Band saws are great investments for your future that require deep investigating and comparisons with different models as well as some critical considerations before you can purchase one.

Since most of these saw machines aren’t cheap and some quite expensive, it is therefore imperative to ensure you get the best value for your money by getting the best investments possible.

Remember shopping online, however simple and promising it may look, most manufacturers are quite aggressive when it comes to increasing their sales. They will ensure they give you most of the product benefits and deliberately leave out the product shortcoming.

An honest product review can not only help you pick the best product but also get the best value for your money. It is one of the reasons we have compiled a genuine review of the best band saws in 2020. Our discussion will not only guide you to select the best band saw that best serves your needs but also at affordable prices.

Whether you’re new in the band, saw industry or experience like me, consider looking at this review keenly, and our buyers guide mainly for novice buyers. As you finalize this review, you will be in a better position to understand what exactly to look in a band saw. Below are steps to boost your band saw buying confidence?

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Top 7 Best Band Saws Reviews of 2020

1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO Band Saw – Best Overall

In most cases, the machine design plays a significant role in delivering quality services and according to your expectations. The JET JWBS-14DXPRO has not been left behind in this category. For instance, the machine’s substantial capacity allows the user to rip over 12-inch pieces tall and at the same safeguarding your safety by having a coverable blade guard that can be adjusted easily up to 12 inches.

Additionally, these machines do not involve the use of the riser block, thus saving you much of your time, especially when working on projects of different magnitudes. The device also comes with quite large tables measuring 15 by 15 inches in addition to adjustable blades, which are not only faster but also easy to install.

The edge tracking windows does not only allow you to monitor the alignment of the blade but also allowing you to track any situation that can prove risky. The only weakness of this machine is that it does not include a rip fence, which is quite essential for your safety.

Although most manufacturers out there will consist of a cheap rip fence, we recommend our customer to get a satisfying rip fence in the aftermarket, although at an extra cost.  The JET JWBS-14DXPRO has received the best reviews as the most potent band saw offering high-quality services and capable of handling several large projects comfortably.

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2. Grizzly G0555LX Band Saw

The model is just excellent on its own in addition to comprising of several other features that are quite rare on other models that come at this pricing.  The machine is not only powerful but also has a large table, although not available in all models.

If you are ready for deep research, you will get the main features that make this machine work quite easier. For instance, the computerized and balanced iron wheels save you from extra cost for the stands, unlike most of the other band saws out there.

The machine comes with amazing features that make it not only a great device to operate but also efficient. For instance, the computer-balanced iron wheels mean saving you from extra cost, unlike the other band saw models. It also features a high quality fence that is quite rare to both the band saw and the saw industry in general.

Its low-vibration further ensures your cuts are of high quality. The only shortcoming of this machine is its poor design particularity, the dust collector port that requires frequent fixing to provide its combustibility with the dust collection system. This has made it the second-best model; however, it can compete favorably with the first model.

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3. WEN 3962 Band Saw – Best Value.

The WEN 3962 does give you not only the value of your money but also makes the best cuts. It features a 45-degree tiltable table that makes it a highly adjustable machine that makes you work comfortably in your current project.

Additionally, the two speed, ten-inch band saw is compatible with most dust collection systems, and this means if you already have a dust collection dust, the better for you. It has a three in one dust port that makes compatible with any dust collection system.

The only challenge with this model is that the initial set up is not that straightforward, and it may take a longer time as compared to the top two models. Often, band saw novices find it challenging when changing these models blades.

Once you have set this blade correctly, rest assured it is one of the most powerful machines, and straight cutting saw in the market. If you are already experienced in band saw machines defiantly this machine shall prove to be the best however for first time users, a steep learning curve should not be a surprise.

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4. Rikon 10-305 Band Saw

Are you looking forward to starting a small cutting project that does not require the most powerful machines in the market? Then Rikon 10-305 is the best for you.

This machine has been designed exclusively for softer woods, and thus it lacks mighty blades, and since chances of you working on harder woods are minimal, then this is okay. Since you only need a less powerful machine for your projects, then this machine has considerably lower prices, but suits your work requires entirely and for less.

One of the advantages of this best portable band saw is that it comes with a steel frame and a large cast-iron table, thus making your work easier. The machine is manufactured using hard plastic materials, and that is the reason behind its low price, but rest assured of a good value for your money.

