Last Updated on 2021-08-18 by Harry Masterton
For nearly all woodworking projects you will make in the shop, your power tools will either cut or drill. Of the two, cutting is perhaps the most used step to shape lumber into a finished product. One of the more versatile power tools for cutting is the band saw.
In A Hurry? Go straight to the Best Benchtop Band Saw Reviews By Category.
- Best 14″ Bandsaw – JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14 inch Deluxe
- Best Professional Grade Bandsaw – Grizzly Industrial G0513X2-17 inch
- Best Benchtop Band Saw Under $500 – Rikon 10-3061
- Best Benchtop Band Saw Under $200 – BILT HARD TL-WBS9
- Best Benchtop Band Saw – Best Overall Budget Winner WEN 3962T
When it comes to a majority of band saw reviews fine woodworking hobbyists are searching for the most compatible full-sized machines or the best benchtop band saw they can buy.
The best band saw for woodworking will depend upon your needs as a hobbyist and the specifications of your woodshop. Your research begins by understanding what you need a band saw for:
- Resawing timber
- Cutting thick pieces of wood
- Making irregular cuts
- Crosscuts or rip cuts through lumber
- Making curved cuts and angled cuts
The Best Benchtop Band Saw
Most benchtop model band saw reviews fine woodworking hobbyists read highlight the tool's versatility. With a deep cutting blade, the band saw represents one of the best power tools for resawing rough timber into usable pieces of lumber. The resaw capacity also makes it a good choice for cutting thick pieces of wood that circular and reciprocating blades can not reach through.
A circular saw blade is one continuous band that provides some give during the cut. That flexibility, along with the thin band, allows you to cut irregular shapes that circular saw blades ( think circular, miter, table saw) can not make. The best band saw for woodworking can cut curves in your workpiece.
Accessories make the best band saw for woodworking. Two components that are key here are a rip fence a miter gauge and a safe and a convenient way to adjust blade tension. These provide the support needed to make straight crosscuts and rip cuts in wood.
For the perfect cut whether thats a straight cut or a bevel cut accurate blade adjustment and adequate bevel capacity will ensure your woodworking project comes off the bench according to plan!
Shopping for the best benchtop band saw begins with looking at the ideal size for most DIYers and hobbyists.
What is the best benchtop bandsaw?
Most of you might be asking, “What size bandsaw should I buy?” For most, limited or shared shop space requires power tools that can be moved and stored. That highlights one of the best benchtop band saw features; size.
A band saw's dimensions determine portability, electric amp motor size, and cutting capacity. Those features will determine how well a particular model will match your needs. It will also set the price range that you will pay.
The best way to determine the size is the space between its bandsaw blade band and the housing (throat). Benchtop products measure between 9.0 and 17.0-inches.
Benchtop Band Saw Reviews
What follows are several product reviews highlighting the best benchtop band saw designs broken down by throat size or price point.
Each review recommends a product based on a user's potential needs or a feature that stands out on the power tool. When possible, we list a machine's size and weight.
A general overview of features follows, including a bullet list of the best design elements. We also try to identify potential issues that you need to be aware of before you buy. Make sure to examine the head-to-head sections for a quick comparison as well.
Best 14 inch Bandsaw
The machines in the 14 inch bandsaw reviews represent the best benchtop band saw throat size for many. It represents a compromise between capacity, mobility, price, and power for a portable band saw to give a precise cut.
Capacity makes the best 14 bandsaw for resawing rough timber and thick planks. The best 14 inch bandsaw lets you cut wide boards.
Products in the 14 inch bandsaw reviews that follow are easier to move around your shop than the 17 inch machines. Its smaller size saves you money. The best 14 bandsaw for resawing and dimensioning also include electric motors with enough amps to saw through materials larger than framing lumber.
JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14 inch Deluxe Pro Bandsaw Kit 710116K
Our JET JWBS 14DXPRO review starts with the machine's dimensions of 29 inches L x 28 inches W x 77 inches H (when mounted on the storage cabinet). It weighs about 243 pounds once assembled, meaning that you will need some help when moving it.
4.6 out of 5.0 starsJET JWBS-14DXPRO – Features
The Jet JWBS 14DXPRO has been around for a few years, but this redesign provides increased strength and rigidity by adding cast iron to the upper and lower frame. It uses a 105-inch saw band that you can tension-adjust through two knobs.
It has a 15-inch x 15-inch tabletop for material support. The table can tilt 10-degrees to the left of the blade or up to 45-degrees to the right of it. The tabletop rests 43.5-inches off the floor when installed on the storage cabinet.
