Outline of Materials
- 1 Inexpensive Bandsaw – Top Deals Under $200
Inexpensive Bandsaw – Top Deals Under $200
The band saw is a handy tool that allows hobbyist woodworkers or homeowners to achieve small to medium personal and home woodworking projects.
Using a benchtop band saw, you can cut different materials like plastic or metals depending on the blade type. It is mostly suitable for cutting wood. In fact, band saws are a versatile tool.
First-time users may find it challenging to pick the right band saw since multiple options are available. However, say “bye-bye” to worries because I covered reviews of the 8 best band saws, buying guide, and FAQ section.
Without making further late, let’s dive in.
Quick Comparison of 5 Best Band Saw for Under 200 Dollars
| Product | Key Specifications | More Info |
|---|---|---|
 WEN 3959T Benchtop Band Saw | Blade Size: 59-1/2" Cutting Depth: 3-1/2" Bevels: 45-degrees Speed: 2500 FPM Weight: 40 lbs. | Price |
 Bosch BSH180B Band Saw | Blade Size: 59-1/2" Cutting Depth: 2-1/2" Bevels: 360-degrees Speed: 530 FPM Weight: 7.1 lbs. | Price |
WEN 3939T Benchtop Band Saw | Blade Size: 62-inch Cutting Depth: 3-5/8" Bevels: 45-degrees Speed: 2460 FPM Weight: 46.7 lbs. | Price |
 Woodskil 3A 9-Inch Band Saw | Blade Size: 59-1/2" Cutting Depth: 3-1/2" Bevels: 45-degrees Speed: 2500 FPM Weight: 40 lbs. | Price |
 BILT HARD 9-Inch Bandsaw | Blade Size: 59-1/2" Cutting Depth: 3-1/2" Bevels: 45-degrees Speed: 2500 FPM Weight: 40 lbs. | Price |
Top Rated 5 Best Budget Bandsaw Reviews
Here’s a little sneak peek over the top choice of 2020 and most probably coming years as well – the five best valued inexpensive bandsaw! Should groove as just suitable for your mechanical workspace.
So, to find out which are the best, keep reading and we’ll help you to make the best buying decision:
1WEN 3959T 2.5-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
Cutting Depth: 3-1/2 inch | Blade Size: 59-1/2 inch | Weight: 40 lbs.
Highlight Features
- Uses a 59-1/2-inch blade. Between 1/8 to 3/8 inches in size.
- Spacious worktable with size 12-1/4 x 11-7/8 inches.
- Cut at a 45-degree angle.
- 2500 Feet per minute with a 2.5-amp motor.
- Can create cuts of 3 ½ inches deep and about 9 inches wide.
The WEN 3959T has two benchtop saws and is known as the best band saws under 200. The 2017 model and the 2021 version. The latest version is better and has more features.
This is a corded electrical bandsaw that is cutting at a 45-degree angle. It has a 2,5amp motor and it rotates the blade up to 2500 feet. The size of the bandsaw is 19 x 14.1 x 29 inches and weighs a total of 40 pounds.
Included with the saw you will get a ¼ inch wide blade, a dust port, a rip fence, and a miter gauge.
2Bosch BSH180B Compact Band Saw
Cutting Depth: 2-1/2 inch | Speed: 530 fpm | Weight: 7.1 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Lightweight compact size
- Suitable for making cuts in narrow locations
- Comes with three 18 TPI blades
- Ideal for mid-level projects
It comes at a price so affordable that you can save up to a hundred bucks if you settle for this particular model. First of all, this bandsaw by Bosch is 60 percent less heavy than its deep-cut alternatives.
Be it occasional electrical works, plumbing, carpentry, nothing provides such a great comfort as a portable band saw. And speaking of portable cordless bandsaws, this great one by Bosch made its way to our top 10 because of three very convenient features.
For those woodworkers for whom weight is a serious drawback, a lightweight model is a life-saver! So, say goodbye to cramping arms after pulling a whole day at the workshop!
Next up, we have its broad usability in all areas – from cutting a stationary workpiece on a stand to working in a tight place overhead, this band saw does it all.
Lastly, its LED work light provides good coverage in the dark. Why carry an extra torch and burden yourself? Pack lightly for your construction works, and let this bandsaw do all the work.
However, Bosch had to compromise its cutting capacity for downsizing this bandsaw. With a 2-½” by 2-½” cutting capability, Bosch falls short in meeting the standards of a heavy-duty handheld bandsaw. So, stick to light to medium level works, and you should have no performance problems.
3WEN 3939T 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
Cutting Depth: 3-5/8 inch | Blade Size: 62-Inch | Weight: 46.7 lbs.
Highlight Features
- Using and included a 3/8-inch wide blade
- Cuts up to 3-5/8 inches deep and about 9-inches wide.
