Best Budget Bandsaw Reviews with Buying Guide 2023 | SawsPoint

A bandsaw (benchtop or tabletop) is a handy tool for personal and small-scale projects. Many people like woodwork hobbyists and artists benefit immensely from having the handy gadget in their garages or workshops. Although most bandsaws are portable, they still pack reliable power for cutting through a variety of materials.

Most bandsaws are used to cut woods, but some can cut through metal or plastic seamlessly. So whether you are an artist, a newbie, or a seasoned woodworker, you can find a budget-friendly bandsaw that would help you reach your dreams.

Finding the cheapest bandsaw can be both exciting and overwhelming to first-time buyers. However, you have no reason to worry. This article will cover a variety of budget-friendly bandsaws, tips for choosing the right bandsaw, and several commonly asked questions. By the time you are done reading the article, you will be confident enough to find the perfect bandsaw for you.

In short, Ryobi-BS904G is the best budget band saws available in the tools market that recommends by our saw tool experts. Besides this, WEN 3939T is for the best benchtop, Makita XBP03Z  is for the best cordless, and Milwaukee 2829-20 M18 is for the best fuel compact bandsaw where the budget is under $300. 

Buying Guide For Choosing The Best Bandsaw Within The Budget

Finding the right band saw (benchtop or tabletop) for your needs can be overwhelming with so many choices in the market. It can be even harder when you are on a tight budget, and you are looking for a reliable band saw. This guide seeks to give you some tips.

Know what to look for in a good benchtop bandsaw. Knowing what you need helps so that you get the most out of your limited budget. Do not go for the cheapest saw in the market, but the budget-friendly saw that would meet your sawing needs.

• Consider Your Projects

The kinds of projects you undertake can decide the type of saw you need. If you are working with sturdy wood or metal parts, you need a steady saw. You also need enough power to cut through the materials seamlessly. Heavy-duty projects may require expensive bandsaws to meet your needs. However, if you are handling light woods or do a few projects in a month, you can benefit from a cheap bandsaw. The type of projects you undertake will also determine the cutting depth of the saw you are looking to buy.

Besides, your projects can determine some crucial features like a rip fence, guided feeder, and work light, all of which contribute to precision cuts. You may need a machine that allows a certain level of maneuvering for projects with complicated designs. Overall, keep your project needs at the forefront of your mind when you are shopping for a saw. You can read the product reviews to find out if there are people with similar projects and how the product hold-up.

• Value for Price

You must find a good saw within your budget. However, sometimes you may have to spend more to get a saw that will meet your needs and last. It is pointless to buy a cheap saw that will break down as soon as you start a new project. Therefore, you need to weigh the purpose of the saw against the features that you get for each price. Don’t buy a cheap saw knowing well it won’t be able to handle your designs or workload.

• Power

A powerful motor can make a difference between a frustrating sawing session and a simple sawing session. Keep in mind the materials you will be sawing through as you make the buying decision. The more power you have, the easier it will be to cut through your stuff. Higher power save time because a low power machine will require more time to cut through wood or metal. It can be frustrating when you are excited about a new creation, and your saw is taking a long time to make the cuts you need. It won’t hurt to have high power on your bandsaw.

• The Blades and Ease In Changing

Different blades perform different jobs. It is essential to find a bandsaw that is compatible with a variety of blades, primarily if you work on a variety of projects. It can be frustrating when you realize you have a machine that is compatible with only one or two blades. Check out the sizes of the blades and find out whether you can buy extra blades in that size.

It is also crucial to ensure that the process of switching blades is easy. Imagine you have a project that requires you to use a variety of blades, but the process of switching is time-consuming. You will end up wasting a lot of time switching blades while you could be working on your project. Having a tool that allows you to change various blades with ease as well as make adjustments is useful and time-saving.

