The Top Five Cheap Band Saws (Tested & Reviewed – 2023)

A band saw merges the longevity and stability of a table saw with the flexible cut-making of a jigsaw. It’s explicitly engineered for making cuts on metal and wood, though there are customized options built for cutting meat. There is always a workpiece that needs curving, ripping, or re-sawing in your workshop. Perhaps that’s why you are here looking for the best cheap band saws.

While these power tools are incredibly useful, it is vital to pick the right one. Fortunately, the best ones do not have to be expensive! I won’t keep you waiting; here are the top five cheap band saws:

WEN 3962 Band Saw 

My top pick is the WEN 3962; a band saw with a reputation that precedes it. Still, WEN is not among the famous manufacturers on the market, regardless of being in the industry for over 70 years. This might be because they focus more on consumer-grade machines, which is why it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s at the top of this list. 

Now let me tell you more about it: first, it has a powerful motor, regardless of its price tag. It generates a whooping 1/3 hp and delivers 3 ½ amps, which lets you make cuts through hardwood with ease. 

What’s more, it doesn’t restrict you to cutting wood only thanks to the changeable speeds, which run between 1520 to 2620 FPM. While it’s not a professional-grade power tool, this machine provides great cutting abilities only seen with a compact resaw of 6 inches. 

Additionally, this band saw has a wide max. cutting width capacity of 9 ¾ inches thanks to the substantial table measuring 14 1/8 by 12 ½ inches. On top of that, you will get a work light, which helps light up your workpiece to maintain precision throughout. 

To get rid of the sawdust and debris, you can connect a 4, 2 ¾, and 1 ¾ inch diameter vacuum hose to the 3-in-1 dust port. All the same, this machine comes with a few downsides, including the fact that it is tricky to adjust and its accuracy is a bit faulty. 

What I Like 

• It has an extremely powerful motor.
• It offers a generous maximum cutting width.
• The dust port allows you to connect it to a vacuum, leaving your workspace dust-free. 
• The variable speed gives you more control over your work. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It is not the most accurate band saw. 

MILWAUKEE 2429-21XC M12 Band Saw 

This compact band saw is my pick for runner-up and is both lightweight and highly functional. Moreover, it is a cordless machine powered by an XC Lithium-Ion battery. 

It is one of the most compact band saws on this list, so much so you can hold it with one arm and still make clean and accurate cuts. It delivers a cutting ability of 1 5/8 inches, hence is capable of various woodworking jobs, including average and high capacity. 

The battery is powerful enough to deliver more than 150 cuts when fully charged. Besides, it takes 30 minutes to charge the battery fully. The blade it comes with is effective enough to cut through ¾ inch EMT in under 5 seconds. 

The LED light illuminates your workpiece to ensure maximum precision even when working in the dark. You will also appreciate the safety features like the blade guards, which protect you while you’re working. 

Your purchase will include a saw blade, charger, carry bag, and red lithium-ion battery. The carry bag is perfect for hauling this band saw from one place to the other. Also, it comes with a 5-year warranty, which allows you to return it in case of any issues. 

One disadvantage with this machine is that it comprises a plastic build, which compromises durability. 

What I Like 

• It’s compact, and you can easily hold it in one hand. 
• It makes accurate and precise cuts. 
• It offers a long runtime. 
• It has an extremely powerful motor. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It has a plastic build. 

Grizzly G0555 Band Saw 

If you have done your research, you have certainly come across the Grizzly G0555 Band Saw as one of the cheapest options on the market. On top of that, it does not compromise on features and efficiency. 

So, what is it all about? It has a 1hp motor that’s extremely sturdy, which allows it to cut through hardwood and timber effortlessly. Also, due to the blade’s continuous downward thrust, you won’t have to worry about kickbacks when making cuts on your workpiece. 

Overall, this band saw is a highly capable machine that can efficiently size boards and make curved cuts on different materials. While it is pricier than most machines, it is worth investing in, considering it can also work as a table saw. 

What I Like 

• The robust motor delivers 1-hp worth of power. 
• You will get a 13 ½ inch cutting capacity. 
• The blade guides allow for smooth operation. 
• For unmatched accuracy, it has a precision ground table. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It doesn’t come with an LED light. 

DeWalt DCS374B Portable Band Saw 

This list wouldn’t be complete without a product from DeWalt. This well-known manufacturer is one of the best in the industry, and their products are impeccable in quality. This metallic band saw comes with a cutting capacity of 5 inches, which makes it possible to cut through a wide range of materials. 

The variable speed lets you pick the speed of the blade depending on your project’s needs and makes this machine extremely versatile. 

For incredible robustness, it has a brushless motor, which provides reliability and impressive performance. Unlike some of the band saws on this list, the DCS374B has a hanging hook that allows you to hang it safely. This also makes it portable and makes it perfect for the woodworker with a small workshop. 

My favorite feature is the tool-less blade switching, which does away with the stress of tool-involved blade shifting. The durable base and the LED light come in handy, with the former increasing longevity and the latter boosting precision. 

The drive wheel has a rubber band that interferes with the blade when making cuts, which can be somewhat frustrating. 

What I Like 

• The brushless motor delivers incredible performance. 
• The sturdy base adds to durability. 
• Convenient tool-less blade changing. 
• It offers incredible precision and accuracy. 

What I Don’t Like 

• The blade can get displaced at times. 

Rikon 10-305 Band Saw 

Last on my list of the top cheap band saws is the 10-inch band saw. 

If you don’t have a lot of storage space, then you will appreciate this machine’s compact build. It is one of the most compact options here. It has a 1/3 hp motor and a 9-inch width cutting capacity for versatility. Besides, the potent motor delivers high cutting power. 

Unfortunately, this motor only allows you to cut through wood. But you can add a rising block to boost this machine’s throat capacity. You will also appreciate the steel construction for unmatched durability. 

Other features worth mentioning include the efficient dust collection system for collecting debris and dust, an easy-to-read manual, and a blade guard to keep the blade steady. 

Overall, this is an efficient, affordable, and accurate band saw. 

What I Like 

• It is highly compact. 
• It offers incredible cutting capacity. 
• You can use a riser block to enhance cutting capacity. 
• It has a durable steel construction.

What I Don’t Like 

• It has a small motor. 

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Conclusion

After reading my review, you should now have an idea about purchasing the best cheap band saw for your workshop. While all these options are affordable, some will meet your needs better than others. However, the WEN 3962 is my top pick thanks to its dual-speed mode, the working table, and user-friendliness. But whatever your poison, you’ll definitely find it here!