Finding the best benchtop bandsaw is not an easy task. One might think that the best rated benchtop bandsaw on Amazon is immediately the best pick, but just because it has a 4.5-star rating that doesn’t mean it’s the right bandsaw for you.
After spending a lot of time reviewing all the bandsaws on this list, we can say that the WEN 3939 is by far the top benchtop bandsaw that we’ve reviewed. From its power to its accuracy, there’s no other bandsaw that beats the beast.
Not a fan of our top pick? Well, luckily we’ve compiled a comparison table for you that should help you make a choice based on your needs, budget, and any other preferences that you might have.
Top 5: Best Benchtop Bandsaw Reviews
The debate on which type of bandsaw is the best has been going on for decades. We believe that there’s no one good answer to which type is superior, but that you should instead make decisions based on your specific circumstances and needs.
If you want a bandsaw that’s light and portable for easy use on any project then you should go with a benchtop bandsaw. Just ensure that it has enough power to get the job done. Here are five bandsaws that we liked most.
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Our Top Pick
WEN 3975T
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WEN 3939
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WEN 3959
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WEN 3960
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Ryobi BS904G
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1. WEN 3975 5″ Metal-Cutting Benchtop Bandsaw
The main thing that we liked about this bandsaw is the versatility that it offers. You can switch the blade speed based on your needs and preferences.
The bandsaw is also surprisingly light without sacrificing any power. Here are some of the key points:
There are many things that we liked about this bandsaw. If we listed out every single thing that impressed us during the testing of this bandsaw it’d take up the entire article, so here are three of the features that we found the most fascinating.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
1. Adjustable Speed
Nothing pisses us off more than a great bandsaw without speed control. Sure, you’ll likely be using the top speed on most projects but there’ll always be some cuts that require something more gentle. Being able to adjust the speed on demand is the best way to get clean cuts every time.
2. Compact Design
The whole point of buying a benchtop bandsaw is the ability to transport it from one project to the next without any hassle. The entire benefit becomes moot if a benchtop bandsaw, while light, is too large to be carried around. Luckily this bandsaw is just as compact as it is light making traveling with it a breeze.
3. Two-Year Warranty
While it’s often overlooked, having a long warranty is actually a huge benefit when it comes to power tools. Whenever you buy a new piece of equipment, you’re investing your hard-earned cash in its ability to provide value.
If it isn’t covered by a long enough warranty then you could end up losing money on this investment. Furthermore, a long warranty also shows that the manufacturer has faith in the quality of the product.
- Compact Design
- Adjustable Speed
- Long Warranty
- Uninformative Listing
- Vague Instruction Manual
- Inconvenient Packaging
2. WEN 3939 2.8-Amp 9" Benchtop Band Saw
After spending a lot of time reviewing compact bandsaws, we wanted to check out some of the units that fell into the more powerful end of the spectrum. That’s when we met this beast. Before we go into the amazing power that it provides, here are some key points.
The main thing that stood out with this unit is the power that it provides. That being said, there are a few other things that impressed us when we were testing this unit. Here are three features that we loved most about this particular benchtop bandsaw
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
1. High-Power Performance
Of course, we can’t go any further without discussing the amazing level of power that this bandsaw provides. While most benchtop bandsaws have lower power ratings to maximize portability, this unit spared nothing in terms of performance. Its blades move at the blazing pace of 2,460 feet per minute ensuring clean cuts regardless of the material that you’re working with.
2. Dust Port
With all the power that this beast provides, you’ll need something that can keep your workspace clean. Luckily this benchtop bandsaw provides an efficient dust port that can clean up after the gargantuan blade shreds all your material. The dust port was very easy to use and got the job done without any issues.
3. Two-Year Warranty
Much like the previous bandsaw on this list, the beast offers an equally long warranty — which should come as no surprise seeing as they’re both made by the same manufacturer. Most bandsaws with the power of this level tend to shorten the warranty for fear that the beastly motor will blow out, but the 24-month warranty that comes with this unit proves that its manufacturer trusts the longevity of the motor wholeheartedly.
- High Power Performance
- Useful Dust Port
- Long Warranty
- Heavier
- Larger
- Vague Instruction Manual
3. WEN 3959 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
This is another top-notch bandsaw produced by WEN. You might think that we’re in some way sponsored by WEN, but in reality they just make some of the best benchtop bandsaws out there — which is why they dominate this list. Here are some of the key features of this bandsaw.
