The 7 Best Budget Bandsaws: Inexpensive But Not Cheap
Contents
- The Best Budget Bandsaws Are:
- 1. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw
- 2. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw
- 3. DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw
- 4. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw Kit
- 5. Grizzly Industrial G0555 Bandsaw
- 6. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw
- 7. WEN 3975T Metal Cutting Benchtop Band Saw
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Inexpensive Bandsaw
- The Build of the Machine
- Cutting Range
- The Motor of the Bandsaw
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
If you are often faced with the need to make intricate and tight cuts, you may find it crucial to invest in the best band saw. However, not everyone is ready to spend a whole lot of money on this tool. Band saws come in different shapes, sizes, and with different features. If you want to save some extra cash, settling for the best budget bandsaw is the best option you have.
An inexpensive bandsaw does not mean low quality. Below we review seven bandsaws, from budget benchtop models to two 14-inch floor saws for when you can stretch your budget.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top pick is the WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw. It is inexpensive, compact, and versatile, with two blade speeds and 6 inches of cutting height. It suits both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
The Best Budget Bandsaws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw | 1. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw | - Blade Speed: 2,780 FPM - Material: Steel - Weight: 68 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 2. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw | 2. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw Our Top Pick | - Blade Speed: 1,520 and 2,620 FPM - Material:Metal - Weight: 73 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 3. DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw | 3. DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw | - Blade Speed: 100-350 SPM - Material: Steel - Weight:15 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 4. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw Kit | 4. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw Kit | - Blade Speed: 1,500 and 3,000 SFPM - Material: Cast iron - Weight: 256 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 5. Grizzly Industrial G0555 Bandsaw | 5. Grizzly Industrial G0555 Bandsaw | - Blade Speed: 1,500 and 3,200 FPM - Material: Cast iron frame - Weight: 190 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 6. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw | 6. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw | - Blade Speed: 1,725 FPM - Material: Plastic and metal - Weight: 44.1 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 7. WEN 3975T Metal Cutting Benchtop Band Saw | 7. WEN 3975T Metal Cutting Benchtop Band Saw | - Blade Speed: 125 to 260 FPM - Material: Metal - Weight: 54.8 pounds | Check Current Price |
1. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw
The Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw is one of the best budget band saws you can find in the market. In addition to being affordable, this tool comes with many great features.
This 10-inch bandsaw suits hobbyists and small shops. Its 1/3 horsepower motor is modest, so it is best for thin stock and curves.
This band saw is designed to cut wood, and many users like it for its durability.
It has a steel frame and a knob that makes the guide post easy to adjust. The cast iron table measures 12-1/2 by 13-3/4 inches.
The table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees to the right. It also comes with a rip fence that you can remove easily for freehand work, and a 2.5-inch dust port for a shop vacuum. Rikon's manual lists a net weight of 68 pounds and a 4-5/8-inch maximum cutting height.
Specs
- 2,780 FPM
- Steel
- 68 pounds
Pros
- 5-year limited warranty
- Durable
- Great design
- Large, sturdy table
- Tilting table
Cons
- Some users say it is too large
2. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw
The second on our list of the best pocket-friendly band saws is the WEN 3962 Band Saw. This tool makes a great companion for any workshop. This is a 10 inches tool that boasts of a considerably smaller footprint. Nevertheless, the size of the machine did not compromise its performance. It does not occupy much space, thanks to its compact design. regardless of its compact build, this tool comes with a very spacious table that measures 14.125 by 12.5 inches. The worktable is made out of aluminum, which makes it durable and strong enough to carry any material.
Furthermore, the table tilts up to 45 degrees to the right for bevel cuts. Its 3.5-amp motor drives the blade through stock up to 6 inches thick, and the throat allows cuts 9.75 inches wide.
It has two blade speeds, 1,520 and 2,620 feet per minute, so you can slow the blade for harder material. It also comes with a 3-in-1 dust port that allows you to connect a wide range of dust collection hoses.
One of the major selling points of this tool is that it is equipped with a series of blade options to choose from. It also comes with a work light, a miter gauge, a fence, and a 3/8 inches blade (6 TPI).
Specs
- 1,520 and 2,620 FPM
- Metal
- 73 pounds
Pros
- Compact
- Versatile
- Two blade speeds
- Worklight
- Variety of blade options
Cons
- The flimsy tension knob is made with plastic
3. DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw
The Dewalt DWM120K is a different kind of band saw: a handheld portable saw for cutting metal pipe, conduit, and bar stock on a job site. It is not a woodworking bandsaw.
DeWALT lists a 10-amp motor and a variable speed dial from 100 to 350 SPM, so you can slow the blade for tougher metals.
This machine also comes with a serviceable shroud that is made of steel alongside rubber bumpers. With these features, the guards of the saw can withstand any abuse on job sites for durable, optimal performance.
An LED light shows the line of cut in poorly lit spaces. It also has an oversized, multi-position front handle.
The ergonomic handle and comfortable grip allows you to make accurate and clean cuts with ease. The soft-grip also makes the saw very comfortable to hold. It also comes with an integrated hang hook that allows you to hand the saw without damaging the front handle. For rectangular and round stock, this machine features a cutting depth capacity of 5 inches.
Specs
- 100-350 SPM
- Steel
- 15 pounds
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft-grip and ergonomic handle
- 5-inch cutting capacity
- Portable
Cons
- The blade dulls fairly fast
- Cuts metal, not wood projects
4. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw Kit
The JET JWBS-14DXPRO is the premium pick on this list, not a budget saw. It is a professional-style 14-inch machine for wood. It has a two-speed Poly-V belt drive with blade speeds of 1,500 and 3,000 FPM.
