A benchtop bandsaw, also known as a tabletop bandsaw, is a great addition to any workshop. They take up less space than a standard bandsaw, but with all of the functionality that you need.
Some people might go as far as to say a workshop isn’t complete without one! We have put together the best benchtop bandsaw reviews to help you choose one for your workshop.
What to consider when buying a benchtop bandsaw
Motor Power
The power in a bandsaw is measured in Horse Power, HP, and comes from an electric motor. Benchtop bandsaws typically come with a 1 HP electric motor, although some have slightly larger motors to provide a faster cut.
Table Size
A bandsaw has a table for you to place your material on and assist with supporting the material. The larger the table the easier it is to support your material whilst cutting. Think about the area that you will be storing your bandsaw as a large table will take up a lot of space.
Weight
One of the main benefits of a benchtop bandsaw is being able to store it away until it is needed. A benchtop bandsaw should be light enough to be manoeuvrable, whilst being heavy enough to not vibrate when in use.
Maximum Cut Height
The cut height of a bandsaw is the gap between the blade and the top of the blade guard when it is at its highest position. The blade guard should be easily adjustable to reduce or expand the cut height depending on the thickness of the material. It is important to check the maximum cut height as this determines the thickness of material that can be cut on the bandsaw.
Our top benchtop bandsaw for 2021
Best Overall
1. Grizzly Industrial G0803Z Benchtop Band Saw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 9 Inches
- Blade Size – 62 Inches
- Weight – 42 pounds
- Speed – 2460 FPM
- Dimensions – 20 ¾ x 17 x 29 1/2 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
In our minds, there was no question that the Grizzle Industrial G0803Z would be our best overall rated benchtop bandsaw. Grizzly Industrial is well known for producing an excellent selection of bandsaws and the G0803Z really stands out from the rest of the competition. So much so that it was awarded Top Value by Wood magazine, so who are we to judge any differently!
It is fitted with a highly efficient 1/3 Horse Power (HP) motor that allows for a blade speed of 2460 FPM. We found it easy to adjust the blade guard using the roller bearings and securing it at the correct height.
This bandsaw is built to last as it built around a steel frame, it has minimal plastic parts unlike most other competitors in its price bracket. It is important to note that it comes with all the essential accessories including a rip fence, laser guide, and adjustable blower. The blower is great for keeping your work area clear so you can make sure you are cutting straight at all times.
In conclusion, this is our number 1 rated benchtop bandsaw for being the highest quality machine at a great price. It fits all our requirements for being easy to store and carry thanks to its handle on the top and isn’t too heavy to take wherever it is needed. We would happily use this machine every day!
Best Value
2. WEN 3962 Benchtop Bandsaw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 9 3/4 inches
- Blade Size – 72 inches
- Weight – 72 pounds
- Speed – 1520 & 2620 FPM
- Dimensions – 20 x 25 x 58 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
WEN has been producing reliable tools since 1951, notably in the woodworking sector. Overall, they are positively reviewed in the industry and we believe that the WEN 3962 is one of their best machines yet.
A large 14 1/8 x 12 1/2 inch table that can also bevel up to 45 degrees is a great addition to the powerful 3.5 amp dual speed motor. You can quickly adjust the motor speed depending on your project. The speed is variable between 1520 and 2620 FPM.
The number of extras that come with the WEN 3962 is quite astonishing. The biggest extra feature, both literally and figuratively speaking, is the addition of a stand. This means it can be set up permanently in your workshop if you don’t want to lose valuable benchtop space. There are many benefits of being both benchtop and floor standing, notably making the best use of space in your garage or at the job site where you may not have a suitable bench to work on.
We have placed it as our best value benchtop bandsaw as it came very close to being our overall winner. However, it was let down due to it being slightly more difficult to assemble in comparison. This should by no means put you off this excellent benchtop bandsaw, especially at this price point.
Best Premium
3. JET JWBS-14DX PRO Benchtop Bandsaw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 13 ½ inches
- Blade Size – 105 inches
- Weight – 247 pounds
- Speed – 1500 & 3000 FPM
- Dimensions – 29 x 28 x 77 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
With their phrase “stand behind your work” you know that JET tools are built to the highest quality and specifications. The JET JWBS-14DXPRO is exactly that, a high-quality beast of a machine that can handle almost anything you want to cut. We were astonished to find it handled a 1-inch thick piece of hardwood with ease, blade speed hardly slowing at all.
