Best Benchtop Bandsaw: In this post, I would be walking you through the various aspects of a benchtop bandsaw to help you make an informed buying decision.
Moreover, I’ll also throw light on important parameters that you must NOT ignore when it comes to buying a “value for money” benchtop bandsaw.
Lastly, I would be responding to the queries related to the “benchtop bandsaw” so that all your doubts are cleared before you make a purchase decision.
Does it make sense?
If that is the case, then I would request you to do me a favor.
Wait, I’m NOT AT ALL asking for something that you can afford.
All you need to do is to respond to a couple of questions that I’m gonna ask you in a while.
Are you READY for the ride?
So, which is your favorite benchtop bandsaw brand?
Secondly, how much are you willing to spend on your favorite benchtop bandsaw?
Are you a first-time buyer?
Do you read prefer reading product reviews before buying a high-value product such as a benchtop bandsaw?
What Is The Best Benchtop Bandsaw For Resawing?
Frankly speaking, all the benchtop bandsaws that were made to our list are of high quality and worth the investment.
We’ve mentioned the top performers in the tabular format.
Best Benchtop Bandsaw | Comparison Chart
Products
Features
Check Current Price On Amazon
Rikon 10-305
(Best Table Top Bandsaw)
- Weighs 75.8 lbs
- 1/3 HP motor
- 5-year warranty
$$$
WEN 3975T
(Best Benchtop Metal Bandsaw)
- Weighs 54.6 lbs
- 4.5 amp motor
- 125-260 FPM speed
$$$
WEN 3962
(Best Table Top Bandsaw)
- Weighs 73 lbs
- 3.5 amp motor
- 1481-3280 FPM speed
$$$
SKIL 3386-01
(Best Small Benchtop Bandsaw)
- Weighs 16.51 lbs
- 2800 SFPM speed
- 2.5 amp motor
$$$
Grizzly G0555XH
(Best Industrial Benchtop Bandsaw)
- 1.75 HP motor
- 3000 FPM speed
$$$
Best Benchtop Bandsaw For Resawing & Metal Cutting
To be honest, the market is flooded with benchtop bandsaw brands and models and each brand has its own claim of being superior.
So, in such a scenario, things can literally mess up and you might end up buying the wrong product if you’re not well informed about the various aspects of the product.
Well, I along with my team of woodworkers, have been helping individuals as well as corporates with their projects and product recommendation.
Cutting long-story-short, let’s have an in-depth discussion on some of the best benchtop bandsaws available on the market.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw With Fence | Top-Rated Benchtop Bandsaw For Resawing
The first benchtop that made it to our list is none other than the Rikon 10-305 which is a 10-inch bandsaw and comes with a fence.
Well, this little chap could be a perfect fit for you ONLY IF you’re looking for a benchtop bandsaw for your small woodworking shop or your hobbyist project.
Just for your information, the Rikon 10-305 comprises a decent motor that is capable enough to take care of your small to medium woodworking projects.
Definitely, the benchtop model is robust and stable, and the credit goes to the frame which is made of steel and NOT plastic.
In short, you can expect this little beast to last longer.
At the same time, the steel frame makes the bandsaw heavier and so it might not be as portable as some other benchtop models on our list.
It includes a large cast-iron table that is capable of accommodating large workpieces without any hassle.
Furthermore, the worktable is strong and can handle a good amount of pressure with ease.
On top of it, the dust port can help you in making the worktable free from dust and debris by connecting the machine to an effective dust collection system.
Though Rikon 10-305 comes with rip fences still it allows you to do free handwork as the fences are removable.
With a 1/3 HP motor and table tilting capability up to 45 degrees, the 10-305 is bound to deliver high performance.
But, like other benchtop bandsaws for woodworking models, it also has a downside.
Well, you guessed it RIGHT.
The stand and miter gauge aren’t included and you’ll have to buy them separately.
Features
- 35.5 x 18 x 13 inches product dimensions
- Weighs approximately 75 lbs
- 1/3 HP motor
- 4-5/8-Inch re-saw capacity
- 2-1/2-Inch dust port
Pros
- Best benchtop bandsaw model for small shop owners and hobbyists
- Stable and durable
- User-friendly and smooth operation
- Include rip fence and table tilting feature
- Comprises a spacious and durable worktable
- Best Table Top Bandsaw
Cons
- Stand and miter gauge aren’t included
WEN 3975T Benchtop Band Saw | Best Benchtop Bandsaw For Metal Cutting
In my last post, I talked about some of the best bandsaws for woodworkers, and want to share with your folks that I REALLY got a great response.