• Versatility

Being on a tight budget doesn’t mean you go for the most uncomplicated machine. A machine capable of several chores is better than one which does a single task. It is advisable to try and get as many features as possible on one machine. For example, find a cheap band saw that is easy to change blades, has a powerful motor, has a worktop that angles, comes with a rip fence, has multiple speeds, and so on. The more features you have, the more control and precision you wield while making cuts.

A versatile machine also allows you to explore a variety of projects, especially if woodworking is your hobby. You can try out a variety of woodwork projects like making birdhouses, DIY house projects, or designing toys. Whatever you choose, it helps to know you have a reliable saw at home.

• The Frame

A sturdy frame is an essential part of any worthy bandsaw. Most bandsaws are made of die-cast aluminum, steel, or cast iron, both of which are great choices. Cast iron is a bit heavier and more durable than aluminum and steel. Don’t buy a saw with a wooden or plastic frame because it won’t last. Most saws with metal frames have plastic components. It is essential to ensure the plastic components are minimal, and they are mostly knobs or other external parts. Plastic isn’t suitable for making any internal parts of the saw, especially when you intend to cut wood or metal.

How Do I Choose A Bandsaw?

Buying the right bandsaw is easy. You just need to focus on some essential factors. In this section, you will see the factors. It will answer the question:

Types of The Band Saw

As we said, there are two types of band saws in the market.

• Table Band Saw
• Compact Band Saw

First, you need to choose which one do you want? Table band saw or compact band saw?

For professional use, 14 inches table bandsaw is good. But for hobbies, it’s better to go for a compact size.

Checklists For Floor-Standing Bandsaw

When you go to buy a benchtop, remember these features to check.

• Throat size: It’s the space between the blades. This space will determine how large your machine can cut.
• Bevel adjustment: The more flexible bevel adjustment is, the better your work. It’s like tilting your machine can help you to make a more artistic cut. Usually, a 45-degree bevel is good.
• See for the accessories: A pretty good LED light can help you to see the object better. So, watch this sort of essentials before you buy.
• Blade: Don’t forget to follow our blade, choosing a guideline. This is essential to choose the right blade.

Checklists For Compact Bandsaw

Compact bandsaws include – cord and cordless versions. These two types have some major features to look at. Look at the checklists below.

• Durability: Compact bandsaws are made of a variety of elements. So, it’s essential to check the durability based on the parts. Here is the suggestion: always cross-check the plastics and metal. For metal, please see if the tool has rust resistance features.
• Battery: In recent years, some bandsaws could not sustain the market for their battery facilities. It’s because of sustaining for less time and low performance. So, the request is don’t chase if the battery is highly powerful. Check the overall performance.
• See the additional accessories: Like the benchtop bandsaw, the compact bandsaw also offers LED lights. Some manufacturers even offer variable speed which means fast cut with less time. Once again, it’s wise to check all the essentials.

Overall Checklist To Watch:

Now that you have got a thorough detail. Let’s see what last things you should not miss!

• Motor: Right motor can speed up your cutting even better. So look at the motor qualities. There are two types of motors: brushless and brushed motors. Both of them are rich in qualities. In consideration of quality and efficiency, It’s wise to go for a brushless motor.
• Blade tension: Average blade tension should be 15,000 to 20,000 psi. This tension is good enough to have a desired cut from the bandsaw. So, it’s essential to look at the blade tension before you punch your card.

By measuring the above rules, one can buy the right bandsaw. Now let’s move on to the next section where you will have gotten a complete idea about different types of band saw blades and their uses.

After reading the below guide, a newbie can easily choose the best bandsaw blades that fit with his/her band saw based on their woodworking projects.

Types of Band Saw Blades

There are Six types of bandsaw blades available on the market. These are:

• Hook Blade
• Regular Blade
• Skip Blade
• Wavy Blade
• Variable Blade
• Diamond Blade

Bandsaw blades are like the engine of the machine. So, one needs to know about it at best. If you are new in the bandsaw community, take a look at the six essential blade information that you need.

