It’s hard to find the best band saw under $500 because there is a lot of misinformation out there about what makes a good product and what doesn’t.
We’ve done all the research for you, so that finding your next tool will be easy and fun! Here are our top picks for affordable band saws for this price range.
Bandsaws are not as popular as portable handheld circular saws, but they are still preferred over them in some applications due to their versatility.
Bandsaws at mid-range prices are well-suited for cutting metal, plastic and wood.
There are different types of band saws, the most common being the horizontal band saw which is cheaper than the vertical band saw because its frame has only one moving part to make it turn on its axis. Vertical band saws are more expensive but they are preferred by many professionals who cut wood and plastic using these machines. Portable band saws are best for cutting material in tight places because the blade moves along the vertical axis.
This article looks at the best band saws under $500. These are not the most expensive or budget band saws, just those that fall within this price range. Reviews of each product are included in order to help you make an informed decision when buying a band saw.
Best Band Saw Under $500 Reviews
When it comes to buying a band saw, there are many options to choose from. Even so, not all of the available brands and models are made equal. That’s why we created this list of the top 5 band saws under $500
1. WEN 3962T 3.5-Amp 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand
The WEN 3962 T 10-Inch band saw is constructed of steel and cast iron table, which adds stability. It has a 3.5-Amp motor with two speeds (for optimal performance) with cutting capacity up to 2″ metal material, 5/8 ” wood material, and 1/4 ” plastic material. Additionally, the saw has a 1/8″ blade kerf with variable speed control for precise material cutting.
The WEN 3962 T band saw is affordable, easy to assemble with the included versatile tools, and powerful for most DIY projects or small business needs. It can be used by children with close supervision due to its razor sharp components which are covered by a blade guard.
Due to the band saw weight (with stand and miter gauge), it may be difficult for some individuals to move around or lift the entire saw. The machine does not have a blade brake mechanism which can be frustrating if one accidentally cuts through their material but does not want to wait for the blade to completely stop before removing the material from the saw.
The WEN 3962 band saw is a great buy for the price. It performs well and is versatile in what it can cut. It should be used with caution due to its sharp components, which should be covered by a blade guard while in use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Great for DIY or small business needs
- Spacious Work Table
- 3-in-1 Dust Port
Cons
- Difficult to move due to weight (with stand and miter gauge)
- No blade brake mechanism
For the lower price, the WEN 3962T band saw is a great buy.
2. DeWalt DWM120K Portable Deep Cut Band Saw, 10 Amp, 5-Inch
If you are looking for a decent band saw, but want to avoid the hassle of lugging around an unwieldy stationary model or spending tons on a top of the line tool, then take a look at the DeWalt DWM120K. This well-built and solid performing machine has many things going for it and only few negatives.
The fairly compact design is great for tight spots, but it doesn’t skimp on power. It has a 12-inch blade with cutting capacity up to a 2-inch depth. The DeWalt DWM120K comes with everything you need in the box, including an anti-vibration table and all the wrenches and blades that you will need to start cutting through wood, metal, or other materials right away.
The DeWalt DWM120K has the same base as the more expensive model with some improvements to make it easier to use. The adjustable depth of cut makes it easy to get exactly the size you need quickly and easily. It also has nice rubber feet that keep it stable and in place while you are cutting. The cast aluminum table has a convenient bevel adjustment that makes it easy to switch between different angles quickly and easily.
The DeWalt DWM120K also has several nice safety features built right in. Even though the blade is quite powerful, there is an automatic shut off when the blade jams to ensure that you don’t end up with a dangerous mess on your hands. The blade has an integrated tensioning system for quick and easy changes in the middle of a job.
Pros
- Blades makes it easy to cut a wide range of materials
- Portable, only weighs 15 pounds
- Comes with everything you need
- Integrated Led light to help you with the cutting line
Cons
- No clamp included, but can be purchased as an accessory for around $10
- May not have enough power for some applications.
3. RIKON 10-305 Benchtop Band saw With Fence
The Rikon 10-305 is an affordable band saw with the largest throat capacity of all models when the saw is set at 90 degrees. It has a powerful 1 HP induction motor capable of speeds between 400 and 1600 feet per minute.
This benchtop band saw weighs 82 pounds so it’s not light, but you do get a stand that can support the weight of the machine. The best thing about this product is that it can be set to cut wood, metal or plastic without any problems.
The throat capacity is 16 inches at 90 degrees and 12 inches at 45 degrees while the maximum cutting capacity for this good band saw is 3-11/16 inch which lets you work on large pieces if necessary.
As with other budget benchtop band saws, this one needs the appropriate blade to be able to cut different materials and thicknesses . It comes with a blade for wood materials, a blade for metal and a general purpose bi-metal blade.
Pros
- Biggest throat capacity at 90 degrees
- Powered by 1/3 HP motor
- Different blades for wood, metal and general purpose use
- Cast Iron Table
- Steel plate Frame
- Edge facing thrust bearings
Cons
- Heavy weight at 82 pounds
Verdict: If you’re looking for a band saw that can cut large pieces of wood then this is the best in the price range. It has impressive cutting speed settings that let you work on different materials effectively. You also get three blades with it that are suitable for several types of materials which means you don’t have to buy any additional blades when working on different woodworking projects.
4. Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Band Saw
The Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 band saw is lightweight, only weighing in at 6.5 pounds, but it does have a cutting capacity for steel up to 3/4 of an inch thick. This particular affordable bandsaw has a cutting speed of up to 175 inches per minute. It is able to cut 1 inch deep, but the standard blade only has a cutting depth of 3/8 of an inch.
The Milwaukee M12 series also offers compatibility with other Milwaukee brand accessories like the hex shank blades that were previously used on their other 12 volt line up tools (since discontinued) as well as the new M12 1/4 In. to 3/8 In. hex screw adapter.
Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 band saw is a very convenient and flexible tool. It gives you the freedom to take the saw wherever you need to and it’s light weight allows you to cut at any angle without straining. It is a well-built quality machine, but it does lack in some areas. The battery life needs to be longer since the saw uses up all of the battery charge when cutting through metal.
Pros
- Battery life was long enough to cut through 1 inch of steel at a decent cutting speed
- Convenient to use and transport
- Good design, easy to put together, easy to operate.
- The battery pack is very versatile allowing it to be used in other Milwaukee tools
- Three spare blades included
Cons
- The blade dies out quickly when cutting through metal
- Poor design of the dust collection attachment makes for poor performance
- The fact that there are no options for different blades means you have to purchase an extra if you need a different size.
5. SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt 9 Inch Band Saw
The cheapest band saw in the list, the Skil 3386-01 weighs only 36.9 pounds and has a throat capacity of 12 inches. It can be used to cut wood, plastic and light miter gauge metal as well as thick metal using the right blade. Has a HP induction Powerful Motor with variable speeds of between 250 and 440 feet per minute. It is a 2.5 Amp Motor.
At 90 degrees, the throat capacity is 9-1/8 inches and at 45 degrees, it is 5-3/4 inches. The maximum cutting depth of 1-5/16 inches is best suited for thin straight cuts.
As with all band saws, this one needs the appropriate blade to be able to cut different materials and thicknesses. It includes adjustable blower and rip fence.
The Skil 3386-01 is the cheapest on the list of best band saws under $500, primarily because its throat capacity is smaller than that of other band saws with similar prices. However, it gives you a good idea about what extra features to expect at this price point before moving on to more expensive models.
Pros
- Cheap
- Can cut wood, plastic and metal at 90 degrees
- Variable speeds of between 250 and 440 feet per minute
- Compact size
- Features a rip fence
Cons
- Small throat capacity at 45 degrees
Verdict: If you want a cheap band saw that can handle light to medium materials then this is the one. It’s a great tool for the money.
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Buying Guide for Bandsaws
What to look for when buying a bandsaw:
Throat capacity
Bandsaws typically have a throat capacity that is measured in inches and it’s best if you can find one with at least 12, preferably 16. If the throat capacity of the band saw is less than 10, then it will struggle when you’re trying to cut larger pieces.
Throat capacity is important because bandsaws with higher throat capacities will always outperform those with lower throat capacities.
Table size
There are some band saws that come with a larger table so you can work on large pieces of material. If you plan to cut different types of materials, then it’s best if you can get a band saw that comes with an adjustable table.
Maximum depth of cut
This is best if it’s at least 3 inches which will let you make nice precise cuts on thicker pieces of material. The best bandsaw with the best maximum depth is 4 inches with most having a maximum depth less than 3 inches and some even smaller than that. Make sure to check the size of the maximum depth of cut before buying a band saw.
Depth of cut is important because you can’t work on large pieces of material with a band saw that only has 1 inch maximum depth.
Weight
Bandsaws are best if they have a weight that is below 50 pounds because then it’s easy to carry from the back of your vehicle to where you’re going to work on it. But some bandsaws can be heavy and weigh up to 100 pounds which isn’t best when you’re looking for best portable band saw to take with you on the jobsite.
Power
This is best if it has at least 2/3 HP which will be enough power to handle most tasks that need cutting through stainless steel, wood and other materials. Even though best bandsaws have 1 or 3 HP motors, they may bog down when cutting thicker materials because it doesn’t have enough power. So best to find one with at least 2/3 HP powerful motor for best power to weight ratio for portable bandsaws.
Blade speed
It’s best if the blade speed of a band saw can reach up to 500 feet per minute but there are some that only go up to 300 or even slower. A bandsaw blade speeds will let you precise cut different materials effectively with the appropriate blades installed in it.
Blade size
The best bandsaw needs a wide variety of blades that are suitable for cutting different materials and thicknesses. This is best if the portable bandsaw comes with at least one blade for wood, best for metal and best general purpose blade. But some best bandsaws come with up to five or even more blades that work best in cutting different materials which will let you cut through several types of materials without having to buy additional blades.
Warranty
It’s best if it comes with at least a 1 year warranty on the best bandsaws. But best band saws typically have a warranty of up to 5 years which will let you send it in for repairs if necessary.
Conclusion
The best band saw under $500 is the one that has best throat capacity, best weight and best blade speed so you can cut different materials effectively. This is best for professional or even novice woodworkers that need a band saw to work on tasks inside their shop or take to the jobsite.
Choose the cheap band saw based on your needs so you can create accurate cuts, angled cuts, bevel cuts, or intricate cuts. As mentioned above, if you are heavy duty user then best option is that buy best band saw which allows to cut the material with high speed. If you are beginner and not interested in best band saws under 500 then best option is to go for best cheap band saw which comes at affordable price.