- 2500 Feet per minute with a 2.8-amp motor.
- Worktable is 12 x12-inch and bevels up to 45 degrees
- The overall size of the saw is 31.8 x 17.72 x 16.38 inches
- The power needed is a lithium-ion battery. Not included.
The WEN 3939T has two different options and this is why it’s known as the best benchtop bandsaw under 200. You can choose between the 9 inches or the 14inch blade. With this bandsaw, you will need to have a lithium-ion battery. It doesn’t work with electrical power.
It can cut at a 45-degree angle and has a 2.8-amp motor. It rotates the blade to 2460 feet per minute. The overall weight of the bandsaw is 46,7 pounds. With the saw, you will get a 3/8-inch wide blade, a fence, a miter gauge, and a dust port.
This is known that this benchtop saw is tough and super portable. You can take it with you wherever you need it.
4Woodskil 3A 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw, Anti-Shake
Cutting Depth: 3-1/2 inch | Blade Size: 59-1/2 Inch | Weight: 40 lbs.
Highlight Features
- The speed of the band saw is 2500RPM and 1720RPM.
- The length of the blade is 59.5-inches.
- 3-Amo low noise induction motor.
- The width can be anywhere between 1/8 to 3/8 inches.
- Comes with a double safety switch
- Table size is 12, 5/16 x 11, 7/8 inches
- The sawdust port is 2.5-inch.
Woodskil 3A is yellow in color and offers a 2500RPM speed. Many prefer this one as their best band saws under 200However, it also offers a lower 1720RPM speed. This band saw is powerful and efficient.
It comes with a 3A low noise induction motor. You can cut different types of wood and soft-metal without any problems. This is because of the 3A motor. The length of the blade is 59 ½ inches. The overall size of the bandsaw is 31 x 17 x 11 inches. The total weight of the saw is 40 pounds.
The Woodskil is an electrical saw where no batteries are needed. Comes with an exhaust port and dust brush to make cleaning easier.
5BILT HARD Benchtop Band Saw with Blade/Miter Gauge
Cutting Depth: 3-1/2 inch | Blade Size: 59-1/2 Inch | Weight: 40 lbs.
Highlight Features
- 2.5-Amp, 9-inch wide bandsaw
- Table size is a total of 12 x 12 inch
- The size blade can be anything between 1/8inch to 3/8inch.
- Bevel cuts to a 45-degree angle.
- It has a total speed of 2500RPM.
The blue Bilt Hard benchtop band saw is a powerful machine with a speed of 2500RPM. The size of the product is 29 x 19 x 14 inches and weighs a total of 39 pounds.
The bandsaw has a 2.5-AMP ball bearing induction motor and has a speed of up to1,450 and 2500RPM. It can cut different types of wood and other soft metals. The table is adjustable and can be cut to a 45-degree angle.
It comes with a dust port where you can insert a vacuum hose in. The hose isn’t included. The blade design is a two-wheel design.
How to Choose an Ideal Band Saw for Under 200?
Picking a reliable band saw is crucial since a wide range of options are surfing the market. Even choosing a tool becomes challenging when your budget is tight. This section will help you by sharing a few tips in buying the right tool for your project.
However, it is always advisable not to pick a cheap item while a wallet-friendly item is good enough to meet your needs.
Know Your Project Requirement
Depending on the requirement of your project, choose the band saw type. A steady saw is a necessary tool when dealing with wood or metal parts. Also, enough power is mandatory to cut the materials effortlessly.
If the project requirement is to handle heavy-duty projects, an expensive band saw is the best solution. On the other hand, if you need to use the tool once a month for accomplishing light-duty projects, an affordable option will be an ideal choice.
When buying a band saw, note down your project needs and buy a tool accordingly.
Power
Don’t forget to keep in mind the materials that you will be cutting.
The common conception is, the cut will be easier when you have a powerful band saw in your hand.
Working with a powerful band saw is much more beneficial than a less powered tool. You can save valuable time cutting materials using a powerful band saw. A low-powered band saw will consume too much time to accomplish a project, which can lead you to frustration.
Blade Type
Variety types of band saw blades are available in the market. And remember, you can’t complete all your cutting tasks with a single blade type. Each type is unique in its characteristics.
Make sure your tool is compatible with many blade types. Check the blade size and see if you can use additional blades in that size.
Another essential factor is the easy blade switching process. Let’s say you need to change the blade too frequently according to the project. But unfortunately, the blade changing process is challenging; as a result, time will be wasted, and the project will take more time to finish.
It would be best to look for a model that has an easy blade-changing feature. This will let you save time.
Versatility
Don’t you think buying a machine capable of doing many cutting projects is beneficial than the one that can do a single task only? Definitely, your answer will be YES.