There is no doubt that the JET JWBS-14DXPRO is a professional grade benchtop bandsaw. As with the WEN 3962, it comes with 2 blade speed options depending on what material you are cutting through.
A unique feature is a window in the top cover that is used to assist with blade tracking. This stops you from worrying about whether there is an issue with the tracking when in use without taking off the side cover. The frame that the JET is built around is a very solid cast iron frame, giving a very ridged a stable footing. Really the JET isn’t a dedicated benchtop bandsaw as it has a built-in stand. However, it is a lot smaller than a standard bandsaw so we thought that it should be included in our review.
Be careful when getting these large expensive tools delivered as they can get dinged and bashed up by incompetent delivery companies. Always be at home to accept your goods and thoroughly check them over before accepting them.
Overall Runner Up
4. Delta 28-400 Steel Frame Bandsaw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 13 5/8 inches
- Blade Size – 93.5 inches
- Weight – 165 pounds
- Speed – 1620 & 3340 FPM
- Dimensions – 45 x 18 x 21 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
We wouldn’t be doing justice to woodworking tools without including a machine from Delta. Delta machinery also focuses on woodworking tools having been founded over 100 years ago as Delta Specialty Company so it is a true legacy brand. They recently started producing their own tools again in 2017 after being acquired by Black & Decker.
The Delta 28-400 is a well-built bandsaw built around a heavy-duty steel frame. We found that it ran smoothly and quietly and once correctly adjusted was very simple to operate. It was just pipped to the post by the JET JWBS-14DXPRO as our best quality bandsaw as it took a little more adjustment to get it working perfectly and the lack of an included fence of miter tool.
Much like the JET it is a professional level tool and comes with a superior finish and excellent features. These include a dual speed motor which can be operated at two different voltages of 115V or 230V. Plus an included stand that allows for it to either be benchtop or floor mounted depending on your needs.
After attaching a couple of aftermarket accessories we found it performed all the necessary cuts in our test with ease. It is notably quiet and easy to adjust the guides and blade settings. We think the Delta 20-400 is a resawing monster and would happily use it every day.
Ultimate Runner Up
5. Shop Fox W1706 14 Inch Bandsaw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 13.5 inches
- Blade Size – 93.5 inches
- Weight – 250 pounds
- Speed – 1500 & 3200 FPM
- Dimensions – 45.5.x 39.5 x 19 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
Shop Fox is a brand run by Woodstock international that specializes in manufacturing tools for the DIY woodworking industry. They aren’t the oldest brand with only 25 years of manufacturing behind them, but they have proven reliability and quality. They are now one of the top leading woodworking brands in the US.
Often their quality is compared to higher-priced machines, but their price is much more affordable for the average DIY or woodworker. The Shop Fox W1706 is a great example of a well-built machine that would cost a lot more under another brand’s name. The very solid cast iron design and the table keeps the bandsaw rigid and sturdy. It also comes with its own built-in base that can be used for storage, spare blades, accessories, or oil.
A reoccurring issue seems to be with the guide bearings wearing through quickly. These are simple to replace and is a good excuse to check your blade alignment and sharpness. There are several other aftermarket upgrades that you can purchase to improve the functionality of this bandsaw over time. We would recommend buying new blades to replace the blades it comes shipped with as they are cheap and poor quality.
Overall this is a great mid-price bandsaw, that will be great for the woodworker, hobbyist, or DIY’er alike.
6. Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 9 5/8 inches
- Blade Size – 70 ½ inches
- Weight – 75.8 pounds
- Speed – 2780 FPM
- Dimensions – 35.5 x 18 x 13 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
Rikon uses the same manufacture as Craftsman who is known in the industry for its excellent woodworking products. When comparing the two brands there is little difference between their products and quality apart from their color and badge. Rikon is known for building dedicated woodworking machines including lathes, dust collectors, and sanders.
For the hobbyist woodworker, the Rikon 10-305 is a great choice. The large cast iron table measures 13 ¾ inches by 12 ½ inches that provide a sturdy flat surface to work off. Recently Rikon upgraded the bandsaw to include a rip fence, which can be easily removed for freehand operations. Also included is an adjustable guide post the can be risen or lowered depending on your project needs.