Unlike the other machines, this one does not vibrate so much as well as having a micro-adjusting handle, thus helping you to make cleaner cuts. However, this model doesn’t have many features and most suitable for simple projects and on softer woods. Due to its undersized dust port, it will require you to do more cleaning much pretty than you’d like.

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5. Shop Fox W1706 Band saw

This freestanding band saw machine is among those on the upper price scale in our Shop Fox features. It comes with a large and spacious cutting table measuring 14 by 14 inches. Also, you can tilt the table up to 45 degrees on your right side.

For efficiency, this machine allows you to cut on a piece for over 6-inches as well as the extension kit (optional) can allow you to cut further 12-inch thick wood sections. Moreover, the machine has a one horsepower motor that ensures adequate power to rotate at 1,500 and 3,200 FPM (Feet per minute).

If you are not willing to purchase other additional accessories for your newly bought band saw, then this is the best for you since it comes with a miter gauge as well as the rip fence. It has a storage cabinet at its stand doubles that help you keep your workspace clean and presentable.

The main shortcoming of this best band saw machine is that the guide bearing on the downside has a shorter lifespan, but thanks for the two-year warranty for replacement in case of damage.

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6. WEN 3959 Band Saw

This machine comes with a 2.5 –amp motor with a capacity to rotate the blade at a speed of 2,500 FPM. Although it may look physically small, this machine from WEN is quite powerful and affordable pricing.

The sturdy blade can cut up to 3.5 inches in addition to the tilting table that allows 45-degree bevel cutting.

The miter gauge, rip fence, and a built-in vacuum attachment of 2.5-inch dust port also included in this machine, thus saving you from additional expenses.

However, the limitation of this band saw machine is that the saw tends to drift occasionally, thus ruining several boards, not to mention the cheap quality rip fence that doesn’t stay put for a while. The warped table also prevents smooth board side thus causing it to hung up occasionally.

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7. Delta 28-400 Band Saw

The Delta band saw comes with a single stout horsepower motor that runs two-speed blades at 3,340 FPM and 1,620 FPM that are not only suitable for hardwood but also metal cutting.

Its oversized table is measuring 18⅞ by 15¾ inches and tiltable to the right at 45 degrees. Adjusting the blade tracking is made simple by the nine-spoke wheels, thus making your work easier.

Although it has a cutting capacity of 6-inch higher, it does not allow the additional block to get added. A hex wrench is required when changing the blades to loosen the six separate set screws to reach the new blade protector.

It is due to this reason it is not among our top band saws in addition to its high price that does include additional accessories such as dust port, miter gauge or rip fence.

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The Best Band Saw Buyer’s Guide

A large number of band saw models in the market not only makes it challenging for customers to correctly pick the best model for them but also spending a lot of time to figure out the overwhelming number of models. It, therefore, becomes imperative to know which features you will be looking for before you can make your final purchase decision.

These include:

The Band Saw Uses

We assume before you buy your band saw you precisely know its purpose. For instance there some band saws are better for making precise curves and cuts, intricate cutting while others are great at resawing thin wood strips as well as ripping larger ones. It is essential to know the purpose of your band saw such as light, occasional and detailed, or for handling more substantial jobs and thicker materials. After figuring out this requirement, then you will know which specifications you need.

Different types of band saw

There are two main types. Namely;

1. Floor-standing Cabinet Models:

These band saw machines are quite heavy, large to handle various large and heavy projects comfortably. They are mostly preferred by professional and contractor woodworkers due to their stable and sturdy nature, although more expensive.

2. Bench Top Models:

They are quite lighter and smaller, thus suitable for small scale projects such as for home use. They are easy to operate on a workbench and still get great results.

Band Saw Main Features

Before you pick your band saw, consider these main features.

Frame

It supports the entire machine. It is, therefore, crucial to be made of cast iron or steel metal. Note plastic flames, although they are cheap, they are not durable and aren’t suitable for heavy machines that perform heavy work. If you are planning for a large project, cast iron flames are particularly significant.

Horsepower 

How powerful is the motor installed producing? Note most bans saws have around a 1 HP. While for a professional band saw requires more than I HP, home band saws can comfortably work with I HP or even ½ HP since they are designed for light tasks. In simple terms, the more massive the job you undertake, the more influential the horsepower you need.

