His interested in DIY started in high school, and eventually led to him studying an BEng in Enginneering at University of California, Berkley and then Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University.
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A good band saw can make a mighty difference in your wood or metalwork. You can quickly and effectively cut the curves. Moreover, you can do some crosscutting and rip with them. The precision and convenience you get from using one of these tools beats those from a cheap table or cordless circular saw.
As a result, you need to be particular when buying this tool. Some of the best band saws come at pretty high prices. Therefore, one may go for cheaper, less effective tools. But a closer look at the market reveals that you can get an excellent bandsaw for less than $500.
Our research and testing to find the best band saw under $500 led to the creation of this list. Here, we analyze the qualities of our chosen bandsaws and point out what makes them stand out for their price. Read on, and discover your new favorite tool or at least one worth your money that over-delivers in effectiveness.
1. RIKON 10-305 Bandsaw With Fence
The Rikon 10-305 is an excellent medium-sized band saw that you can use for your metal and woodwork. It is a scaled-down version of the more expensive Rikon 10-345 and 10-325. However, it does not compromise or reduce quality as it still comes with a sturdy high-carbon steel frame.
It also features a cast iron table that acts as a large work surface. This is a rarity with bandsaws in this price range, adding extra convenience for less price. However, if you want to do some freehand work, it comes with a removable rip fence that allows you to do just that.
With the turn of a handle, you can adjust the guide post to your preferred height. The guide post is micro-adjustable for maximum precision. With this portable 10” saw, you can do most of your wood or metal work in limited space. However, you must set it right and adjust the blade to suit your needs.
You can rest easy because a five-year warranty covers you should you have any reasons to return the saw.
- Powerful cutting for medium-sized projects
- Comes with a five-year warranty
- Excellent dust collection
- Minimal deflection and drift
- Solid steel frame
- Has ball-bearing blade guides
- Sturdy work surface
- Easy to set up
- Its original blade may get dull fast or perform averagely
- Rip-fence is quite clumsy to handle or use
2. DEWALT Portable Band Saw
This Dewalt saw is a corded electric saw with a 5-inch deep-cut capacity. It is portable and comes in a sturdy box. The body of the saw itself consists of high-grade steel, including its blade. Its steel shroud is serviceable. Moreover, it has rubber bumpers that allow the saw guards to withstand use without getting damaged.
Also, it’s easy to hold because the large front handle can be moved to fit different holding positions. Apart from convenience, this allows for more accurate cutting. With its adjustable speed dial, you can vary the saw’s power to handle different materials and cutting requirements. If you are working in a dark place, there is no need to worry, as it comes with LED lighting that allows you to see your cutline. And when not in use, it has a hook handle that allows you to hang it up safely.
This Dewalt 10-amp motor saw is a workhorse with enough unique specifications to make it work for your specific handwork. The kit has a saw, a hex wrench, and a standard 44.875 by 0.500 by 0.020-inch blade. Furthermore, it has a three-year warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
- The manufacturer’s guarantee makes it a safe buy
- Easy to store when not in use
- Accurate blade tracking adjustment
- Powerful motor with adjustable speed
- Convenient for use in low-light settings
- Long heavily armored cord
- Comes in a hard case that can store extra blades
- Blade change is very effortless
- A stock blade that comes attached is weak
3. MAXXT Portable Band Saw
This high-power portable band saw is another of the best band saws under $500. For around $400, you get a saw with an excellent build, with a frame and blade made of aluminum, regular steel, and stainless steel. Despite its powerful 10-amp motor, it performs optimally with little noise, no sparks, and no burnout.
If you are into metal work, this may be the best bandsaw under $500. Moreover, it is efficient if you work with many different types of materials. This is because this saw cuts through all sorts of metal as easily as it cuts through PVC sheets.
It is easy to use with its variable speed levels and automatic cutting. Furthermore, it stops running once you finish cutting. However, you can opt to operate it manually if you like. It also has LED lights that make it easier to use in the dark. For your safety and comfort, the back grip is soft and comfortable. It also has an emergency switch and an auto-stop function.
Its original blade is solid and has a long life span. However, it is also easy to replace with any blade according to your cutting requirements. Another unique thing about this saw is that it has a vertical mode. You can lock it in at 90° on your work surface for precision cutting.
- Tool-free blade change
- No spark cutting
- Automatic cutting
- Self-locking switch
- High power and precision cutting
- Adjustable cutting angle and elasticity levels
- Removable solid base with wheels
- Comes with comprehensive usage instructions
- The warranty is only for one year, and it is limited
4. MILWAUKEE’S Band Saw
This classic Milwaukee bandsaw comes in various colors. Therefore, this allows you to customize your purchase. It comes in red, silver, white, black, and grey. However, beyond style, it is hands down one of the best band saws under $500. It combines a custom POWERSTATE Brushless Motor with Constant Power Technology to deliver fast and precise cutting.
It is cordless and does not require batteries to function. Therefore, it is a very easy-to-use device when you handle it well. The handle is highly ergonomic. So, it makes it easy to handle and cut materials that are hard to cut or are awkwardly shaped. The blade material is high-speed steel and can withstand fast and high-powered cutting without wearing out.
Furthermore, because this band saw is small and portable, it is easy to store, although it does not come with a box. You can simply hang it from its hook. It also does not occupy much space and allows you to use it with both or one hand and in any position that works for you. It is light, so it won’t wear you out while using it.
