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Bettesworth Construction
band saw buying guide

Best Metabo Band Saws for Woodworking: BAS 261 vs. BAS 318

The BAS 261 suits smaller stock and compact shops; the BAS 318 offers greater listed capacity. Compare their specifications, blade lengths, and voltage requirements before choosing.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read

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For woodworking, choose the Metabo BAS 261 Precision if its 103 mm cutting height and 245 mm passage width cover your stock and you want a smaller machine. For taller or wider work, the BAS 318 Precision provides 170 mm of cutting height and 307 mm of passage width. Choose between the BAS 318 WNB and DNB by matching their different voltage requirements to your shop’s electrical supply.

This is a specification-based guide to the stationary saws in Metabo’s current band-saw range—not a hands-on performance ranking. Specifications below come from Metabo product pages accessed October 8, 2026; that date is not a stated publication date for the pages. Metabo’s current band-saw range lists the BAS 261 Precision and the BAS 318 Precision WNB and DNB.

Which Metabo band saw suits your woodworking?

Start with the largest piece you expect to cut, then check your electrical supply. The BAS 261 is the smaller-capacity option. Both BAS 318 variants offer the same greater listed cutting capacity; their key distinction is electrical configuration.

Model Electrical configuration Cutting height Passage width Motor input Blade length Specification-based fit
BAS 261 Precision (619008000) 220–240 V, 50 Hz 103 mm 245 mm 400 W 1,712 mm Smaller stock and a more compact shop
BAS 318 Precision WNB (619009000) 220–240 V, 50–60 Hz 170 mm 307 mm 900 W 2,240 mm Larger or taller work where the listed single-phase supply is suitable
BAS 318 Precision DNB (619010000) 380–415 V, 50–60 Hz 170 mm 307 mm 900 W 2,240 mm Larger or taller work where the listed three-phase supply is available

Capacity, power, and blade figures are manufacturer-listed specifications, not comparative test results. The figures and model identifiers are from the BAS 261, BAS 318 WNB, and BAS 318 DNB product pages accessed October 8, 2026.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, C10FCG2
  • POWERFUL AND PRECISE: This 10-inch single bevel compound miter saw features a 15-Amp motor delivering high power for effortless cuts. The power saw generates a no-load speed up to 5,000 RPM, ensuring precise cuts for all your woodworking projects.
  • USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: The miter saw includes an improved miter scale and controls for accurate adjustments. Its large table saw 10 inch provides better material support, and the vice clamping system secures the workpiece for precision and safety.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: Weighing only 24 lbs, this second generation power saw is easy to maneuver and transport to any job site. The compact design allows for easy storage and increased portability without sacrificing power or performance.
  • VERSATILE CUTTING CAPABILITIES: With a 0-52° miter angle range left and right and an adjustable bevel range of 0-45° left, this compound miter saw offers flexibility. Adjustable bevel stops ensure precision cuts for various woodworking applications.
  • GO FOR THE METABO HPT EXPERIENCE: This durable miter saw comes with the Metabo HPT 5-year warranty. Choose our durable Japanese-engineered power tools to carry out all your professional-grade work, get more at the Metabo HPT store.

Choose the BAS 261 for smaller work and a tighter footprint

The BAS 261’s listed cutting height is 103 mm and its passage width is 245 mm. Its body measures 530 × 470 × 840 mm, and its support surface is 328 × 335 mm. The table tilts from 0° to 45°. At 32.5 kg, it is substantially lighter than the listed BAS 318, though that does not by itself establish how easy it is to move or install.

Metabo lists a single cutting speed of 735 m/min, a cast-iron table, LED work light, and external dust-extraction connection. Features include balanced rubber-coated flywheels, adjustable HSS three-roller blade guides, a double-clamped quick rip fence, induction motor, and tool-less access for blade changes. Metabo also states: “Restart protection: prevents unintentional start-up after power supply interruption.” Check the product listing for the exact regional configuration and included accessories.

Rank #2
Metabo HPT 18V Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw, LED Light, CR18DAQ4
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT: This cordless reciprocating saw is best in its class, weighing only 2.9 lbs and measuring 13.8 inches. The lightweight and compact design allows for easy maneuverability and less fatigue during extended use.
  • HIGH-SPEED PERFORMANCE: With a best-in-class speed of 3,200 strokes per minute, this power one handed saw ensures fast and efficient wood cutting. The variable speed trigger allows for complete control to fit any application, making your work quicker.
  • VERSATILE AND CONVENIENT: This one-handed saw offers revolutionary versatility, allowing the use of either reciprocating saw blades or t-shank jigsaw blades. The tool-less shoe and blade change make adjustments quick and easy.
  • LONGER RUNTIME WITH METABO HPT BATTERY: This saw is part of the expanding Metabo HPT's cordless power tools MultiVolt system. It accepts any 18V battery or 18V/36V MultiVolt battery (sold separately) offering ultimate versatility and power on the go.
  • GO FOR THE METABO HPT EXPERIENCE: This cordless reciprocating saw comes with a lifetime warranty on the tool body. Choose our durable Japanese-engineered tools to carry out all your professional-grade work, get more at the Metabo HPT store.

Step up to the BAS 318 when the work exceeds BAS 261 capacity

The BAS 318 WNB and DNB are listed with 170 mm cutting height and 307 mm passage width. If your regular workpiece is taller than 103 mm or wider than 245 mm at the saw’s passage, those larger listed capacities make the BAS 318 the relevant option to consider. They do not establish cut quality, throughput, or suitability for a particular blade and material.

