5 Best Budget Band Saws: Cheap Options (Tested & Reviewed in 2023)

Band saws are some of the most versatile and efficient saws you can buy. They can make a wide range of cuts and are great for making irregular shapes on your wood.

But with so many budget band saws on the market today, how are you to know which is best?

That’s why I put together this list of the best budget band saws you can buy!

In a hurry? The WEN 3.5-Amp 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw combines power, efficiency, and versatility in a truly brilliant way, yet it’s easy to use and affordable when compared to other high-quality benchtop band saws.

Quick Answer: Here are the Best Budget Band Saw Options! 👇

Best Cheap Band Saws

• #1 Best Overall – WEN 3.5-Amp 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw
• Best Value – Ryobi 9″ Bandsaw
• Highest Quality – RIKON Power Tools 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw
• Best Handheld – Milwaukee 12 Volt Deep Cut Cordless Portable Band Saw
• Best Dry/Wet Cutting – Studio Pro Precision 2000 Wet/Dry Bandsaw

1. WEN 3.5-Amp 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw – #1 Best Overall

The WEN 3.5-Amp 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw is a powerful, efficient, and versatile band saw, and it’s generally more affordable than band saws of similar quality.

Equipped with a 3.5 AMP motor, this band saw has two speeds: 1520 FPM and 2620 FPM.

It utilizes ball bearing wheels, which I’m a fan of because they last longer and help with achieving precise cuts.

It has a throat depth of 9-3/4”, and it can deliver cuts up to 6” deep.

This band saw takes 72” blades made of high-speed steel, and they can be 1/8”-1/2” thick.

Ideal for smaller workshops like mine, it is 14” x 12-1/2”, weighs 73 lbs, and can swivel 45°.

And if you want to use this off the ground instead of on a tabletop, it comes with a 25” stand.

It has an adjustable fence and an on-board measuring guide, and it comes with a sliding miter gauge and beveling table.

All of these components ensure it’s a versatile band saw, and I noticed this right away.

There’s also a special auto-lock brake that immediately stops the blade when a malfunction, no matter how minor, has been detected.

And like most quality band saws, it has a built-in, easy-to-adjust LED light with its own switch, and this ensures the tool can be used in dimly lit areas.

It can accommodate three dust hose sizes: 1-3/4”, 2-3/4”, and 4”.

Finally, it comes with a two-year limited warranty, as well as a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

And once you purchase a WEN product, you’ll have access to their support network, which includes guides, tutorials, etc.

What I Liked:

• You can make precise cuts or take off a lot of material quickly because there are two speed settings.
• You can make deep cuts in all kinds of materials because this saw has a relatively deep throat.
• Great for smaller workshops because it’s lightweight and can operate on a workbench.
• Efficient dust-removal system ensures the important components don’t get worn down by dust.

What I Didn’t Like:

• The auto-lock brake can kick in at inconvenient times, but this doesn’t happen often.
• Changing out blades can be difficult, especially if you’ve been running the saw.

2. Ryobi 9″ Bandsaw – Best Value

The Ryobi 9″ Bandsaw is the most affordable of the best budget band saws, but don’t let its lower price fool you—this is an efficient band saw that’s capable of achieving fantastic results routinely.

It has a 2.5 AMP motor, and thanks to this the continuous blade has a max peed of 3,000 RPM.

With a 9” throat depth, it’s capable of delivering cuts that are 3-1/2” deep in both hardwoods and softwoods, and it can cut through other materials as well, including nonferrous metals.

This saw takes a 62”, high-speed steel blade, and I’ve found that these smaller blades are easier to fasten, adjust, and unfasten. The blades can be 0.375”-0.125” thick.

Another compact benchtop band saw, it’s 14.75” x 11.75” and weighs just 37.3 lbs.

Part of its table can be tilted 45°, it has an auto-brake, and there’s a built-in dust port. Plus, it comes with a sliding miter gauge.

And last but certainly not least, it’s backed by a three-year limited warranty, and you’ll get access to Ryobi Help upon purchasing this product.