Throat

This is the distance from the vertical flame and the frame. It determines the width range that your machine can handle comfortably. It is, therefore, crucial to select a throat that can accommodate precisely the task you are planning to have.

Table

It provides support for the material you are working on, and this means it should be made from cast iron, steel, or aluminum alloys that ensure sturdy support. Some tables are quite large and extendable options and others with a tiltable landscape of about 45 degrees on the right side.

Blade Width

It is the usable blade size. Again according to the magnitude of your work, consider both the maximum and minimum measurements and pick what fits your work ranges.

Weight

Model weight varies from one model to another. While a single person can carry others, others do not pick a model weight based on your work requirements.

Additional accessories

Some band saws come with extra features that are not very necessary but are worth having in your machine. For instance, the work lights and windows enable you to see through the blades as they work and therefore monitoring their condition.

Conclusion

Understanding the sole purpose of the band saw you are planning to purchase is the first most crucial factor to consider. From that, you can now determine the best band saw that suits your needs. We commend the DIYer or Grizzly  G0555LX to those looking for powerful and versatile band saws for professional woodworks and suitable for both small and big tasks.

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Anyone can easily acquire some wooden pieces from a nearby store, fix legs on it, and claim to have made a table for their home. However, a skilled individual who is looking forward to a professional look at their furniture can recognize the critical role that a benchtop planer plays in their workshop.

Whether you use your benchtop thickness planer on a daily bases or only during a rainy Sunday, your main objective is to have a smooth surface on your wood. Our listed best benchtop thickness planer, can not only save you thousands of dollars from hiring an industrial planer at obviously escalated costs but also achieve your work perfection happily.

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Top 8 Best Benchtop Planers Reviews (2020-2021)

1. DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Two Speed Benchtop Thickness Planer

The DEWALT DW735X 13 is designed mainly for professional planer workers. It comes at relatively higher prices that range from $ 600 to $700, thus reflecting the superior quality services it offers from its advanced features.

One of the most attractive characteristics of this best benchtop planer is that it has an adjustable speed, thus giving you exclusive control of your planning task. For instance, you can easily change the feed speed, thus optimizing the cut-rate to around 96 and 179 CPI.

This benchtop thickness planer comes with a 13-inch width capacity and 6 inches for that of depth capacity. The extra-large depth turret allows to reshuffle back to the most constant thickness used. Great for you. Isn’t it?

Having three knives cutters, the DE Walt has its knives designed to last longer due to the durable materials used in making them. These knives are easy to replace when a need arises. It comes with a powerful 15 amp motor that makes over 20,000 revolutions per minute.

However, for the safety measures, a reliable protection cover is installed, which has an automatic carriage lock that restricts any movements unless when in use. The DW735X leads on the list as the best Benchtop planer, mainly due to its adjustable speed and free from spinning effects.

However, this best benchtop planer for fine woodworking is quite expensive, but high quality services are guaranteed. Most of our customers who bought cheaper planes have always expressed interest in paying an extra amount but get quality work outcomes.

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2. WEN 6552T Benchtop Thickness Planer

If you place excellent value for a benchtop thickness planer, then the WEN 6552 13 inch is for you. It has a 15 Amp motor that makes over 25,500 cuts per minute, thus increasing its efficiency significantly.

Another fantastic feature about this device is that you can adjust its cut depth from 0 inches to 3/32 of an inch. Moreover, the fan-assisted dust pole can effectively remove sawdust and clips from your workplace, thus maintain clean working conditions. The carbon steel double-edged blades ensure smooth cutting on both sides simultaneously.

For smoother finishes, the granite table is designed in such a way never to warp. Additionally, the durable materials used to make the granite table ensure it can last for an extended period without necessitating replacement. This best benchtop wood planer has received exceptionally positive reviews from our customers, particularly from its affordable pricing.

However, a few individuals have raised concerns about it having chipped blades and snipping occasionally. The machine gives back your money value hence more suitable for infrequent /casual users rather than for professional workshops.

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3. DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer

Due to its superior quality services, such as being user-friendly, this wood planer has received excellent reviews from our customers. It produces the smoothest surfaces that don’t require any further sanding procedure.

Its three cutting knives do make it not only the unique benchtop planer but also the most efficient thickness planer you can get in the market. Out feet, tables play a significant role in snipping prevention, not to mention the extra-long cutter head that uses the lock head mechanism, thus eliminating snipping.

