A benchtop bandsaw is a versatile tool that allows you to cut with ease when other saws are not effective. It is ideal when the project at hand is large. It is a lot steadier than other saws so you can be guaranteed stability for accuracy.
This guide contains some of the best benchtop bandsaw reviews. We compiled this list based on flexibility, price, ease of use, customer feedback, and more. We have also included a comprehensive buying guide to help you pick the right model.
The Best Benchtop Bandsaws Are:
Product | Details | ||
---|---|---|---|
1. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw | Our Top Pick |
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2. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw with Fence |
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3. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw |
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4. Delta 28-400 Steel Frame Band Saw |
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5. WEN 3975T Benchtop Bandsaw |
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6. Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw |
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7. WEN 3966 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw |
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1. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw
The WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw is one of the best benchtop band saws in the market. This machine boasts of great performance in addition to its jaw-dropping finishing. It features a very smooth operation and you can use it to cut an array of materials, regardless of its compact size. It comes with a very powerful motor that is capable of performing deep cuts. The power rating of the motor is 3.5 amperes.
The maximum cutting width of this machine is 9.75 inches while the maximum cutting depth is 6 inches. It also comes with an impressive 72-inch blade with a varying width of 1/8 inches to 1/2 inches in size. For optimal performance and faster cutting, this benchtop bandsaw comes with variable speed options, which are 1,520 and 2,620 feet per minute. This feature allows you to switch the speed of the blade to suit the material or project you are working on.
This unit also comes with a spacious, cast-aluminum work table that measures 14.125 inches by 12.5 inches. In addition to being spacious, this table features a bevel capacity from 0 to 45 degrees. It also comes with a work light to illuminate your line of cut when working in a poorly lit environment. Furthermore, this machine comes with a 3-in-1 dust port for dust collection, providing you with a dust-free working space. It is also backed with a 2-year warranty, and it comes with a 3/8-inch blade (6 TPI), miter gauge, and a fence.
Specs
- 1,520 and 2,620 FPM
- Metal
- 73 pounds
Pros
- Compact design
- Affordable
- Great cutting range
- Versatile
- Dual-speed options
Cons
- Hard to adjust
2. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw
The second benchtop bandsaw on our list is the Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw. This is one of the best bandsaws money can buy. It is a10 inch band saw that features a solid steel frame. This machine comes with a powerful 1/3 horsepower motor that delivers a great cutting speed. The blade speed of this tool is 2,720 feet per minute, which is powerful enough to cut through an array of materials. You can use this machine to cut through pen blanks, cutting bowl, metals, and hardwood.
Furthermore, it comes with a very large cast-iron table that measures 13.75 inches by 12.5 inches. This sturdy and spacious work surface can carry any material, a feature you can hardly find in a bandsaw of this size. Next, this tool comes with a quality 2-inches rip fence. You can also remove the rip fence to get more workspace and do free hand work. This tool is built to last, as its frame is made of steel plate, which is stronger than plastic frames that other models come with.
Not only is the table spacious enough for large materials, but it also comes with a great bevel capacity. You can tilt the table from 0 to 45 degrees. This allows for more creativity when cutting. In addition, this unit comes with a 2.5 inches dust port, which helps to keep your workspace free from dust. This provides you with a clear cut-line when cutting.
Specs
- 2,780 FPM
- Steel
- 96 pounds
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Durable
- Great design
- Large, sturdy table
- Titling property
Cons
- Some users say it is too large
3. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw
The POWERTEC BS900 is one of the best table top bandsaws in the market. This 9 inches bandsaw is highly portable and compact. It is also one of the best budget bandsaws; it is easy to use, and you can move it around without stress. This machine comes with a miter gauge and it features a combo design technology that separates it from other woodworking tools in the market.
The combo technology helps you to make irregular shapes and high precision cuts. The saw features a cutting width of 9 inches and a cutting depth of up to 3.375 inches. This machine is ideal for cutting wood into thin pieces and ripping lumber. For quick adjustments, this tool comes with a rack and pinion table with a bevel capacity of 0 to 45 degrees. It comes with a 2.5-amp powerful motor that delivers a blade speed of 1,725 FPM. The table of this unit measures 11.75 inches by 11.75 inches. The depth of cut at 45 degrees is 2 inches.