• Hook Blade

Olson Saw FB23193DB Hook Saw Blade

Most experts call this blade a beast. Why? For its look and cut. The blade looks like a regular hook but a bit curved. This curve has a 10 -degree undercut face.

To cut a sizeable-sized metal, wood, or thread, this 10-degree undercut is essential. That’s why this is a beast because it does not show mercy when it cuts the large size.

Cutting the large-sized piece usually takes time. But the hook blade reduces the time. Although it has accuracy issues, still it’s preferable for large cuts.

• Regular Blade

Olson Saw FB08593DB Regular Saw Blade

It’s clear that the hook blade has accuracy problems for its teeth. But there is good news for those who want uncompromising accuracy. Really!

Yes! It’s a regular blade. The teeth of this blade are straight-faced. As a result, it cuts each of the metal or wood pieces smoothly. Especially, the softwood and hardwood shape better with this blade.

So, for an accurate cut. There is nothing better than a regular blade. Even it’s a good choice for every new wood or metal worker.

• Skip Blade

Olson Saw FB14593DB Skip Saw Blade

Don’t get confused with the skip blade and hook. These two are different from each other though they look the same.

So, how do you differentiate them? Well, skip blades have zero rank angles with 90-degree angles. It is even sharper than a hook blade. But not a good finisher.

One can use this blade as the secondary cutter for large to medium pieces. But it’s better not to use it as primary because smooth finishing matters at the end.

• Wavy Blade

Lenox Classic Wavy Bandsaw Blade

The bandsaw comes with this blade. It’s a common blade for every bandsaw. The feature of this blade is as follows: thin and less spaced.

For these two major features, the blade is unanimously used to cut thin tubing sheets, and more thin stuff. The best part of this blade is, that it can reduce tooth stripping.

• Variable Blade

Lenox LXP Vari-Raker Band Saw Blade

This is completely a unique blade. It comes in two forms: teeth and pitch. The teeth blade is best for its vibration control. Now how can one get benefited from this blade?

Well, the vibration of a blade creates a negative impact on wood or metal finishing. It eventually results in a frustrating situation. But the variable blade can control the vibration. This means one can have a stress-free woodcutting experience.

Next, is the pitch blade: there is no big difference between the pitch and teeth blade. The pitch has a better vibration control than the teeth blade. That is the difference.

• Diamond Blade

KENT Diamond Band Saw Blade

One of the toughest blades so far is the diamond blade. The blade is largely used for cutting tough materials. Most of the time it is used to cut metal pieces.

Still, some experts are using it for better wood shaping. They said, “the best value bandsaw must have a diamond blade”. Don’t rely on the words. It’s better to focus on a comfortable cut. In that sense, the diamond should be the first choice to cut the toughest wood.

View the 5 Best Budget-Friendly Bandsaw Reviews in 2023

1. Ryobi Bandsaw – Best Tabletop Bandsaw

The Ryobi BS904G 9” band saw comes in an appealing green color. A bandsaw is a tabletop machine that is highly efficient for wood projects. It can cut through wood and aluminum seamlessly and effectively. The saw comes with a 2.5 amp motor, a tabletop, and it is made out of aluminum. The saw weighs 42.8 pounds, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space. The product comes with a key for the safety switch. The saw is portable, and you can move it to a different location, depending on your needs. The best part about the product is that it is affordable and offers high performance in comparison to the price.

The band saw comes in handy for home projects and small-scale projects. The frame is made of metal, which is highly durable. You can easily change the blades for different projects. Fine-tuning the blade height, angle, and the worktable may be a challenge at first. Over time, it will e easier to configure the machine to your desired settings. You need to assemble the saw from out of the box, which is simple when you know band saws.

However, if you don’t know how to assemble a bandsaw, it is better to use Google and find a manual. The manual that comes with the Ryobi BS904G 9″ bandsaw isn’t useful and has tiny images that are unreadable. Overall, the saw is worth it if you are looking for a cheap bandsaw that is suitable for light-duty work. You get amazing features like a sturdy table, a right blade, and a reliable motor.

