When you need to cut curves in wood, a bandsaw is your best friend. This handy piece of equipment is great for making irregularly shaped cuts, cross-cuts, cutting metal, and ripping lumber.
Bandsaws come in two main designs, the difference being how they are set up. A floor-standing can stand on its own whereas a benchtop model is meant to be placed on a stand or bench.
The focus of our guide is on the second model. We will highlight the best benchtop bandsaw, explain how they can be used, and things to look for when buying one.
Who Should Use a Benchtop Bandsaw and What Are They Best For?
Woodworkers looking to save some space in their workshop would really benefit from a benchtop bandsaw.
Unlike a floor-standing model that takes up a chunk of space, a benchtop can be mounted on your current workbench or a stand.
In terms of application, this depends primarily on the configuration of the bandsaw. A few may have enough power to rival their floor-standing counterparts. But, the majority of benchtop saws are meant for light-duty cutting jobs.
How to Choose the Right Benchtop Bandsaws
Blade
The blade is one of the most important components to consider when selecting this saw. There are three main aspects you should focus on here, namely:
Thickness
Taking the thickness of your blade into account is crucial. The blade’s thickness is tied to the wheels’ diameter. So the larger the wheel diameter, the thicker the blade.
Apart from wheel diameter, you should also think about the intended purpose of your benchtop bandsaw.
Keep in mind that thick blades can tolerate more strain from making straight cuts but splinter easily if they’re subjected to too much twisting and bending. On the other hand, thin blades are best suited for light-duty cutting tasks.
Width
The secret here is to go for the widest blade available depending on the cuts you'll be making. If you’re using the bandsaw to cut curves, then the width will dictate the smallest radius, which can be cut.
For small radius cuts, a small blade width will do. But if you’re resawing or making near-straight line cuts, a bigger width is the best. Here is a simple chart to guide you:
Width (inches) | Radius Cut (inches) |
|---|---|
1/8 | 3/16 |
3/16 | 5/16 |
1/4 | 5/8 |
3/8 | 1-7/16 |
1/2 | 2-5/8 |
5/8 | 4 |
3/4 | 5-1/2 |
Tooth Per Inch
The trick here is to find a blade that strikes a sweet spot between accuracy and speed. The higher the number of teeth, the slower the blade but the smoother the finish. Conversely, fewer teeth result in a slightly more coarse finish, but the blade rotates faster.
If you’ll be doing a lot of precision work, pick a blade with a higher teeth count. This is particularly important if you’ll be tackling thinner metals and plastics.
For such, the recommended count is 18 to 32 TPI. But when performing general cutting applications, a blade with 6 to 8 teeth per inch is the best.
In contrast, cutting thicker materials calls for a lower TPI. Depending on the speed you prefer, you can choose anything from 4 to 14 TPI.
Frame
Even though only a few buyers remember to check the frame of their saw, it’s an essential component of this tool.
Remember, this is what determines whether the whole assembly is sound or not. And given the risky nature of this job, you want to ensure that your equipment can handle whatever you plan to put it through.
Weight
Weight can be a tricky factor to consider when you’re buying a benchtop bandsaw.
You want it to be lightweight enough to be able to move it around and place it on your workbench. But you also want it to be heavy enough to stand its ground when you’re cutting thick materials.
To strike a good balance, go for the heaviest saw that you’re able to lift and work with comfortably.
Wheels
Wheels channel power from the motor to the blade of the saw. For a solid performance, you want the wheels to have good balance. This ensures that the saw has minimal vibrations and maximum accuracy during blade tracking.
One of the things that determine whether the wheels are balanced is the material used in their construction.
Most band wheels will be made of either cast alloy or cast iron. Cast iron wheels are the most preferred because not only do they enhance the cutting performance, but also minimize vibration.
Power
The biggest consideration, in this case, is your cutting needs. If most of your woodwork revolves around cutting thin stocks with very few instances of resawing, a saw with 1 to 1-½ horsepower will suffice.
But if you do a lot of resawing, and often deal with bigger exotic hardwood, you will need between saws with 2-½ to 3 horsepower motors. Be mindful of the outlet you connect your motor to. Benchtop bandsaws using more powerful motors need an outlet with at least 220V electrical supply.
Speed
Some benchtop bandsaws offer variable speeds. These are usually equipped with a belt-drive, which has 3 or 4 speeds.
While a single-speed model is not inferior, a variable speed is a better choice. This is because it offers better flexibility over a wide range of materials.
Durability
You don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a saw that becomes defective after just a few cutting jobs.
To avoid this, look for a durable benchtop saw. More specifically, ensure that the tool has only a few parts that are made out of plastic. And even then, the plastic used to make components -such as knobs- should be heavy-duty plastic for optimal durability.
Table Material
The two most common materials used to make the table are cast iron and steel.