It is a good benchtop bandsaw saw that is often let down by poor delivery damaging the base. Several others have found that the base isn’t flat which makes it difficult to use without shimming it or creating a jig. It is however in general well built and has a much smaller footprint than some of the others we reviewed. It doesn’t come with a stand but is a true benchtop bandsaw.
Make sure you use high-quality blades that are suitable to the material you are cutting. Also, set up each blade at the correct tension with the guides properly placed. We found no significant noise or vibration and for the price, we couldn’t find too many faults.
7. WEN 3959 Benchtop Band Saw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 9 inches
- Blade Size – 59.5 inches
- Weight – 40 pounds
- Speed – 2500 FPM
- Dimensions – 19 x 14.1 x 29 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
WEN makes such excellent products that we had to include the WEN 3959 in our review. This is a cheaper and smaller version compared to the WEN 3962. It is perfect for those really looking for a very good value and compact tool that isn’t needed for heavy usage.
Weighing only 40 pounds the WEN 3959 is a portable lightweight machine that can be easily put away when not in use. It has a small footprint so doesn’t take up too much space on the work surface. Even so, it still has a spacious 12 ¼ by 11 7/8 inch table area that is smooth and solid.
It comes with both a rip fence and a miter attachment which helps to set this benchtop bandsaw apart from the others. For cutting smaller pieces of timber there really isn’t anything that matches at this price point. Talking of timber size it has a maximum cut capacity of 3 ½ inches deep and 9 inches wide. This is plenty for most hobbyists and projects such as photo frames or small wooden boxes.
With only a few minutes setup we got it working with no problems and found the addition of the included rip fence a real bonus. The included blade is ok, but for specific projects or intricate curves, you can easily use replacement 59 ½ inch blades. We give the WEN 3959 a solid thumbs up for small to medium projects, but not up to commercial jobs.
8. Woodskill 3A 9-Inch Band Saw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 9 inches
- Blade Size – 59 ½ inches
- Weight – 40 pounds
- Speed – 2500 FPM
- Dimensions – 31 x 17 x 11 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
Woodskill have decent reviews and good price points, making the 3A 9-Inch Band Saw a solid choice for many users.
The Woodskill is a true benchtop bandsaw and we struggled to fault it for matching our requirements for this review. It is powerful and efficient, with a low noise induction motor with 2500 FPM blade speed and 1720 RPM motor speed. The band saw also has a heat dissipation system to extend the service life. The cutting surface is stabilized, meaning it is an accurate and easy-to-use machine.
This band saw has a blade size of 59 1/2 inches with a maximum cutting depth of 3 1/2 inches. The cutting width is 9 inches, and the blade is powerful and strong. This saw can cut all sorts of wood and soft metal, making it versatile.
Overall, this is a safe and stable bandsaw with a good 2 year warranty. The main downside is simply that the brand is a bit less established than others in this review. It is also quite heavy at 40 pounds, making it hard to move if you need to. However, it is a solid choice for many users, and certainly worth a try!
9. Genesis GBS900 Band Saw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 9 inches
- Blade Size – 59 ½ inches
- Weight – 40 pounds
- Speed – 2736 FPM
- Dimensions – 30 x 17.7 x 11.5 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
Genesis tools is a relatively new power tool company, starting back in 2003 it is making its mark on the power tool industry by providing good quality tools at a reasonable price. They have partnered with factories in China to provide affordable quality power tools that are reliable and built specifically for DIYer’s.
The Genesis GBS900 is a small but powerful 9-inch benchtop bandsaw. It is similar in size to both the Skil 3386 and the WEN 3959 and they all use the same 59 ½ inch blade size. It has a small but perfectly suitable 2.2 Amp motor that gives a smooth and quiet performance.
Much like the best benchtop bandsaw, the Genesis GBS900 comes with both a rip fence and a miter gauge included. A lightweight cast aluminum table provides the cutting surface which can be rotated up to 45 degrees.
This benchtop bandsaw is at the cheaper end of the market, similar to the Skil 3386, it is really only built for hobbyists and light work. With a little bit of time spent on setup, it is possible to get the Genesis GBS900 working with few problems. This is a good small machine that is very portable at only 40 pounds but doesn’t expect to be ripping through thick pieces of hardwood.
