A bandsaw is a power tool which uses a blade consisting of a continuous band of metal with teeth along one edge to cut various workpieces. The band usually rides on two wheels rotating in the same plane, although some bandsaws may have three or four wheels. Bandsawing produces uniform cutting action as a result of an evenly distributed tooth load. Bandsaws are used for woodworking, metalworking, or for cutting a variety of other materials, and are particularly useful for cutting irregular or curved shapes, but can also be used to produce straight cuts. The minimum radius of a curve that can be cut on a particular saw is determined by the width of the band and its kerf.

Saws for cutting meat are typically of all stainless steel construction with easy to clean features. The blades either have fine teeth with heat treated tips, or have plain or scalloped knife edges.

Bandsaws for cutting metal are available in vertical and horizontal designs. Typical band speeds range from 40 feet (12 meters) per minute to 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) per minute, however specialized bandsaws are built for friction cutting of hard metals and run band speeds to 15,000 feet per minute. Metal-cutting bandsaws are usually equipped with brushes or brushwheels to prevent chips from becoming stuck in between the blade's teeth. Systems which cool the blade are also common equipment on metal-cutting bandsaws. The coolant washes away chips and keeps the blade cool and lubricated.