Best band saws according to redditors
We found 55 Reddit comments discussing the best band saws. We ranked the 34 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 55 Reddit comments discussing the best band saws. We ranked the 34 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Hmm.. I've run into this problem before. Did you turn it off and turn it back on? If that doesn't work buy this model plane and use this bandsaw to carefully remove the wings. After that use some good ol' multipurpose duct tape to attach the wings to your tabular device. Then, make it rain with some Red Bull, pour it directly on the device (remeber Red Bull gives you wings, the other wings are just a trap). Now turn on airplane mode and release your device from a ten story building.
My experience: 10/10 would do again
And if for some reason your dick gets ripped off because of unclear instructions just use the duct tape you purchased to put it back together.
TL:DR Duct tape fixes everything
That's as good of a deal as you're going to get on that WEN. It just dropped to that price for the second time this week and I just bought oe myself. https://camelcamelcamel.com/WEN-3962-Two-Speed-Stand-Worklight/product/B016VD8GAA?active=price_amazon
Someone in this sub posted a quick review last week, too: https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/67nna6/wen_3962_bandsaw_initial_setup_and_review/
Hammer.
Just kidding. But other than that, if you want a decent line cut, a tile saw is probably the most reasonably-priced option. I have access to a number of Buehler Isomet sample saws, which have diamond blades, but carbide would work for calcite because it is so soft. If you graduate up to agate or quartz... definitely find a diamond impregnated blade though. I've used a diamond band saw before as well, which are sweet for curves.
If you are trying to cut intricate shapes you probably want to use a coping saw if you are doing it by hand or maybe a jigsaw if you want a power tool.
If you are going to be doing a lot of cutting small shapes going forward you might even want to look at a bandsaw or a scroll saw.
the "normal" bandsaw for home shops is a 14" import, sold by everyone under the sun. However, even the Harbor Freight version is above your price range.
That means you're looking for either a 9-10" benchtop version, or a used 14" on Craigslist. You're definitely better off with the used one; the benchtop ones just aren't much good. You may have to give a used one some TLC, but it's worth doing; even a new one will require some tuning to work well.
This one is availible and is rated as #1 in this top 5 list
Anyone own the DeWalt version? I've been thinking about buying one for awhile now.
Yes there is. Two or three of my coworkers have them. Used one just yesterday on the job. Been waiting for this exact item to make the switch to 20v.
Edit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IYB0O44/
That one might be a touch more than 1k!
I was thinking more along the lines of this one https://www.amazon.com/Laguna-Tools-MBAND1412-175-Bandsaw-Black/dp/B00J3PKHX8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506299949&sr=8-1&keywords=Laguna+1412
Don't see a link in your post to a particular saw but I think the consensus is generally that WEN is Harbor Freight quality or worse. Sometimes you get lucky but it's a risk. Judging by the lone review of this saw on Amazon I'd steer clear and go for one of the many "Delta style" 14" bandsaws (a Grizzly with riser block would give you 3 more inches of resaw capacity at about the same price as the saw I linked above).
There was a WEN bandsaw review post on here not too long ago for their 10" bandsaw. At the time, I think it was just under $200, looks like it went up in price since then. The post was pretty positive about the saw: good features, good quality - for the price. For that price, don't expect a lot, but its a good bang for your buck tool.
I'm considering buying a bandsaw and a spindle sander in the near future. WEN makes both of these, and if I were to buy new, I would probably buy these. However, I would starting by lurking craigslist first.
Haha thanks! It's a POWERTEC BS900 Band Saw, 9-Inch that was a gift. This project was actually the first time using it--I don't have a jigsaw, so I used it to cut the bottom shelf notches.
I think the next thing I will build will be a standalone base for it, perhaps with drawers if I get really confident! Starting to think about designs for that, now.
The first one I bought was a 9 incher and it wasn't exactly great. I then spent a little bit more for the 10 inch WEN - it's been great. the fence is... we'll you're only spending 300 ish bucks... but it HAS a fence, and the base is pretty decent.
If you can swing a little more on your budget, I highly recommend it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016VD8GAA/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have a decent older tablesaw sturdy contractor grade, but it's fence is shot so I would likely invest in some form of decent fence system for it assuming around $200-350
I would spend the rest on cutting tools for the lathe... still not sold on Carbide as a sole cutting solution.
Since I have nothing and have been shopping lately... Also assuming the products were actually available for purchase.
I outsource laser or waterjet cutting. In-house I prefer to hog away with a 36-grit belt and/or use a portaband mounted in a Swag Offroad table.
For a couple hundred more, Rikon has more resaw capacity and a larger motor. I've not used it, but if I hadn't been given an older Delta, I probably would have gotten it.
This
I am in a similar situation. I have also been looking at the Jet 14" Deluxe and the Rikon 14" Deluxe. Also, I found a 14" Delta with an upgraded motor and riser block on Craigslist that I am looking at tomorrow. Best of luck!
This one ? - 'Cause that's what I have.
Too big?
