Whether you’re a professional woodworker taking on big projects or an at-home handyman, you’ll need a bandsaw that’s sturdy and functional. While a good quality bandsaw doesn’t have to cost a fortune, it’s still best to find something that fits your needs.
Otherwise, you might be spending hard-earned money on an incompatible unit. Worry not, we’ve compiled the best budget band saws to help you choose wisely.
Reviews of the Top Budget Bandsaws
1. WEN 3962 Bandsaw
When you use the Wen 3962, you won’t be able to tell that it’s a budget option. This powerful bandsaw has a 3.5 amp motor and a 9.75-inch throat, and it can cut through 6-inch boards with ease.
If you’re after accuracy, you’ll be glad to know that the bandsaw can make angled cuts up to 45 degrees. Because it comes with a variety of blade options, you can cut between 1/8 to 1/2 of an inch depending on your project’s needs.
The dust port keeps your surroundings clean; its spacious table allows you to work comfortably, and the adjustable light helps with visibility.
What We Like
- Makes very accurate cuts
- Quality design and construction
- Powerful mechanism
- Dust port
- Affordable price
What We Don’t Like
- Tricky to adjust
- Less sturdy than larger designs
2. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw
If you have a limited workspace, but you still require all the handy features of a benchtop bandsaw, consider the Rikon 10-305 bandsaw. Although it doesn’t offer as much power, it’s compact, durable, and still very functional.
Unlike other bandsaws that are made out of plastic, the Rikon is constructed from steel, which is much sturdier. Even its spacious work surface is made from cast-iron, so you know that it’ll last a while.
This model can also precisely cut materials from 1/8 to 1/2 of an inch, but it’s only powered by 2.53 amp, so it may be a bit difficult to cut through harder surfaces.
What We Like
- Sturdy construction
- Smooth and silent
- Precise operation
- Benchtop design
What We Don’t Like
- Not the most powerful
- Heavy
3. Ryobi BS904G Bandsaw
Because the Ryobi BS904G is very affordable and durable, it’s also a very popular choice among consumers.
Its 2.5 amp motor, 9-inch throat capacity, and 3.5 inch cutting capacity are quite impressive considering its low price. It even comes with a safety switch and settings, different blade options, and a built-in dust port for extra convenience.
Now, compared to the other options on this list, the Ryobi is a little more basic, but we think it’s a good option for beginners or for those who expect to do small-scale home repairs.
What We Like
- Good value for money
- Cuts through most materials well
- Quite powerful
- Beginner-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- The manual can be a bit confusing
- Not suitable for heavy use
4. Milwaukee 2429-21XC Bandsaw
If you’re after the most lightweight and portable option, the Milwaukee is your best bet for a metal cutting power tool. More specifically, it’s the Milwaukee 2429-21XC bandsaw.
Not only can you use this to make one-handed cuts; you can also freely carry it around because it’s powered by batteries. After just 30 minutes of charging, the Milwaukee can cut more than 150 times. The bandsaw also meets OSHA requirements and has a blade tension adjustment just like some saws used to make cope cuts.
What We Like
- Compact and portable
- Accurate
- Convenient to use
- Meets OSHA requirements
- Blade tensioning adjustment
What We Don’t Like
- Cuts a bit slowly
- Not very heavy-duty
Budget Band Saw Buyer’s Guide
Design
Power
Naturally, the largest type of bandsaw (freestanding) has the most horsepower, which is suitable for heavy-duty construction projects. If you’re not a professional, though, smaller bandsaws will be adequate, as they still boast around 0.5 to 1 horsepower [1].
Extra Features
Our Top Pick for a Budget Band Saw: WEN 3962
The best budget band saw for our woodworkers is the WEN 3962 Two-Speed Bandsaw. It’s affordable, accurate, and powerful, so it’s perfect for all kinds of projects. The two-speed design makes the WEN 3962 much more versatile than its competitors and has a very durable construction.
If you are still unable to afford these low-cost band saws, you may want to consider purchasing secondhand band saws instead.
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