What I Liked:

• Simple design and low price combine to make this a great saw for hobbyists and DIYers.
• Since it’s lightweight and compact it’s not only easy to store but easy to transport as well.
• Achieving precise, smooth cuts consistently is possible since cutting speed is easy to adjust.
• The dust collection system not only protects the inner components but makes precise cutting easier.

What I Didn’t Like:

• No work light means it’s harder to achieve precise cuts in dimly lit areas.
• This tool is more prone to impact damage since its structural components aren’t that durable.

3. RIKON Power Tools 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw – Highest Quality

The RIKON Power Tools 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw is a mechanical masterpiece, as it’s equipped with numerous features that collectively ensure it’s able to deliver top-notch results again and again.

This powerful band saw runs on a 5.5 AMP motor, and like other models it’s a two-speed system: Speed 1 is 1,515 FPM while Speed 2 is 3,280 FPM.

It can make cuts up to 5” deep, and its throat depth is 9-5/8”.

It takes a 70-1/2” solid-steel blade, and this blade can be 1/8”-1/2” thick.

Another compact band saw, it’s 13-3/4” x 12-1/2”, but it’s on the heavier side (77.5 lbs), which isn’t ideal for me since I like to move my benchtop tools around frequently.

It can tilt up to 45°, and its table is made of cast iron.

Now, let me address some of the features that make it stand out.

For one, it has a tool-free blade guide, and this reduces the time it takes to fasten and unfasten blades.

A quick-release blade tension lever and knob control blade tension, and there’s a convenient blade tracking window on the side so the blade can be viewed while it’s cutting—a big plus in my book.

There’s also a universal dust port, an easy-to-slide yet sturdy rip fence, and a fence farrier box built in.

Best of all, it’s backed by a five-year limited warranty, so if you operate it properly and take care of it, you can enjoy peace of mind for at least five years.

What I Liked:

• Keep all detachable components and accessories in one place with the built-in cabinet.
• Remove a substantial amount of material in mere seconds thanks to its 5.5 AMP motor.
• Fasten, unfasten, and adjust blades in record time since no tools are required.
• Plastic pieces at both ends of the rip fence ensure it can effortlessly slide up and down the table.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not the best for novices since it’s somewhat complex and definitely on the expensive side.
• No LED work light means you may have trouble operating it in dimly lit areas.

4. Milwaukee 12 Volt Deep Cut Cordless Portable Band Saw – Best Handheld

If a portable, battery-operated band saw that consistently achieves first-rate results is what you’re after, consider the Milwaukee 12 Volt Deep Cut Cordless Portable Band Saw.

To me, this is one of Milwaukee’s most versatile power tools, and it boasts several features that together ensure it’s effective, easy to operate, and safe—it’s even certified safe for one-hand use by OSHA.

Equipped with a responsive, two-speed trigger, this budget band saw can deliver up to 150 cuts in 3/4” thick EMT before it’ll need to be recharged.

It’s a compact, lightweight band saw, and it takes a 27” x ½” x .020″, high-speed steel blade that has 18 TPI.

Blade tension and the blade tracking are both easy to adjust, and there’s a dual-latching blade guard; this is the component that makes it safe for one-handed use, which I can personally confirm.

There’s an LED light built in too, and generally speaking the tool is easy to maneuver, mainly because it’s ergonomic.

Finally, Milwaukee backs this product with a five-year limited warranty, and the 12V battery it takes comes with a warranty as well.

What I Liked:

• Perfect for smaller workpieces because it’s compact, lightweight, easy to maneuver, and reliable.
• You can get a lot done on a fully charged battery, and it only takes a half hour to charge.
• Cutting tasks that are challenging with two hands are a breeze since this is a one-hand tool.
• Spend more time cutting since it doesn’t take long at all to change out or adjust blades.

What I Didn’t Like:

• No dust port means operating this tool can be messy.
• Relatively expensive for a simpler system that runs on a 12V battery.