It uses a 62-inch blade with a width that ranges between 1/8 and 3/8 inches. This machine comes with a blade tensioning lever for easy blade change. Furthermore, it comes with a 2-inches dust port that you can connect to a shop vac easily and conveniently to keep your workspace clean and dust-free. The patented blade guard system of this unit also allows you to safely and quickly adjust the cutting depth. This machine also allows for easy blade tracking and alignment, thanks to its easy view window.
Specs
- 1,725 FPM
- Plastic and metal
- 44.1 pounds
Pros
- Versatile and durable
- Large and strong table
- Blade tracking window
- High-quality motor
- Quick and easy blade change
Cons
- Lacks a rip fence
4. Delta 28-400 Steel Frame Band Saw
The next on our list is the Delta 28-400 benchtop bandsaw. This benchtop bandsaw comes with a 1 HP motor and its frame is made of steel. This is a highly reliable bandsaw that comes with one of the most compact designs. It is also made with high-quality materials, which makes it more durable than most of its rivals. The heavy-duty frame of this machine helps to reduce flexing, allowing you to make precise measurements.
The 1 horsepower motor of this machine delivers a variable speed of 1,620 and 3,340 feet per minute. This two-speed option is ideal for wood and non-ferrous metals. The variable speed control is also very easy to access and use. It comes with a precision ground cast-iron table with T-slot miter capability. The table also features a bevel capacity of 3 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right with a positive stop at 90 degrees.
Furthermore, this machine comes with rubber-coated, durable aluminum upper and lower 9 spoke wheels. The wheels are precision-balanced for excellent blade tracking. It comes with a lightweight table with long-lasting durability and additional support. The table is also large enough and it measures 15.75 inches by 18.875 inches. This tool can accept up to 3/4-inches blades and its cutting depth capacity is 13.625 inches and a cutting height of 6 inches.
Specs
- 1,620 and 3,340 FPM
- Steel
- 165 pounds
Pros
- Steel frame
- Aluminum trunnion table
- It is rubber-coated
- Flexible
- High blade speeds
Cons
- No working light
5. WEN 3975T Benchtop Bandsaw
The WEN 3975T is one of the best benchtop band saws out there. This metal cutting benchtop bandsaw comes with a 4.5-amp motor that is powerful enough to cut through almost all types of metal. In addition to being powerful, the motor delivers a variable speed that ranges between 125 FPM and 260 FPM, which provides you with all the versatility and control you need. The speed of the blade is somewhat low for some types of material, but it can cut through almost any type of metal, as metals require a low FPM.
When it comes to flexibility, this machine comes with a bevel capacity of 0 to 60 degrees. This angle is great for cutting steel pipes for your project. It also allows for more creativity when cutting. This machine comes with a nice and compact design. It is very portable and you can move it around with ease.
You can use this tool to cut pipes up to 5 inches in diameter or rectangular stocks up to 5 inches by 4.875 inches in size. Ball-bearing blade guides blade tension and tilt knobs for easy adjustments and tweaks between jobs. It also comes with a pre-installed 56.5 inches by 0.5 inches blade. It weighs only 54 pounds and it comes with a 2-year warranty.
Specs
- 125 to 260 FPM
- Metal
- 54.8 pounds
Pros
- Strong frame
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful motor
- Variable speed control
- Ideal for metals
Cons
- Low FPM
- Lacks some basic accessories such as gauge and fence
6. Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw
If you are looking for a highly versatile and compact benchtop bandsaw, then the Grizzly G0555LX Benchtop Band saw is one of your best options. This machine is portable and it will fit perfectly into your workspace. This tool also comes in very handy for all types of irregular cuts. It comes with a brushless motor that provides more than enough power to cut through a wide range of materials.
This unit comes with an 11-amp motor that delivers a cutting speed of up to 3,100 FPM. This is more than enough blade speed for the most demanding cutting jobs. The worktop is also pretty large, as it stretches out to provide you with faster operation and easy movement. The bevel capacity of this tool is also great, as you can tilt it up to 10 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right.
