6 Best Benchtop Bandsaw Models Reviewed

best benchtop bandsaw

Choosing a band saw can be daunting. However, we’ve gathered the best benchtop band saw models this year to guide you.

FYI: We based our choices on the following criteria…

  • Performance
  • Ease of use

We also have a buying guide, so you know what to consider when buying your bandsaw!

The 6 Best Benchtop Bandsaw Models

IMAGE PRODUCT Name Features
Best overall
JET JWBS-14SFX 14″ Steel-Frame Bandsaw
  • Large 360 sq. ft. table
  • Powerful 1.75 HP motor
  • Quick blade guard adjustment
  • Heavy-duty components
Best value
WEN 3962 10″ Two-Speed Band Saw
  • 3.5-amp motor
  • Run with 1520 FPM or 2620 FPM
  • Dust port
  • Comes with 72-inche blades
Best Budget
POWERTEC BS900 9 Inch Benchtop Bandsaw
  • Run on 1.5 HP motor
  • Comes with tilting table
  • Easy-view window
  • Blade guard system
Rikon 10-3061 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw
  • Features a 0°-40° tilting tabletop
  • Built with high-quality components
  • Can shift between two blade speeds
  • 5-year limited warranty
Ryobi BS904G 9″ Bandsaw
  • Comes with a 2.5amp motor
  • Compatible with 1/8-inches to 3/8-inches blades
  • Blade tracking window
  • Designed to generate reduced vibration
WEN 3939T 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
  • Has a ⅓ hp, 2 ⅘A motor
  • Miter gauge
  • Rip fence

JET JWBS-14SFX 14″ Steel-Frame Bandsaw: Best Overall

Key Specs

  • Large 360 sq. ft. table for offering
  • Runs on a powerful 1.75 HP motor
  • Offers easy and quick blade guard adjustment
  • Constructed with heavy-duty components

Performance

The JET JWBS-14SFX bandsaw is PERFECT if you want exceptional and top-of-the-line performance.

It’s designed for efficiently taking on heavy-duty and large-scale projects without any fuss

You will also find all the premium features (see key specs) you want to see in a high-end bandsaw! A 1.75 HP motor helps you handle anything that comes your way. It will also ensure that you get a solid and consistent performance every single time.

Heavy-duty steel welded construction, sturdy steel doors, strong hinges, and a rigid base prove the saw’s top-tier durability and stability.

Ease of Use

You’ll get a large 360 sq. ft. table, which is critical for all large workpieces. You’ll find that it has more than enough space to place any large-sized material on its cast iron table.

With its machined aluminum fence system, you’ll get readable measurements. This ensures that you will be cutting wood with top accuracy and precision.

You can also make a quick and easy adjustment to the blade using its reliable adjustable blade guide systems. Finally, the 4-inch dust port will ensure easy dust collection so that you can keep your workplace neat and clean.

Is the JWBS-14SFX the Best Benchtop Band Saw For You?

If you want top-of-the-line features and performance, it comes at a high price. However, it’s worth it.

Previous users have given this saw nothing but praises and 5-star reviews for a reason. This is one purchase you won’t regret making if you want to invest in yourself and your craft.

Pros

  • Spacious working surface
  • Smooth operation
  • Easy and convenient to use
  • Amazing durability
  • Steel frame

Cons

  • Extremely expensive
  • No rip fence

WEN 3962 10″ Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand and Worklight: Best Value

Key Specs

  • 3.5-amp motor
  • Can run 1520 FPM or 2620 FPM
  • Comes with 72-inch blades
  • Ball-bearing construction
  • Dust port
  • Aluminum table

Performance

WEN is one of the most famous manufacturers that create some of the best power tools in the woodworking industry.

Most benchtop bandsaw reviews always feature WEN products because they’re just that good. Known for making superb power tools, the WEN 3962 is no exception.

With a rugged 3.5-amp motor, this band saw can cut through any wooden material like butter.

It’s designed to give you maximum speed, power, and versatility at a reasonable price. This means you can produce fantastic results without spending an arm and a leg!

Give it a few uses, and you’ll quickly realize that the WEN 3962 band saw is ideal for all sorts of projects.

Ease of Use

You’ll easily be able to make cuts that are up to 6-inches deep and 9-3/4-inches wide without any problem.

Moreover, it’s compatible with various blades with sizes ranging from 1/8-inches to ½-inches.

One of the most impressive things about this model is its flawless blade speed adjustment.

Depending on what woodworking projects you want to do, you can either choose 1520 FPM or 2620 FPM almost instantly!

We also love how much more compact this band saw is compared to its competition.

Despite that, it still offers a spacious workshop to give you plenty of room. The table can even swivel up to 45°, allowing you to make flawless angled cuts!