JET JWBS-14DXPRO – Things We Like
- It employs a 1.25 horsepower single-phase electric motor. That is capable of driving the 105-inch blade band through wood standing 12 inches off the tabletop.
- It operates with a two-speed poly-V belt drive system. You can get blade speeds of 1,500 or 3,000 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM) to better match cutting conditions.
- The design on the upper and low blade guides can increase the longevity of the 105 inches of saw blade band. Ball bearings reduce friction, which means less heat build-up on the metal surface.
JET JWBS-14DXPRO – Not So Good
- The blade tensioning knob at the top of the machine feels stiff, and it can hurt your hand trying to apply proper tension. A more ergonomic knob would go a long way on a frequently used adjustment point.
- One JET JWBS 14DXPRO review sore spot might be the lack of a fence included with your purchase. Buying a fence accessory will add to the total price for a new woodworker, which might put this one out of reach of some budgets.
Grizzly G0555LX 14 inch Benchtop Bandsaw
The measurements on this product come at 45 inches L x 21.5 inches W x 18 inches H. Its weight of nearly 247 pounds might be surprising for a band saw with only 6-inch height clearance, but it is capable of handling up to 12-inches capacity with a kit add-on.
4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Grizzly G0555LX – Features
Experienced woodworkers might recognize this Grizzly benchtop bandsaw design that has a proven track record. The manufacturer has updated this model and includes blade guide upgrades for existing models, providing a smoother movement to the blade band.
It uses a 14-inch x 14-inch table with tilts of 10-degrees left and 45-degrees right for bevel cuts. A table height of 43-inches is possible using the stand, but you will need dedicated floor space for the power tool.
The 93.5-inch blade bands are simple to change out, and the compact size may be easier on your pocket, making it the best benchtop band saw for some users.
Grizzly G0555LX – Things We Like
- The band saw uses computer-balanced cast iron wheel pair which together with the cast iron frame provides longevity as well as a smooth rotation as the wheels turn
- It has been prewired for 110-volt outlets, which most home woodshops or shared rooms provide. Instructions show you how to convert it to 220-volts if you want the increased power and performance at that electrical rating.
- Grizzly offers a riser kit (sold separately) that increases the height capacity from 6-inches to 12-inches. That kit doubles the material height and greatly improves the versatility of this band saw.
- Computer balanced cast iron wheels.
Grizzly G0555LX – Not So Good
- A cast-iron frame and stand increase the weight of this machine. You will need help moving this band saw around your shop, and it will require floor space for the open stand.
- The six-inch cutting height seems short for a machine with a 14-inch throat clearance. That limits the lumber width it can resaw to mostly materials that have been pre-dimensioned, like larger framing lumber at big-box stores.
- Riser accessory need to increase capacity.
Delta 28-400 14 in. 1 HP Steel Frame Band Saw
The machine in this Delta 28-400 review measures approximately 15.75 inches L x 18.875 inches W x 40.75 inches H (those dimensions increase to 27 inches L x 19 inches W x 65.5 inches H when it rests on the stand). It weighs about 180, which is notably lighter than some of the other 14 inch band saws we have looked at before.
4.7 out of 5.0 starsDelta 28-400 – Features
The single-phase electric motor is rated at one horsepower, driving the 93.5-inch blade at speeds of either 1,620 or 3,340 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM). The belt system is easy to operate, so changing between speeds is fast.
An oversized tabletop of 15.75 inches x 18.875 inches can be tilted 3.0-degrees to the left or 45.0-degrees to the right. It sits 40.75-inches off the ground.
One point worth noting is that you get a maximum of six inches of cutting height on this design. Unlike the previous model, Delta does not provide a kit to expand this height.
Delta 28-400 – Things We Like
- A net weight of 180 pounds makes the product in this Delta 28-400 review lighter than other 14 inch band saws. It will be easier to slide around your shop floor, making it a bit more mobile than previously reviewed designs.
- It has a larger tabletop surface for increased workpiece support. The 15.75 inches x 18.875 inches dimensions give extra purchase power along lumber as you make crosscuts, rip cuts and irregularly shaped curves.
- A rubber coating added to the wheels keeps your blade band in place during operation. That means less time making adjustments and more time cutting with the band saw.
Delta 28-400 – Not So Good
- The table tilt to the left only reaches three degrees at maximum settings. That is about a third of the angle reached by many of the other products in this category.
- You may notice a bit more vibration and noise transfer through the aluminum table. It lowers the overall weight, but that increases unwanted transfer from a less-durable metal compared to other designs.