10. Studio Pro Precision 2000 Wet/Dry Bandsaw
Key Features
- Throat Capacity – 4 inches
- Blade Size – 36 inches
- Weight – 11 pounds
- Speed – 1/8 HP motor
- Dimensions – 20.5 x 12 x 10 inches
Our Rating
Check Price
Our Take
The Studio Pro Precision 2000 is by far the smallest of our benchtop bandsaws. It is a small bandsaw for very intricate projects and specialist material cutting.
Depending on the material you are cutting the Studio Pro Precision 2000 comes with two different blades. One is suitable for dry cutting materials such as wood and composite materials. The second blade is used for wet cutting glass, plastics, tile, and acrylic materials.
This is the only benchtop bandsaw in our review that is capable of wet cutting. When using the wet cut option take care to mark your cut line well so that you can see it through the layer of water. It can get quite messy with the water going everywhere so grad a tray to sit the bandsaw on top of.
If you need to control the speed of the blade for more precision on various materials than a Rheostat can be purchased separately. Also when cutting through glass and tile composite materials make sure you have plenty of spare blades as they wear down quickly.
At only 20.5 inches tall and weighing 11 pounds it really is a very small bandsaw, perfect for small spaces like the back of your truck or even on a boat. But don’t expect it to be able to cut through large pieces of timber.
Benchtop bandsaw buyer’s guide
Over the last few years, benchtop bandsaws have improved hugely. They were often seen to be more of a toy than anything you could rely on for serious work.
But now the main tool manufacturers such as JET, Rikon, and WEN are building their own variants. They come with the same scaled-down features and great construction as the full-sized machines.
Before you spend your money on a benchtop bandsaw make sure you fully understand your requirements. We have put together a guide on the main areas to keep in mind when choosing a benchtop bandsaw.
Portability
The stand-out difference with a benchtop bandsaw is the requirement for it to be easily maneuverable around a workshop. Benchtop bandsaws are also known as tabletop bandsaws. This is for the simple reason that you can place them onto a table or bench, in the same way as a drill press.
Standard bandsaws are much larger and cumbersome, requiring a lot of space in your workshop. However, due to their small size and lower weight, benchtop bandsaws are suited to garages or smaller workshops where space is limited.
Weight is a factor to consider with any tool, especially when you need good stability as well as portability. When choosing your benchtop bandsaw check that you are happy lifting its weight from ground to benchtop level. In our review, we came across a few different sizes and some products even came with their own stands. This means you don’t have to move it on and off your bench.
Blades
Bandsaws are great tools to have in the workshop as you can make many different types of cuts and cut through various materials. For certain cuts, you have to use the correct bandsaw blade. A blade that is wider will help with a straighter cut as it helps to keep the material aligned. A narrower blade is used to make radius cuts and intricate designs. However, it is harder to make a straight cut with a narrow blade.
Blades also have different tooth profiles depending on their use. The most common blade types have straight-faced teeth that are evenly spaced and deep gullets (the area between each tooth).
Blades all vary on their tooth rake, gullet, and teeth per inch. You may find that a certain style suits your work more than another.
Bandsaw Table
As we mentioned at the beginning of our review, the table of your band saw is one of the most important factors of a bandsaw. It is the base for all materials to be worked from and so should be strong and sturdy.
Ideally built from a metal such as cast iron or steel and polished flat. Keep in mind the size of the table as this affects how stable your material is. It also determines the area needed to store the bandsaw if it cannot be rotated. A larger table providing a more stable working area for large pieces. But it might be difficult to store in a tight workshop.
Some of the higher-end models have the functionality to rotate the table up to 45-degrees to assist with mister cuts. Bandsaw tables also have rails for fitting attachments such as rip fences and miter gauges.
Throat Capacity
The throat capacity of a bandsaw is the gap between the saw blade and the column of the bandsaw. This measurement determines the maximum size of material you can cut and is a good measurement to use when comparing bandsaws.
Maximum Cut Height
Max cut height is determined by the gap between the table and the bottom of the blade guard when it is at its highest position. A large gap can be very helpful when using your benchtop bandsaw for resawing cuts as you are able to fit large pieces of lumber.