There are many things that impressed us about this bandsaw. Here are three of the key features that helped the bandsaw get featured on our list.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
1. Blade Variety
If you want a bandsaw that can take on virtually any type of blade that you might need to use then look no further.
This bandsaw can take on blades ranging from ⅛” to ⅜” ensuring that you can get clean cuts on your material regardless of the blade size restrictions that may be in play.
2. Compact Design
Much like the other WEN bandsaws we’ve reviewed, this unit ensures that the design is as compact as possible so that you can bring it from project to project without running it into any problems.
3. Dust Port
Much like the beast that we just finished talking about, this bandsaw has a very functional dust port to ensure that your workstation stays clean.
Coming in at 2.5 inches, there’s more than enough capacity with this dust port to keep up with the cutting of the powerful blade that comes with this unit.
- Dust Port
- Optimized Design
- Decent Power
- Vague Instruction Manual
- Inconvenient Packaging
- Loud
4. WEN 3960 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
Another WEN bandsaw makes its way into our list. While there’s a lot to love about this unit, let’s take a brief look at some of the key details first:
We swear this is the last WEN bandsaw on this list. While we already have three other units from the WEN family on this list, we just had to include this one in the list due to the efficiency at which it operates. Here are the top three features that make us love this bandsaw.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
1. Dual Speed
While this bandsaw may not be as flexible when it comes to speed adjustment as the previous units that we’ve covered in this list, it does allow you to toggle between two speeds. It does take a few minutes to change from one speed to the next but it’s hard to nitpick when you’re reviewing a unit this well-made.
2. Dust Port
Keeping in line with the WEN tradition, this model has an efficient dust port that keeps your workspace clean and deals with all the dust and debris left behind by the powerful blade on this unit.
We encountered exactly zero issues when hooking up this dust port making it a great feature in our opinion.
3. Long Warranty
In addition the overall great performance of this bandsaw, we’re happy to report that it boasts the same 24-month warranty much like the other WEN products that we included in this list. Again, ensuring that your investment pays off and displaying manufacturer trust in the model.
- Long Warranty
- Dual Speed
- Dust Port
- Slower
- Less Versatile with blade choices
- Heavier
5. Ryobi BS904G 9" BANDSAW Green
Last but not least is the Ryobi outlier in this sea of the WEN bandsaws. While it may be from a different manufacturer, it certainly gives the other members in this list a run for their money.
Here are some of the key details that you need to know about this particular bandsaw.
When testing out all the different bandsaws that were in contention to make it on this list, we were starting to wonder if anything that wasn’t made from WEN would even find its way onto the article. Luckily, this Ryobi bandsaw managed to overcome the odds and rank on our top five due to these three features.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
1. Aluminum Construction
While most of the bandsaws that you’ll find in this price range are made out of plastic or some other synthetic material, the Ryobi BS904G is constructed out of solid aluminum providing a great combination of durability and lightness.
2. Reduced Vibration
One of the biggest banes of those who use benchtop bandsaws is the fact that they often vibrate far too much. While it might not seem like such a big nuisance on first glance, excessive vibration can actually reduce the accuracy of your cuts.
This Ryobi bandsaw relies on patented technology to minimize the amount of vibration that it experiences during operation.
3. Blade Tracking Window
One of the coolest things about this bandsaw is the fact that it features a blade-tracking window.
This helps you get close enough to watch the blade and make accurate cuts without having to worry about all the dust and debris getting in your face — since you’re protected by the window while your dust port sucks up all the excess material.
- Blade-tracking Window
- Low Vibration
- Aluminum Construction
- Shorter Warranty
- Heavier
- Lower Availability
Benchtop Bandsaw Buying Guide
Warranties
Aim for longer warranties to protect your investment — since bandsaws aren’t the cheapest pieces of equipment.
Strength Precision Table
Look for bandsaws that are powerful but don’t sacrifice accuracy as this is the easiest path to clean cuts.
Keep it light
Be sure to check the weight of your benchtop bandsaw for easy transport otherwise the benefits of using a benchtop bandsaw become moot.
Read more: Best Small Bandsaw Reviews
Conclusion
Remember, seeing as every bandsaw purchase is an investment for your future, it’s important that you pay attention to the fine print.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading our list. If you felt that this article helped you choose the best benchtop band saw then pay it forward by sharing a link with one of your friends who may also be choosing between various bandsaws for their own projects.