Best 17 Inch Band Saw
Grizzly Industrial G0513X2-17 inch Professional 2 HP Bandsaw w/Cast-Iron Trunnion
You will need to provide shop space for a power tool that measures about 21 inches Long x 30.25 inches Wide and x 81.5 inches High. It is heavy, shipping to you at 418 pounds. The band saw needs a permanent home with plenty of clearance for the left side hinged openings in addition to height.
4.5 out of 5.0 starsGrizzly Industrial G0513X2 – Features
Grizzly has prewired this machine for 220-volts, but the two-horsepower electric motor can run on 110-volts if you modify it. It uses a 131.5-inch banded saw blade that operates at 1,700 or 3,500 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM).
The cast iron table is a larger surface than most 14-inch band saw tabletops, with dimensions of 17.25-inches x 23.625-inches. It rests 37.5-inches off the floor and can be tilted 5.0-degrees to the left or 45.0-degrees to the right of the blade. Grizzly has made a nice band saw here, and it receives great reviews from users.
Grizzly Industrial G0513X2 – Things We Like
- The band saw offers a greater capacity that can handle larger products easily. That includes a 16.25-inch throat clearance, as well as 12-inches of depth capacity.
- Grizzly has installed a two-horsepower electric motor on the G0513X2 for increased power output. That should provide sufficient output to cut through maximum depth on your projects.
- Its cast iron table has been precision ground. The 17.25-inch x 23.625-inch surface is flat and smooth for accurate support during the cut.
Grizzly Industrial G0513X2 – Not So Good
You will have to pay more for the increased capacity and power on this Grizzly band saw. The price tag can prove prohibitive for casual woodworkers and DIYers who might not use the machine often.
Grizzly provides short warranty coverage on its parts for this product. The coverage is for only one year, which feels short at this price point.
Bandsaw 14 inch and 17 inch Review Comparison – Jet vs Grizzly vs Delta
Price Tag
- Delta 28-400 – Cheapest
- Grizzly G0555LX – Mid-range
- JET JWBS-14DXPRO – Slightly more
- Grizzly Industrial G0513X2 – Most expensive
If you have a limit on the amount of money you can spend on the best benchtop band saw, you might be looking at the Delta 28-400. The Grizzly G0555LX and the JET are a bit more but work with a wide range of project sizes.
The 17-inch throat on the Grizzly Industrial G0513X2 costs the most but provides the most space for the workpieces of the group.
Throat capacity/maximum cutting depth
- Grizzly Industrial G0513X2 – 17-inches/12-inches
- JET JWBS-14DXPRO – 14-inches/12-inches
- Grizzly G0555LX – 14-inches/6-inches (12-inches with kit)
- Delta 28-400 – 14-inches/6-inches
If your budget allows it, the 17-inch throat and a maximum 12-inch cutting depth make the Grizzly Industrial G0513X2 the winner for the “best benchtop band saw” for the most clearance for materials.
JET's band saw offers you the same cutting depth with a 14-inch throat clearance straight out of the box, while a kit is required to convert the G0555LX to a maximum cutting depth of 12-inches.
Delta is limited to the 6-inch cutting depth, which can still work for most pre-dimensioned building lumber that DIYers or casual hobbyists use. However, it might come into play if you build with something besides Pine, Douglas Fir, Redwood, or Whitewoods.
Power output
- Grizzly Industrial G0513X2 – 2.0 horsepower
- JET JWBS-14DXPRO – 1.25 horsepower
- Grizzly G0555LX – 1.0 horsepower
- Delta 28-400 – 1.0 horsepower
If you are looking at the output to judge a power tool, the 2.0 horsepower of the Grizzly Industrial G0513X2 wins.
For the 14-inch models on the list, JET's 1.25 horsepower edges out the others, making it the best benchtop band saw for power rating in its class. The G0555LX from Grizzly and the Delta 28-400 use an electric motor that generates 1.0 horsepower.
Best Bandsaw Under 500
Ryobi BS904G 9″ Benchtop Bandsaw
Recommended for: Woodworkers with some experience with this type of power tool might consider it the best bandsaw under 500.
4.6 out of 5.0 stars
Ryobi BS904G – Features
Ryobi fans will consider this the best benchtop band saw on name alone. The design provides 9.0-inches of throat clearance and a cutting depth of up to 3.5-inches.
A 2.5 amp electric motor generates 3,000 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM) speeds on the 62-inch blade, under no-load conditions. That should perform adequately with thin wood and soft grains but might bog if you approach maximum cutting depth on hardwoods.
