The Best Benchtop Bandsaw Reviews

A benchtop bandsaw is a versatile tool for curves, small parts, and light resawing, and it fits on a workbench in a small shop.

This guide reviews benchtop bandsaws and, for comparison, a few 14-inch floor models that come on stands. We compiled it based on capacity, price, ease of use, and owner feedback, and we end with a buying guide.

OUR TOP PICK

Our top pick is the WEN 3962 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw. It is a two-speed 10-inch benchtop bandsaw with 6 inches of cutting height, which is generous for its size. It is affordable and includes a fence, miter gauge, and work light.

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The Best Benchtop Bandsaws Are:

Product	Details
1. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw	1. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw Our Top Pick	- Blade Speed: 1,520 and 2,620 FPM - Material: Metal - Weight: 73 pounds	Check Current Price
2. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw with Fence	2. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw with Fence	- Blade Speed: 2,780 FPM - Material: Steel - Weight: 68 pounds	Check Current Price
3. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw	3. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw	- Blade Speed: 1,725 FPM - Material: Plastic and metal - Weight: 44.1 pounds	Check Current Price
4. Delta 28-400 Steel Frame Band Saw	4. Delta 28-400 Steel Frame Band Saw	- Blade Speed: 1,620 and 3,340 FPM - Material: Steel - Weight: 165 pounds	Check Current Price
5. WEN 3975T Benchtop Bandsaw	5. WEN 3975T Benchtop Bandsaw	- Blade Speed: 125 to 260 FPM - Material: Metal - Weight: 54.8 pounds	Check Current Price
6. Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw	6. Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw	- Blade Speed: 1,800 and 3,100 FPM - Material: Cast iron - Weight: 229 pounds	Check Current Price
7. WEN 3966 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw	7. WEN 3966 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw	- Blade Speed: 1,480 or 3,280 FPM - Material: Steel - Weight: 156 pounds	Check Current Price

1. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw

The WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw is one of the best benchtop band saws on the market. It runs smoothly for its size, and its 3.5-amp motor handles cuts up to 6 inches deep if you feed slowly.

The maximum cutting width of this machine is 9.75 inches while the maximum cutting depth is 6 inches. It also comes with an impressive 72-inch blade with a varying width of 1/8 inches to 1/2 inches in size.

It has two blade speeds, 1,520 and 2,620 feet per minute. This feature allows you to switch the speed of the blade to suit the material or project you are working on.

This unit also comes with a spacious, cast-aluminum work table that measures 14.125 inches by 12.5 inches. In addition to being spacious, this table features a bevel capacity from 0 to 45 degrees. It also comes with a work light to illuminate your line of cut when working in a poorly lit environment. Furthermore, this machine comes with a 3-in-1 dust port for dust collection, providing you with a dust-free working space. It is also backed with a 2-year warranty, and it comes with a 3/8-inch blade (6 TPI), miter gauge, and a fence.

Specs

• 1,520 and 2,620 FPM
• Metal
• 73 pounds

Pros

• Compact design
• Affordable
• 6-inch cutting height
• Versatile
• Dual-speed options

Cons

• Hard to adjust

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2. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw

The second benchtop bandsaw on our list is the Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw. It is a 10-inch band saw with a solid steel frame and a 1/3 horsepower motor.

The blade runs at a single speed of 2,780 feet per minute. You can use it for pen blanks, small bowl blanks, and thin hardwood.

Furthermore, it comes with a cast-iron table that measures 13.75 inches by 12.5 inches, which is large for a saw this size. It also includes a rip fence that stands 2 inches tall.

You can also remove the rip fence to get more workspace and do free hand work. This tool is built to last, as its frame is made of steel plate, which is stronger than plastic frames that other models come with.

You can tilt the table from 0 to 45 degrees to the right. Rikon's manual lists a 4-5/8-inch maximum cutting height, a 9-5/8-inch throat, a 2.5-inch dust port, and a net weight of 68 pounds.

