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 our pro woodworkers’ extensive Skil BW9501-00 review to see if it provides the required precision for your tasks.
What We 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 We 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.
This saw also features a two-speed drive system that can easily adjust with tool-free belt tensioning, resulting in clean cuts.
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
It is easy to assemble with basic tools. The saw includes a detailed instruction manual with diagrams and illustrations to guide users through the process. We recommend securing the saw’s base to a sturdy surface before use.
Motor Power
The SKIL 2.8 BW9501-00 has a powerful and durable 2.8 amp induction motor that can handle different types of wood materials for various cutting tasks, providing reliable performance over time.
However, it is worth noting that while this band saw boasts many desirable features, including its cutting precision and powerful motor, we did experience some vibration during operation that might cause inconvenience to some users.
Blade Quality
Like the Makita XCU03PT1 chainsaw, it has a durable and high-quality blade that can handle various cutting 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. The saw also has a blade tracking sight window for greater accuracy 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). Its two-speed drive system allows cutting at 1700 or 2500 feet per minute, making it suitable for various wood materials.
Adjustments
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
It has a dust port connecting to standard 2 ½-inch vacuum hoses to easily clean the work area. However, during the product testing, it was difficult to clear a large amount of dust due to its limited size.
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.
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