Ryobi BS904G – Things We Like
- Ryobi includes a .025 inch wide blade that can cut tight curves. The thin band can cut a tighter radius and should not damage the edge of the smaller stock.
- The doors on the top and bottom cabinets are easy to open and provide plenty of access. That makes it easier to get inside and make tensioning adjustments on the blade or check the blade guides.
- Adjustment knobs for the rapid set blade tensioning system are ergonomic. That can be important for a machine that requires lots of adjustment like this band saw does.
Ryobi BS904G – Not So Good
- The instruction manual might come in 27 languages, but you will not glean much information out of it. That could be a problem for someone buying their first power tool, or for anyone unfamiliar with adjusting band saw blade tensioning, etc.
- You will need to do a fair share of adjustments on this machine after you unpack it. Again, those unfamiliar with maintaining or setting up a band saw could feel a bit overwhelmed as they learn how to do these things.
Rikon 10-3061 10 inch Two Blade Speed Benchtop Bandsaw
Our Rikon 10-3061 review begins with product measurements that come out to roughly 21 inches Long x 16.25 inches Wide x 34.25 inches High. The tool weighs 77.5 pounds, which is heavy for this band saw category. Space and weight become necessary for the capacity and power it offers, though.
4.6 out of 5.0 starsRikon 10-3061 – Features
We know that the price on this Rikon Bandsaw exceeds the $500 mark, but we wanted to include this model because of its capacity, power, and user satisfaction.
It uses a 0.5-horsepower electric motor with a 5.5-amp rating. That is double other products in this range and provides more consistent performance without bogging down.
Table dimensions of 13.75-inches x 12.5-inches provide decent surface area for support and can be tilted to the left at 5-degrees or to the right at 45-degrees. It includes a fence as well.
Rikon 10-3061 – Things We Like
- The band saw has two speeds for more versatile cutting. Selecting between 1,515 or 3,280 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM) allows you to match speed with wood grain density.
- It has an electric motor rated at 0.5 -horsepower. You get power output near 5.5 amps, which should provide consistent cutting through most materials.
- Rikon provides a five-year warranty on this band saw. That is a nice coverage package and should boost consumer confidence during your research into the best benchtop band saw in this range.
Rikon 10-3061 – Not So Good
- Rikon uses non-cast iron materials in parts of the machine. Durability might not be an issue for casual users, but serious woodworkers might be looking for more heavy-duty components in their cutting tool.
- The machine in this Rikon 10-3061 review makes it the priciest product in this category. It might be beyond your budget or justification, no matter the feedback if you are looking for a once-in-a-while power tool. It does make a case for itself though if you'll be a regular bandsaw user
The best Bandsaw Under 300
WEN 3962T 3.5-Amp 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand and Worklight
The 3962T enters our list as one of the best benchtop band saw models with dimensions of 20 inches L x 25 inches W x 58 inches H and a shipping weight over 73 pounds. It includes a stand that measures 13.75 inches L x 15.75 inches W x 25.25 inches H. It is lightweight but does have a wide stance that provides plenty of stability.
4.6 out of 5.0 stars
WEN 3962T – Features
The electric motor on this two-speed band saw provides 3.5 amps. You can easily adjust between 1,520 and 2,620 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM).
A throat clearance of 10-inches pairs with a cutting depth reaching 6-inches, providing more capacity than other products of its size. A cast aluminum table gives a surface area of 14.125 inches x 12.5-inches, with a tilt reaching 45-degrees. You also get a miter gauge, fence, and work light with your purchase.
WEN 3962T – Things We Like
- The price point is nice for a 10-inch band saw design. You would pay more for other models with that throat clearance or maximum cutting depth.
- You get several design features lacking in other product designs. That includes a work light, dust port, stand, fence, and miter gauge.
- WEN offers decent customer service for its power tools, including this band saw.
- It has a two-year warranty, an online presence, and several service centers across the North American market.
WEN 3962T – Not So Good
- It has tensioning knobs that lack durability, which is not so good when the component gets used a lot. You may need to keep re-adjusting, and these parts may wear out with use.
- A 3.5 amp output rating is somewhat of a letdown after reviewing the 10-inch Rikon.
- It will perform fine on small project pieces but will bog down under workloads that the previous band saw could handle without difficulty.
Best Bandsaw Under 200
Our best benchtop band saw list would not be complete without looking at some of the best inexpensive bandsaw products. For DIYers and simple woodworking, the best band saw for home use can be a small and simple design.
Most DIY projects require crosscuts or rip cuts on framing lumber, something within reach of the best budget bandsaw products. For these types of projects, you can use a cheap blade for cutting.
