Band saws are cutting tools for delicate work, typically used in woodworking, or on the other end of the spectrum, larger models are used for producing lumber.
Woodworking enthusiasts have access to these tools now more than ever due to a large number of compact, benchtop, and stand-mounted models out on the market.
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Benchtop band saws are not intended for ripping lumber but are targeted more toward home woodworkers. Here, we review our top picks for small benchtop models that will do the job well for you.
Our Best Benchtop Band Saw Reviews and Comparisons
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. Ryobi BS904G
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. SKIL 3386-01
| Check Price |
  | 3. WEN 3939T
| Check Price |
  | 4. Rikon 10-305
| Check Price |
  | 5. WEN 3959
| Check Price |
1. Ryobi BS904G
Product Highlights
The Ryobi BS904G is a 9” throat band saw with a small footprint (11 x 18 inches) and a 2.5-amp motor, which is great if shop space is an issue for you. The saw is capable of a max cutting speed of 2460 SFPM.
The table is 11 ¾ x 14 ¾ inches. The cutting height limit is 3 5/8” and resaw capability is limited. If you are making veneers, you might want a larger saw, but this is great for lighter work.
The saw will go through wood (3/4” plywood and will take on 2 x 4 lumber, but that’s the limit), aluminum, and thin brass. It retails for about $170.
Features
- Rack and pinion table (tilts up to 45°)
- Dust collection port (shop-vac compatible)
- Switch key for safety
- Miter gauge
The Good
The Ryobi has a view window to see the blade when you need to check that the tacking is true. Blade tension adjustment and tracking setup is easy and direct.
The saw has a plastic housing, but the guts are metal in all the right places. It will plow through hardwood. Dust control with this saw is very good; the bottom wheel has a dust-clearing brush.
The Bad
Some users report that the full surface of the table is not always flat. The miter gauge slot allows for some play in the gauge.
Blade length is 62”, which may limit your choices for blades on the market. There is no rip fence on the table.
Pros
- Affordable
- Rack and pinion table tilt
- Low dust and vibration
Cons
- Only uses 62” blades
2. SKIL 3386-01
Product Highlights
The SKIL 3396-01 is a 9” throat band saw with a 2.5-amp motor capable of 2800 SFPM and a maximum cutting capacity of 3 ½”. The saw has a small footprint (12.75 x 16.25 inches), perfect for small workspaces.
The dust collection port can easily be connected to a shop-vac. The SKIL comes with a miter gauge. The table is 12 x 11 ¾ inches and also includes a rip fence, a really nice feature. There is also an EZ View blade port to check blade tracking. It retails for about $125.
Features
- Rip fence
- Rack and pinion table (tilts up to 45°)
- LED work light
- Dust collection port
The Good
The SKIL is a strong little saw, tackling hardwood (even ironwood) easily, as long as the pieces are within the cutting thickness limits of the saw. Dust and vibration are minimal and the work area tends to stay clear.
The articulated LED work light is a really convenient feature, as is the rip fence on the table.
The Bad
Some users have complained about difficulties with squaring the table and blade, making the usefulness of the rip fence limited without this fix. Also, the table is not flat near the blade slot.
The upper blade guide is rather delicate and some users have needed to repair it themselves. The motor tends to run hot during extended use.
Pros
- Affordable
- LED work light
- Rip fence
Cons
- Working parts may require alignment before use
3. WEN 3939T
Product Highlights
The WEN 3939T is 2.8-amp powered 9” throat band saw that includes a rip fence, miter gauge, and dust port.
It has a small footprint (13 ½ x 19 inches), but a generous-sized table (12 x 12 inches). The maximum cutting speed is 2460 SFPM. The rack and pinion table will tilt up to 45°. It retails for about $175.
Features
- Rack and pinion table (tilts up to 45°)
- Dust port
- Rip fence
The Good
The cutting accuracy of the WEN 3939 is notable by many users. This saw is not a professional grade product meant for high throughput, however, at the speeds intended for the saw, it cuts fine.
The Bad
Some quality control issues have been reported for this saw, namely, malformed upper wheel, table alignment problems, and too much play in how the machine holds the blade.
Idler and guide bearings can fail following extended use and replacements are not sold directly by WEN.
Pros
- Large table
- Rip fence
Cons
- Some quality control issues with moving parts
4. Rikon 10-305
Product Highlights
The Rikon 10-305 is a great little band saw for the price (It retails for about $350) and is actually a scaled-down version of its bigger brothers, the 10-325 and10-345 WEN models.
It is a 10” throat bandsaw and a generous table (13 ¾ x 12 ½ inches) with a 3.5-amp motor and maximum blade speed of 2780 SFPM. The saw features a rip fence (2” tall), edge-facing thrust bearings, a dust port (shop-vac compatible), and a 4 5/8” resaw ability.
This last feature is notable, in that most benchtop band saws are really not capable of resawing wood. The saw also has an adjustable guidepost to quickly reposition the height.
Features
- Large table with rack and pinion tilt
- Powerful motor (3.5-amp)
- Rip fence
- Dust port
The Good
The large table size is a plus, as well as the tall rip fence. This is a scaled-down version of their other saws, but it is also considerably less expensive. The ability to resaw wood is notable for saws in this price category.
The Bad
Some users have reported that the saw feels underpowered, despite the high-amp motor. The saw tends to vibrate at high blade speeds due to its lightweight.
Pros
- Large table
- High rip fence
Cons
- Wobble at high blade speeds
5. WEN 3959
Product Highlights
The WEN 3959 is a less expensive, scaled-down version of the 3939 described above. It has all the same features, but with a smaller motor (2.5-amp) that cuts at a maximum of 2460 SFPM.
The saw also uses smaller blades (59 ½ inch) than the 3939 (which uses 62-inch blades). Why WEN sells two nearly identical saws is a mystery. It retails for about $125.
Features
- Rack and pinion table (tilts up to 45°)
- Dust port
- Rip fence
The Good
The difference from the 3939 is the table size (12 ¼ x 11 7/8 inches) and motor amperage (2.5). All the other included accessories and features are the same.
The Bad
Some quality control issues have been reported for this saw as far as blade drift and wobble.
Pros
- Large table
- Rip fence
Cons
- Blade drift issues