Another reason to have a good maximum cut height is for building boxes. Often you build the box fully enclosed and then use a bandsaw to cut at the perfect point to create a lid and base. Think about what you will be using the saw for as some projects may need a specific cut height.
Power
All the reviewed benchtop bandsaws are powered by an electric motor. The motor power and output speed ranges a lot between models. Higher-end saws often have larger motors, which helps for high friction jobs such as resawing. If you are doing a lot of cutting or using your machine regularly throughout the day a high-power motor is recommended.
Noise
There is no denying that bandsaws are loud, we always recommend using ear protection when using any power tool. Some users complain of a whine that can be especially frustrating and annoying. This can be the first sign that maintenance or a blade change is required.
Accessories
The benchtop bandsaw models that we reviewed came with multiple different accessories. It is worth noting that the models that include a miter gauge and rip fence were especially useful. Some models included extra blades for different cuts or materials.
Another important mention is the addition of a light directed at the cutting point. This is to assist in dark locations such as workshops or garages that are notoriously poorly lit.
Warranty
Out of the 10 benchtop bandsaws we reviewed we found that most came with at least a 1-year warranty. However, this wasn’t always suitable for commercial applications. Make sure you check with the manufacturer before purchasing to confirm what is covered.
Types Of Materials That Can Be Cut
Bandsaws are not only great for the different cuts they make but also the different materials they can cut through. Wood, metal, glass, and plastics can all be cut with a bandsaw. When choosing your benchtop bandsaw to keep in mind what you will likely be cutting most often. Different materials require different blade tooth types, blade speed control, and blade thicknesses.
Price
Whenever we are reviewing a tool, we always have to factor in the price variations between products. Often, as they say, you get what you pay for and this is no different for benchtop bandsaws. There are some benchtop bandsaws that are really not much more than toys and shouldn’t be bought for serious work.
However, recently there have been some of the major brands entering the market with much better products. For example, the Grizzly Industrial G0555LX and WEN 3939T. These are more powerful and built to a higher standard, but the price point reflects this.
Benchtop Bandsaw FAQs
We get asked lots of questions about our reviews that we feel would be shared with everyone. We update this list as more questions come in, please leave a comment if you have any others.
Do I really need a benchtop band saw?
Benchtop bandsaws are great if you are limited to space or working on smaller projects. They take up less room than a full-sized bandsaw and are considerably cheaper. It really depends on what you are planning on using the bandsaw for and what other tools you already own.
If for example, you plan to start making intricate wooden boxes and only have a miter saw then you will benefit greatly from upgrading to a benchtop bandsaw.
What is the best benchtop bandsaw?
It is always difficult for us to recommend one product over another as we don’t know what the end-use will be. For general woodworking and ripping, we recommend the Grizzly Industrial G0803Z, with its excellent extra features it is hard to beat.
Another great option is the JET JWBS-14DXPRO for those of you looking for a more professional product that will undoubtedly last longer and perform at a high level.
What is the best benchtop bandsaw for the money?
The bandsaw we would recommend depends on the material you’re cutting and your project goal. If your project doesn’t require the best accuracy or cutting tough materials you could use a smaller, lightweight bandsaw.
A great value benchtop bandsaw in our opinion is the WEN 3939T, a powerful yet affordable machine that comes in under $200. Great if you are on a budget, but not suitable for big projects.
How safe is a benchtop band saw?
As long as you are careful and follow the safety guidelines for working with a bandsaw you will be perfectly safe. Always wear the correct personal protective equipment, PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and protective footwear.
It isn’t recommended to wear gloves as you need to be able to carefully control your material and a glove can get caught in the blade. If you need assistance always ask an expert to help you.
Why doesn’t my benchtop band saw cut straight?
A bandsaw that isn’t cutting straight is more often than not due to issues with the blade. This is a blade drift. It occurs because of poor blade alignment or a dull blade. Another issue could be that you are using the wrong type of blade for your job and the blade gullet is filling with woodchips.
Best benchtop bandsaw for resawing?
Resawing is used to break down thicker boards into thinner ones by cutting down the length of the lumber. Make sure you are using a bandsaw that has a wide blade width to help with a straight cut and a throat that can accommodate your material.
Most bandsaws are suitable for resawing, however, a bandsaw with a high horsepower motor will be quicker at completing the job.