Additionally, the reversible knife-edges make it possible to cut through the entire wood before you can think of changing. A great deal. Isn’t it? Although this machine is quite heavy, weighing about 80lbs, it is possible to take it with you to your working place comfortably.

It has firm handling extensions, thus making it comfy to work. The only drawback of the machine it’s quite noisy, but for sure the nature of the work involved deserves it. Always wear noise protectors while in a noisy environment.

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4. WEN 6550T Benchtop Planer – Best Value

The WEN 6550 has significantly lower prices as compared above models. This top rated benchtop thickness planer has multiple noteworthy features, such as having a granite feed table.

Such a high quality table guarantees you of a durable, smooth, and wear-free surface with an excellent outcome such as leaving not even a trace of a mark on your woods or boards.

Its fan aided dust pot ensures dust and other shavings come out quickly and well-directed in a single direction, thus making cleaning much more comfortable. Although blades are quite sturdy, they usually have a shorter lifespan, and sometimes they develop chipping, particularly when cutting relatively harder woods.

Although this best affordable benchtop planer weighs almost the same with De Walt (roughly 80lbs.), its design makes it more of a hobbyist than professional, thus making it suitable for Saturday afternoon worker who does like spending on their wooden projects.

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5. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Benchtop Planer

The Makita 2012NB 12-Inch is another best benchtop thickness planer. Just like the first pick, this too gathers high reviews, mainly due to its quick set up.

It is quite less noisy as compared to the DE Walt machine as many people positively commend about its low noise levels. Again it is less bulky as compared to the first one, weighing 62 lbs. And this makes it sincerely portable.

Note this benchtop wood planer has both the reversible, cutter locking mechanism as well as disposable blades. It has received positive comments from its exceptional build display, although criticized too, mainly due to minor sniping issues.

Remember, optimum care is required when handling the machine to avoid machine breaking immediately after delivery. Some customers had complained of machine arriving already broken when they bought it online.

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6. PORTER-CABLE PC305TP Bench-top Planer

Although there is no such problem with this model, Porter-Cable PC305TP isn’t that much liked by many people. It has two reversible knives much portable since it weighs only 62lbs.

However, it has the lowest RPMs and relatively fewest cuts per minute, ranging from 8,000 to 16,000, respectively. So far, no one has complained about its finish quality. However, it is known to throws dust almost everywhere.

This benchtop wood planer is quite less expensive and ranked among the best. The only downside about it is that many argue that it’s particularly suited for hobbyists who have little or no experience and can tolerate the snipe generated.

It requires optimum attentiveness to avoid producing snipes. Perfect for the weekend woodworker who won’t care much about flawless precisions and is much willing to trade at that lover price tag.

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7. Cutech 40200H-CT 13″ Spiral Cutterhead Planer – Professional Model

The Benchtop planer has exclusively all features that a professional woodworker would look for in their workshop. Well equipped with a 15 Amp motor and for heavy duty guide poles and addition of two more heavy duty screw posts that supplements its stability when in use.

It weighs around 88 lbs. That also adds to its durability as it seats on solid rock as you work. The cutter head snipe rocks, as well as the internal gears, ensure you can adjust its height for efficient usability.

The infeed and outfeed tables are particularly important when planning longboards. Moreover, it comes with a uniquely designed spiral cutter that has 26 double-sided tips that created the most effective dust and sawdust removal mechanism.

Note these tips are easy to swap and also changeable when a need arises, such as getting damaged. Definitely, for the best Benchtop Planer, the Cutect 40200H-CT is the best choice for you.

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8. Delta Power Tools 22-555 Benchtop-Planer

This benchtop planer, the Delta Power Tools, is a perfect standard machine for fine woodworking. It comes with two disposable knives that are not only easy to change but also dual-edged.

It has over 18,800 cuts per minute, thus making it an efficient machine as compared to other planers. It weighs about 58 lbs, which makes it the most portable and lightest benchtop wood planer on the list.

this best benchtop planer for fine woodworking works much efficiently with pinewood, but in the case with harder woods, it struggles to pull through the wood to the feeder.

Snipping is quite huge, particularly on harder woods, thus forcing you to put additional feeder tables to eliminate the problem. It has an incredibly low noise level.

