What is the Best Budget Band Saw? (2023) — Options with Great Value for Money

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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.

Best Overall
WEN 3962
Editor’s Choice
Rikon 10-305
Best for Beginners
Ryobi BS904G
WEN 3962 No Background
Rikon 10-305 No Background
Ryobi BS904G No Background
This compact bandsaw has a 3.5 amp motor that can generate 2 speeds at 1520 or 2620 FPM. The dual speeds gives woodworkers versatility and the brand has a 2-year warranty on the bandsaw to protect your purchase.
The Rikon 10-305 has a solid steel construction that makes it more durable than the rest. It also features a large cast-iron table that gives a larger and sturdier work surface that’s hard to find on a saw of this size.
The Ryobi BS904G has a 2.5 amp induction motor suitable for most jobs, and features the coveted rack and pinion fence system and the Rapid Set blade tensioning system. It’s a popular choice among consumers for its durability.
Best Overall
WEN 3962
WEN 3962 No Background
This compact bandsaw has a 3.5 amp motor that can generate 2 speeds at 1520 or 2620 FPM. The dual speeds gives woodworkers versatility and the brand has a 2-year warranty on the bandsaw to protect your purchase.
Editor’s Choice
Rikon 10-305
Rikon 10-305 No Background
The Rikon 10-305 has a solid steel construction that makes it more durable than the rest. It also features a large cast-iron table that gives a larger and sturdier work surface that’s hard to find on a saw of this size.
Best for Beginners
Ryobi BS904G
Ryobi BS904G No Background
The Ryobi BS904G has a 2.5 amp induction motor suitable for most jobs, and features the coveted rack and pinion fence system and the Rapid Set blade tensioning system. It’s a popular choice among consumers for its durability.

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

What We Don’t Like

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

What We Don’t Like

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

What We Don’t Like

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

What We Don’t Like

Budget Band Saw Buyer’s Guide

Design

There are many different types of bandsaws: benchtop, freestanding, and cordless. If you have a lot of space in your workshop, you can opt for the first two types.

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

Some bandsaws come with work tables, a light, and a dust collection port for added convenience. It’s best to purchase ones with a combination of these features as well.

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.

For great bandsaw products, you can also visit the following pages: 

Powerful Jet bandsaws

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
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