10 Perfect Budget Bandsaw Reviews – Latest Unbiased Insights & Guide (2020)
If you’re constantly faced with the need to deliver intricate cuts, you may find it important to invest in a versatile wood or metal saw. In that case, you’d be at an overall better off position if you went for nothing but the best budget bandsaw. But what goes into finding such a saw? Here’s a detailed review of key facts and factors to consider.
What is a Bandsaw?
Band saws may not be the most basic of all woodworking tools but they certainly are the most versatile. You need them to handle all complicated and fun craft work. For instance, they’re the best choice for creating decorative moldings among other creative cabinetry pieces. One unique quality of these saws is that they can always be relied on to cut delicate curves even in thick lumber. It’s, therefore, not a surprise that these saws are often recommended as the best choice for creating and trimming irregular shapes.
| Product Name | Image | Blade | Overall Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN Two-Speed 3962 Band Saw |  | 72 in | 10 | Check price |
| SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw |  | 9 in | 7.5 | Check price |
| Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw |  | 10 in | 8 | Check price |
| DEWALT DWM120K Band Saw |  | 5 in | 9.5 | Check price |
| POWERTEC BS900 Band Saw |  | 9 in | 7.5 | Check price |
| Milwaukee Cordless 2429-21XC M12 Band Saw |  | 5 in | 9 | Check price |
| Grizzly Deluxe G0555LX Bandsaw |  | 14 in | 9.5 | Check price |
| Milwaukee Deep Cut 6232-21 Band Saw |  | 5 in | 9 | Check price |
| Dewalt Max Deep DCS374B Baretool Band Saw |  | 5 in | 9.5 | Check price |
| WEN 3975 Benchtop Bandsaw |  | 5 in | 8 | Check price |
WEN Two-Speed 3962 Band Saw
- Durable ball-bearings for smooth performance
- Two-year warranty
- Work light for illuminating the work table
- Easy-to-assemble 25-inch stand
- Offers 2-speed operations
- Built-in measuring guide and miter gauge
Conclusion If you are on the trail of a budget band saw that can help you make intricate, straight and powerful cuts, WEN 3962 is a great starting point. With its powerful motor and a variety of blade options, the saw would make a perfect choice for both hobbyists and professional woodworkers. For the price, it is also well-built to provide you with long-lasting performance.
- Strong and durable fence to help make straight and precise cuts
- Easy to assemble and use
- Efficient cutting power
- Has 6-inches of re-saw capacity
- Easy to work with especially in badly lit conditions
- Offers many years of dependable service
- A solid and stable stand that keeps the saw elevated
- Adjustments can be quite tedious anytime you install a new blade
- Flimsy tension knob made of plastic
- Light casts a big shadow over the piece of wood you’re cutting
How to Install and Tension a WEN Bandsaw Blade
Yotube Video Review: How to Install and Tension a WEN Bandsaw Blade
SKIL 3386-01 9-Inch Band Saw
- Flexible LED lamp for maximum visibility
- Three-year limited warranty
- 9-inch deep throat
- Ribbed aluminum table with up to 45 degrees tilting angle
- 1-1/2 dust port
- Single speed 2.5-amp motor
- Easy to change and fine-tune the blade
- Adjusting the height and angle of the table is very straightforward
- Silent motor
- Lightweight design makes it easy to move the saw around the shop
- Keeps work area free of dust
- Some of its parts are made of plastic
- Cannot handle heavy-duty cutting
If your blade starts to make belly-shaped cuts consider increasing its tension or having the teeth sharpened.
Rikon 10-305 10-Inch Bandsaw
Rikon may not be as popular as other brands but they pride themselves on offering woodworking tools of the highest quality. As far as budget saws are concerned, their 10-305 10-Inch Bandsaw is a really solid choice. For the price, it packs some nice features along with heavy-duty construction to enhance your woodworking experience. For starters, the machine boasts a 1/3 HP motor that runs on 115 volts. Although not the most powerful, it does offer sufficient power for cutting through a variety of wood materials. In addition to this, it easily moves the blade to speeds of up to 2,780 rpm. Also included with the saw is a 2-inch rip fence to help you make accurate and straight cuts every time. The fence can also be removed if you want to do hands-free work. But that’s not all. The Rikon 10-305 10-Inch saw is fitted with an adjustable guidepost that allows you to either lower or raise its height with just a turn of the handle. Further, it comes with a large cast iron table measuring 13-3/4 inches by 12-1/2 inches. This ensures you have a solid work surface to operate from that is capable of accommodating large pieces of wood with no issues. Most importantly, the saw’s frame is constructed from steel plate which is stronger and durable than plastic frames. Therefore, you can count on it to provide you with reliable performance for many years to come. And to ensure your work area is always clear of dust, a 2-1/2 inch dust port comes in handy.
