With many companies offering their line of best benchtop band saws, finding one that will suit your needs can be overwhelming. To make sure your money doesn’t go to waste to a substandard model, our team put each of these machines into action.
From their designs to features, we evaluated these top picks in a series of band saw reviews to determine which is the best.
Reviews of the Top Benchtop Band Saws
1. Rikon 10-305 Band saw
Investing in power tools meant you must consider the durability of the product you’ll purchase. With the large hard-bitten table exterior of Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw, our experts are confident that this is the best model suited for long-lasting operations.
Its sturdy and extensive workspace characteristics are not easily found in other bandsaws of similar table size. Aside from that, this 10-inch bandsaw has a weight of 68 pounds and rubber wheels, and also operates a powerful ⅓ HP motor with adjustable blade guide post that runs at a maximum speed of 2780 FPM.
Despite its portable size, this benchtop band saw like the 14-inch JET JWBS-14DXPRO, can also handle heavy-duty workshop, owing to its rip fence and ball bearing, which can cut accurately and also increases the tool’s life span. This saw is also well-constructed with welded steel frame, just like some of Craftsman and JET band saws models.
What We Like
- Constructed with sturdy welded steel frame
- Maximum blade speed of 2780 FPM
- Rack and pinion adjustment settings and blade guides
- Compact design fitted for small woodworking projects
- Has an extensive workspace compared to competitors
- Includes dust port that can be hooked up to a vacuum system
- Equipped with an edge-facing thrust bearing and blade tension knobs
What We Don't Like
- Requires an electrical power source
- Has components that need regular maintenance
2. WEN 3962 Band Saw with Work Light
Some may say that woodworking beginners should avoid resawing bandsaws with a powerful motor, but that’s not the case with heavy-duty benchtop band saws like JET JWBS-14DXPRO and 3962 WEN.
Along with its 3.5 motor amp, the WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw is the best bandsaw in terms of its easy-to-use and smooth operations. New users will find delight in its 9-3/4 inch throat size and spacious working space area. Unlike WEN 3975 that has a 0 to 60 degrees bevel cuts, this model has a beveling table that can tilt from 0 to 45 degrees.
Compared with best benchtop metal bandsaw WEN 3975T, this model has 10-inch steel frame band saws that can cut at speeds ranging between 1520 and 2620 FPM and can also simply cut through wood pieces. This saw also has helpful accessories like a 3-in-1 dust port, stand and work lights.
What We Like
- Operates between 1520 and 2620 FPM speed with a powerful motor engine
- Equipped with a 72-inch wide blade and an impressive cutting capacity
- Includes adjustable rip fence and miter
- Made of a large cast-iron frame with a table tilt capacity of 45 degrees
- Suitable for beginners
What We Don't Like
- Blades needs to be regularly maintained
- Requires an electrical source to operate
3. Grizzly Industrial G0803Z - 9" Benchtop Bandsaw with Laser Guide
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty tool to cut metal materials at ease, then the best bandsaw we can recommend is Grizzly Industrial G0803Z.
This bandsaw machine has an included impressive package of ⅜ inch blade, miter gauge, and extruded aluminum rip fence. Like the 14-inch JET JWBS 14DXPRO, this saw is equipped with pinion and rack thrust bearing guides, users can enjoy easy wide blade tracking and adjustments.
Aside from its sturdy fence design, its precision-ground cast-iron table cuts at a speed of 2460 feet per minute (FPM). Unlike the floor-standing Grizzly G0555LX saw with 1 HP motor, G0803z has a 1/3 HP motor engine and a 9 inches depth of cut. This saw has an aluminum table size of 11 3⁄4″ x 11 3⁄4″ and is also heavily equipped with safety features like a paddle switch with removable keys and quick-release blade tension.
What We Like
- Designed with ball-bearing construction and iron frame
- Has a 2-inch dust port protecting users from wood shavings
- Included with upper and lower ball-bearing blade guard
- 9-inch cutting depth capacity
- Operates with 1/3 HP motor and 2460 FPM max speed
- A suitable heavy-duty benchtop bandsaw for extensive workshop
What We Don't Like
- Not an advisable choice for beginners
- Requires an electrical source
4. POWERTEC BS900 9 Inch Benchtop Bandsaw
During one of our tests, POWERTEC BS900 bandsaw stood out from the rest in this evaluation due to its patented blade guard adjustment and 3-5/8 inches depth of cut suited for slicing down large pieces of wood, veneers, and book-matched panels.
