Bandsaws are a necessary tool for every hard-working carpenter. These machines are capable of producing smooth and precise cuts every step of the way in a matter of minutes, which is something that we've been aching for decades.
Nowadays, the entire process is simple, and you don't need any pre-hand experience to start ripping, sawing, or resawing, just follow some straightforward instructions, and you'll be doing well.
However, there is a downside to this beautiful story - bandsaws are not cheap! They cost a ton, and even if you purchase one, you'll probably use it for years to come.
So, you should better make your purchase worth it which is where we step in. Let's embark on a journey of finding the best budget bandsaw on the market, and we'll help you learn some fundamentals regarding the functionality of bandsaws in the buying guide.
Stay tuned!
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The Best Budget Bandsaw Reviews - Top 9 List
If you've been snooping around, you've probably seen one or two WEN products in online articles. They're one of the most popular machines out there, and it's for a reason. Here's the WEN 3959 2.5-Amp Benchtop Band Saw review.
Firstly, we'd like to say that there are many quality WEN bandsaws, and this is certainly not the best considering this is a budget pick. However, the beauty of this unit lies in the fact that even though it's compact and costs less, it still has many features and characteristics of the premium models, such as the WEN 3962.
If we take a look at it solely from the numeral perspective, it has a lot to show. It features a 2.5 amp motor that consequently rotates the bandsaw blade at the rate of 2.500 feet per minute. This allows it to create cuts that are 9 inches wide and 3.5 inches deep.
If we compare it to its powerful brother, the WEN 3962, you'll notice that there are very few differences in terms of functionality, but there are benefits of owning the 3962, even though you'd be paying more. For example, the horsepower is greater, the powerful motor has two speeds, and it comes with a sturdy and durable stand.
Nevertheless, it doesn't mean that the 3959 is not worthy of being called the best band saw since it's quite capable of delivering accurate and smooth cuts across wood or metal. It also features a 2.5-inch dust collection port that is extremely handy in a home workshop when there's a lot of dust flying around.
Overall, there's not much to say since the verdict is clear-cut - always trust the WEN brand when you're buying a tool!
- 2.5 amp motor
- Fast blade rotation
- Quality features
- Great for wood or metal
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The following product is the best portable band saw and the runner-up on our list. There is maybe an argument for the first place, but it's a fantastic product nonetheless. Without further ado, here's the DEWALT Portable Band Saw.
It's not that common to see a portable and budget-friendly band saw that packs a 10-amp motor. You'd think that there's not enough room to place such a powerful motor inside this compact band saw, but you'd be wrong. Also, it surprisingly weighs only 15 pounds!
Also, it is a variable speed motor, meaning you can set and adjust the speed via a dial in the range of 100-350 SFM. At its highest performance, you'll be able to cut as deep as 5 inches with round stock.
Moreover, there is something about the blade adjustment system that you should know. It's amazing! Since the blade alignment is improved, there'll be less tear and wear over time, and your blade's lifespan will increase. Also, the blade guides are high-quality and will improve the overall durability of the band saw, and the band saw blade.
Another handy improvement is the LED work light that comes with the machine that is an excellent solution for low-lit locations. Since this is a portable budget band saw, you'll probably see construction workers carrying and using it, so a construction site might be the perfect location for testing out the LED work light.
There really aren't any major flaws to this budget-friendly bandsaw. It's well made, doesn't cost as much as you'd expect, and it's portable. The only thing we didn't like was the blade that comes with it. If you want a quality cut, you should order the bandsaw with the additional 3-pack blades.
- The best portable saw
- Build quality
- Lightweight
- 10 amp motor
- Cutting capacity
- A low-quality blade that comes with it
The Rikon brand has manufactured a lot of handy tools over the years, and it's no wonder that we have another one of their products on this list. Say hello to the Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw.
If you were looking for the best heavy-duty band saws, you've probably run into the Rikon 10-345, which was the customer favorite for a long time. It's a fantastic band saw that has a younger brother in the Rikon 10-305 bandsaw, except that it's a scaled-down version of it.