This machine comes with a ball bearing construction that allows for smooth operation while cutting. The bandsaw is durable, as it comes with high-quality cast-iron frame technology. It also features cast-iron wheels with rubber tires.
Specs
- 3,100 FPM
- Cast iron
- 247 pounds
Pros
- Portable
- High speed
- High-quality and durable construction
- Tilts in both directions
Cons
- Single-speed
- A bit weighty
7. WEN 3966 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw
The last on our list is the WEN 3966 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw. This is one of the most versatile band saws in the market. This tool comes with a 9.5-amp motor with a variable speed. Thanks to the variable speed operation, this unit operates at either 1,480 FPM or 3,280 FPM. This machine can cut materials that are up to 8.85 inches deep and 13.375 inches wide.
It uses 100.75 inches blades with a width that ranges from 1/8 inches to 1 inch. The worktable is also large enough, and it measures 21.5 inches by 15.75 inches. It also features a bevel capacity of up to 45 degrees. In addition, this tool comes with a 3-in1 dust port that is designed to fit a wide range of dust collection hose, providing you with a clean and dust-free workspace.
It comes with other onboard accessories such as a sturdy fence, flexible work light, a 21-inch stand, and a miter gauge. To maximize safety and precision, it comes with an adjustable knob to lower or raise the blade guard.
Specs
- 1,480 or 3,280 FPM
- Steel
- 156 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight
- Variable speed control
- Powerful motor
- Safety blade guide
- Versatile and heavy-duty worktable
Cons
- It is pricey
Buyer’s Guide | Things to Consider When Buying a Benchtop Band Saw
Settling for the best benchtop bandsaw requires some careful considerations. There are certain factors you need to consider in order to pick the one that best suits your needs. Here are some vital things you need to consider when buying a benchtop bandsaw.
The Frame of the Benchtop Bandsaw
A band saw’s frame is one thing that many tend to ignore when picking out a benchtop bandsaw. Many do not consider this as a major factor in buying a good saw. However, this feature alone plays a major role in the strength and stability of the machine. As such, it is crucial that you settle for a bandsaw that comes with a high-end and robust frame, made out of strong and durable materials.
Power
For power, we recommend you go for a brushless motor; they tend to have a higher capacity. The most powerful benchtop band saws come with a blade speed of up to 3,100 FPM or more. However, the material you want to cut will determine the blade speed you need.
If you want to use the machine mainly for wood, then you need a high power rating. However, metal requires low blade speed for precise and clean cuts. As such, we recommend you go for a benchtop bandsaw with variable speed control. With this, you can change the speed of the blade depending on the material you want to cut.
Bevel Capacity
Another vital thing you should consider is the tilting of the machine. The tilting capacity if very important when it comes to making irregular and angled cuts. As such, you should not settle for any saw with less than 45 degrees bevel capacity on the right and 10 degrees bevel capacity on the left. This would provide you with maximum flexibility. If bevel capacity is a priority then consider a bandsaw fence.
Table Material
The material used to make the table is another important factor you should not ignore. Durable table materials are cast iron, steel, and aluminum. Hence, you should not settle for anything less than those materials if you really want to end up with a durable tool.
Versatility and Ease of Use
Not all benchtop band saws are the same. They come in different sizes and shapes. Nevertheless, the need for a great user experience is what remains constant among them. What makes a great user experience is the ease of use of the tool. Being able to adjust and control a few things on the machine is what makes it super versatile.
Also, check out some basic accessories such as miter gauge, working light, rip fences and more. You also want to make sure that the tool is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and move around.
Conclusion
Those were our top picks for the best benchtop bandsaw in 2020. We hope that these benchtop bandsaw reviews and buyer’s guide in this article would help streamline your decision-making process. Among the products review, our number pick is the WEN 3962 Two-Speed Benchtop Band Saw. It is a variable speed benchtop bandsaw that offers a great cutting power. You can use it to cut a wide range of materials. It is portable, affordable, and it comes with other great features.