These designs might be the best band saw for home use due to portability. That makes the best budget bandsaw models easier to store when not in use.
Finally, the best inexpensive bandsaw will suffice for occasional users. These woodworkers will not use it often enough to justify a higher price tag.
WEN 3959T 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
WEN's design measures about 19 inches L x 14.1 inches W x 29 inches H. It weighs 40 pounds shipped. That makes the model easy to move and store when not in use.
4.4 out of 5.0 starsWEN 3959T – Features
A 2.5 amp electric motor can drive the 59.5-inch blade up to 2,500 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM). It includes a miter gauge, fence, and a 2.5-inch dust port on the right side of the housing for convenience.
WEN 3959T – Things We Like
- In an attempt to make this the best benchtop band saw, WEN has redesigned components to address past quality control issues. For you, that means a better product than the 2017 version.
- The gears for the table tilt work nicely and allow you to make adjustments to the tabletop angle easily. You can set a tilt angle and have it stick throughout your cut for consistent bevels.
- A power switch is located on the housing to the left of the table, allowing you easy access while holding a workpiece against the fence. It provides safety, as the switch stays uncovered.
WEN 3959T – Not So Good
- The model has a single-speed setting that might be too slow for materials other than soft-grained woods. That might limit its applications to wood only, which might not be an issue for some hobbyists or DIYers.
- Its fence and miter gauge accessories are not of the best quality. They can introduce drift unless you pay attention, so you might want to upgrade these components when you can
BILT HARD TL-WBS9 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Bandsaw for Woodworking
Like the 3959T, it measures 19 inches L x 14 inches W x 29 inches H. It weighs the same as the WEN as well (40 pounds). The body shape is familiar, with a blue and black color scheme.
BILT HARD TL-WBS9 – Features
It provides similar output specifications as the other nine-inch model we just reviewed. The 2.5 amp output provides consistent output from the induction motor that uses ball bearings. You can get 2,500 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM) with no-load, but thicker wood and hard-grains will slow it a bit.
BILT HARD TL-WBS9 – Things We Like
- The miter gauge can adjust from -60-degrees to 60-degrees. You can make almost any mitered cut you want on this band saw.
- Its knobs and levers are designed so that smaller hands can use them comfortably. They are not so small that they are difficult for large hands or fingers to manipulate, though.
- In many ways, this is a duplicate design to the WEN nine-inch design previously reviewed. The brand name is not as well known, so you can save a few dollars on your purchase.
- A bargain buy from Bilt Hard with decent support and great reviews.
BILT HARD TL-WBS9 – Not So Good
- It is covered by only a one-year limited warranty. Material defects and labor only have 90-days of coverage after the purchase date.
- The motor is not enclosed and sits on the side of the housing. It might become hot to the touch if it runs for long periods, so caution is needed to prevent accidental burns.
Best Bandsaw Under $500 – Under $300 and Under $200 Comparison
You might consider one of the under $200 models the best benchtop band saw if you can not afford to spend more. They are bandsaws for light workloads and occasional use.
Stepping up $300 will offer more accuracy from accessories. The designs are similar, but you can get more from these than you can from the cheaper products.
Going up to $500 provides you with more capacity and power. The tools can be more durable, and you should experience fewer problems out of the box. These represent the best benchtop band saw products for most woodworkers and DIYers.
Ryobi vs Rikon vs WEN 3962T vs WEN 3959T vs BILT HARD TL-WBS9
Price tag
- BILT HARD TL-WBS9 – Cheapest
- WEN 3959T – Only a few dollars more
- Ryobi BS904G – Mid-priced
- WEN 3962T – More expensive
- Rikon 10-3061 – Most expensive
For the most part, this listing matches the price categories the band saws fell along. The exception here is the Ryobi, which has moved into a mid-priced range compared to the other models. You might find that worth taking advantage of when shopping for the best benchtop band saw.
Throat capacity/cutting depth
- WEN 3962T – 9.75-inches/6-inches
- Rikon 10-3061 – 10-inches/5-inches
- BILT HARD TL-WBS9 – 9-inches/3.5-inches
- WEN 3959T – 9-inches/3.5-inches
- Ryobi BS904G – 9-inches/3.5-inches
Three of the models have the same 9-inch and 3.5-inch capacities. We have rated the WEN 3962T the highest as you get 6-inches of depth and just under 10-inches of throat clearance. For us, that barely edges out the Rikon with its 10-inch throat clearance but only 5-inches of maximum cutting depth as the best benchtop band saw in the budget category.
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