5. Studio Pro Precision 2000 Wet/Dry Bandsaw – Best Dry/Wet Cutting

If a compact, lightweight bandsaw that’s capable of both dry- and wet-cutting is what you’re after, the Studio Pro Precision 2000 Wet/Dry Bandsaw may interest you.

Powered by a 1/8 HP motor, this band saw has a cutting speed of 26” per minute, and therefore it’s good for both precise cutting and material removal.

Its throat depth is 5”, its table is 9” x 10”, and it’s 19” tall.

But what makes this saw most interesting, in my opinion, is that it’s capable of doing dry and wet cutting.

The same blade is used for both, and it’s 37.2” long, 0.012” thick, and 1/8” deep.

The dry-cutting setting is for wood, wood-based materials, and nonferrous metals, while the wet-cutting setting is for glass, stone, marble, ceramic, and other mineral-based materials.

And because of the way the nozzle is mounted and designed, less mess is made when wet cutting—love that!

Plus, the large water reservoir ensures you won’t have to refill during operation.

Finally, this product, excluding the blades, is backed by a three-year limited warranty.

What I Liked:

• No worrying about water leaking when dry cutting since the water nozzle is reliable.
• Because it’s lightweight, it can be taken outside for wet cutting, then brought in once its dry.
• Structure is durable aluminum so you don’t have to worry about wet cutting leading to rust.
• Precise cuts can be achieved easily since the blade tracking stays in place once adjusted.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Can’t deliver cuts deeper than 3” because the throat depth is only 5”.
• Lacks components that’d enhance its dry-cutting ability as they’d get damaged by the water.

What to Consider When Buying a Band Saw

Quality & Reliability

A band saw that’s made with high-quality materials is not only going to perform better but last longer too.

The best band saws are equipped with mostly steel components, and some even have a cast iron table.

Well-made components also ensure a band saw is able to operate efficiently, and without them it’s harder for a band saw to achieve precise results consistently.

Blade Size

The length of a band saw’s blade plays a major role in determining its max cutting capacity.

Specifically, if the blade is multiple feet long, and the saw has considerable throat depth, it’ll be able to cut larger workpieces.

But even more important is the blade’s thickness. Usually, thicker blades take off more material, whereas thinner blades are better at achieving precise cuts.

Throat Depth

The distance between a saw’s frame and its teeth is known as “throat depth” or “throat capacity”. Essentially, the more throat depth a saw has, the deeper it can cut.

Therefore, band saws with considerable throat depth can make deep cuts in larger workpieces.

Check out these uses for a band saw!

Features

Band saws are equipped with a range of cool features to boost efficiency and safety.

Most have a two-speed motor, and this ensures the saw can remove a lot of material or cut precisely in a short period.

Ball bearing wheels ensure uninterrupted cutting, while auto-locks and blade guards ensure safer operation.

Some have a tilting table and LED lights, while others have tool-free blade fastening and blade-viewing windows.

Dust Removal

Most benchtop band saws have a dust removal port, and some of these ports can accommodate a range of hose sizes.

An efficient dust-removal system is critical on a band saw, as these can generate a lot of dust very fast. And if you don’t have a good way of removing this dust, it can negatively impact the tool’s most important components.

Warranty

Even budget band saws are backed by pretty comprehensive warranties, which is nice because it’s easier to operate and maintain a band saw properly when you know it’s under warranty.

Generally, the more expensive systems, i.e. those over $200, come with a multi-year limited warranty that covers any defects related to materials or workmanship.

Final Thoughts

The best budget band saw overall is the WEN 3.5-Amp 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw, since it’s a powerful, efficient band saw with an attractive cutting capacity and all the features you need to execute numerous cutting tasks quickly and with precision.

The most budget-friendly of the best band saws is the RIKON Power Tools 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw, and even though it’s cheaper it’s equipped with a powerful motor and other important features to deliver accurate cuts in all kinds of materials.

Then there’s the Ryobi 9″ Bandsaw, the leader in terms of cutting power and one of the most capable machines in its class. Equipped with a cast iron table, a quick-release lever, and other features, this band saw won’t let you down when you need to cut metal, hardwood, or another dense material.