- Backed by a five-year warranty
- 4-5/8 inch re-saw capacity
- Includes a paddle switch for added safety
- Uses a 70-1/2 inch blade with a range of 1/8 to 1/2 inches
- Edge-facing thrust bearings
- The fence is easily adjustable
- Easy to set up, adjust and use
- Runs smoothly and does not make significant noise or vibrations
- Takes up little space in your workshop
- Built with quality parts for optimal durability
- Perfect for hobbyists
- Does not come with a miter gauge
- Blade guides need constant adjustments
- Stand not included with the purchase
10 inch Rikon bandsaw 10-305
Yotube Video Review: 10 inch Rikon bandsaw 10-305
DEWALT DWM120K 5-Inch Band Saw
With a 10-amp motor, the DEWALT DWM120K is built to be powerful enough to handle any tough job thrown its way and without getting bogged down. On top of that, it operates at speeds ranging from 100 sfm to 350 sfm for optimal performance and versatility. Also included is a variable-speed dial to help you quickly choose the right speed for every application. Surprisingly enough, for the price, it also comes with rubber bumpers alongside a serviceable shroud made of steel. These two features allow the saw’s guards to withstand any job site abuse for long-lasting performance. What is more, the saw is integrated with an LED light that illuminates the cut line for total accuracy, especially in poorly lit conditions. And the best part? It is fitted with a multi-positioned and oversized front handle that boasts easy adjustability and a lot of hand space. This ensures you get a good grip so you can make accurate cuts with ease. An ergonomic back handle with soft grip also comes in handy with the saw for improved comfort. Additionally, the DEWALT DWM120K includes a standard blade with tracking adjustment for ease of alignment. Basically, you will be able to make cuts of up to 5-inches which is quite admirable.
- 3-year limited warranty and 90-day money back guarantee
- Variable speed control and adjustable material guide
- Powerful 10-amp motor
- Dual bearing guide rollers for increased blade durability
- 5-inch and 4-3/4-inch cuts on round and rectangular stock respectively
- Extremely light-weight for maximum portability
- Includes a built-in hanging hook
- Durable and easy to maintain blade
- Replaceable brushes for quick repairs
- Properly balanced body for reduced fatigue
- Blade gets dull very fast
If the finished cut surface is too rough choose a fine-pitched blade, decrease feed rate and increase band velocity.
POWERTEC BS900 9-Inch Band Saw
- The table includes rack and pinion adjustment
- Blade tracking window
- Patented and durable blade-guard adjustment
- Table supports up to 50lbs
- 5-amp high-quality motor
- Durable and versatile
- Easy and quick blade change
- Well-constructed wheels for smooth performance
- Solid bearings on the guides
- Dust port allows you to hook up a vacuum hose
- Lacks a rip fence
- Tension knob is cheaply made
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Milwaukee Cordless 2429-21XC M12 Band Saw
- One-handed operation
- Five years warranty
- Adjustable blade tracking and aluminum guard
- Single speed of up to 280 SFPM
- Runs on 12V lithium-ion batteries
- Comes with a plastic hard carrying case for ease of portability
- Variable speed trigger allows a slow start
- Easy to use with only one hand
- Reliable cordless design
- Makes straight cuts effortlessly
- Poor quality blades
Grizzly Deluxe G0555LX Bandsaw
- 13-1/2 throat capacity
- Two-speed blade operation
- All ball-bearing construction
- Extruded aluminum fence and fence scale
- Computer balanced wheels with solid rubber tires
- Built to last and extremely dependable
- Easy to swap blades with a quick-release mechanism
- Comes with a dust port and large throat capacity
- Includes blade guides, rack and pinion guide
- Bevels to the right and left
- Included stand does not have wheels for ease of portability
- For best re-saw capacity, you will have to buy a bandsaw riser
Milwaukee Deep Cut 6232-21 Band Saw
- Backed by 5-year limited warranty
- Built-in LED light
- Gear and motor protection clutch
- 11-amp motor with slimmer housing for great cutting accuracy
- Debris and dust protection system
- Brush on the tires keeps them free of metal or wood chips for smooth operation
- Lightweight enough for a one-hand operation
- Cuts deep with great accuracy thanks to its variable speed
- Boasts a balanced body to ensure incredible control over the unit
- Uses Job Site Armor protection technology for long-lasting performance
- No hook to hang it from when not in use
- A bit loud
Dewalt Max Deep DCS374B Baretool Band Saw
- Has a 5-inch cutting capacity