2. POWERTEC Benchtop Bandsaw – Best Portable Bandsaw

 

The Powertec BS900 is a benchtop band saw that has several high-end features making it suitable for woodworking. The machine has an appealing design and weighs 44.1 pounds. The fact that the saw is portable allows you to transport it to your appropriate location easily. The machine is capable of handling detailing wood and producing beautiful designs.

It is made of metal and plastic, with metal being a significant component. The bandsaw has a miter gauge to allow precise cuts. You can assemble and fine-tune the bandsaw into various configurations without any challenges. You can adjust the height, the table, and the rack for accurate cuts.

The table can be tilted up to 45 degrees for easy maneuvering or to accommodate more prominent pieces. A steady motor of 2.5 amps powers the gorgeous machine, and it doesn’t fail the bandsaw comes with several blades to facilitate different cuts and designs. Powertec has installed a patented blade guard system to ensure safety when the user changes the cutting depth. You don’t have to worry about sawdust, and you can use the dust port to dispose of any sawdust conveniently. It doesn’t come with a dust collection bag, but you can buy one and attach it to the dust port.

The tool is useful for lightweight jobs or hobbyists. It can cut through narrow wood planks seamlessly, but it isn’t suitable for metals. You can use it to make bows, birdhouses, or musical instruments. Having several blades makes it an excellent option for detailing and making curves on wood.

3. General International Band Saw – Best Cheap Bandsaw

The General International BS5105 bandsaw weighs only 30 pounds making it portable to various workstations. It has a beautiful design and attractive red color. It has a steady 2.5 amp motor, which is sturdy and reliable for prolonged use. The bandsaw is made with cast aluminum and rubber-coated aluminum wheels. The table is easy to tilt whenever necessary. The product comes in a box as parts, and the assembly process is simple. There is a manual guide for assembly and use for first-time users. You need to fine-tune the blade and table to your suitable configurations, which is straightforward.

There is a removable on and off switch, which comes with a key to avoid injuries. There is a dust coat that is 1 inch wide. You have to buy a collection bag to attach to the port to make clean-up quick. The process of changing blades is straightforward, and you will be able to adjust the edge to suit your needs. You can enjoy a well-lit work table from the LED light. The light makes it easier to do intricate designs and achieve clean cuts.

The blade is suitable for cutting wood up to 3.5” as well as lightweight materials like PVC pipes. The machine isn’t ideal for cutting metal or high-pilled wood. You can do some DIY projects around the home or simple DIY art projects.

4. ShopSeries Band Saw – Best Lightweight BandSaw

The Shop series RK7453 is a lightweight saw that comes with many amazing features like an adjustable work light at the top of the table. The saw is made of metal and has several plastic parts like knobs. It is a benchtop work tool and has an appealing design that looks amazing in any workshop. The die-cast aluminum work table can tilt up to 45 degrees giving the user more flexibility. It comes with a switch key to prevent accidents when turning the machine on and off. The machine has a micro-adjustable rack to allow the user to make tiny adjustments when the need occurs.

Also, the benchtop tool has a pinion blade guard that significantly improves the precision of cuts. The Shop series RK7453 bandsaw comes with a 2-year limited warranty for workmanship and defects. Therefore, you can return the bandsaw if it comes with broken parts or doesn’t work as advertised. The saw weighs 42 pounds, making it portable from one location to the next. It has a parallel guide for the blade during straight cuts. It also comes with a miter gauge and a quick blade tension adjustment guide.

However, the bandsaw doesn’t have a user manual on how to assemble the pieces upon arrival. It may be challenging for someone without a working knowledge of bandsaws to assemble the Shop series RK7453 out of the box. Overall, the saw is suitable for minor home renovations like cutting laminate and veneer. It is also a good option for a woodwork hobbyist.

