Best Band Saws Under $300

Cutting odd shapes? You need a bandsaw.

With standing bandsaws, corded band saws, hand-held and battery powered ones, the choices can be confusing.

We’ve cut through the crud and brought you a list of the top 5 available options.

Grab a cup of joe and sit back. We’ve got all the details that you need to know to make a good, informed decision.

Whether it’s for fun or for work, this list of bandsaws will get the job done and save you time and money. Why wait?

Get the saw you need today!

In a Rush?

OUR BEST CHOICE

Rikon 10-305

The Rikon 10-305 scrolls its way to the top of our list for good reason.

Not only is this saw well-reviewed, but it’s also got a lot of features usually found on higher priced saws, which makes it a winner!

• Solid Steel Design
• Rip Fence
• 1/3HP motor provides ample power for cutting bowl and pen blanks
• Micro Adjustable Guide Post

Not sure if you need a standing saw or a hand-held saw? Check out all of the options here before you buy.

We’ll steer you in the right direction!

Choosing the Best Model for You

The Rip Fence

Some models don’t have a rip fence, so this is pretty cool if you need to make straight, accurate cuts on stock.

Table or No Table?

Standing models have table tops and hand-held ones don’t. Decide ahead of time which type is right for the work you’ll be doing with one of these fun and amazing tools.

Making the Cut

We know that you’re going to want to know about the motor. It’s got to be strong enough to tackle any piece of material that you need to cut. No problem! We’ll let you know how strong each motor is and what people say about it.

Stand and Hold

You’ve got to have choices. Sometimes you’re in the shop and sometimes you’re not.We’ve got a list here that includes standing models and hand-held models so that you get the right tool the first time.

Be Safe

Safety is a top concern when using any power tool. We’ve done our homework so read on to get all the info on safety features and ease of use. A bandsaw is no toy and we’re here to help you keep your fingers safe and get your projects done!

5 Best Bandsaw Models

1. Rikon 10-305

PROS:

• Solid steel frame design is better than the plastic used by competitors.
• Large 13 ¾” x 12 ½” cast iron table top is much larger than the work surface on most models in this class.
• 4 5/8” re-saw capacity.
• Edge facing thrust bearings.
• 2 ½” dust port, like many table saws have.
  The high-quality, 2” tall rip fence is a welcome feature on this saw.
• 1/3 horsepower motor easily cuts through the most common materials.
• The easy to move guide post with micro-adjustable handle is a big plus.
• Smooth cutting with low vibration.
  Weighs less than 70 pounds.
• Large, safety paddle style stop switch.
  Quick and easy to assemble.

CONS::

• May need some squaring up out of the box.
• Motor and components are made for light duty work.

This is a great, entry level DIY saw for under $300. While it doesn’t have the power or precision of the very expensive saws, it does have the features and can definitely get the job done for the average homeowner or hobbyist. Make the adjustments and make it yours – you’ll be glad you did!

2. Wen 3962 Dual Speed

PROS:

• Strong 3.5 Amp motor.
• Cuts up to 6” deep and 9 ¾” wide.
• Accepts 1/8” to 1/2” x 72” blades.
• 14 1/8” x 12 1/2” table bevels up to 45 degrees.
• Two-speed operation: Choose between 1520 and 2620 feet per minute.The slower speed can help when cutting through soft metals, but be sure to learn how to cut metals with the proper blades and lubricants first.
• Small footprint – 13 ¾” L x 15 ¾” W x 25 ¼” H.
• Adjustable “goose-neck” work light.
• Solid, adjustable aluminum fence.
• 10” wheels with smooth ball bearings for dependability.
• Super slick sliding miter gauge.
• The 3 in 1 dust port attaches to a variety of dust collecting machines.
• Easy to hit stop switch for safety.

CONS:

• It can’t cut a sheet of plywood in half.
• It has to be placed on something stable or there is an optional stand that can be purchased.
• Users have noted that it can be frustrating to adjust the blade tension but once you get it down it cuts very well.
• No reference marks on the blade tensioner, so make your own as you go. You’ll be glad you did.