It maintains some of the main features and the visual aspect, but it's a budget-friendly pick, which must be a relief. Not only Rikon, but all well-known manufacturers tend to sell bandsaws for at least $1000, which is why this might be your new tool.
As far as the specifications go, we can tell you that it's pretty surprising to find a compact band saw that has a large working surface. You'll usually find that benchtop band saws have a broad and extensive work cast iron table, but that's not the case here. With Rikon 10-305, you'll be able to practice all your cutting on a 12-1/2-Inch cast iron table accompanied by a quality rip fence.
There are downsides to choosing a scaled-down model. For example, the motor is not that strong, and you'll have to make ends meet with a 0.33 horsepower motor. Still, it is more than enough to finish the standard workshop chores, but it'll take some time. Also, it has the same issue as the previous unit - the included blade is pretty much terrible.
Aside from that, there really isn't anything bad or wrong with it. It's a fantastic machine that should be a great addition to your woodworking projects.
- Large work table
- Quality construction
- Cast iron table
- Rikon reliability
- 0.33 horsepower motor
- The included blade
As we said - when you're not sure what to choose, always go with WEN. The WEN 3975T Benchtop Bandsaw is just another example of why you should trust them with all their tools.
You'd usually think that a bandsaw's primary goal is cutting through hard or softwood, but it's capable of so much more. If you invest in a quality bandsaw, you'll be able to cut through various materials, including plastic, foam, pipes, and metal. That's just the case with the Wen 3975T bandsaw.
It can cut up to 5 inches deep, and its powerful motor with 4.5 amperes will grant you the force you need to finish it in a matter of seconds. As you could previously see, one of the main issues that we had was the blade that came along with the band saw. It's a different story in this case.
You'll get a leveling blade that's capable of creating angled slopes in the range of 0 to 60 degrees. It's not something you'd often see that comes with the product, so it's a huge bonus.
Also, the WEN 3975T has ball-bearing blade guides that increase the general lifespan of your blades, regular profile or not. Due to its size and blade tension with tilt knobs, adjustability will be none of your concerns.
We couldn't really tell that it has any obvious flaws, but some customers have noted that it tends to go through blades relatively fast. The safe choice would be to prioritize the blade's durability instead of the sharpness or design.
- Ball-bearing blade guides
- The best benchtop bandsaw
- Blade tension and adjustment
- Eats through blades
One of the pros of owning a budget bandsaw is the fact that they're often smaller than your average-sized saws, and they can be carried everywhere, which comes in handy if you're an everyday woodworker.
However, the benefit of owning the Milwaukee 2429-20 Band Saw is the cordless application, so you'll never have to dabble with power sources or bringing extension cables. You'll get around 150 cuts per one charge, which is more than enough for a typical session, and you'll never really need more cuts than that.
It has a fast-cutting blade speed that allows this bandsaw to go through ¾" EMT in about three seconds, which makes it one of the fastest machines on this list. Also, it comes with an LED light that's handy in all working environments, especially if you have a cordless and compact bandsaw.
The M12 Redlithium XC battery is what makes all this possible, and it works under a 12 V voltage, which is perfectly acceptable for a device this large. However, the battery and the charger do not come included in the package, which is a massive letdown.
On the other hand, Milwaukee is offering a 5-year warranty on parts with the blade, so that's compensation, but it's still not worth the hassle of ordering the battery and the charger independently. If it weren't for this inconvenience, we'd undoubtedly place it higher on the list.
- The best cordless band saw
- 12 V output
- An LED light
- The best band saw for the money
- The charger for the bandsaw and the battery are not included
Makita has been one of the leading companies in the distribution of electrical equipment, no matter the application. Whether it's gardening, construction, or woodworking, Making will have you covered. That's why we're here with the Makita XBP02Z 18V LXT Portable Band Saw review.
The combination of a well-built motor with a lightweight design is what truly makes the XBPO2Z one of the best bandsaws out there. The high-torque motor gives you the ability to cut through material at the maximum speed rate of 530 feet per minute. It's a variable-speed saw, so you can set it anywhere in the range of 275-530 ft/min.