This benchtop bandsaw that has a table size of 31.5 x 18 x 12 inches is equipped with a 2.5 amp motor, which can run its inch blades as fast as 1725 RPM. Users can expect total control and accurate cuts all thanks to its high-precision fence and miter gauge.
And did we mention that this band saw has a tracking window? This feature allows you to conveniently align your blades in a snap
What We Like
- Offers limited 1-year warranty for this model
- Integrated with a blade tracking window
- Runs with a 2.5 amp engine and 1725 operating speed
- Includes high-precision miter gauge and rip fence
- Has a patented blade tension adjustment for quick and safe operations
- Suitable for slicing large pieces of materials
What We Don't Like
- Needs to be near an electrical outlet or extension cord
- Requires maintenance and replacement of blades
5. Ryobi BS904G 9-Inch Band Saw
Coming from a popular company of heavy duty tools, Ryobi BS904G band saw is a sought-after benchtop model designed for different types of projects. This bandsaw simply cuts through wood, metal and other materials as it features cutting-edge guide technology; from a 2.5 amp induction powerful motor to two wheels of aluminum blade that reduce vibration.
At an extremely budget price, this bandsaw offers competitive functions like Rapid Set™ blade tensioning system, sliding miter gauge, fence, and stand or tool-free cabinet access.
Users of this saw can also take advantage of its 9-inch throat capacity and 3.5-inch depth of cut capacity to produce versatile workpieces.
What We Like
- Best benchtop bandsaw for versatile projects
- Has 9-inch throat capacity and 3.5-inch cutting capacity
- Designed with aluminum blade wheels for less friction
- Comes from a trusted company of power tools
- Offers cutting-edge technology despite its budget price
What We Don't Like
- Needs an extension cord to move around the shop
- Requires component check-up everytime
6. Klutch Benchtop Metal Cutting Band Saw
This compact bandsaw made of cast-iron offers a lot more than how it looks. It is one of the best metal cutting bandsaw in this list. It might be small in size, but it has a saw blade that delivers a variable speed of 288 FPM and a capacity of 3.3 to 4.1 inches. Aside from that, its bi-metal edge has the ability to produce precise miter cuts suitable for challenging projects.
Equipped with a quick-positioning vice, Klutch Benchtop Metal Cutting Band Saw can hold different kinds of materials in an ideal position. Adding to its many benefits is the automatic shut-off function that protects users from blade overloading and overheating.
What We Like
- Included with a bi-metal blade that operates at 288 FPM
- Has an automatic shut-down function to avoid accidents
- Capable of holding down different types of material
- Compact-sized and extremely portable option
- Equipped with 1.3 HP motor engine
What We Don't Like
- Not cordless
- Requires an electrical source
7. SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw
When it comes to this band saw, you get more than what you paid for. Among the best benchtop bandsaw models in this list, the SKIL 3386-01 is known for its budget-friendly price and efficient features.
With a weight of a bit over 16 pounds, this portable band saw can be moved around your shop easily. On top of that, this saw also includes safety features such as an articulating LED work light and a 1 1/2-inch dust collection port that keeps your area free of wood shavings.
With a no-load speed of 2800 RPM, an adjustable rip fence, and a maximum of 3 1/2 inches cutting depth, this best value band saws makes bevel has enough power to cut up to 45 degrees that can facilitate different shapes swiftly and accurately.
What We Like
- Versatile band saw blades enough to cut irregular shapes
- Operates at a speed of 2800 RPM
- Affordability and efficiency all in one tool
- Included with safety features like LED light and dust port
- Lightweight bench top bandsaws that can be transported easily
- Equipped with easy release feature
- Offers 3-year warranty program designed to provide user support
What We Don't Like
- Needs to be registered to acquire warranty
- Requires constant maintenance
Benchtop Band Saws Buyer’s Guide
Cutting Performance
One of the most frequently asked questions when buying any electric-powered saw is how to rate its machine resawing and metal cutting performance. To evaluate the saw of your choice, you must consider its course tooth count or teeth per inch (TPI).
Through this feature, you can determine if the blade’s pattern of the bandsaw can further assist you with your desired output. And even though most of the products in this list already come with blades, you can buy them separately should you find yourself unsatisfied with the one you’re currently using.
When buying blades for your bandsaw, our experts recommend testing how accurate and smooth it cuts through wood, metal or your preferred material. But if you intend to use it in various projects, go for the one that cuts accurately and also requires less maintenance and wouldn’t wear out after a few operations.