Specs

• 2,780 FPM
• Steel
• 68 pounds

Pros

• Smooth motor for its size
• Durable
• Great design
• Large, sturdy table
• Tilting table

Cons

• Some users say it is too large

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3. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw

The POWERTEC BS900 is a compact 9-inch benchtop bandsaw. It is one of the budget options here, easy to use, and light enough to move around. It comes with a miter gauge.

The saw features a cutting width of 9 inches and a cutting depth of up to 3.375 inches, which suits curves and small parts more than resawing.

For quick adjustments, this tool comes with a rack and pinion table with a bevel capacity of 0 to 45 degrees. It comes with a 2.5-amp powerful motor that delivers a blade speed of 1,725 FPM.

The table of this unit measures 11.75 inches by 11.75 inches. The depth of cut at 45 degrees is 2 inches.

It uses a 62-inch blade with a width that ranges between 1/8 and 3/8 inches. This machine comes with a blade tensioning lever for easy blade change.

Furthermore, it comes with a 2-inches dust port that you can connect to a shop vac easily and conveniently to keep your workspace clean and dust-free. The blade guard adjusts quickly to the height of your workpiece.

This machine also allows for easy blade tracking and alignment, thanks to its easy view window.

Specs

• 1,725 FPM
• Plastic and metal
• 44.1 pounds

Pros

• Versatile and durable
• Large and strong table
• Blade tracking window
• High-quality motor
• Quick and easy blade change

Cons

• Lacks a rip fence

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4. Delta 28-400 Steel Frame Band Saw

Next is the Delta 28-400. Strictly speaking, it is a 14-inch floor model: it ships with a steel stand. It has a 1 HP motor and a heavy-duty steel frame that reduces flexing for more accurate cuts.

The 1 horsepower motor drives two blade speeds, 1,620 and 3,340 feet per minute, selected by moving the belt. It has a T-slot that accepts standard 3/4 by 3/8-inch miter gauges, and the table tilts for bevel cuts.

Furthermore, this machine comes with rubber-coated aluminum upper and lower 9-spoke wheels, precision-balanced for good blade tracking. The table measures 15.75 by 18.875 inches. Delta lists blades up to 3/4 inch wide, a cutting capacity of 13-5/8 inches wide by 6 inches thick, and a 5-year warranty.

Specs

• 1,620 and 3,340 FPM
• Steel
• 165 pounds

Pros

• Steel frame
• Aluminum trunnion table support
• Rubber-coated, balanced wheels
• Stand included
• Two blade speeds

Cons

• No working light
• Too large for a benchtop

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5. WEN 3975T Benchtop Bandsaw

The WEN 3975T is different from the rest of this list: it is a metal-cutting bandsaw, not a woodworking saw. Its 4.5-amp motor runs the blade at a variable 125 to 260 FPM. Those slow speeds suit steel, but they are far too slow for wood.

Its vise swivels from 0 to 60 degrees for angled cuts in pipe and bar stock. It is compact enough to move around the shop.

You can use this tool to cut pipes up to 5 inches in diameter or rectangular stock up to 5 inches by 4.875 inches. Ball-bearing blade guides and simple tension and tilt knobs make adjustments easy.

It also comes with a pre-installed 56.5 inches by 0.5 inches blade. It weighs only 54 pounds and it comes with a 2-year warranty.

Specs

• 125 to 260 FPM
• Metal
• 54.8 pounds

Pros

• Strong frame
• Compact and lightweight
• Powerful motor
• Variable speed control
• Ideal for metals

Cons

• Too slow for woodworking
• Lacks some basic accessories such as gauge and fence

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6. Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw

The Grizzly G0555LX is another 14-inch floor model rather than a benchtop saw; it comes with a stand. It is a versatile saw for curves and general cutting.

Grizzly's manual lists a 1 HP induction motor (11 amps at 110V), two blade speeds of 1,800 and 3,100 FPM, a 6-inch maximum cutting height, and 13-1/2 inches of capacity left of the blade. The table tilts 10 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right.

It has ball-bearing blade guides, a cast iron frame, and cast iron wheels with rubber tires.