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The Best Benchtop Planers Buyer’s Guide

Are you looking for professional and high quality woodworking projects? If yes, then acquiring a planer is something you ought to be very keen on.

Although almost all benchtop wood planer you find in your local lumberyard can plane your woods, remember having fun in your work plays a significant role in your work satisfaction. Below are some of the factors you ought to consider before purchasing your Benchtop planer.

The portability of the machine.

From the above reviews, all of our planers are relatively lighter and weighing from 58 to 80 lbs. This makes the machine more portable from your truck to the job site comfortably or from the backyard to the garage. Easily to install or already bolted on a wooden slap.  You can easily customize your planer table to additional features like wheels. However, remember if you bolt it on a heavy to lift tables such as stones, then you reduce its portability, and it is, therefore, to consider buying a lighter surface to operate on.

The machine cutting depth.

All of our machines have the best and deepest cutting depths ranging from 3/32’’ and 1/8’’ with our best planer exceeding these standard depths. However, you can decide not to use the maximum cutting depths to avoiding snipping like a hood. Remember, the deeper the cut, the smoother the surface, so if you are confident with deeper cuts, the better. Additionally, the cutter head locking mechanism not only makes your work faster but also eliminates snipes virtually.

Dust discharge direction.

Remember, dust is a must while working on wood projects. However, the issue is how your planer can assist you to curb this trouble. For instance, most of our planer comes with a fan aided dust port that makes easier to vane the dust in a particular direction. However, if your planer does have such a feature, you can buy additional attachments such as dust hoses and hoods.

Wood Feed rate.

It means the number of wood that the benchtop planer can handle correctly within a minute and determined according to the measurements you recorded say either in minutes or feet. For the maximum planer, it can complete approximately 28ft per minute while the slowest 24 ft per minute. It is equally important to note that the slower the placer, the more accurate and smoother the finish outcomes, thus saving you any extra time for sanding.

Finish

Remember, each planer has a different finish outcome from others. Some will give you only a standard. A better planer should provide the best quality services in the market, thus minimizing the sanding time and resources.

The nature of your work. Is it for work or fun?

Some planer is particularly suitable for hobbyist while others for professional woodworkers. Depending on your taste, choose the appropriate planer that won’t betray you latter one during your woodwork experience.

The machine outfeed or infeed?

The infeed and outfeed tables are very crucial on your planer since it holds in place the wood as it enters or leaves the planer. For instance, extended tables on both sides can significantly reduce sniping unless if you are unnecessary wiling to rig out your schedule. In simple terms, go for that planer with longer our feed and in feed surfaces.

Knives

Yes, your Benchtop planer must have at least two knives and three in exceptional planers. Most blades are changeable and disposable; thus, no worrying about their lifespan and flipping is as easy as drinking water. Remember, an expert is required to sharpen these blades, so no need to try to sharpen them by yourself.

Motor speed.

Most of our Benchtop planers can operate on either slower and the faster speed. The slower rate produces a much smoother finish surface, although you can spend more time on the same project, unlike the faster rare.

Noise level production.

There are two choices available, loud and louder. Since these machines deal with hardwood materials, much power is required, and this is the reason for much noise production. As stated earlier, always ensure you wear ear protection devices, although neighbors or nearby people can appreciate quite models.

Power

The more powerful the planer, the better it is. Note a powerful benchtop planer for fine woodworking can handle almost any type of wood, not just the soft ones like the pine alone. For instance, a hesitating motor won’t result in a smooth finish. All our planers have over 15Amp engines with the ability to generate RPNs, which ranges from 8,000 to about 10,000.

Size of boards

Almost all of our Benchtop planers can create an 11-13 full ft. And six deep. It, therefore, means that you can handle several boards simultaneously without waiting every time. To avoid work duplicity, always mark the surface that has already been smoothening using your marking systems.

Final Verdict About Benchtop Planer

Remember, even professional benchtop planers sometimes experience problems to maintain a consistent cut on the entire board. Snipe results in annoying deeper cuts, particularly on the trailing board edge.

Some of the reasons that cause snipe to occur is a poorly supported board either when entering or leaving the planer, especially in an angled direction. To minimize or avoid these snipes, always ensure the board is well held and perpendicular to the cutting knives. But our listed best benchtop planer of 2020 will give you smooth woodworking experience for sure.

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