Cutting costs is important these days. This model helps by keeping the price below $250. It’s a good machine once adjusted correctly. A little time making adjustments and this tool cut perfectly!

3. Skil 3386-01

PROS:

• Handy rip fence to help keep those cuts straight.
• Comes with a 6 tooth per inch blade to cut a variety of materials.
• Has an articulating L.E.D. work light so you can see what you’re cutting.
• 1 ½” dust port attaches to a vacuum hose to help keep sawdust away from your work area.
• Rack and pinion table adjustments can adjust height and table angle.
• Included miter gauge.
• Great for entry-level woodworkers wanting to cut their teeth without killing the budget.
  Perfect for making cool gifts and decorative projects.
• Very small and light so it won’t take up much space and can be moved around easily.
• 3-year warranty when registered within 30 days of purchase, which is longer than most warranties!

CONS:

• Small size and motor won’t cut through thick or dense materials as well as bigger saws.
• Drive belt may need to be re-tensioned over time.

This is a perfect beginner model. If you want to try out a band saw but don’t want to commit to spending hundreds of dollars just yet, don’t hesitate to buy this one! It’s less than $130, is small, light and easier to use than the larger options – like a plug-and-play saw. Definitely look into this if you’ve got the itch to be crafty and creative.

4. DeWalt DWM120K Portable

PROS:

• Portable – because some jobs need a saw on site, you need portable options that are tough enough for hardcore construction.
• 10 Amp motor easily cuts through wood or metal.
• Deep cut capability eats through 5” round stock or 4 ¾” square stock.
• Variable speed dial lets you quickly move from 100 sfm to 350 sfm so you can select the perfect speed for each application.
• Convenient L.E.D. light comes on when the trigger is pulled, allowing you to better see the cut line.
• Integrated hang hook so you don’t have to set the saw down on the ground.
• Rubber bumpers and a serviceable steel shroud make this a durable and long-lasting saw.
• Dual bearing blade guide rollers increase blade life.
• The blade changing lever makes it easy to switch out blades when the time comes.
  Ergonomic, multi-position front handle.

CONS:

• Plastic carrying case could be made of tougher material.
• Could really benefit from a trigger lock to reduce user fatigue.

This small model can do big work! It’s definitely a contractor’s friend and is very affordable at under $290. Throw it in the back of your truck for those tricky cuts. You’ll be glad to have it when the time comes!

5. Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Compact

PROS:

• Okay – the most obvious pro is that it’s battery powered!
• Up to 150 cuts per charge with the XC battery – that’s plenty to get through most days and, with a backup battery, you’re definitely good to go!
• It’s the lightest and most compact of any portable band saw.
• Blade length 27” x ½” x .020”.
• Meets OSHA guarding requirements and is suitable for one-hand use.
• Adjustable blade tracking and easy blade tensioning adjustments.
• The L.E.D. light is positioned so that the shadow it creates is the cut line – kind of ingenious!
• Carrying case is tough and keeps everything in place so you can toss it in with the rest of the tools and not worry about things “slopping” around in the case.

CONS:

• It’s good for cutting conduit but not as powerful as the bigger 18v saw.

This tiny titan is a gem when you’ve got light jobs but it’s still a professional tool for contractors. It’s small size and feather weight won’t wear you out. Keep one handy for those all-day wiring jobs and the conduit will come to fear you! At less than $190 you really can’t go wrong – this model is well worth the money.

FINAL VERDICT

Rikon 10-305

There’s no doubt that all of these options perform well for their intended uses and all for under $300.

That being said, the Rikon 10-305 tops the list for standing models.

The Wen 3962 Dual Speed needs some blade adjustments, but will then cut like a 5-star tool.

The Skil 3386-01 is great for beginners and the DeWalt DWM120K Portable beats out the Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Compact Band Saw in terms of power and depth of cut. It also has variable speeds, while the Milwaukee has the convenience of being battery powered and much more compact.

Whatever your needs, one of these saws is right for you!