And if you want to avoid a messy workplace covered all over with dust, this thing comes with a dust port that can smoothly connect to most dust collection hoses.

Moreover, it comes with a flexible work light to give you a clearer vision, allowing for more precise cuts.

Finally, thanks to the sturdy fence, you can create those straight cuts with ease.

Is the WEN 3962 the Best Benchtop Band Saw For You?

If you want a fantastic value purchase that comes with robust performance, a work light, and a huge table, you’ll be ecstatic with this.

This is one of the best bandsaws if you want to maximize every penny! Just don’t expect to do heavy-duty work with it.

Pros

  • Strong performance
  • Versatile to use
  • Can do deep and intricate cuts
  • Longer lifespan
  • Keeps work surface clean
  • Easy blade guard adjustment

Cons

  • Issues with the dust port and work light
  • Cheap and flimsy miter gauge

POWERTEC BS900 9 Inch Benchtop Bandsaw: Best Budget

Key Specs

  • Features easy-view window
  • Runs on a 1.5 HP motor
  • Comes with a tilting table
  • Innovative blade guard system

Performance

The POWERTEC BS900 9-inch Bandsaw is a worthy power tool for anyone, whether you’re a casual woodworker or a seasoned veteran. This makes it one of the top bandsaws on our list.

Precision cutting will no longer feel difficult, thanks to the POWERTEC BS900 because it comes with everything you want from a bandsaw and more!

You’ll get a 1.5 HP, 2.5 AMP induction motor that keeps the band running at 1725 RPM. This speed is enough to spin the 62-inch blade efficiently.

Combine this power with a throat capacity of 9 inches, and you’ve got yourself a robust saw that can effectively handle light to medium-duty projects.

It’s even capable of cutting materials that are up to 2-inches thick!

Ease of Use

The rigid aluminum table is die-cast. It offers enough working space for performing any kind of cutting.

You can also quickly adjust the rack and pinion to get a 45°-degree tilt, which will let you make angled cuts with amazing precision.

The blade tracking window will also help make sure you get the accuracy you need and want.

Moreover, this bandsaw uses a patented blade guard system that will allow you to make quick and straightforward cutting depth adjustments.

And after you’ve abused your saw, changing the blade is as easy as can be! It features a unique and reliable quick-release blade tension lever, so you don’t have to fuss. 

Is the Powertec BS-900 the Best Benchtop Band Saw For You?

Whether you’re new at this and looking to start your woodworking career or finishing projects as a skilled veteran, you’ll find that this is one of the best band saws you can get!

We love how well-thought-out this saw is. You can see that they considered YOU when they designed this saw because it’s so easy to use!

Pros

  • Easy blade tracking and alignment
  • Ensures efficient performance
  • Superb angled cuts
  • Capable of precise adjustments
  • Sufficient throat depth for most projects

Cons

  • Single-speed only
  • Not for heavy-duty woodworking
  • Delivery issues

Rikon 10-3061 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw

Key Specs

  • Can shift between two blade speeds
  • Features a 0°-40° tilting tabletop
  • Comes fitted with a ½ HP motor
  • Boasts a handy dust port
  • Built with high-quality components
  • 5-year limited warranty

Performance

The Rikon 10-3061 is a fantastic, high-quality benchtop bandsaw that will give you enough power for small and medium woodworking projects. 

It’s packed with great features that will make woodworking fun and easy. With the Rikon 10-3061, you’ll be cutting with exceptional precision in no time!

This saw’s ½ HP motor will ensure that you get enough power to handle a wide variety of casual work projects.

The motor will make sure the cutting performance won’t stall to finish your tasks smoothly.

You can make deep cuts of up to 5-inches. The maximum width of the cuts you can make will be around 9-5/8-inches wide.

That means you can cut just about anything with this saw!

Plus, you’ll be able to work with greater precision because you’ll get 2 blade speeds. Choose whatever speed suits your project needs, from between 1515 FPM and 3280 FPM

Ease of Use

The durable cast iron table offers tilting from 0°-40°, which allows easier angled cuts.

Because of its tool-less blade guides, blade tracking knob, and viewing window, you’ll easily cut anything with unmatched accuracy.

You also won’t have to worry about clean-up or getting rid of the dust because this unit features a dust port that can easily hook up to most dust collectors

Is the Rikon 10-3061 the Best Benchtop Band Saw For You?

If you’re looking for a versatile saw for most small and medium projects, this saw is a fantastic option.

Not only is it easy to adjust and tilt, but numerous features are specifically meant to provide you with the utmost convenience and ease of use.