For extra safety, it comes with a safety switch that you need to push before pulling the trigger to start it. The saw is highly portable. Moreover, the blade is easy to change for maximum convenience. This is on the cheaper side of band saws. However, it is a highly portable handheld saw that can handle all your basic cutting tasks.
- One-hand use is possible
- Very portable
- Has a trigger lock for extra safety
- Comes in various colors
- Easy to use
- Has a hanging hook
- Cuts very fast
- Safety button positioning is a bit awkward
5. SKIL 2.8 Amp 9 In. 2-Speed Benchtop Band Saw
The Skil 2.8 Benchtop Band Saw is another saw under $500 that offers excellent quality for its price range. It is a corded electric bandsaw that is great for ripping through wood and cutting irregular shapes in your work material. Its 2.8-amp induction motor with precision ball-bearing blade guides allows you to rip through various materials while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
It also features rack and pinion table adjustments and a drive system that allows tool-free belt tensioning. Its dust port is the standard 2½ inch size, allowing for a dust-free work area. Additionally, it has a miter gauge that helps guide the workpiece when making crosscuts.
This Skil table band saw is perfect, particularly for workshops short on space. The reason is that it has a compact build that can do tons of work without occupying space. It can save you the cost and space of purchasing other tools due to the variety of tasks you can accomplish with it.
This band saw is easy to assemble, although assembling it may take some time. Fortunately, it comes with a helpful user manual. Furthermore, you can mount it directly to a work table or clamp it to a board. With a three-year limited warranty, you are assured of high power, precision, and convenient cutting from this affordable band saw. Made from alloy steel, you can be sure of its durability. Moreover, it can take some heavy-duty usage.
- Has an effective dust port
- Precision ball bearing
- Has a steel base to stabilize the band saw
- The blade tracking sight window allows greater cutting accuracy
- Easy ripping through a variety of wood materials
- Quick and easy to make angle adjustments
- Compact design with versatile output
- May take a beginner more time to figure out
6. Anbull 20V Portable Cordless Band Saw Kit
The Anbull 20V Band Saw is another bandsaw kit on our list. So far, unlike the other entries, it is battery-powered. However, it does not take away from its cutting power. Made from alloy steel, it is sturdy and great for working on metal surfaces. It comes with a 5-Ah Lithium-Ion battery. However, you can easily buy a replacement battery according to your work needs.
Its powerful brushless, pure copper motor produces enough power to withstand tough use and wear and tear. It cuts smoothly and quickly without burrs or sparks. Beyond metal, you can use it to cut PVC pipes, composite cables, and so on with ease.
As with standard great handheld saws, it has LED lighting in-built that allows you to use it in dim lighting conditions. It is also well-balanced and has an ergonomic grip that makes it easy to hold and use without losing accuracy or precision. It allows you to install three types of saw blades according to your future needs, but comes with a standard blade that is powerful enough to carry you through your basic cutting tasks.
Last but not least, the manufacturer gives a three-year warranty on the tools and a one-year warranty on the battery to give buyers confidence in the product.
- Comes with a miter base making it dual-purpose
- Lasts very long
- Particularly good at pipe cutting
- Great value for the price
- Cuts are clean and quick
- Has a variable speed dial
- The clamp may wear out on extended use
Conclusion
You can get some heavy-duty bandsaws for equally hefty amounts of money. However, a lower price tag does not necessarily mean lower quality. Particularly if your price range is in the $500 range, you can get some pretty decent machines. You can expect that at least one of the bandsaws on our list will be suitable for any cuts you would typically use your bandsaw for.
Not only did we look for effectiveness when making this list, we also considered things like very vital blade control. That, along with power and cutting ability, helped us come up with this definitive list of the be
Factors To Consider Before Buying
Power
The power of a band saw is measured in horsepower (HP) and determines the saw’s cutting ability. A more powerful saw can handle thicker and denser materials.
Blade Size
The size of the blade determines the saw’s cutting capacity. A larger blade can handle larger materials, while a smaller blade is more versatile for intricate cuts.
Throat Size
The throat size of a band saw refers to the distance between the blade and the frame. A larger throat size allows for cutting larger materials.
Table Size
The table size of a band saw determines the amount of workspace available for cutting. A larger table provides more stability and support for larger materials.
Blade Guides
Blade guides keep the blade in place and prevent it from wandering during the cut. Look for a saw with adjustable blade guides to ensure precision cutting.
Dust Collection
A good dust collection system is essential for a clean and safe work environment. Look for a saw with a dust port that connects to a vacuum or dust collector.
FAQs
What is a band saw used for?
A band saw is a versatile power tool that can be used for a variety of cutting tasks, such as ripping lumber, cutting curves, and resawing thick lumber into thinner pieces.
What is the difference between a 2-wheel and a 3-wheel band saw?
A 2-wheel band saw has two wheels that drive the blade, while a 3-wheel band saw has an additional guide wheel that keeps the blade in place. 3-wheel band saws are more accurate but also more expensive.
Can I use a band saw to cut metal?
Yes, band saws can be used to cut metal, but it requires a specialized blade and the right saw speed. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications before attempting to cut metal.
How often should I change the blade on my band saw?
It depends on how frequently you use the saw and the types of materials you are cutting. As a general rule, the blade should be changed when it becomes dull or worn.
What safety precautions should I take when using a band saw?
Always wear eye protection and keep your hands a safe distance away from the blade. Use a push stick or other tool to guide the material through the saw, and never use your hands. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.st band saws under $500. With the right amount of skill, these saws would be perfect for your workshop activities.