- Excellent LED light feature with a 20-second delay
- Well-thought-out hanging hook
- Variable speed triggers
- Tool-less blade change all thanks to a well-made lever
- Excellent LED light for accurate cutting
- Easy to operate
- Affordably priced
- Fantastic hang hook for safer storage
- An above-average motor
- The blades it comes with don’t last long
- Below par finishes for people looking for smoothness
WEN 3975 Benchtop Bandsaw
- The ability to open up for 75 to 80 degrees
- Multi-speed settings with speed control knob
- Compact with a pre-installed 56.5 inch by 0.5-inch blade
- The ability to cut materials of 5 x 4-7/8 inch in size
- Reliable 4.5 amp motor
- Protected by a 2-year warranty
- Extremely easy to use
- Compact design
- Well-priced
- Well-positioned blade tensioner
- Horizontal and vertical flexibility
- The quality assurance department of WEN has a long way to go in ensuring consistency
- May struggle with ultra-demanding stocks from time to time
| Product Name | Image | Blade | Overall Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN Two-Speed 3962 Band Saw | | 72 in | 10 | Check price |
| SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw | | 9 in | 7.5 | Check price |
| Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw | | 10 in | 8 | Check price |
| DEWALT DWM120K Band Saw | | 5 in | 9.5 | Check price |
| POWERTEC BS900 Band Saw | | 9 in | 7.5 | Check price |
| Milwaukee Cordless 2429-21XC M12 Band Saw | | 5 in | 9 | Check price |
| Grizzly Deluxe G0555LX Bandsaw | | 14 in | 9.5 | Check price |
| Milwaukee Deep Cut 6232-21 Band Saw | | 5 in | 9 | Check price |
| Dewalt Max Deep DCS374B Baretool Band Saw | | 5 in | 9.5 | Check price |
| WEN 3975 Benchtop Bandsaw | | 5 in | 8 | Check price |
How to Choose the Best Budget Bandsaw – Buyer’s Guide
Buying a band saw on a tight budget can be a tricky venture to undertake. That’s because there are a few factors that affect performance from one machine to the next. Here are a few of those.
- Cutting Range
- Motor
Bandsaw motors are electrical systems whose effectiveness is measured in terms of horsepower. For that reason, anything ranked at less than 1.0HP might be too tiny especially for demanding, commercial work. So, if you know you’ll be cutting any material regularly, it’s recommended to go for a 1.5HP to 2.0HP power.
- Size
- Work Light
You can’t underestimate the usefulness of an LED light especially when complex cuts are involved. And because that’s pretty much what your bandsaw will be doing, we’d greatly recommend going for one with a built-in work light.
- Wheels
Bandsaw Types
They come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Whichever way you look at them, these saws offer you the freedom to exercise your creative skills. In fact, they give you the confidence needed to approach any bandsaw woodworking skills with the confidence of a professional. However, depending on the type of material you’re planning to work on, here are some common types of band saws to consider.
- Portable Band Saw
- Stationary Band Saw
Stationary band saws are huge and heavy and, therefore, best suited for in-office use. You can either go for a horizontal or vertical variety. A horizontal stationary band saw is recommended for cutting long materials. Basically, the material is held stationary and the band saw blade swings to make the cut. Once the cutting job is complete, the saw automatically turns off for added safety. The vertical stationary band saw differs from the vertical one due to its blade position. Unlike other saws, the vertical one doesn’t move at all. One has to move the object through the blades. On a positive note, this saw type is renowned for its superb cutting capacity and the ability to cut complicated shapes.
- Cordless band saw
The main advantage of a corded band saw is that it overcomes the limitations of a power cord. In other words, cordless band saws are preferred by many thanks to their portability and flexibility. They particularly come in handy when one is faced with out-station tasks in places where power may not be readily available. Small qualms with these saw types are that they need to be recharged from time to time. Also, a cordless saw with a weak battery would be a bit of a bother to manage. That said, going cordless eliminates a tripping hazard and also gives you more freedom to exercise your creativity. Brands
Milwaukee, Grizzly, Delta, Laguna, Ellis, Dewalt.
Blade Type
What is the best blade type to settle for? You might want to ask. Well, the answer here depends on the kind of work you’d want to do. So, you should always keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all blade.