Thank you for trusting and believing in us.
But, tell me honestly, how many of you’ve ever used a bandsaw for cutting metal?
The WEN 3975T is one of the best benchtop metal-cutting bandsaws that you can use for cutting a wide range of metals without any hassle.
Frankly speaking, the model is packed with superlative features that you’ll definitely cherish when using 3975T.
Personally, I loved the way the benchtop model is designed and it definitely makes the entire cutting process easy and smooth.
Even design adds to the easy transportation of the bandsaw.
Needless to say, the portable benchtop bandsaw can be used at both your workstation as well as home shop.
With a powerful 4.5 amp motor and 125 to 260 FPM, the bandsaw is bound to deliver high performance irrespective of the type of materials you’re using.
Furthermore, the beveling feature of the machine allows you to expedite angular cuts from zero to 60 degrees.
On the downside, the benchtop model might not be the best choice for straight cuts.
So, what are you waiting for?
Features
- Comes with adjustable speeds that help the machine to cut a wide range of metals
- Uniquely designed, compact, and portable
- Weighs 54.6 lbs
- 29.5 x 18.82 x 15.91 inches product dimensions
- Capable of making 45-degree cuts up to 3-1/8 inches in diameter for circular material
- 4.5 amp motor
Pros
- One of the best benchtop metal-cutting bandsaws
- The entire cutting process is smooth and hassle-free
- High-quality benchtop model
- Comprises of a powerful 4.5 amp motor
Cons
- Might not be the best choice in case your projects mostly involve straight cuts
WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw | Best Benchtop Bandsaw On A Budget
Yes, you heard it RIGHT!
This is the second benchtop bandsaw for the woodworking model from WEN that was made to our list.
The WEN 3962 could be a perfect choice if you’re dealing with small, medium, and large projects as it comes with all the ingredients needed for expediting the cutting with ease.
On the other hand, 3962 might not be the perfect choice if you’re dealing with a heavy-duty project.
Not only does it come with a powerful 3.5 amp motor but also has a two-speed setting to help you expedite the cutting process smoothly even though you’re a newbie.
As per your project’s requirement, you can choose the blade speed between 1520 and 2620 FPM.
On top of it, the table can be tilted up to 45 degrees so you don’t have to worry at all about angled cuts.
Furthermore, it includes ball bearing construction that NOT ONLY enhances the stability of the benchtop model but also improves the life span.
No need to worry anymore about the dust and debris as the 3-in-1 dust port would help you in connecting to an effective dust collection system.
Since it comes with a work light so you don’t have to worry at all about the dim light working conditions.
Features
- Weighs 73 lbs
- 20 x 25 x 58 inches product dimensions
- 3.5 amp powerful motor
- Includes 25-inch stand
- Onboard measuring guide
- Two speeds: 1520 or 2620 FPM
Pros
- Comprises a powerful motor to help you in expediting the cutting process smoothly
- 3-in-1 dust port to help you clear the dust and debris by connecting to an effective dust collection system
- Capable of expediting angular cuts
- Robust construction and highly stable benchtop bandsaw model
Cons
- Some users have complained about the quality of the miter gauge
SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt 9-Inch Band Saw with Light | Best Benchtop Bandsaw For Small Workshops
So, here bring to you one of the smallest benchtop bandsaws for woodworking available on the market.
But, since it is small in size, it doesn’t mean that it is an inferior benchtop model.
In fact, the SKIL 3386-01 is a unique benchtop model designed to cater to the needs of a particular segment.
The 9-inch benchtop bandsaw could be a great fit if you own a small workshop and mostly deals with softwood-like materials.
In spite of the machine being cost-effective, superlative features such as rip fence and miter gauge are inculcated to help you achieve optimum results.
On top of it, the 3386-01 is capable of making straight and accurate cuts.
Even it can cut irregular cuts with ease.
With a 2.5 amp motor and 2800 SFPM, the benchtop model is bound to suffice your small-size woodworking projects requirement with ease.
The benchtop bandsaw for woodworking is highly portable which is clearly visible from the 16 pounds weight that it carries.
The worktable can be adjusted to make angular cuts.
Moreover, the 1-1/2 inch dust port does a great job when it comes to tackling dust and debris after expediting the cutting process.
The LED light would tackle the dim light condition in an effective way.
In spite of the features that the SKIL 3386-01 comes with, I wouldn’t recommend it for heavy-duty projects at all.