5. Genesis Band Saw- Best Affordable Bandsaw

The Genesis GBS900 is a decent enough saw for some light-duty cutting of metal and wood. It works best on wood, but with the right blade, you can cut metals with it. You can buy a variety of blades for different purposes if you work with different materials. The saw itself weighs 40 pounds making it easy to move but heavy enough to stand on its own. You can opt to bolt it down to keep it steadier when you work. The bandsaw won’t take up much space in your workshop. It comes with a 2-year warranty and has a built-in dust port.

You don’t have to buy a collection bag to attach to the dust port as it comes with one. It makes it easy to clean up sawdust after working. The table is made of cast aluminum, tilts up to 45 degrees, has a rack and pinion adjustment option. A 2.2 amp motor runs the machine, which comes with a miter gauge and a rip fence for precision cuts. The parts always arrive in perfect condition, and the assembly process is simple and straightforward. You won’t find any broken or missing parts after delivery when you want to assemble the bandsaw.

The Genesis GBS900 saw is an excellent option for lightweight work and a tight budget. It is a good saw and comes at an affordable price. It can be useful in DIY and woodwork hobbies.

View The 3 Best Band Saw Under 300 Reviews In 2023

Don’t waste your $300 behind an inappropriate bandsaw. I have a better solution. Read these three reviews because I won’t promise you the “big deal” you will get what you pay for. So, read the best part of these products.

1. WEN 3939T Benchtop Band Saw – Best Cheap Bandsaw

Starting with the WEN. You know WEN has a good reputation in the market for the cheapest bandsaw. Their product ensures three important features. Trust me! Nobody said these before.

And the first one is less wastage. The motor rotation is smooth and ensures a smooth cut without wasting. This means fewer chips with an efficient cut.

The second is safety. And WEN meets all the essential safety requirements from the US Government. To know more about safety, I prefer to go for the reviews. Here is one thing before you go: The blade guard of this product is different from others.

Thirdly the performance. With a 9.5amp motor, WEN shapes better than its competitors. Is that all you need for punching your card? No! 

Here is the information about WEN 3939T:

• Adjustable blades with a variety of sizes
• Mitre gauge and dust ports are solid
• Wide blade size (⅜ inches)
• A small window to know the blade tension

2. Makita XBP03Z Cordless Band Saw – Best Compact Band Saw

Better than the earlier one in terms of portability. Yes! I am writing about Makita. They invented a super-duper cordless bandsaw for smooth cutting.

Here is what Makita offers. It offers speed aluminum cutting which is better than the trendy market bandsaw. Want to know why? Okay! The BP03 model has a maximum blade speed of around 630ft.

Within this limit, it can cut any aluminum thread. No doubt about that statement -because the manufacturer is shown in the innovation fair live!

Not only that, but this cordless saw can also even cut copper pipes and more. So, why are you leaving all of your money behind a big guy? Because you need more information.

Here is the information about Makita XBP03Z.

• Aluminum blade for durability.
• Material stupor plate for accuracy.
• Tool-less blade changer.

3. Milwaukee 2829-20 M18 FUEL Compact Band Saw

Milwaukee is a perfect competitor of Makita. It’s because of its two unique features. One is the brushless motor; the next one is the overload protection. Here are the real-time user experience of those two unique features:

Brushless motor ensures fast cutting than Makita. It does not compromise in the sense of smoothness. Each of the cuts is fine-tuned.

The next one is overload protection. Milwaukee used the advanced Redlink Plus intelligence for overload protection and performance. Users will feel the speed in every cut.

And these two features have created the bandsaw unique from Makita. Now, let’s check out the features of Milwaukee 2829-20 M18 at a glance:

• Large and deep cut capacity.
• Adjustable blade.
• Blade teeth are better than Makita.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

Time to answer some common questions for beginners. Let’s take a deep reading together.

1. What size bandsaw should I buy?

We all know there are two types of bandsaw: floor standing and unit. Floor-standing has a larger space than the unit. The motor size and performance are large. On the other hand, Unit bandsaws are opposite of the floor-stand type. So, the recommendation is the requirement.

