We like the power output and blade speed offered by this benchtop band saw from Woodskil, a tool brand that specializes in woodworking. Its three-amp motor is a little larger than what you’ll typically find on benchtop band saws, especially at this lower price point.
With that extra power, it reaches blade speeds of 2,500 FPM. Fit it with a 1/8-inch blade for cutting tight curves or a wider, 3/8-inch blade for making rip cuts. With its cutting width of nine inches and max cutting depth of 3.5 inches, it handles most cuts you’d expect from a band saw.
Its cast iron table provides a steady base and tilts up to 45 degrees, and it comes with a 120-degree miter gauge and sturdy aluminum fence. It’s a high-quality band saw at a very reasonable price.
Key Specs
Type
Benchtop
Cutting Capacity
9 in. wide, 3.5 in. deep
Blade Speed
2,500 FPM
Blade Size
1/8 – 3/8 in.
2
Best Stationary
Grizzly 15-Amp Stationary Band Saw
Pros
Great blade speed
Large cutting capacity
High-quality belt
Cons
Smaller than average cutting capacity
Grizzly is known for making woodworking tools you’d find in professional shops, which is why this stationary model is such a great value. It has a large, 15-amp, two-speed motor that reaches blazing blade speeds up to 2,620 FPM. It also uses blades up to 1/2-inch thick and cuts stock up to 6.1 inches thick.
Other highlights include ball-bearing blade guides that keep the blade stable, along with a high-quality belt so it maintains uniform speed. The Grizzly sits on a sturdy steel stand and comes equipped with a miter gauge. It’s a serious woodworker’s band saw that carries a surprisingly affordable price.
Key Specs
Type
Stationary
Cutting Capacity
9.75 in. wide, 6.1 in. thick
Blade Speed
2,500 FPM
Blade Size
1/8 – 1/2 in.
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5
Best Benchtop
Grizzly 9 2.8-Amp Stationary Band Saw
Pros
Laser cutline
Blower for sawdust
Minimal vibration thanks to blade tensioning system
Cons
Some plastic parts
Grizzly’s benchtop band saw offers build quality and features that are ideal for cutting with peak precision. A laser projects a clear, easy-to-see cutline on stock, and an adjustable blower tube keeps sawdust out of your line of sight as you work. Its blade tensioning system prevents the blade from vibrating, so your cuts are even more precise.
At about 50 pounds, the Grizzly 2.8-Amp band saw moves in and out of storage without too much difficulty. It’s a pricier benchtop band saw, but it’s worth the extra investment for features that maximize its ease of use when compared to less expensive, less reliable band saws.
Key Specs
Type
Benchtop
Cutting Capacity
9 in. wide, 3-5/8 in. thick
Blade Speed
2,460 FPM
Blade Size
1/8 – 3/8 in.
6
Best Cordless
Milwaukee Cordless Band Saw
Now 40% Off
Credit: Trevor Raab
Pros
Lightweight design
High blade speed
Cons
Heavy
This Milwaukee band saw frees you from the constraints of a cord, so if the posts, pipes, and other materials you need to cut through aren’t in close proximity to an electrical outlet, this band saw is your best friend. Its brushless motor gives it exceptional blade speed up to 540 SFPM.
We’ve come to expect exceptional build quality from Milwaukee’s tools, and this band saw is no exception. Its controls improve performance by keeping the blade running at a constant speed during cuts, protecting the motor from overheating. It’s also built using a proprietary material that resists crushing. The only potential drawback is its 15-pound weight.
Key Specs
Type
Cordless Portable
Cutting Capacity
5 in.
Blade Speed
550 SFPM
Blade Size
N/A
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Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider’s Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.