Features
- Weighs approximately 16 pounds
- Corded electric power source
- 31.15 x 16.25 x 12.75 inches product dimensions
- 9-inches throat capacity
- 12 x 11-3/4 Inches table dimensions
Pros
- Lightweight and portable best small benchtop bandsaw model
- Affordable
- Comprises of rip fence to expedite straight and accurate cuts with ease
- Comes with a 2.5 amp motor and 2800 SFPM to help you tackle small and medium-sized projects effectively
- LED light to tackle the dim light working conditions in an optimum way
Cons
- Not a perfect choice for heavy-duty projects
Grizzly Industrial G0555XH – 14″ Extreme Series Resaw Bandsaw | Best Benchtop Bandsaw For Resawing
The last benchtop model that we reviewed was the smallest one on our list, and the reason is quite simple, most of my clientele inquire about similar models.
However, if you’re not one of those and your requirement is for a large benchtop bandsaw model then I’ve got a high-quality and extremely effective bandsaw for you.
Not only did our clientele have given great feedback about this product but also some of the readers of the power tool niche website have appreciated my effort.
The Grizzly G0555XH is a beast in the real sense.
It comprises a very powerful 1.75 HP motor which is capable of a delivery speed of 3000 FPM.
On top of it, the beast comprises a spacious and robust worktable that easily accommodates the larger workpiece.
You would be delighted to know that the benchtop model allows you to resaw materials that are up to 12 inches thick, interesting, isn’t it?
Trust me, whether you’re an experienced woodworker or you’re just starting out, this little beast would help you to expedite the entire cutting process without any hassle.
The G0555XH is known for its precision and accuracy and the brand Grizzly has time and again proved its mettle.
To tackle the problem of vibration during the cutting process effectively, the Grizzly benchtop model comprises computer-balanced wheels.
The cast-iron frame enhances stability and ensures that the machine lasts longer.
Angular cuts can be done with ease as the worktable can tilt up to 45 degrees.
The only downside that I find with this benchtop model is that it is quite expensive and everyone will not be able to afford it.
But, it’s rightly said, luxury comes with a price.
Features
- CSA Certified – Made in an ISO 9001 factory
- Includes 4″ dust port
- Resaw capacity of 12″
- 3000 FPM blade speed
- Weighs 337 lbs
- A maximum cutting height of 12″
- 16-1/8″ x 21-3/4″ x 1-1/2″ table size
- 1.75 HP, 110V/220V powerful motor
- 5° left, 45° right table tilting ability
Pros
- Best Industrial Benchtop Bandsaw
- Perfect for heavy-duty projects
- Capable of expediting angular cuts due to the tilting nature of the worktable
- Robust construction and vibrates less
- Comprises a very powerful motor to help you expedite the cutting process without any hassle
Cons
- Expensive
Buyer’s Guide
I highly suggest you shouldn’t skip this section as we would be discussing some of the important parameters from the buying perspective.
Without wasting any time, let’s have a quick look at these parameters.
Power
Definitely, the power of a benchtop bandsaw is of utter importance as it helps you to decide what type of projects you can handle as well as the types of materials that you can cut.
Frankly speaking, you don’t need an extremely powerful motor to cut materials such as plastic, softwood, etc.
On the other hand, cutting thick metals such as stainless steel would definitely require a very powerful motor.
Cutting long-story-short, most of the benchtop bandsaw comes with a 1 HP motor and that’s good enough to deal with small to mid-size projects.
Correct me, if I’m wrong.
I always suggest my clientele refrain from buying any benchtop model that comprises a motor that is less than 1 HP.
Similarly, if you’re dealing with heavy-duty projects then nothing would be a good bet less than a 2 HP motor.
Moreover, the unit used to measure the speed is Feet per Minute (FPM).
Needless to say, the more the FPM the faster the bandsaw would rotate per minute.
Ease Of Use
Well, I wouldn’t deny the fact that ease of use plays a crucial role when it comes to buying a benchtop bandsaw.
It goes without saying that the bandsaw comes in different shapes and sizes but what really matters is the user experience.
People look for the benchtop model that has user-friendly control panels and features, and I hope the same holds true with you as well.
Even sometimes accessories that come with the benchtop model are also evaluated by buyers like me and to find the product that not only suffices our project requirement but also falls under the “value for money” category.
For example, a benchtop bandsaw model that comes with accessories and additional features such as a light lamp, rip fences, etc would definitely grab your eyeballs.
Similarly, user-friendly features such as an adjustable rack and table, adjustable speed, etc would give the user an idiosyncratic experience.
Teeth Per Inch (TPI)
Well, TPI is popularly known as pitch and can be defined as the number of teeth in an inch.