Both provide ample rigidity so you won’t have to worry that they’ll crack under the stress of rigorous cutting. That said, cast iron is slightly stronger, but it’s also more expensive. So if you’re on a shoestring budget, a model with a steel work table will do the trick.
Versatility
It is no secret that a benchtop bandsaw is a versatile piece of equipment. But if you intend to use it for a wide variety of cutting jobs, then you should check whether it has the essential features needed to perform these functions.
Some of the applications of this saw include:
Ease of Use
Will you be using your benchtop bandsaw for extended periods of time? If you answered yes, you’ll need to ensure that the saw is as user-friendly as possible.
Examples of features that make this tool a whole lot easier to use are:
Maintenance
A benchtop bandsaw that is easy to clean and maintain can come in handy. To achieve this, it should have features like a dust collector or a dust collection port.
The latter allows you to hook a vacuum cleaner or dust bag that can trap all the sawdust; hence keep your area clean.
Space
A key benefit of this type of saw is that it occupies less space than a floor-standing model. But if you’re really limited by space, you will still have to be picky when shopping for this tool.
Consider buying one that has a small, extendable work table. This way, you can use the extension only when you need to, and use the bandsaw as is the rest of the time.
Reviews of the Best Benchtop Bandsaws
1. WEN 3959 Benchtop Band Saw: Best Overall
Are you looking for the best benchtop bandsaw? Well, WEN 3959 Saw strikes the sweet spot between functionality and pricing, making it worth a look.
This tool gets its power from a modest motor rated for 2.5 amps, which drives the blade to make cuts 3 ½ inches deep and 9 inches wide. The motor allows the blade to make up to 2,500 rotations per minute (RPM).
Another impressive feature of this saw is its compact and user-friendly design. The worktable’s dimensions are 12-1/4 by 11-7/8 inches, giving you ample space. Best of all, you can actually bevel it to 45 degrees, to achieve the best setup for your cutting jobs.
WEN has included an array of essential accessories to make your job as easy as possible. There’s a miter gauge to hold the workpieces securely; so you can make precise miter cuts.
Also onboard this saw is a 2 ½-inch dust port, which lets you hook a dust collector hose to keep your work area dust-free. Finally, you’ll find an adjustable blade guard that helps to maximize the user’s safety.
Getting started on your cutting jobs will be incredibly easy because this bandsaw is a cinch to assemble. Most buyers report spending just five minutes setting up the machinery.
Pros
Cons
2. POWERTEC BS900 Benchtop Bandsaw: Best Budget
You don’t always have to spend a ton of money to get quality woodworking equipment. The Powertec BS900 proves that you can get the best benchtop bandsaw for a reasonable price.
It comes equipped with a blade and miter gauge, enabling you to make cuts that are 3 ⅝ inches deep and 9 inches wide.
Like WEN’s model, this saw is also powered by a 2.5-amp motor. However, the BS900 is a little slower at 1,725 RPM. Its worktable is also a little smaller. It measures 11 ¾ by 11 ¾ inches.
On the brighter side, the saw includes an easy view window, which is usually not included in other bandsaws. This lets you see and align the blade so that you can make cuts with the highest level of precision.
Besides, the worktable can also be tilted between 0 and 45 degrees. This adjustability also helps with making accurate cuts.
Also worth mentioning is that switching blades on this particular saw is quite simple. This is made possible by the integration of a quick-release blade tension lever.
Pros
Cons
3. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw: Most Versatile
If you’re looking for a benchtop bandsaw that has all the bells and whistles, WEN 3962 is your best bet. It’s a compact but powerful tool that is just as good for DIY enthusiasts as it is for professional woodworkers.
This saw utilizes a 3.5 amp motor, enabling it to tackle large loads and thicker materials without succumbing to pressure. You get to pick from two speeds: 1520 or 2620 FPM, an aspect that helps you work with a variety of materials.
Furthermore, it has a spacious table measuring 14 ⅛ by 12 ½ inches. It means that you don’t have to worry about any of your workpieces being too big to fit on the saw.
Backed by a 2-year warranty, this bandsaw includes nearly all the accessories that can make your work easier.
To start with, it comes with a miter gauge, increasing the range of tasks you can use the saw for. Secondly, the manufacturer has incorporated a highly flexible dust port. It’s designed to work with, not one but three different collection hose sizes: 1 ¾, 2 ¾, and a 4 inch.
Its flexibility extends to the options of blades you can work with. You’ll be able to connect 72-inch blades ranging from ⅛ to ½ inch in size, depending on your cutting applications.
Another accessory you will find is a stand, which allows you to set up the saw as either a benchtop or a floor-standing unit.
Pros
Cons
4. RIKON 10 305 Bandsaw With Fence: Best for Resawing
If a significant portion of your work involves resawing, then Rikon 10 305 Benchtop Saw is the best benchtop bandsaw choice.
