The Best Benchtop Bandsaw: How to Choose One and What to Look for?

The first item on this review list is an absolute marvel, and you'll probably look no further than this one. Here's the WEN 3959 Benchtop Bandsaw.

Before we start, here's a bit of info for all the beginners reading this.

WEN is one of the most reliable brands of power tools that you can find. They've been around since the fifties, and they still manage to impress their customers with powerful and stable products, and this benchtop bandsaw is no exception.

You'll see that the true beauty of benchtop bandsaws lies in the fact that they're compact devices with powerful features and impressive accessories.

For example, this is a small bandsaw that weighs only 40 pounds, but it still packs a potent 2.5 amp motor that can give you 2500 f/m blade speed.

Moreover, it features a wide and stable 12-1/4 x 11-7/8 work table that can be tilted up to 45 degrees for increased maneuverability and spaciousness.

Even though it's small, there's no worrying about additional accessories such as the miter gauge, dust port, or a rip fence - they come with the bandsaw.

It can support blades up to 60 inches long, and you can use various models depending on the type of projects you'll be working on. For instance, if you need a wider blade for larger cuts, you can use blades up to 3/8" wide.

The best part of it all is that it's incredibly affordable for such a powerful and reliable unit.

When you take everything into account, you'll realize that there truly isn't a better option out there for this type of cash.

Even though you'll find many premium and excellent picks, it doesn't mean they will suit your needs and satisfy your expectations.

However, the WEN 3939T Benchtop Bandsaw has won the hearts of many, so let's see why it is that.

You can already figure out that WEN is the brand to look for when it comes to bandsaws. It doesn't matter if we're talking about benchtop, horizontal, or resawing bandsaws - WEN will have a machine to impress the public.

The 3939T is everyone's favorite for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it has a 2.8 amp motor that can rotate the 3/8-inch blade at a 2460 feet per minute rate, which is fast enough to give you the force to cut through various materials, including metallic surfaces.

Secondly, one of the common things that bother bandsaw users is the lack of workspace, especially with benchtop models. However, the 3939T offers you the ability to maneuver across the spacious 12x12 inch table that guarantees you'll have plenty of room.

Furthermore, if you have some bulkier materials that require you to tilt the table, you can set it anywhere between 0 and 45 degrees.

In terms of usage, it was very easy to work with, and it doesn't take a brainiac to figure out the main elements of this bandsaw.

The only thing that was a bit hard was the adjustment part when it came to setting up the blades, but it's quite possible that it had to do with the model in question.

Aside from that, there isn't anything that could potentially drive you away from purchasing this incredible item.

WEN strikes again with another fantastic benchtop bandsaw that'll make you want to consider throwing the one you have out the window. Here's the WEN 3975T Benchtop Bandsaw review.

Unlike the previous two WEN band saws, this one is the first compact and lightweight unit that is more adjustable and user-friendly than any other that we've covered.

It weighs 54.6 lb, so it can easily be transported from room to room or the field, depending on your profession.

Even though it's a small, 5-inch band saw, it doesn't mean that it's weak or that it won't live up to expectations. In fact, it features a 4.5 amp motor, which is astounding for a device of this size.

Moreover, the high-powered tech and internals allow it to cut through wood and metal, including steel, copper, and aluminum. Since it's a 5-inch saw, it'll take some time to finish the cutting, but that's the price to pay for having a portable bandsaw.

Also, the beveling blade will allow you to cut up to 60 degrees, which is a nice refreshment from your standard blades that go up to 45 degrees.

Overall, there is nothing to hate about this WEN product. However, upon closer inspection, we had two things that bother us.

The first thing was the price considering that the competition did not raise their prices that high. Secondly, it doesn't have an automatic shut-off feature.

Finally, there's one benchtop bandsaw left for review, and it comes from another trusted and well-respected manufacturer, Grizzly Industrial.

Without further ado, here's the Grizzly Industrial G0803Z.

The main attraction behind the G0803Z is the user-friendly features that make it the number one pick for beginners and expert carpenters. Thanks to its build and portability, you'll be able to use this benchtop band saw wherever and whenever.

One interesting addition is the laser guidance system that allows for easier, quicker, and more accurate cutting paths than you'd normally encounter in a standard benchtop band saw. When you combine that with a 2460 f/m blade speed, you get one heck of a machine.

When it comes to some special features, you'll get the standard package that you'd expect from a solid band saw.

Ranging from the 2-inch dust port and upper and lower ball bearing guides to rack-and-pinion table tilt, this bandsaw has it all. So, why isn't it placed higher up on the list?

Firstly, it's the overall strength in comparison with the previous saws. It has a well-built 1/3 HP motor, but every other product on this list outmatches and outperforms it. 

Secondly, it's way overpriced for a device with these features, but make no mistake - it's one excellent machine.

1. Build

Benchtop band saws are exactly what their name suggests. They are strong and hefty machines that are placed on benches for ease of use and portability.

Of course, you can look for handheld models, but they're usually less potent than benchtop models.

However, having a sturdy machine placed on a bench does not necessarily mean it'll be durable and everlasting.

In essence, you'll find that the two most common denominators in terms of materials used to construct these machines are either iron or aluminum.

They are both excellent, depending on what you'll be cutting in the future. However, there are different alloys and parts that might affect your decision.

For example, iron has a lot of alloys depending on the percentage of carbon in the molecular structure.

The safe choice is always steel or carbon steel, depending on if you'll be cutting through hard metal, and aluminum is best for wooden materials due to its smoothness and overall durability.

You'll also do quite well with cast iron band saws thanks to their low melting temperature, making them brittle and wear-resistant.

2. Blade Quality

Benchtop band saws are purchased by people who require a bit more power than you'd get from a standard saw.

However, you should also pay attention to blades, meaning the size and design that the machine can support.

For example, you'll usually find that 62-inch blades are the most common blade size when it comes to benchtop models, but that's not always the case.

Also, there are different blade profiles that you should consider since it depends on the material you'll be cutting.

6-inch TPI blades are the best if you're not planning on larger projects and you're building stuff around the house.

3. Things To Consider

What is the best benchtop bandsaw?

What is the best small bandsaw?

What size bandsaw should I buy?

It always depends on the type of projects you'll be doing.

If you're a hobbyist that enjoys woodworking on weekends, you'll do well with a 9-inch, or a 10-inch band saw.

If you choose to make a serious profession out of woodworking, go for the stronger 14-inch or 16-inch models.

Can a bandsaw do the tasks of a jigsaw?

Essentially YES, but not in the way you'd expect.

A standard jigsaw can make narrow angled cuts that would accommodate carpenters that are building smaller items that require finesse.

On the other hand, a bandsaw can make wide and deep curved cuts.