When working on DIY and professional projects, band saws with dull blades can be irritating and time-consuming. Not only can it impede your progress, but it can also affect the quality of your project.
If you’re considering the Skil BW9501-00 but unsure if it’s the solution, check my extensive Skil BW9501-00 review to see if it provides the required precision for your tasks.
What I Like
- Improved cutting precision with the blade-tracking sight window.
- Enhanced stability during use with the steel base.
- Facilitated crosscuts with the miter gauge for workpiece guidance.
- The dust port lets you attach a vacuum or dust collector, minimizing dust and debris in your work area.
- Rack and pinion table adjustment for easy and quick angle adjustments.
- Precision ball bearing and lower blade guides for accurate cutting performance.
- Quick blade tension setting for clean and accurate cuts.
- The two-speed setting allows you to adjust the blade speed to suit the material you are working with, providing greater control and precision.
What I Don't Like
- May produce more vibration and noise than other saws
- May be unsuitable for handling a large volume of work or cutting through numerous hardwood pieces.
Design and Build Quality
The SKIL 2.8 BW9501-00 is a robust and sturdy tool for woodworking projects. Its design includes a steel base that provides stability and reduces vibrations, while the precision ball bearing and lower blade guides guarantee precise cuts.
I also like the two-speed drive system. Adjusting the speed is a breeze, thanks to the tool-free belt tensioning. This feature translates into clean and precise cuts, which is essential for any woodworking project.
The table can be quickly adjusted up to 45 degrees and includes a dust port to reduce the amount of dust in the work area. The saw also has a miter gauge and blade-tracking sight window.
Skil BW9501-00 Features
Quick List of Specifications
- Dimensions: 24.02"L x 15.16"W x 12.4"H
- Weight: 38.9 pounds
- Color: red and black
- Power: 2.8 amps
- Motor type: induction motor
- Blade material: Alloy steel
- Dust collection: Accepts 2 ½-inch vacuum hoses.
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Assembly
Assembling the SKIL BW9501-00 was a relatively painless experience. The included instruction manual is quite detailed, complete with diagrams and illustrations that walk you through the process. My recommendation, though, is to make sure you secure the saw’s base to a sturdy surface before you dive into your woodworking projects.
Motor Power
When I first fired up the SKIL 2.8 BW9501-00 bandsaw, I was really impressed by the gutsy 2.8-amp induction motor. This thing doesn’t mess around; it cut through various types of wood like it was born to do just that. Over time, it’s proven to be a reliable workhorse.
However, it is worth noting that while this band saw boasts many desirable features, including its cutting precision and powerful motor, I did notice a bit of vibration during operation that might cause inconvenience to some users.
Blade Quality
The blade on this bandsaw reminded me of the one on the Makita XCU03PT1 chainsaw—durable and up for a variety of tasks. The blade’s precision ball bearing and lower blade guides ensure accurate cutting and straight tracking. The blade tension can be quickly adjusted for clean and precise cuts.
Blade Tensioning and Guide
Blade tensioning and guiding are important for a band saw’s accuracy and performance. The blade tensioning and guide system is well-designed and effective, ensuring clean and precise cuts.
The adjustable blade guide system with a precision ball bearing and lower blade guide ensures consistent blade tracking. One feature I particularly appreciated was the blade tracking sight window; it gave me a lot more confidence when adjusting the blade tension and guide.
Cutting Performance and Speed
The SKIL 2.8 BW9501-00 has a maximum cutting height of 3-1/2 inches (8.89 cm). For me, that’s a solid range for tackling a variety of wood materials. Its two-speed drive system allows cutting at 1700 or 2500 feet per minute, making it suitable for various wood materials.
Adjustments
Adjusting this saw is pretty straightforward, which I appreciate. The saw has a rack and pinion table adjustment system for angle adjustments up to 45 degrees, a two-speed drive system with tool-free belt tensioning for easy adjustment, and a blade tracking system with a sight window for accurate cutting.
The miter gauge can be adjusted for crosscuts, and the quick-release blade tensioning system allows for easy blade changes.
Dust Collection
Alright, so dust collection isn’t its strongest suit. While it does have a standard 2 ½-inch dust port that you can hook up to your shop vac, it struggled a bit when I put it to the test with a large amount of dust. It’s not a total drawback, but just keep that shop vac nearby, especially for bigger projects.
Price and Warranty
The SKIL 2.8 BW9501-00 is priced mid-range for a benchtop band saw, making it an affordable option for many woodworkers.
Based on other SKIL BW9501-00 reviews, its price may vary depending on the retailer and any promotions or discounts that may be available. The saw also comes with a 3-year limited warranty [1], which covers defects in materials and workmanship.
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Review Conclusion: Skil BW9501-00
The Skil BW9501-00 band saw is an ideal tool for beginners and hobbyists to practice their woodworking skills without breaking the bank. It has a user-friendly design and useful features, making it a solid investment for its affordable price.
While you may eventually need a bigger machine as your skills improve, this band saw is an excellent starting point.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
