A band saw is almost universally powered by an electric motor in modern applications.
While early band saws relied on alternative power sources, these are largely historical curiosities:
Early Band Saw Power
- Line Shafts: Historically, band saws were often powered by line shafts in factories. These shafts were connected to a central power source (like a water wheel or steam engine) and distributed power throughout the workshop. However, these are now primarily antiques.
Modern Band Saw Power
- Electric Motors: The vast majority of band saws today, whether for woodworking, metalworking, or other applications, utilize electric motors. These motors provide a direct and efficient power source. The size and type of motor will vary depending on the size and intended use of the band saw. Smaller benchtop models will use smaller motors, while large industrial band saws will require much more powerful motors.
Therefore, the answer is straightforward: modern band saws run on electricity supplied to an electric motor.
