Powermatic

Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw

#6 in Best Band Saws 2026

14-inch wheels
6-inch resaw height
1.75 HP motor
Auto-tensioning blade system

Sponsored link · confirm price and availability on Amazon · updated October 16, 2026

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Is the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw ranks #6 in our Best Band Saws 2026 list (best premium mid). Its biggest strength: auto-tensioning: blade tension releases automatically when the saw is turned off, extending blade life. The main caveat: resaw height is 6 inches -- same as JET at a higher price.

Overview

What the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw does well

One caveat, resaw height is 6 inches -- same as JET at a higher price.

Specs that matter

Key features

14-inch wheels
6-inch resaw height
1.75 HP motor
Auto-tensioning blade system

The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

Auto-tensioning: blade tension releases automatically when the saw is turned off, extending blade life
1.75 HP motor is the most powerful in the 14-inch non-Laguna category
Powermatic fit and finish is the best in class at this wheel size
Excellent fence system included in the package

Cons

Resaw height is 6 inches -- same as JET at a higher price
High price compared to Grizzly and JET for equivalent wheel size

Fit check

Should you buy the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw?

Think twice if this matters to you

Resaw height is 6 inches -- same as JET at a higher price
High price compared to Grizzly and JET for equivalent wheel size

Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

List	Rank
Best Band Saws 2026· Best Premium Mid	#6 / 8

Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Best BeginnerRIKON
Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw with Fence
- 10-inch wheels
- 4.5-inch resaw height
View on Amazon See details
Best Mid RangeJET
JET JWBS-14CS 14-Inch Bandsaw
- 14-inch wheels
- 6-inch resaw height
View on Amazon See details
Grizzly
Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw
- 14-inch wheels
- 6.25-inch resaw height
View on Amazon See details

Buying advice: woodworking

Clamps, a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.

Read the full guides

Answers

Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw: common questions

Is the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw worth buying?

Who is the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw best for?

Based on our research it suits buyers who want the best overall package. It's ranked #6 of 8 in our Best Band Saws 2026 list.

What are the downsides of the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: resaw height is 6 inches -- same as JET at a higher price; high price compared to Grizzly and JET for equivalent wheel size.

What are the key features of the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw?

14-inch wheels, 6-inch resaw height, 1.75 HP motor and Auto-tensioning blade system.

What are the best alternatives to the Powermatic 1791216K PWBS-14CS Woodworking Bandsaw?

Worth comparing: Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw with Fence, JET JWBS-14CS 14-Inch Bandsaw and Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.