Bandsaws are heavy-duty blades that can easily cut through wood and many different metals. The tool is accurate enough to keep the teeth chewing a straight line through timber, and it handles curves and other irregular shapes with no problem.

Some band saws come with as many as four rotating wheels to keep the weight of heavier materials evenly distributed.

They’re pretty impressive, but there is a downside to all its options and conveniences.

These machines are expensive and can run anywhere from $250 to over $20,000.

Take heart, though. There are other tools you can use as an alternative to band saws that, on average, cost less.

A jigsaw can do much of the same work as a band saw with the exception of square edges. Simply mount a jigsaw upside down, and have the blade stick through a piece of plywood.

Jigsaw blades will give a little, so they are best for simpler projects. Use plywood and let the blade stick through it. The price for a jigsaw can run anywhere from $30 - $150 or more, depending on the brand.

Some seasoned woodworkers swear by the coping saw as a great alternative to a band saw.

Coping saws are capable of cutting interior and exterior shapes and cutouts. This tool is capable of reliably producing coped joints with tight fits, even for more complex moldings.

The best part is they only cost around $10.

Fretsaws are simple blades stretched across a frame.

Like the coping saw, fretsaws are good when you have to cut intricate shapes and designs. The only drawback is that it is only effective with thinner materials.

A good fretsaw will cost around $150 or so.

This popular machine will cut everything from wood and plastic to metals and ceramic tile, all without a hitch.

The tool is fairly streamlined. All you need is a wall mount to start working with it.

The machine is portable and weighs 18 lbs. It is an efficient tool with many advantages. Rockwell BladeRunners cost about $100.

Check out this video for more about the machine:

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It is true. Band saws are nifty, multipurpose machines that come with a variety of blades and tooth pitches.

They provide a lot of flexibility in your projects, but fortunately, there are alternatives to band saws that can do almost as good a job without breaking the bank.

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