- For wood
- For metal
Metal cutting requires a bit more torque and patience. For that reason, it would be a good idea to go for a blade that’s powerful and capable of withstanding those demands. As a general rule, you should only settle for a blade with between 2 and 10 teeth per inch. The fewer the teeth, the better the performance of the blade is likely to be especially when exposed to thick materials. To give you an even closer perspective, steel is the toughest type of metal on retail. So, if dealing with such a material you’re better off settling for a slow but powerful blade. On the other hand, if dealing with aluminum, you can always settle for anything with up to 25% more cutting speed than what you’d use for steel. So, while a 3tpi blade would get the job of cutting a piece of steel done, it may not be the best fit for aluminum which is lighter. In that case, you would need to go for a 6tpi or even 8 TPI blade. Some extremely light but delicate metals can even be handled with 18 TPI or 32 TPI blades. So, at the end of the day, the material you’re planning to work on should always determine the kind of blade you go for.
Blades
- If your saw is a 5-inch one, this would be the best pick for it. That’s long enough to cut through thick wooden pieces.
- If your typical stock of wood comprises 2x4s, the 12-inch blade would be your best pick. Generally the 12-inch bandsaw blade variety isn’t quite common, nonetheless, it does an incredible piece of work if paired up with the right bandsaw.
- 14-inch size is recommended for general purpose band saws and is, therefore, the most common type available. This is a must-have blade size especially if you want to be prepared for a wide variety of projects which may pop up.
- Recommended for bandsaw resawing tasks, this blade does an incredible job when used on a 70.5-inch band saw. That said, you may need to adjust the bandsaw riser guides for the machine to cut straight.
- There aren’t a lot of blade options for 62-inch saws and, therefore, if you’re lucky to find these you’ll be all set to tackle all those 3D projects that might be bugging you. Also recommended for taming 1-inch hardwood pieces into bows.
- The 80-inch blade size is a great option when versatility and longevity are of the essence.
- Therefore, a 93 1/2 is a must-have for anyone who deals with a wide variety of tasks at the workshop.
Bandsaw Accessories
To get the most out of your bandsaw, you need to invest in a few accessories. These may include (but not limited to) urethane bands, adhesives, micro-adjuster, bearings and so forth.
- Coolant
[/wpsm_list] One good way to push your blade’s performance to the limits is by using a coolant. This can help reduce the heat which is typically caused by friction between the moving parts. In addition, a good coolant is one capable of removing chips and by extension preventing blade teeth from getting damaged.
- Bandsaw blade sharpener
Bandsaw vs. Scroll Saw
Choosing between two specialty saws like band saws and scroll saws isn’t always easy. What do these two do? Well, think of the scroll saw as a versatile tool which gives you the capability to use a foot pedal. Therefore, the scroll saw is generally recommended for making small and intricate cuts. Think of small sculptures, jigsaw puzzles and the like. Bandsaws are different from scroll saws in the sense that they aren’t really good at making intricate cut patterns. You’re better off avoiding them if you’re looking to make some really unique cuts. However, if you’re planning to make simple and irregular cuts, the band saw is a safe place to start. Otherwise, these two saw types are so closely related you might easily confuse one for another.
How to Use
Have you ever been intimidated by a bandsaw? The good news is that you don’t have to be a seasoned expert to start making intricate curves. Here are some key steps you need to take at all times. The first step you need to take is to familiarize with the machine and its respective parts. Basically, the saw comprises either two or three wheels along with a spinning blade which does the cutting. Usually, there’s a motor located inside the machine which initiates the rotation. Once you’re comfortable operating the machine, you can simply go ahead and attempt some basic tasks with it. And there’s more. You can start by cutting on the outer edge of the line. While at it, keep in mind the fact that these saws normally cut leaving saw marks behind. For that reason, you should allow extra material so you have an allowance for smoothing the edge. That said, understanding how to follow the edge line requires practice. The best thing is to always leave some space between the saw kerf and the edge of the line.
Size and Noise
Care and Maintenance
- Maintaining the blades – You can always purchase a new blade if you notice that the present one is a little too old and worn out. The moment you notice a few broken teeth is when you should order for a replacement.
- Blade tension – Always release the blade tension the moment you’re done working. This is because the blade tends to stretch on its own during cutting and also heats up in the process. The moment you leave it to cool down also means that it shrinks and this can cause cracking.
Safety Tips
- Before operating your saw, be sure to keep the upper guide at the lowest level possible but without bringing it in contact with the wood. This ensures the blade remains covered at all time and that there’s no room for accidental slips.
- Make sure your blade guard properly covers the blade. Leaving the blade exposed is quite dangerous.
- If you have a wide blade, don’t overstretch its limits by forcing it on a super tight radius. This would lead to a premature wear of the guide.
- Stay safe by always keeping your hands a distance away from the cut line.