Size and Frame Material
Each band saw comes in different table sizes and frame material. If you’re debating what bandsaw is you should buy, it’s good to consider the type of project you wish to achieve and your available floor or storage space before proceeding to purchase.
Even if you have a small work surface, you don’t have to worry because all the bandsaws in this list are portable and can be simply placed on benchtops.
On this guide post, our experts also advise you to look closely at the top picks band saw’s frame material, for this will determine the overall durability of any resawing or metalworking machine. This feature will always be mentioned in the product’s specification.
The most common bandsaws available in the market are made of cast-iron, solid steel, and aluminum. Among these bandsaws, cast-iron is best recommended for woodworking projects. On the other hand, a benchtop bandsaw that comes with a solid steel frame, wheels, and adjustable rip fence can save you from excessive vibrations resulting in more accurate curved cuts for your metal and woodworking designs.
Motor Power
One of the most essential features of a band saw is its motor power. This element will determine the cutting performance of your saw. As the heart of any electric-powered tool, the motor power also indirectly affects the accuracy of your cuts.
If you’re a beginner, our team advises you not to base your purchasing decisions on how powerful enough the engine is, even a 1 HP motor has plenty of power and is good enough. It’s still better to get a saw that you can handle rather than being overwhelmed with its capabilities.
There are two types of band saw motors. First, the brushed motor, which is used for highly demanding projects that can stand with and cut metal or any other thicker materials. And then there are brushless motors, which you can use if you want to cut wood or metal pieces for a frictionless operation and less maintenance.
Ease of Use
No matter how enticing buying high-grade power tools, some of them can be complicated and hard to handle, especially for new DIY enthusiasts out there. It’s essential to consider your skill level and the kind of operating mechanism you’re comfortable with.
Some benchtop bandsaws you can buy are integrated with tool-free settings and inclusive of a blade tilt adjustment system that allows users to control the entire operation easily.
Additional Features and Accessories
Considering the amount of money will invest when buying one, it’s no surprise that many manufacturers feature different accessories in their products to make the cutting experience of their customers easier.
Accessories like a miter gauge rip fence give their users definite control over the cut accuracy and efficiency of the operation. These bandsaws features will support you in getting the right measurements before proceeding with cutting metal or resawing for your project.
Many benchtop bandsaws also feature accessories that add an extra layer of user protection like work lights to keep your light of sight clear and a dust collection port to prevent contact with wood shavings or sawdusts[1].
(Looking for the best accessory for you band saw? You can check the top aftermarket band saw fence we reviewed here)
Portability
The eight of a bandsaw will determine its portability most of the time. Like previously mentioned, the benchtop models in this list are all compact and portable. Most of them can be easily transported and be carried around your shop.
Although lightweight and small benchtop bandsaws can be handy, most of them can only handle small to medium projects. These types of benchtop bandsaw products can only cut certain material pieces like metal and wood.
Price and Warranty
The price of any bandsaw product can range from a hundred to a thousand dollars, depending on its distinct design and functionalities. It doesn’t matter if it’s as budget-friendly as 3386-01; if it doesn’t suit your project needs, it won’t be worth investing in. So our experts recommend going through careful consideration before committing to any purchase.
Most of these bandsaw companies also offer limited warranty periods to their customers. Through this, users can be at ease in case their bandsaws encounter certain malfunctions.
FAQ
What is the best bandsaw for the money?
The best bandsaw for the money is 3386-01 model. Not only does it have an affordable price point, but this bandsaw is also inclusive of safety accessories like LED work lights and dust collection ports that protects users from contacting undesirable wood particles. This saw model also offers a no-load speed of 2800 RPM and powerful enough to get the work done swiftly.
Our Top Pick For a Benchtop Band Saw:
Rikon 10
From its rack and pinion adjustment settings and blade guides, up to its sturdy steel frame, our experts hail the Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw as the top pick among the best benchtop band saws in this product roundup.
The unique and extensive workspace characteristics, unheard from its competitors of the same size, impressed us and ultimately won our favor. Equipped with the latest technology and backed with its compact design, we’re confident that this bandsaw will satisfy the needs of new and professional DIY enthusiasts.
To get the best out of your band saw, you can also visit the following pages:
- Husqvarna 562 XP Review (2023) — Weight, Specs, and More - June 6, 2023
- Echo CS-490 Review (2023) — Horsepower, Chain, and Specs - June 4, 2023
- Eggshell vs Satin Paint — What are the Differences? - June 3, 2023
