Ryobi 9-Inch Band Saw Review
Contents
If you are new to woodworking and want a band saw that won't break the bank, you will probably come across this model while doing your research.
Its biggest selling points are the low price and the small benchtop footprint, which suit beginners with limited space.
In this Ryobi band saw review, I will go through what it does well and where it falls short.
Presenting the Ryobi Bandsaw
The Ryobi BS904G is a benchtop band saw for a variety of light tasks. According to Ryobi's BS904G product page, it has a 2.5-amp motor, a 9-inch throat capacity and a 3-1/2-inch cutting capacity. It comes with the saw table, a miter gauge and hex keys, and is backed by Ryobi's 3-year warranty.
Assembly is straightforward if you follow the instruction manual, and the manual also walks you through the initial setup.
Owner reviews are mixed. Some praise the easy setup, while others complain about the assembly or the power.
This is not a precision-built band saw. For the price, it handles small projects well if you can live with a few design compromises.
If you are a professional or plan heavy use, spend more on a larger floor-standing model.
Features and Benefits
Here are the features that matter most on this saw.
2.5-Amp Motor
The 2.5-amp motor runs at a single blade speed. That is enough for curves and small stock in softwood and thinner hardwood, but you need to feed slowly in dense or thick material.
Throat Capacity
Throat capacity is the distance between the blade and the frame that connects the upper and lower wheels. It is always somewhat less than the wheel diameter.
It sets the widest piece you can cut, which is 9 inches on this Ryobi band saw.
That is plenty for general-purpose work, such as cutting curves in small parts and boards.
The cutting height (depth of cut) is 3-1/2 inches, which suits small workpieces.
Blade Tracking
A blade tracking window lets you check that the blade is centered on the wheel without opening the cover.
Well-Built Bandsaw Table
The table is fine for small workpieces. Support long or wide stock from the side so it doesn't tip the saw.
The table tilts up to 45 degrees for bevel cuts, which helps with angled cuts, including dovetails. A WEN bandsaw is a good alternative.
Before each bevel cut, make sure the table locks securely at the angle without flexing.
Blade Guides
The blade guides keep the blade on track. Guide blocks give side support, and thrust bearings stop the blade from being pushed back during the cut.
The upper guides sit on a guide post that adjusts up or down for different stock thickness. Set it just above the workpiece; OSHA's band saw guidance says to keep the guard as close to the stock as possible.
Ergonomic and User-Friendly Design
Access doors open to reach the wheels when you change the blade.
Adjustment knobs handle blade tracking, and a lever locks the setting in place.
General User Impressions
Most owners are happy with the low price, which makes it easy to get started on a tight budget.
Owners with small shops like the compact footprint. It sits easily on a bench.
Most found the unboxing and assembly simple with the help of the manual.
Some complained that it bogs down on larger or thicker pieces.
The lesson: don't overload it. It is best for small projects.
The stock blade works once it is tuned, but upgrading to a better blade in the correct length makes a noticeable difference.
There is no rip fence in the box. You can buy an aftermarket fence or clamp a straight piece of wood to the table.
Our Opinion
The most impressive thing about this saw is the price, which suits tight budgets.
Its size is the other big plus for beginners. Many people don't have room for a full-sized model.
The base has holes for bolting the saw to your workbench, which adds stability.
As a 9-inch band saw, it has about 9 inches of clearance between the blade and the frame.
That keeps the saw compact, but it limits the width of boards you can cut. The cutting height is 3-1/2 inches.
It runs at a single speed, which limits it on tough jobs.
The frame is mostly metal, while the wheel covers are plastic. That's common at this price. It is not a metal cutting bandsaw; its blade speed is meant for wood, though thin aluminum and plastic are possible with the right blade.
Some parts, such as the blade guide hardware, use plastic. They work, but they feel less durable than metal.
The table tilts from zero to 45 degrees for bevel cuts.
There is no LED work light, but the tracking window lets you check the blade without opening the door.
Pros
- Good Quality for the Money: It does a sensible cutting job for the price.
- Easy Tracking of the Blade: You can check tracking through the window without opening the cover.
- Blade Tensioning: Tension is easy to adjust, which helps the blade track and cut straight.
- Small Footprint: It takes up little space, which suits hobbyists with small shops.
- Dust Port: You can connect a shop vacuum hose for dust removal.
Cons
- Does not come with a Fence: You need an aftermarket fence or a clamped straightedge for straight cuts.
- Replacement Blades: Check the manual for the correct blade length and width before you order.
- Possible to Receive Defective Parts: Some owners report damaged parts out of the box, so inspect everything before assembly.
Things to Consider
Not every band saw suits every shop. Here are the main points to check as you shop:
Bandsaw Size
Band saws are sized by the diameter of their flywheels, the two wheels that carry the blade. Benchtop machines such as the Ryobi have small wheels.
The larger the wheels, the greater the distance between the blade and the frame. This distance is the throat capacity.
A larger throat lets you cut wider workpieces and deeper curves.
Bandsaw Blade
No band saw cuts well with a poor blade.
When choosing a replacement blade, match:
- The blade length your saw requires
- The width of the blade
- The number of teeth per inch
- The tooth profile
There are three main tooth profiles: hook tooth for fast cuts and resawing thicker stock, skip tooth for softwoods and general cutting, and regular (standard) tooth for smooth cuts in thin stock. Narrow blades turn tighter curves.
Product FAQs
Does this Bandsaw Have Variable Speed?
No. It runs at a single blade speed, which is best suited to small workpieces in wood.
Does this Model Take Too Much Floor Space?
No. It is a benchtop model, not a floor-standing saw, so it only needs space on your bench. You can bolt it down for extra stability.
Is this Model Capable of Re-Sawing Wood?
Only for small stock. Its 3-1/2-inch cutting height limits resawing to boards no wider than that, and the small motor needs a slow feed. For regular resawing, look for a larger saw with more cutting height.
Final Thoughts
I hope our Ryobi Woodworking Band Saw Review has given you what you need to decide.
It is a capable band saw for those getting into woodworking on a small budget.
Its weak points are the missing fence, some plastic parts, and the single speed.
For the price, though, it offers good value for small projects.