Another thing that makes Makita's model unique is the comfort of using it. Even though the obvious thing to mention is its compactness, there is another feature that comes to mind. It's the rubberized grip handle that makes it easy to carry and use if you have to cut something that's located above you.
Even though it's made out of durable materials, it doesn't hurt that they've added a rubber bumper on the bottom for extra security. Speaking of security, they've also added a lock-off switch, just in case.
Good things aside, there are two things that bug us about this model. Firstly, it's the same thing as with the previous band saw - the lithium-ion battery and the charger are not included. Secondly, the battery life is not as great as one would expect. Generally, you'll have around one effective hour of running time to do the job.
Overall, it's excellent, and there's no reason not to buy it. It would undoubtedly be a valuable asset in your projects.
- Lightweight
- High-torque motor
- Durable
- Makes precise cuts
- Battery life
- No charger and battery
The next product is proof that you can have a durable and lightweight unit with amazing specifications that borderline on premium. More on that in the Anbull Portable Band Saw review.
There are a lot of special things about this bandsaw. Firstly, let's set aside some words for the powerful 10 amp motor. It has an 1100 W capacity, which is tremendous for a portable band saw. This type of motor is usually found in professional-grade machines, so it's no wonder that this unit lands a spot on the best bandsaws list.
Moreover, this is a band saw with a tilting table and a removable base. It's an excellent feature for field workers who require diversity in their projects. This way, you can perform different woodworking assignments without having to worry about positioning. The base can be set anywhere between 0 and 45 degrees.
Furthermore, this Anbull bandsaw comes with a 14 TPI (teeth per inch) blade that will do the job quite well. However, if you plan on resawing or ripping material, you can buy three different types of blades with this bandsaw - TPI 10-14, TPI14-18, and TPI24 blades.
It is a variable speed motor, so you can set the speed anywhere between 100 and 350 feet per minute by using the dial. The LED light will turn out to be helpful during the entire process that this saw operates with.
The conclusion rests upon one detail - this Anbull bandsaw is not for professional use. It's fantastic for DIY projects at home or small projects in the field, but if you're planning on doing some major work, you'll need a stronger machine.
- Tremendous motor capacity
- Tilting table
- Cutting capacity
- Variable speed
- Not for professional use
Moving on, we have another bandsaw that is the epitome of a budget band saw, and you're about to see why. Here's the TACKLIFE Double-Speed Bandsaw.
You'll often see that bandsaws are usually manufactured from either steel or carbon alloys. However, these machines can be quite expensive without adding pricy materials to the mix, which is why we have one cast aluminum bandsaw here.
It has an aluminum table extension that proves quite useful due to its lightweight properties. That's something that you wouldn't normally see in an iron bandsaw since the weight would prove to be too much. Also, the cast aluminum base can be tilted to 45 degrees for easier usage on the field.
It also comes with an included miter gauge that comes in handy in combination with the beveled base. The main reason we like this TACKLIFE bandsaw so much is the fact that it proves that you don't need a pricy and over-the-top bandsaw to make your projects worthwhile - it can be done with a simple machine such as this one.
It has a 3-in-1 dust port, something that you'd normally see in pricier models. It's an excellent solution for workplace hygiene and protection against dust inhalation.
We didn't like the fact that the assembly instructions were not that clear-cut, and we needed time to get the hang of it. All in all, it's a well-made and perfectly fitting machine for a beginner carpenter who's starting out in this industry.
- A cast aluminum table and base
- Beveled base
- A 3-in-1 dust port
- Affordable
- Assembly instructions
Finally, we've made it to the end, and we have one last bandsaw to present to you. Let's see what the Ryobi BS904G Bandsaw is all about.
This Ryobi BS904G band saw is the best solution for those who're not sure what they're looking for. If you're an enthusiast woodworker and you're not entirely certain of what it is that you want to create, this bandsaw is the perfect choice for you. It's versatile enough to support most of the blades, profiles, and requirements that you'd need for most DIY projects.
It comes with full-feature equipment, including a dust collection port. It's equipped with a 2. 5 amp motor that is the standard strength when it comes to mid-tier band saws.
