If you are looking for the best bandsaw that is not expensive yet efficient to handle the kind of work you want to throw at it then, you are in the right place. Bandsaws are an important part of any workshop that deals with metals or wood.
Nevertheless, there are so many different types of band saws in the market and there is a danger that comes with this fact.
One of the most common problems that many bandsaw buyers have to deal with is counterfeit machines which can be risky and inefficient at the same time.
In this read-up, we are going to tackle everything that you need to know when buying and using a band saw. We will also guide you on the best budget bandsaws that you can find.
Top 7 Budget Bandsaws Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Motor | Throat | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. WEN 3959 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw | 2.5 amp | 9 inches | 4.4 |
 | 2. RIKON 10-305 Bandsaw With Fence | 4.5 amp | 10 inches | 4.4 |
 | 3. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand and Worklight | 3.5 amp | 10 inches | 4.6 |
 | 4. POWERTEC BS900 9 Inch Benchtop Bandsaw | 2.5 amp | 9 inches | 4.2 |
 | 5. XtremepowerUS 9" inch Pro Benchtop Band Saw | 3 amp | 9 inches | 3.9 |
 | 6. BILT HARD 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Bandsaw | 2.5 amp | 9 inches | 4.8 |
 | 7. Genesis GBS900 9" 2.2 Amp Band Saw with Dust Port | 2.2 amp | 9 inches | 3.5 |
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Budget Bandsaw
One of the first things that you will need to consider when buying a band saw is the kind of work that you want to throw at it. Normally, band saws are mostly used for cutting wood but at some point, you may need to cut metal.
For this reason, you want to get a bandsaw that is powerful enough to handle both jobs.
When it comes to the material used to make bandsaws, you will find two: cast iron and steel bandsaws. Although cast iron bandsaws are more popular, they have certain limitations like the motors are not powerful enough hence they have limited cutting capacities.
On the contrary, steel bandsaws have no such limitations and tend to be better performers thanks to their rigid nature and powerful motor.
There are two types of bandsaws that you will find in the market namely, horizontal and vertical bandsaws. The horizontal bandsaw is one of the most popular in the market since it provides smooth cuts that are more accurate without any complications.
Vertical band saws on the other hand are a little complicated and therefore ideal for intricate and precise cuts.
Nevertheless, they require customization to produce the best results.
You will also want to be keen on the brand that you are going for. Some brands have been in the band saw manufacturing industry for a long time while some brands are relatively new.
The importance of considering a brand is that it will keep you safe from buying a counterfeit. Lastly, you want to buy your band saw from a trusted dealer.
To help you make a sound decision, we have reviewed the top three budget bandsaws that you can find.
Top 3 Best Budget Bandsaw Reviews
1. WEN 3959 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
The WEN 3959 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw is a high performer and for buyers, it offers the best value for money. Equipped with a 2.5 amp motor, the blade can rotate as fast as 2500 feet per minute.
It is capable of handling cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide. One of the most important features of this band saw that makes it stand out against the rest is its beveled work table that can cut up to 45 degrees.
As expected, using a band saw for cutting will always result in dust and pieces of wood from the cutting process. To help you keep your workstation neat, this band saw is equipped with a 2 ½ inches wide dust port to help you get the dust out of the way.
To add to its amazing features, the WEN 3959 has a ball-bearing mechanism that greatly enhances its efficiency. It also has a metal gauge for making cross cuts a rip fence for straight cuts.
2. RIKON 10-305 Bandsaw With Fence
The RIKON 10-305 Bandsaw is a general-purpose bandsaw that does double duty in both the home and shop. It features a large motor that delivers 1/3 HP motor and a large table area to easily support larger workpieces.
This model has been improved over the previous model by adding a Rip Fence and other upgrades seen in the award-winning 10-345. The large cast iron table is 13-3/4-Inch by 12-1/2-Inch and is very sturdy.
It comes equipped with an easy-to-use table tilt feature that adjusts to your desired cutting angle, and a rip fence for accurate measurements as you cut through your material.
It is perfect for hobbyists and woodworkers that don’t need a large cutting capacity. The rip fence, dust port, and safety paddle allow you to operate with ease.
3. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand and Worklight
The WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand and Worklight is a budget band saw but it is equipped with many features for its price. Widely appreciated by professionals, this band saw comes with plenty of accessories.