If you are a hobbyist, Unite is the best choice. But for professional work, it’s wise to pick the floor-standing. It might be a bit costly, but eventually, pay you off.

2. What are band saws used for?

The use of bandsaw is diversified. There is no specification of its use, but for readers’ convenience, these are the five uses that most of the workers prefer:

• A bandsaw is used for cutting circles and curves. Although jigsaw can do the same, bandsaw cuts better than that because of its control.
• Resawing the pieces. It means bandsaw is best to cut large pieces into equal shapes. No matter how large or tough, the machine will make it compatible for future work.
• Cutting the notches is another best use of the bandsaw. There is no saw that can cut well then like it. For example, a jigsaw keeps the mark of its cut at the end. But bandsaw will not keep any mark of it.
• Book matching the wood or metal pieces. It’s like splitting the wood or metal piece like “opening a book” Most of the time, the measurement does not meet. But the bandsaw keeps the measure and shapes it better.
• The last one is repurposing the wood. A bandsaw can revive any leftover wood with its blade. And that is what is repurposing. Look! There are so many wood pieces that are wasted every time during work. It cannot be utilized properly for not having proper tools. So, the bandsaw can save wastage.

3. What is a Benchtop Bandsaw?

A benchtop bandsaw is a power tool used to cut wood and metal. They are suitable for small home projects like DIYs. The Benchtop bandsaws are smaller versions of commercial saws ideal for hobbyists and woodworkers. Even though the bandsaws have a lower capacity, they are still powerful and useful home tools. Most benchtop band saws are portable and weigh less than 100 pounds on average.

They take up a small space and can be stored in a garage or a home workshop. They are also cheaper than their commercial counterparts, making them affordable for individual use. Most benchtop bandsaws boast some impressive features for their price tags.

4. How safe are Bandsaws?

Bandsaws are risky when you don’t have experience using them. most bandsaws come with security features like a blade guard, a blade tracking window, and a removable start key. You can reduce the risk by wearing protective gear and learning how to properly handle a bandsaw.

However, once you learn how to properly feel materials into the saw and take precautions, a bandsaw isn’t that risky. The key is staying alert at all times when operating a bandsaw to prevent injuries.

5. Where can I buy the Best Bandsaws?

You can find the best brands and the best prices for bandsaws online. You can browse through a wide variety of bandsaws and choose the one that meets your needs. You are likely to get amazing discounts from online stores.

Also, you spend time and money that you would have paid to go to a hardware store. Online shops do deliveries right to your doorstep on time, making it an enjoyable shopping experience. Why go to a store while you find the best from the comfort of your home?

6. How do I take care of my Bandsaw?

Most bandsaws come with a helpful user manual that states how you should take care of the saw. You need to clean the saw after use and dispose of any sawdust. You have to sharpen the blades frequently to ensure they cut precisely and efficiently. You also need to do an inspection once in a while. Do a check on which parts are worn out and need replacement. You also have to oil any parts that require oil for consistent performance.

Also, you need to replace the blades when they wear off if you use your bandsaw frequently. It may take a while for the blades to wear when you rarely use the bandsaw.

7. Which is a better table saw or bandsaw?

This question needs a clear answer. For that, let’s look at the pros and cons of both saws.

Band Saw:

Table Saw:

8. What are the applications of a benchtop bandsaw?

A benchtop bandsaw is a useful tool for cutting plywood, planks of softwood and hardwood, laminate, veneer, and some metals. It is a handy tool for home improvement DIY projects, woodwork hobbies, small-scale wood projects, or artwork. The best part about benchtop bandsaws is that they are inexpensive and still offer value for money.

Final Word

You don’t have to spend a lot to get the perfect bandsaw for your personal use. Even though they are not as powerful as commercial saws, you can enjoy some decent power for your DIY projects.

You can find the perfect bandsaw for you without spending a lot of energy. Hopefully, the reviews and tips above will help you make an informed buying decision.

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