection that becomes more valuable over time, especially in humid shop environments.
Tips For Maximizing Your Harvey Bandsaw Performance
Professional woodworkers understand that even the finest tools require proper setup and maintenance to deliver their full potential. Harvey bandsaws are designed for longevity and consistency, but following these practices will ensure optimal performance:
Proper Initial Setup
While Harvey bandsaws arrive precisely calibrated, taking time to verify blade tracking and guide alignment in your specific shop conditions ensures optimal performance. Check that the blade tracks properly on the crown of the wheels and that the guides are properly adjusted for your preferred blade width. The precision-machined components make these adjustments simple and stable.
Maintenance For Longevity
The nickel-plated surfaces require minimal maintenance—simply keep them clean and occasionally apply a light coat of paste wax for maximum smoothness. The sealed ball bearings in the blade guide system are lubricated for life, but keeping the guides clean and properly adjusted ensures continued smooth operation and extended blade life.
Blade Selection Strategy
While Harvey saws accommodate any quality blade, having dedicated blades for different operations optimizes performance. A 3/4" blade for resawing, 1/2" for general cutting, and 1/4" for detailed work covers most applications. Harvey's precision tracking system ensures consistent performance across all blade widths.
Dust Collection Optimization
Harvey Woodworking's enclosed dust collection system works best with adequate airflow. A quality dust collector connected to the lower port, combined with proper blade selection, captures the majority of dust at the source, keeping your workspace clean and extending the life of your saw's components.
Accessory Integration
Harvey Woodworking's modular approach means accessories like extended fences, mobile bases, and auxiliary tables integrate seamlessly with your saw. Planning your accessory additions allows you to create a comprehensive resawing station tailored to your specific work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Harvey bandsaws handle professional production work?
Absolutely. Harvey's bandsaw series are engineered for continuous professional use, with robust 3HP motors, precision components, and industrial-grade construction that maintains accuracy through demanding production schedules and heavy resaw operations.
How does the Stain-less technology compare to traditional cast iron tables?
Harvey's nickel-plating process creates a surface 500-700 HV harder than cast iron while providing complete rust resistance. The process bonds nickel deeply to the base material rather than simply coating it, creating a surface that stays smooth indefinitely and requires virtually no maintenance.
What makes Harvey's blade guide system different from standard guides?
Harvey's tool-less blade guide system uses precision ball bearings on three sides of the blade, eliminating the setup and adjustment hassles of traditional guides. The system accommodates different blade widths instantly while maintaining perfect tracking and eliminating blade drift.
Are Harvey bandsaws suitable for small workshops?
Yes, Harvey offers the AMBASSADOR C14Pro specifically designed for smaller spaces without compromising professional capabilities. The 14" resaw capacity and compact footprint provide full professional features while fitting in space-conscious workshops.
How do Harvey bandsaws integrate with existing shop setups?
Harvey bandsaws are designed with standard dust collection ports and accessory compatibility in mind. The modular approach allows integration with existing dust collection systems, mobile bases, and workflow patterns while providing upgrade paths as your shop evolves.