This 10-inch band saw is powered by a 3.5 amp motor that allows it to run at two different speeds these are 1520 FPM and 2670 FPM. In addition, it has a miter and rip-gauge to help you cut different angles.
One of the accessories that come with this band saw is its stand which will make it usable in any place provided that it is connected to power, unlike most portable band saws that need to be mounted on worktops or benches.
The WEN 3962 two-speed band saw can easily make 45 degrees angle cuts that are 6 inches deep.
In addition to this, it allows you to make broad cuts thanks to its 9-3/4 inch throat. It is the perfect band saw to use for cutting thick wood since it has a 6 inch resaw capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can You Do With a Bandsaw?
A bandsaw has many uses in a workshop. For example, a wood bandsaw can be used for cutting curves and circles. It can also be used for resawing which is splitting a thick piece of wood into two parts.
A wood bandsaw can also be used for cutting notches and book matching among other cutting needs. This powerful tool can also go out of its way to be used for cutting metal and even thick meat bones.
Can a Benchtop Band Cut Metal?
Yes, however, you need to modify it so that it cuts metal efficiently. First of all, you will need to install a metal cutting saw since saws designed for cutting wood don’t have the right number of teeth per inch.
Then, you will need to use a slower cutting speed so that you can have more control over the process. You will have to consider the amount of power that is suitable for cutting metals.
If you have modified your wood bandsaw and you want to use it to cut metal, you may want to make sure that you are following the right steps.
Can I Use Any Bandsaw to Cut Metal?
You can use a bandsaw to cut metal but make sure that you follow the right steps. The same saw and settings used for cutting wood won’t work if you want to cut metal with this machine. You will need the right saw for cutting metals and the right speed settings as well.
It is also good to know that there are metal bandsaws that are specifically designed to cut metal. Both types of band saws can however be modified to cut through both materials. All you have to do is make suitable adjustments.
How Thick Can a Bandsaw Cut?
How thick a bandsaw can cut entirely depends on the length of the blade and the resaw capacity of your bandsaw. Normally, small bandsaws cannot handle thick wood since they have low resaw capacity.
Bigger bandsaws, on the other hand, can handle thicker cuts. Other than the resaw capacity, the motor power of your bandsaw also matters a great deal. The more powerful a bandsaw is, the better it can handle thick cuts.
What is the Throat on a Bandsaw?
The throat of a band saw refers to the distance between the vertical blade and the frame of the machine. The throat size determines the width of cuts that can be made by a band saw.
Typically, there are two throat sizes for band saws: 12 and 14 inches. However, there is also a free-standing cabinet band saw that exceeds the mentioned throat sizes.
What Does 12 Resaw Mean?
Resaw refers to splitting thick lumber into less thick stripes that are equal or as you prefer. Before you can resaw, you need to consider the distance between your bandsaw table to the highest point of blade elevation.
Therefore, 12 resaw means that a band saw can only handle resawing a piece of wood that is not more than 12’’ high.
What’s the Difference Between a Wood Bandsaw And a Metal Bandsaw?
Wood bandsaws are meant for cutting wood while metal bandsaws are meant for cutting metal. The main difference between these two bandsaws is power and the type of blade being used. It is good to know that either can be modified to suit the job at hand.
That means a wood bandsaw can be modified and used to cut metal while a metal bandsaw can be modified and used to cut wood.
Can I Cut Aluminum With My Bandsaw?
A bandsaw can easily cut through aluminum but there is a catch. Since aluminum is a soft metal, the bandsaw is likely to pick small chunks of the metal which get stuck.
You can, however, clean this up using a brush. Some people get rid of the aluminum pieces by cutting a harder metal.
Can I Use a Wood Bandsaw to Cut Meat?
You can cut meat using a bandsaw especially if you need to cut through a thick bone. You will need to use the right speed and settings depending on how thick the bone or meat is.
Metal bandsaws are usually the most preferred when cutting bones since bones are almost as hard as metal.
Can You Cut Copper With a Bandsaw?
A bandsaw can cut through copper. However, it will take more time compared to metal cutting alternatives.
For best results, you will want to use a carbide-tipped blade when dealing with copper. You will also want to lubricate the blade using wax so that copper does not clog on the blade.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of how to pick the right bandsaw that fits your budget and what it can do for you, making the right decision is easy. You can go further with your research by consulting the people who already have these tools.
Always make sure that you take all the necessary safety precautions when using bandsaws to avoid injuries and low-quality work. Always watch your fingers when working on these tools because you can lose them in a second.