It's also one of the rare budget picks that features a full rack-and-pinion system combined with a blade tracking window. Moreover, it might not look like it, but it's a lightweight machine that weighs only 37.3 lb.
In essence, there are two things we don't like. Firstly, it's the most average item on this list. There isn't anything impressive about it, but it will do what is necessary. Secondly, the price is reflected in Ryobi's name prowess, but it should undoubtedly cost less as there are better machines for this type of cash.
All of this aside, it's still an amazing unit and the best bandsaw on a budget you can get.
- Easy to use
- Rack-and-pinion adjustment system
- Cutting capacity
- Versatile
- Fails in comparison with the previous units
- Price
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Why the Budget Band Saws Cost Less?
This entire article is centered around reviewing and presenting budget bandsaws, but why do they cost less, and what makes them lesser models in comparison with the premium goods? Well, there are a couple of reasons.
Learning About Budget Band Saws - Buying Guide
Now that we've gone through the best budget band saws that the market has to offer let's talk more about what makes them the best and learn a couple of things along the way.
Here's the buyer's guide that'll contain all the relevant information that may interest you. Stay tuned!
When it comes solely to budget band saws, you probably won't make a mistake if you choose any product from this article. However, if you want to continue the search, here are a couple of items that you should check on your list before you buy a band saw.
1. Motor Strength
Whether we're talking about saws or your brand new car, the term horsepower remains the same. It is a unit that measures power at a rate that is necessary for work to be done.
Band saws don't have the strong motors that cars have, but they're not that bad either. The best band saws will usually pack a 3.0 or 4.0 HP motor, which is the standard in most cases. However, it's a bit different with budget picks.
It varies, but the most common range is between 1.5 and 2.5 HP, which is still more than adequate for smaller projects and easy tasks. If you plan on doing some demanding work, it'd probably be best to invest a bit more into a heavy-duty benchtop bandsaw.
2. Application
You'll choose the model and the size of your next bandsaw according to the type of work you plan on doing. For example, if you're a field construction worker, you'll need a portable bandsaw that is not heavy and can be used in various situations, including low-light settings.
On the other hand, if you're buying a machine to hone your DIY skills, you'll probably do good with a standard, stationary band saw. Either way, there are various items on our list that are suitable for all professions, so choose wisely!
3. Price
Since this is a budget list, we have to mention the price. It is true that owning a budget band saw won't make that much of a difference in the quality of your work, but it's important to remember that there are subtle details that might not be visible to an amateur woodworker, and yet a more experienced one would be shocked by a machine's inability to perform.
Therefore, it depends on you what type of machine you want. If you're starting out and you need something to learn the trade, it's perfectly fine to go for the budget model.
However, if you've been going at it for a longer period, maybe it's best to invest a bit more and buy a professional-grade bandsaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bandsaws worth it?
Absolutely YES. Bandsaws have helped woodworkers, carpenters, and construction workers around the world save time for a job that would otherwise take hours at a time.
They are expensive, but they're certainly worth it.
What is the best bandsaw for the money?
It depends on the work you plan on doing. If we had to make a generalized guess, it would be the WEN 3959 2.5-Amp Benchtop Band Saw.
WEN's products have proven themselves constantly, and this band saw is no exception. The strength, accuracy, and smoothness with which it cuts are remarkable.
What is the best 14-inch bandsaw?
We haven't covered it in this article since it's a premium bandsaw, but it's undoubtedly the JET JWBS-14DXPRO Bandsaw Kit. This bandsaw is something that every carpenter would be lucky to have.
How much does a band saw cost?
It depends on multiple factors, including the model, manufacturer, and the efficiency of the machine overall.
Generally, quality bandsaws can be found anywhere between $500 and $1500, while budget bandsaws go in the range of $200-$400.
Final Thoughts - Summary
Now that we've finished the article and our pseudo conversation, it's time to end it by announcing the winners of the best budget bandsaw.
Of course, the second and the third place go to the DEWALT Portable Band Saw and the Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw. They are quality bandsaws that you can probably find in some premium lists, but they are quite affordable now, which is great news.
As for the gold medalist, you know it - it's the WEN 3959 2.5-Amp Benchtop Band Saw.