It is a floor-standing bandsaw with a 15-by-15-inch table. It can cut stock up to 12 inches high and 13.5 inches wide, which makes it the best resaw machine on this list. The cast iron upper and lower frame adds rigidity.
The built-in 12-inch resaw capacity is capable of cutting larger pieces of wood. It also features a blade guide post with rack and pinion adjustment.
For reduced friction, this unit comes with upper and lower ball bearings, which improves the performance of the blade and results in longer blade life. A blade tracking window lets you check the blade's position on the wheel without opening the cover.
Specs
- 1,500 and 3,000 SFPM
- Cast iron
- 256 pounds
Pros
- Dual-speed control
- Easy-to-view blade tracking window
- Large cutting surface
- Adjustable table
- Resawing function
Cons
- It is heavy
- Costs far more than the other saws here
5. Grizzly Industrial G0555 Bandsaw
The Grizzly Industrial G0555 is a mid-priced 14-inch floor saw. It made our list because of its ease of use and sturdy construction.
Grizzly's manual lists Taiwan as the country of origin, a cast iron frame, and computer-balanced cast aluminum wheels. It features a maximum cutting height of 6 inches, which a riser kit can increase.
The 1 HP motor drives two blade speeds, 1,500 and 3,200 FPM, and the capacity left of the blade is 13.5 inches. It accepts blades from 92.5 to 93.5 inches long and 1/8 to 3/4 inch wide.
It comes with a heavy-duty stand and a 4-inch dust port for a dust collector. The table tilts 45 degrees to the right and 15 degrees to the left, and it has a quick blade tension release.
Specs
- 1,500 and 3,200 FPM
- Cast iron frame
- 190 pounds
Pros
- Professional features
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to assemble
- The table tilts both left and right
- Dust collection port
Cons
- Lacks a table light
- A bit weighty
6. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw
The POWERTEC BS900 is another budget-friendly band saw. It is not a heavy-duty machine; its 2.5-amp induction motor suits lighter tasks. It has a single cutting speed.
It has a die-cast aluminum table that measures 11.75 by 11.75 inches and tilts up to 45 degrees.
This tool uses a 62-inch blade from 1/8 to 3/8 inch wide. It is handy for curves and scroll cutting, but its small capacity limits resawing to thin stock.
You can also adjust the blade of this machine with ease, thanks to its quick-release tension lever. This unit can make cuts of up to 3.625 in-depth and it also features a throat of 9 inches.
Furthermore, it comes with a dust port to free your workspace of dust.
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
7. WEN 3975T Metal Cutting Benchtop Band Saw
The last bandsaw on our list is the WEN 3975T, a metal-cutting saw rather than a woodworking saw. It has a 4.5-amp motor and a variable blade speed of 125 to 260 FPM, which suits steel but is far too slow for wood.
Many users like it because it is compact and simple to use.
Its vise swivels up to 60 degrees for angled cuts in pipe and bar stock. For a woodworking bandsaw, an aftermarket bandsaw fence is a separate upgrade worth a look.
You can also switch it between horizontal and vertical cutting positions, which is handy for small metal parts.
Specs
- 125 and 260 SFPM
- Metal
- 54.8 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact design
- Can be used horizontally and vertically
- Variable speed
- 0 to 60 degrees bevel capacity
Cons
- Too slow for wood
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Inexpensive Bandsaw
Like any other power tool, settling for the best option is not as easy as it sounds. There are certain features and factors you need to look out for. Here are the things to consider before buying a budget bandsaw.
The Build of the Machine
When investing in a tool that holds a sharp blade moving at high speed, the construction of the machine will always be a concern. When it comes to best bandsaws, there are three major focal points: the table, frame, and wheels. Frames come in plastic, cast iron, or steel construction.
When it comes to stability, heavier frames are better. While cast-iron frames are the most expensive, they are the heaviest and most stable frames. Also, the table of a bandsaw can be made of aluminum, steel, or cast iron but still, the heavier the better. Steel and aluminum tables are also great but a cast iron table is better.
The same thing applies to the wheels. Cast iron wheels cost more, but heavy wheels add inertia, which helps the blade keep a steady speed when it meets resistance.
Cutting Range
One of the most important things you need to consider before buying a bandsaw is its cutting range. The cutting range of a band saw refers to the size of the material you will be able to cut with it.
The maximum cutting height is the distance between the table and the upper blade guide at its highest setting. It limits how thick a piece you can cut, or how wide a board you can resaw.
On many 14-inch saws, a riser block can increase it.
The distance between the blade and the frame column is the throat. You cannot change it, so check the throat size before you buy.
The Motor of the Bandsaw
Another vital thing you need to put into consideration is the motor of the machine. You can swap a bandsaw motor, but that takes mechanical and electrical skill. It is better to buy a saw with enough power the first time.
Inexpensive band saws usually come with motors under one horsepower, although many of them come with higher power ratings. Common ratings for benchtop saws are 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower.
Blade speed is listed in feet per minute (FPM) or surface feet per minute (SFPM), which mean the same thing for a bandsaw blade.
Wood cuts best at high blade speeds, while metal needs a much slower blade. Always unplug the saw before changing or adjusting the blade, and use a push stick for small pieces.
Final Thoughts
While looking for the best inexpensive bandsaw, you need to avoid the common mistake of settling for a low-quality model. To avoid this mistake, we have provided you with some of the best options on the market for you to make an easy pick.
From the products reviewed above, our top recommendation is the WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw because of its great features. It is compact and versatile, with two blade speeds, 6 inches of cutting height, and a fence and miter gauge included.
Sources
- 10-305 10" Woodworking Bandsaw Operator's Manual, RIKON Power Tools
- Model G0555 14" Bandsaw Owner's Manual, Grizzly Industrial
- DWM120K Deep Cut Band Saw Kit, DeWALT