It goes without saying that TPI is an important buying parameter and is capable of drastically influencing the buying decision.
To be honest, there are different types of teeth that a bandsaw blade can have – coarse, medium, and fine.
You should be very careful while selecting the blade as it could directly impact your machine performance.
In case, you’re just starting out and not sure about the correct way of doing the blade selection, then allow me to help you.
If you’ll select a coarse bandsaw blade then it will cut faster but the finish would be rougher.
On the other hand, if you’ll select a finer blade then the cut would be more precise, smoother, and cleaner.
In other words, coarse bandsaw blades are good for thicker materials, and the finer ones would do well with thinner materials.
Portability
It might be possible that you don’t need a portable bandsaw as you don’t have to move it frequently, and if that is the case, you can skip this section.
However, it’s always good to buy a portable benchtop bandsaw model as it will give you the flexibility to work both inside the garage as well as outside without any hassle.
Needless to say, the lightweight benchtop models are more portable than their industrial counterparts, and I hope you’ll also have a similar view, right?
In layman’s terms, it totally depends on what type of benchtop model would cater to your needs and if there is any possibility to buy a portable benchtop model then definitely go for it.
Material of the Frame
The material of the frame matters a lot as it can directly influence the stability, vibration, and longevity of the benchtop model.
In the market, mainly you’ll find bandsaws either made of plastic frames or steel frames.
The bandsaw that comes with a plastic frame is lightweight, portable, and cost less.
But, on the downside, they vibrate more and can break easily.
On the other hand, a benchtop model with a metal frame is more stable, vibrates less, and lasts long.
Of course, they are more expensive and the price is justified seeing the value that the metal frame brings to the table.
Blade Guard and Tensioning System
I’m damn sure that if you would’ve used bandsaw in the fact then definitely you would be aware of the fact that they are literally dangerous and you can’t afford to be casual at all.
So, here comes the importance of safety measures and safety features, and I highly recommend to my clientele to NOT compromise on the safety features.
A blade guard is definitely that one feature that will enhance safety measures to a great extent as it minimizes the contact between your body and the saw.
And, as a result, it drastically reduces the probability of any mishap.
Similarly, the blade tensioning system is yet another feature that you should look for in your best benchtop bandsaw, and it securely holds the blade in one position and thus prevents the bandsaw blade from slipping as well as jumping.
Needless to say, an unsecured blade would easily jump off its position and might create trouble for you.
Warranty
I’m sorry to say but it’s true that people don’t take warranty seriously.
At least, I can say this because a lot of my clients have done the same mistake in the past.
Always look for the benchtop bandsaw model that comes with a longer warranty as it simply shows the confidence of the brand in its offering.
FAQs
Let’s have a quick look at some of the frequently asked queries related to the benchtop bandsaw.
Are benchtop bandsaws worth it?
Well, it’s worth your investment as it will not only help you to complete your project in less time but also enhance the final outcome.
The benchtop bandsaws are highly accurate and give a precise result.
Almost, all the benchtop models that we discussed so far are highly durable and last long.
Do benchtop bandsaws come with wheels?
There is no hard and fast rule as such.
Some benchtop bandsaw models come with wheels while other doesn’t.
Depending upon your requirement, you can select the one that caters best to your needs.
If you’ve to move your benchtop model very frequently then the bandsaw with wheel would be the correct fit for you as it will more portability easy.
How do I maintain my benchtop bandsaw?
Maintaining a benchtop bandsaw isn’t a tedious task at all.
All you need to do is to clean the machine after each use and also unplug it to avoid any unprecedented situation.
Moreover, use your benchtop bandsaw only for the tasks it is meant to perform.
For example, using a small benchtop bandsaw model for a heavy-duty project that involves very thick materials would only end up in a mishap or malfunctioning of your little beast.
It’s A Wrap
First of all, I and my team would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
To be honest, I and my woodworking colleagues have put a lot of effort into testing a lot of benchtop bandsaw models before coming out with some of the best products for you.
I can affirm that all the benchtop models that made it to our list are of high quality and you’ll never regret investing in them.
In case, you’ve not found your favorite benchtop bandsaw, then do let us know in the comment section.
Frankly speaking, if you’re looking for the best benchtop bandsaw for your home or small shop use then definitely, the models that we’ve reviewed are among the best in the market.
However, I’ll not deny the fact that the final call is yours.
Moreover, do let us how will you rate our benchtop bandsaw review post on a scale of 1 to 5 with the latter being the best.
Lastly, share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of a benchtop bandsaw buying guide.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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