Resawing is the process where a woodworker divides a piece of wood into several smaller pieces. For instance, you can split a 1-inch board into numerous ⅛-inch veneers.
One aspect that makes the Rikon 10 305 saw perfect for this application is its worktable. Measuring 13 ¾ by 12 ½ inches, it gives you ample space to tackle larger pieces. Plus, it's a cast iron table meaning it's super sturdy and durable.
For power, the bandsaw uses a ⅓-horsepower, which is sufficient for most woodworking projects. There’s also a rip fence that helps you make the most precise cuts. The best part, this fence can be adjusted or uninstalled for optimal range.
Pros
Cons
5. 10-Inch Benchtop Band Saw TACKLIFE: Most Powerful
If the most important feature in the ideal benchtop bandsaw is power, then what you need is the Tacklife 10-inch Band Saw.
It comes equipped with a 3.5-amp motor, which gives you a decent amount of power to slice through anything. This motor allows the blade to clock in speeds of 2160 and 3150 feet per minute (FPM).
Apart from the motor, its table is another feature that you’ll find to be impressive. It’s a 15 by 11 8/10-inch table that’s made from aluminum.
This material increases the saw’s durability while also providing a smooth surface that you can work from. Better yet, the table’s size can be extended, giving you as large of a work surface as you’d like. You have the option of extending it, to create 15 by 21 ⅓ -inch table.
Want to keep your workstation clean when cutting wood? Well, this is not going to be a problem as the saw allows you to attach a vacuum cleaner to trap as much sawdust as possible.
When it comes to woodworking, this saw eases your job by providing an extra blade of 70-1/2'' by 1/4 - ½. Besides, switching the blades is a straightforward process because of the quick-release lever.
There’s also a rip fence, whose position you can adjust easily to improve your accuracy.
Pros
Cons
6. SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt 9-Inch Band Saw: Best for Beginners
For those just getting started on woodworking, finding a user-friendly benchtop bandsaw can be challenging. It is why SKIL designed one that’s tailored for this lot of workers.
To start with, the Skil 3386 Saw is not an overly large tool, which makes it easy to use and store. In terms of functionality, you’ll be investing in a highly reliable bandsaw. Though it’s less powerful than its bigger brothers, it doesn’t compromise on essential features and functions.
The saw is powered by a 2.5-amp motor, which runs on 120 volts, giving you a reasonable amount of power. The saw is a single-speed model, clocking in 2800 FPM.
Skil 3386 touts a throat capacity of 9 inches with a cutting capacity of 3 ½ inches. This allows you to make smooth cuts effortlessly. Plus, the saw has a relatively compact design, allowing you to mount it on a benchtop or stand for maximum stability.
While its 12 by 11 ¾-inch work table may not be the biggest, it offers you a sizable space for your pieces. We also like that the bandsaw includes a miter gauge and rip fence, which help to improve accuracy.
Lastly, the rack and pinion table is an excellent addition to Skil 3386. It lets you make quick adjustments to heights and angles. The manufacturer has also incorporated a LED work light to ensure that you have enough visibility to make smooth, accurate cuts.
Pros
Cons
7. Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw: Best for Professionals
Professional woodworkers need benchtop band saws that are reliable, stable, flexible, and durable. Grizzly Deluxe model checks all these boxes and more.
One of the most striking features of this bandsaw is its cast-iron wheels, which are computer-controlled. This makes it incredibly easy to improve the balance of the tool in case it’s off.
When you invest in this table top bandsaw, another thing you can expect is durability. The frame is made from cast iron, increasing its longevity. The manufacturer has also added powder-coated paint, which helps to prevent corrosion.
Design aside, the bandsaw is also fitted with a 110/220V 1HP motor, which delivers speeds of either 1800 or 3100 FPM. The table is a decent 14 by 14 inch, giving you plenty of space to work with. Best part? It can be tilted 10° to the left or 45° to the right, to achieve the perfect position for your cutting jobs.
Pros
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Wrap Up
Cutting curves in wooden blocks requires a versatile and capable piece of equipment like a benchtop bandsaw. It takes up a small space and offers the same features and functions you would find in a floor-standing model.
When looking for a benchtop bandsaw, start by assessing your cutting needs. Do you need one for heavy-duty projects or occasional light-cutting jobs?
Overall, the best benchtop bandsaw is the WEN 3959 model. It has a 2.5-amp motor, which spins the blade at a single speed of 2500 feet per minute.
The bandsaw is compatible with 59 ½-inch blades of ⅛ to ⅜-inch in size. The cuts you can expect from this tool will be 3 ½ inches deep with a width of about 9 inches. In addition, the bandsaw comes with a 2-year warranty and a couple of accessories, such as a miter gauge, dust port, extra blade, and rip fence.
However, if you're looking for a budget alternative, the Powertec BS900 saves you more money. Similarly, resawing projects are better handled by a bandsaw like Rikon 10 305.