The WNB page lists a 665 × 980 × 1,600 mm machine, a 560 × 400 mm support surface, a 0°–45° tilting table, two speeds of 410 and 880 m/min, and a weight of 79 kg. The listed package includes a stand, rip fence, mitre fence, dust-collection container, and push stick. Documented features include a blade-tension indicator, quick-action blade clamp, LED work light, external extraction connection, sawdust drawer, extendable table-width support, and wheels on the stand. Optional attachments support circle cutting and belt sanding. These are WNB page details; confirm DNB-specific details on its regional listing before purchase.

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Rank #3
WEN 9-Inch Band Saw, 2.8-Amp Benchtop (BA3959)
  • 2.8-amp motor rotates the blade up to 2500 feet per minute
  • Create cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide
  • Uses 59-1/2-inch blades anywhere from 1/8 to 3/8 inches in size
  • Spacious 12-1/4 x 11-7/8-inch work table bevels up to 45 degrees
  • Includes a 1/4-inch-wide blade, a 2-1/2-inch dust port, a rip fence, a miter gauge, an adjustable blade guard with ball-bearing supports, and a 2-year warranty

WNB or DNB: match the saw to your power supply

The WNB is listed for 220–240 V at 50–60 Hz; the DNB is listed for 380–415 V at 50–60 Hz. Do not choose by the shared BAS 318 name alone: confirm that your shop’s supply matches the exact model’s rating and that the local product configuration is available. If you are unsure whether your installation supports the listed voltage and phase, ask a qualified electrician before ordering or connecting the saw.

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Check blade compatibility before buying replacements

The BAS 261 uses a 1,712 mm blade; the BAS 318 models use a 2,240 mm blade. These lengths are not interchangeable. Metabo lists “Band saw blades for wood and plastic” as accessories on both the BAS 261 and BAS 318 WNB pages, but a compatible blade must also suit the exact saw, the work material, and the cut you intend to make.

Rank #4
Sale
Metabo HPT Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool, 6 Speed MultiVolt, CV18DAQ4
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND POWERFUL: With an impressive oscillation speed from 6,000 of up to 20,000 OPM, it can handle various tasks including wood cutting, metal cutting, drywall cutting, and PVC cutting. Weighing only 2.6 lbs, it is perfect for tight spaces.
  • USER FRIENDLY DESIGN: The 3.6° oscillating angle allows for faster cuts. It accepts Starlock/OIS universal fit for blades and accessories, making this cordless multi-tool compatible with a wide range of attachments for different applications.
  • VIBRATION PROTECTION: The Metabo HPT oscillating tool features User Vibration Protection (UVP) for comfort during extended use. It reduces vibration and noise, minimizing vibration-related harm and ensuring a smoother operation.
  • LONG LASTING AND EFFICIENT: Part of the expanding MultiVolt System, it accepts any 18V battery or 18V/36V Metabo HPT battery. With 6 speed settings, this universal tool can easily adjust to the speed and power best suited for the application.
  • GO FOR THE METABO HPT EXPERIENCE: This cordless multi-tool comes with Metabo HPT's lifetime tool body warranty. Choose our durable Japanese-engineered tools to carry out all your professional-grade work, get more at the Metabo HPT store.
  • Use the exact model’s manual or product listing to verify blade length and permitted dimensions.
  • Match blade width and tooth profile to the intended cut and material; do not assume every wood/plastic blade suits every operation.
  • Confirm the blade is specified for your model before ordering, especially when a listing describes a blade only by length.

Make the choice with this workshop checklist

  1. Measure the work. Compare your thickest stock with cutting height and the widest workpiece or curve with passage width.
  2. Verify power. Check the exact WNB or DNB voltage and frequency against your shop supply before selecting a BAS 318.
  3. Plan the installation. Compare machine dimensions and support surface with available floor and bench space; account for the stand and dust collection or external extraction setup.
  4. Check the blade. Confirm model-specific length and other blade dimensions in the manual before purchasing replacements.
  5. Confirm local details. Recheck speed, included accessories, warranty, and market-specific configuration on the current regional product listing.

Is the Metabo HPT CB3612DA an alternative?

Not as a stationary woodworking band saw. Metabo HPT’s US listing describes the CB3612DA as a portable deep-cut saw for jobsite uses such as stainless-steel pipe and conduit. It specifies 36 V, a 4-3/4-inch cut capacity, a 44-7/8-inch blade, and variable speed of 200–640 surface feet per minute. Those specifications describe a different tool category, not a substitute for a BAS table saw. Metabo and Metabo HPT are distinct product-line names in the cited listings; do not confuse their model designations. See the Metabo HPT CB3612DA product page.

What about the BAS 505?

An older Metabo Australia woodworking catalog includes BAS 505 information, but that model does not appear on the current Metabo band-saw range page reviewed here. The older catalog alone is not evidence that the BAS 505 is currently available. Check the current listing for your market rather than treating historical catalog specifications as a present-day buying option.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
WEN 9-Inch Band Saw, 2.8-Amp Benchtop (BA3959)
WEN 9-Inch Band Saw, 2.8-Amp Benchtop (BA3959)
2.8-amp motor rotates the blade up to 2500 feet per minute; Create cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide
$139.05

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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