Pros

  • Can suit different cutting needs
  • Allows easier angled cuts
  • Helps keep your workshop clean
  • Cast iron for high durability
  • Adjustable rack and pinion

Cons

  • Underpowered for heavy use
  • Bogs down constantly
  • Can be limited to 4 7/8″
  • Guide gets in the way sometimes

Ryobi BS904G 9″ Bandsaw

Key Specs

  • Comes with a 2.5amp motor
  • Compatible with 1/8-inches to 3/8-inches blades
  • Blade support adjustment system
  • Blade tracking window
  • Designed to generate reduced vibration

Performance

The Ryobi BS904G 9-inch is another contender for one of the top bandsaws on the market today. This is fantastic for a wide range of woodworking applications.

The best news is that you’ll get a solid performance at a low cost! This saw runs on a strong 2.5amp motor, which is quite rare at this price point

This means you’ll get a machine that is perfectly capable of delivering smooth performance no matter what you want to cut.

This saw can give you up to 3-1/2-inch-deep cuts using blades that are 1/8-inch to 3/8-inch wide.

Now you’ll have a versatile power tool that is suitable for many applications. And with ball-bearing support and aluminum wheels, this is one of the most portable bandsaws out there.

Ease of Use

Ever had trouble making fine adjustments? Well, the Ryobi BS904G is the solution to your problems.

You’ll find that making those fine cuts on wooden materials will feel much easier when you’ve got this one in your workshop!

Thanks to its combination of rapid setting blade tensioners and blade tracking window, you can reach maximum precision when cutting for the best work you’ve done yet.

You’ll also quickly notice that this saw doesn’t produce as much vibration compared to other bandsaws.

That’s how you know it’s more comfortable to use and will help prevent future injuries and long-term conditions.

Finally, it comes with a dust collection port, so you won’t have trouble cleaning up after a satisfying yet exhausting day in the workplace!

Is the Ryobi BS904G the Best Benchtop Band Saw For You?

If comfort and price are your primary considerations, you won’t regret getting this saw. This is one of the best bandsaws for beginners who are just starting and testing the waters.

You can even buy these used to keep the costs down, then just upgrade later when you’ve outgrown this saw!

Pros

  • Smooth performance and cutting
  • Capable of heavy-duty work
  • Versatile
  • Reliable to use
  • Offers easy blade tracking
  • Fewer vibrations

Cons

  • Not cast iron
  • No steel frame

WEN 3939T 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw

Key Specs

  • Has a ⅓ hp, 2 ⅘A motor
  • Miter gauge
  • Rip fence

Performance

The WEN 3939T Benchtop Bandsaw is another excellent choice that offers all the specs and performance important to any hobbyist or DIYer.

This tabletop band saw comes with a solid motor that generates ½ HP and pushes a solid 2 ⅘ amps. 

The WEN 3939T Benchtop Bandsaw also works well enough when cutting. That’s because it comes with a ⅜” blade. 

However, it struggles to maintain its alignment when cutting with a ⅛” blade.

Ease of Use

If that’s not enough, the WEN 3939T Benchtop Bandsaw also comes equipped with a full complement of different measuring tools, including a miter gauge and rip fence.

That being said, we need to warn you about a few things.

Not all adjustments run so smoothly on this band saw. It can be fiddly to align the blade guides.

Moreover, you may need to redo it several times (more than you would with other models).

Still, this benchtop band saw hand to make compromises to stay this affordable. You should have no issue finding a spot for this in your floor space, as it only weighs 44 lbs.

Is the WEN 3939T the Best Benchtop Band Saw For You?

For the beginner or any casual worker on a tight budget, you’ll have no trouble working with this saw.

While it may come with a few issues, many users have been happy and satisfied after using this saw!

Pros

  • Convenient to use
  • Lightweight bandsaw
  • Less expensive
  • Ensures precise measurements

Cons

  • Not the easiest to use
  • Struggles with thin blades
  • No rip fence

Considerations Before Buying the Best Benchtop Bandsaw

If it’s your first time choosing the perfect benchtop bandsaw, we’ve got you. Finding one can feel like a challenging task, especially in the face of so many options.

Physical Specifications

You may think that only certain parts of a benchtop bandsaw matter.

However, there are a few structural considerations you need to think about when choosing the best bandsaw for you.

Frame Quality and Durability

You might not think much about the quality of the frame when you’re buying a benchtop bandsaw. Maybe you think it doesn’t matter, right?

The frame quality will define how strong and stable benchtop bandsaws will be. The frame is responsible for supporting all the components of your benchtop bandsaw.

That means that if it’s not durable enough, your benchtop bandsaw will break.

Watch out for the many options out there that are made with plastic materials.

While they’re lightweight, this comes at a cost. Plastic band saws are more prone to breaking, so we recommend avoiding them unless the weight is one of your primary considerations.

