Shop Fox W1729 – 2 HP 19″ Bandsaw Review [UPDATED]

Last updated on May 14th, 2022 at 02:43 pm

Are you looking for the best bandsaw on the market? The Shop Fox W1729 is a good pick. If you have a big job at hand, you need to make sure you have the right tools. Knowing what you need to make and the type of materials you will be working with also helps you greatly. This enables you to pick the right bandsaw. 

Bandsaws come in all sorts of shapes and sizes from different manufacturers. You need it to determine the power you need it to have and the amount of table space you need or height. These are just some of the features you will need to be on the lookout for. 

If you will be working on a big project that needs a lot of power and extra cutting capacity, then this is a good buy for you. It has a 2-horsepower single-phase motor. This is more than able to power blades ranging from 1/8 inches to 1 inch wide and through whatever type of wood you are working on. 

This saw has two blade speeds and a deluxe fence that helps make resawing much easier. Let us look at some of the features you get with the W1729-2HP 19inch bandsaw. Let us look at all the features that you can expect to get from this saw. 

Aesthetics

It has the trademark Shopfox logo on the side, and you can not mistake it for anything else. The exact model number of the saw is also clearly visible on the side of the saw. This serves as a constant reminder of what you are using. It is primarily white with a bit of red. Overall it is an immaculate look. The bits and bobs are safely and neatly tucked away.

Performance Review

One of the great things about this saw is that it runs smoothly and has no vibration as you work. This will help you work better and concentrate on the work at hand. It runs quietly. It has a powerful two-horsepower, single-phase motor, and this helps drive the heavy cast iron wheels to propel blades from 1/8 inch to 1 1/4 inch wide through even the toughest wood. You don’t want to get a saw that is only suitable for certain types of wood rather than all types. 

The table on the saw is extensive, which is excellent when working on large projects. You have more than enough space to push the wood through. It is a very stable saw, and you will not have any issues with drift as you work. This also means that your work will be accurate and precise.

There are two ports under the table to collect dust. This is very handy and allows you to work longer without worrying about dust overspilling. This saw will work exceptionally well with the right blade fitted and tensioned correctly. 

It has a 12-inch cutting height, two-blade speeds, and a deluxe fence. All these features help you resaw with ease. This saw also has a precision geared tilting table. It has a rack and pinion upper guide adjustment, a roller disc blade, and a blade tension indicator, which is very easy to read.

This saw has a deluxe aluminum fence that can be shifted and lifted off the table for the desired positioning of the blade. The fence is secured to the table with two rails at the front and back. 

Safety

There are safety precautions that you will need to heed to use this band saw safely. It is essential to make sure that you read the manual carefully. It is not just for setup but also to help you use it accordingly and get the most out of it. Whenever you are about to change the blades or make any adjustments, you must ensure that the saw is unplugged at the power source. 

Please use a dust mask specially designed to filter our microscopic dust particles when you are working. This will help you keep out dust from the different wood pieces you will be working on. Also, make sure that you place it in an area where you will have enough space for the work that you want to do. 

Some of the dust that comes from the various sawing can be toxic and harmful. It is essential to make sure that you work in a well-ventilated room. 

Make sure that you use the saw in a well-lit and dry space. You need to be very aware of what you are working on, and poor lighting can compromise this. You can also make use of personal protective equipment like gloves. These will help keep your fingers safe as you push the wood through and guide it along. 

Who is this product ideal for?

The Shop Fox W1729 is ideal for use by trained personnel. A lot goes into its operation, so you can not be trying it out for the first time with no clue of what you should be doing. It requires skill. Make sure that you read the manual and follow what it says. 

Pros

• It is quick and easy to set up. This doesn’t mean that you should not read the manual, though.
• It cuts very well
• It has a wide table
• It has a good dust collection system
• Without moving the blade, you can detach the fence and move it around the table.
• You can easily see the tension guide without having to move anything around. 

Cons

• It is not a standard saw, so finding replacement blades is not always easy.

Our Verdict

This is a powerful, stable saw that will give you the accurate cuts that you need. Whilst it may not be top of the range, it has a fair value. Ensure that you have a rough idea of the type of work you want to be doing on the saw, and make sure that the necessary features are present. Happy shopping! See our Shop Fox W1825 review.