WEN 3975T 4-7/8-inch x 5-inch Metal-Cutting Benchtop Band Saw https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VK2DYRB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LE3NDbCT470AQ
Great question. I have a Jet horizontal bandsaw that I bought for the exhaust. If I could do it all over again I wouldn't have bought this tool - I thought it would be way better but clamping the work is a huge pain in the ass and it doesn't perform great as a vertical bandsaw.
I probably would spend less and buy an evolution cold saw with a quality stainless blade.
I also bought a portable bandsaw to cut the transmission tabs and do some other home projects, which I ended up using quite a bit for an of the larger angle cuts.
Definitely have to use a mechanical cutter and not an abrasive method for stainless.
I own and recommend the WEN 3962. It's got a full 6" resaw capacity, same as a 14" saw, and it has a 2-speed pulley to get the best of the small motor. And the price is a complete steal; it even comes with the stand.
So, I've been using this 1x30 WEN grinder with some modifications (I made a bigger working surface, cut away some of the frame to give me access to the back of the belt, and have done a few other minor things here and there) and I've been pretty impressed with it. Don't get me wrong, I'd do just about anything to get a 2x72... well... except pay for one, I guess? lol
As for a bandsaw, I'm using a really old (50s or 60s?) Craftsman 12" bandsaw that I inherited from my grandfather but, if I were buying one today and were looking for a budget model, I'd be really tempted to try outthe 9" WEN Benchtop version (just because I've bought a few tools from them now and I really don't have any complaints, especially considering that they're a fraction of the cost of just about anything else out there) or, I might spend a bit more and go with this 9" Benchtop Grizzly. The main difference I see is the fence and mitre sled slots; those could be useful but, almost everything I do on my bandsaw is freehand.
Now, all of that is entry level equipment. If you were asking about what I'd buy if money wasn't a factor we'd be talking about very different equipment but, that's the budget stuff that I'd check out ;) Best of luck!
The model that is shown does not have an enclosed ignition arc, because it's an inverter cutter. It would therefore would do less to your blister pack than the scissors. I think this would probably be your best bet.
I'm also looking at these 2 Rikons
http://www.amazon.com/Rikon-Power-Tools-10-321-14-Inch/dp/B00D6FSBZM/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1398733689&sr=1-2&keywords=rikon+10-321+bandsaw
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020041/18855/Rikon-14-Deluxe-Bandsaw-Model-10-325.aspx
Can't decide if the difference in resawing thickness is worth the extra $300.... and I want my bandsaw to be on a mobile base as well.... so any input is appreciated...
A Band Saw
If you liked the band saw but thought it was too bulky, you should try the Sub Compact Band Saw
It's a third of the size and is just big enough to cut deep strut.
That's the perfect usage for a plasma.
I got the plasma before the bandsaw and realized I mostly need bandsaw for my usage. Cutting tubes and angle iron and the like.
https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6232-21-Deep-Band-5619-20/dp/B006YCWJBG/
Yes https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6232-21-Deep-Band-5619-20/dp/B006YCWJBG
Red
This small bandsaw has been as low as $60, according to camelcamelcamel.
https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-BS900-Band-Saw-9-Inch/dp/B00367WB0G
Powertec is identical to Ryobi, FWIW. the parts are interchangeable, even.
I priced the list out at < 1k. Given that the table saw is as cheap as you can buy one, I don't think the rest of the tools were quality.
Edit: Here's a drill press under $80, too. https://www.amazon.com/WEN-4208-8-Inch-Speed-Drill/dp/B00HQONFVE/
I currently have central Machinery ( AKA Harbor Freight special). Its just ok, once I had a decent blade on the saw it is accurate enough but I can tell you this... the miter is junk as is the angle table tilt, once I had it square ( which was a chore) I essentially do not touch it at all.
If I had it to do again I would get the rikon or the [dewalt] (http://bestdewaltscrollsaw.blogspot.com/2013/01/scheppach-m90106-10-inch-bench-top-band.html) because I am space constrained as well, if space was not an issue I would be looking at a 14"
Thanks for the thorough reply, i've been looking at a few things within my budget (300-400). While the ones you suggested are good for beginners, i've been hearing (from the woodworking sub) that if you're going to dedicate to equipment then it's best to go for a 10-14 inch band saw. This WEN or This Rikon is what i've had my eye on, but i'm not sure if it's worth the money AND if it can be something to use when cutting metal. I hear that people suggest at least 1HP motor for bandsaw, but don't know anything regarding that.
I've also been looking at This Porter Cable benchtop sander, but have not heard much of the brand.
Most people recommend grizzly, but i don't want to spend 700+ which is why i really like your suggested Grizzly, and will be researching all reviews for that.
I'd love to hear your input/philosophy when it comes to this sort of stuff.
We use these at work. They will take ten times whatever beating you can dish out. Also this model I know from personal experience can easily cut through a 4x4.
I have one of these. I made a stand for it. I have cut out more knife blades than I can remember! I have had it about six years. It is still going strong. It probably isn't a lot better than a Harbor Freight saw.
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWM120-5-Inch-Deep-Portable/dp/B001TL0BVW
if I was in the market for a new band saw, I'd look really, really hard at this one from Jet. 1.25HP and 12" resaw capacity. on a great sale right now, too. it's less than twice the price of that Wen and IMO 3 times the saw.