Specs

• 1,800 and 3,100 FPM
• Cast iron
• 229 pounds

Pros

• Two blade speeds
• Cast iron frame and wheels
• High-quality and durable construction
• Tilts in both directions

Cons

• Not a benchtop saw
• Heavy

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7. WEN 3966 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw

The last on our list is the WEN 3966 Two-Speed Band Saw, a 14-inch saw that comes with a stand. Its 9.5-amp motor runs the blade at either 1,480 FPM or 3,280 FPM. This machine can cut materials that are up to 8.85 inches deep and 13.375 inches wide.

It uses 100.75 inches blades with a width that ranges from 1/8 inches to 1 inch. The worktable is also large enough, and it measures 21.5 inches by 15.75 inches. It also features a bevel capacity of up to 45 degrees. In addition, this tool comes with a 3-in1 dust port that is designed to fit a wide range of dust collection hose, providing you with a clean and dust-free workspace.

It comes with other onboard accessories such as a sturdy fence, flexible work light, a 21-inch stand, and a miter gauge. To maximize safety and precision, it comes with an adjustable knob to lower or raise the blade guard.

Specs

• 1,480 or 3,280 FPM
• Steel
• 156 pounds

Pros

• Large capacity
• Two blade speeds
• Powerful motor
• Adjustable blade guard
• Versatile and heavy-duty worktable

Cons

• It is pricey
• Heavy at about 156 pounds

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Buyer’s Guide | Things to Consider When Buying a Benchtop Band Saw

Settling for the best benchtop bandsaw requires some careful considerations. There are certain factors you need to consider in order to pick the one that best suits your needs. Here are some vital things you need to consider when buying a benchtop bandsaw.

The Frame of the Benchtop Bandsaw

A band saw’s frame is one thing that many tend to ignore when picking out a benchtop bandsaw. Many do not consider this as a major factor in buying a good saw. However, this feature alone plays a major role in the strength and stability of the machine. As such, it is crucial that you settle for a bandsaw that comes with a high-end and robust frame, made out of strong and durable materials.

Bandsaw frames are made of welded steel, cast iron, or die-cast aluminum. Cast iron and heavy welded steel resist flexing best; small benchtop saws often use lighter frames, which is fine for thin stock.

Power

Blade speed and motor power are different things. Motor power (amps or horsepower) determines how thick and hard a board you can cut without bogging down. Blade speed should match the material.

Wood cuts best at the high speeds woodworking bandsaws run at, while steel needs far slower blade speeds. A two-speed saw gives you some flexibility, but a dedicated metal-cutting saw like the WEN 3975T is the right tool for steel.

Bevel Capacity

Another thing to consider is how far the table tilts for bevel cuts. Most saws tilt 45 degrees to the right, and some also tilt a few degrees to the left, which helps when you square up the table.

For straight rips and resawing, an aftermarket bandsaw fence is a worthwhile upgrade.

Table Material

The material used to make the table is another important factor you should not ignore. Durable table materials are cast iron, steel, and aluminum. Hence, you should not settle for anything less than those materials if you really want to end up with a durable tool.

Versatility and Ease of Use

Not all benchtop band saws are the same. They come in different sizes and shapes. Nevertheless, the need for a great user experience is what remains constant among them. What makes a great user experience is the ease of use of the tool. Being able to adjust and control a few things on the machine is what makes it super versatile.

As such, you need to make sure that you settle for a machine that is easy to use. Try to settle for an adjustable rack and pinion table that offer great angular cuts.

Also, check out some basic accessories such as miter gauge, working light, rip fences and more. You also want to make sure that the tool is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and move around.

Conclusion

Those were our top picks for the best benchtop bandsaw. For more models, see our bandsaw reviews.

Our number one pick is the WEN 3962 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw. It is a two-speed benchtop bandsaw with 6 inches of cutting height, a fence, a miter gauge, and a work light, at an affordable price.

Sources

• 10-305 10" Woodworking Bandsaw Operator's Manual, RIKON Power Tools
• 28-400 14 in. 1-HP Steel Frame Bandsaw, Delta Machinery
• Model G0555LX 14" Deluxe Bandsaw Owner's Manual, Grizzly Industrial