Always look for an affordable band saw that comes with many features such as easy blade adjustment, rip fence, powerful motor, adjustable speed option, and many more. More features mean you will have more control over the band saw, and a precision cut is also guaranteed.
You can complete a variety of projects using a versatile band saw.
Construction
It would help if you bought a band saw that is made of sturdy and robust materials. The good news is that most band saws are manufactured using die-cast aluminum, steel, or cast iron, or a combination of these materials. Buying a band saw made of plastic or wood will be a poor decision. However, a sturdily made band saw also has plastic components, but make sure the % of brittle material is minimal.
Cast-iron is the most reliable option because it is durable and heavier compared to the other 2 types.
Dust Collector
As stated earlier, using a band saw, you can cut different materials. Thus dust is unavoidable. So, choose a band saw that is equipped with a dust collecting port. A built-in dust collector will collect the dust easily to keep the working environment clean. Plus, after accomplishing a cutting project, the cleaning process will be hassle-free.
Additional Features
Some models come with additional features that are not a mandatory factor but having those features is convenient. Such as, LED light for easy cutting under low light conditions, window to see the blade when cutting, onboard storage option is few additional features. Your work will be much more comfortable when you have these added features in your selected band saw.
Price
Undoubtedly, you won’t want to break your bank or surpass your budget when buying a band saw.
Pick a model that meets all your requirement along with the price. It is always advisable to choose an affordable and easy-to-use band saw.
The discussion about the benefits and drawbacks will let you decide about using a table saw or band saw for a cutting project. However, when working with a saw, it is significantly essential to use safety gear.
Additional Information/FAQs
What type of cut can a bandsaw make?
A band saw can make below cuts conveniently with different blades.
- Bevel cuts.
- Irregular cuts.
- Rip cuts.
- Compound cuts.
- Curved cuts.
- Resawing or ripping.
What speed should a band saw run at?
Generally, 1,000 FPM is the speed range of a regular band saw. Some models are available with more speeds, but it is recommended to operate a band saw with slow speed because it is safe to use at a lower speed.
What Are the Types of Blades Used in Band Saw?
The band saw blades are unique, and one blade can’t accomplish the cutting task of different materials. The most common band saw blade types are discussed below.
Hook-tooth blade: Extreme ferocity is the prime feature of this type of band saw blade. Hardwoods, wood, plastic, etc., can easily be cut using a hook-tooth blade. The teeth are larger than offers extra benefits. A woodworker can finish a cutting task quickly using this blade type.
Skip-tooth blade: Generally, more space between the teeth is the characteristic of skip-tooth blades. As a result, resin can’t buildup on the blade, making it an ideal choice for daily usage. It delivers efficient results when cutting plastic, non-ferrous materials, softwoods, etc.
Regular-tooth blade: It is the most widely used band saw blade. This blade type is universal, and flexibility is high when used for cutting various materials.
What is the Safety Advice When Operating a Band Saw?
Any woodworking task can efficiently be accomplished by a band saw. However, when not used correctly, they can do severe harm. Read the below safety advice to keep yourself safe when operating a band saw.
- Before using, intently read the manufacturer manual and instruction that comes with the saw.
- Choose a band saw model that is equipped with different safety features. The safety key will let you start the tool when you press the ON button. The emergency stop button is another safety feature that assists in stopping the machine during an urgency.
- Don’t operate a band saw that has dull and imperfect teeth. Make sure the blade is sharp enough to cut materials comfortably.
- Wear safety gear such as goggles, hand gloves, face masks, etc. to keep yourself safe from unwanted situations.
- Don’t wear long sleeves since it can be dangerous.
- After using the blade saw, clean it properly and store it in a safe place. Keep the device oiled all the time to get the best result in future projects.
If you see any dull blade, don’t make it late; replace it immediately.
What is the difference between a band saw and a table saw?
Find the below Pros and Cons chart to get a precise answer.
Band Saw
The benefits:
- Curve-making is straightforward.
- Using a band saw is safe.
- Creates less sound.
The drawbacks:
- Cutting rough materials with it is challenging.
Table Saw
The benefits:
- Delivers precise cuts.
- Depth adjustment is pretty easy.
- Suitable tool for bevelling.
- Offers hassle-free material cutting experience.
The drawbacks:
- Noisy that often you will feel disturbed.
- Unsafe to use.
Final Words
Undoubtedly, the best band saw under 200 offers different benefits. The great thing about band saw is, you don’t need to break your bank to buy a premium quality tool.
Before picking the right tool, make sure you know your project requirement. This is the ultimate factor that will help you in picking the expected band saw for your project.
Hopefully, the above-discussed reviews, buying guide, the FAQ section will help you to pick the best band saw according to your need.