Make sure your preferred benchtop bandsaw comes with heavy-metal construction to take any woodworker’s workload and your expected use case.

Most high-quality benchtop bandsaws are made with aluminum, cast iron, and solid steel. The top models are made with steel. These also offer the most durability.  

Motor Considerations

The heart of any table saw is the motor. This will dictate the limitations and type of work you can do with your bandsaw.

Cutting Power

A benchtop bandsaw or any bandsaw, for that matter, will depend on its motor for power. That means the motor dictates a band saws:

  • Power
  • Efficiency
  • Accuracy
  • Speed, etc.

However, despite how band saws are marketed, the cutting power of benchtop band saws does not matter as much as you might think.

Granted, benchtop band saws need to meet a certain minimum threshold for cutting power, but anything extra likely won’t benefit you as much as you’d expect.

When gauging a benchtop band saw’s cutting power, you need to consider the horsepower (HP) or AMP. 

Its HP will tell you how strong of a bite the tool makes. The AMPs will tell you how well it cuts under load.

Note that the blade speed is not part of the cutting power. However, it will impact the kinds of materials you can cut and how fast you can feed the workpiece into the blade.

So, we recommend going for motors with higher HPs and AMPs when you can.

In general, 1 to 1.5 HP is enough for a casual craftsman, and 2 HP motors are meant for heavy-duty and professional projects.

Brushed or Brushless Motor?

Another important thing you need to understand about motors is that they’re designed to be either brushed or brushless.

Brushed motors are more robust when it comes to performance. They’re made for heavy-duty handling. 

Brushless motors are fantastic for light and medium-duty tasks. They have the added benefit of minimal maintenance and a longer lifespan.

Speed Options

When you’re choosing among benchtop bandsaws, you’ll see that they come in either single-speed and dual-speed.

We recommend springing for a dual-speed bandsaw because they will give you more freedom and versatility. 

Bandsaws with a dual speeding system will allow you to shift between slower and faster speeds. This results in more control over your work.

Using it in a slow-speed setting will make it easier to achieve a particular level of thickness when cutting your workpieces, while the higher speed will come in handy for carving.

Teeth Per Inch (TPI)

Bandsaw blades use a large number of teeth for cutting the materials. The density of the teeth will vary from model to model.

This is measured by a specification called Teeth Per Inch or TPI.

This is one of the most important things to consider because it will determine the performance of a bandsaw blade, so make sure to think about this first!

A bandsaw blade with a higher TPI will be more coarse. Thus, it will offer you faster cutting. However, the con is that the finishing will be rough due to the coarseness of the blade. 

On the other hand, bandsaw blades with lower TPI will be cut slower but offer a smoother finish.

So, if you want to finish your projects quickly, go for blades with higher TPI. However, you’ll need to take the extra step of smoothing everything down.

If you want precise and clean results, lower TPI blades will be best for you.

Cutting Capacities

The cutting capacities of a tabletop band saw will make a significant difference in your workflow.

You need to remember that the cutting capacities will ultimately limit the size and type of projects you can work on with your benchtop band saw.

However, they also come at a premium price. So, you’ll have to be prepared to fork up a few hundred dollars for this.

That being said, most benchtop band saws offer a fairly standard set of cutting capacities. Another thing that will be mostly the same across different products is the resaw capacity.

However, while the maximum cutting width will vary more, a tabletop band saw with even just a slightly larger resaw capacity might be worth the higher price!

Extra Features

Additional accessories may include a miter gauge, rip fence, measuring scale, work light, dust port, etc.

The extra features of your benchtop bandsaw shouldn’t be your most important consideration. However, it will make using it easier.

One of the best extra features a benchtop band saw can have is a. This will allow you to see your cuts easier.

Accessories like a rip fence and miter gauge help you make more precise wood cutting.

A measuring scale and other gauges will ensure your measurements are correct. That way, you can always have the correct measurements before you start cutting.

The rip fence helps prevent any accidental slips or mistakes, too.

But if you want to take your benchtop bandsaw to the next level, try band saw reviews rave about the convenience of having a laser guide.

This removes the need to keep track of the alignment.

Finally, beginners often overlook how much sawdust can impact the cutting performance.

If you don’t want it jamming your benchtop bandsaw or covering your workshop, you’ll find that a dust blower will come in handy.

Conclusion

You need to carefully consider what you need before buying a bandsaw. There’s no point spending more money than you should

It’s a good thing we’ve gathered the most important information in ALL benchtop bandsaw reviews so that YOU can choose the one that satisfies your needs the MOST.

Marcus Weldman

Marcus Weldman is the main author of WiseMakr.com. Marcus is a tool and DIY enthusiast. He spends his time discovering the comparative differences and practical limits for all kinds of tools.