WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw Review

The WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw, with its compact design and robust functionality, caters to the diverse needs of woodworking enthusiasts and DIYers, making it an ideal choice for a wide array of woodworking projects.

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The band saw’s 2.8-Amp motor provides robust and efficient cutting power, while the large work table offers a spacious work surface for cutting materials, making it a reliable and efficient tool for woodworking projects.

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Specifications

Brand	WEN
Motor	2.8-Amp
Blade Length	62 inches
Blade Speed	2460 feet per minute
Table Size	12-1/4 x 11-7/8 inches
Max Cutting Width	9 inches
Max Cutting Depth	3-5/8 inches

Features of WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw

Compact benchtop design

The WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw features a compact design, making it suitable for small workshops or workspaces with limited room for larger equipment.

Powerful 2.8-Amp motor

Its powerful 2.8-Amp motor provides robust cutting power, allowing users to efficiently tackle various woodworking tasks with ease.

Large work table for stability

With a large work table, this band saw offers exceptional stability, enabling precise and accurate cutting for different woodworking projects.

Quick-release blade tension lever

The quick-release blade tension lever facilitates swift and convenient adjustments, enhancing the overall efficiency and user experience when operating the band saw.

Dust port for easy cleanup

Equipped with a dust port, this band saw ensures easy cleanup, maintaining a clean and organized work environment for enhanced safety and convenience.

Design and Build Quality

The WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw sturdy construction and well-designed table and frame ensure stability and durability during operation, crucial for precise and consistent woodworking cuts. This robust build quality not only contributes to the longevity of the saw but also enhances user safety and overall cutting accuracy, making it a reliable tool for various woodworking projects.

Furthermore, the band saws carefully crafted table and frame provide the necessary support and rigidity to handle the demands of woodworking tasks, ensuring that users can achieve accurate and smooth cuts consistently. This attention to design and build quality underscores the saw’s reliability and effectiveness in meeting the diverse needs of woodworking enthusiasts and DIYers, making it a valuable addition to any workshop or project setting.

Value

The WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw presents remarkable value for its cost, delivering dependable performance and essential functionalities ideal for woodworking tasks. With its 2.8-amp motor and the ability to create cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide, this band saw offers a powerful and versatile cutting solution for various woodworking needs.

Additionally, the inclusion of a 2-year warranty, a rip fence, a miter gauge, and an adjustable blade guard with ball-bearing supports further enhances the value proposition of this band saw, ensuring users have access to essential accessories and long-term protection for their investment.

Performance and Usage

The WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw, equipped with a 2.8-amp motor and a 62-inch blade, provides the power and cutting capacity necessary for achieving smooth and precise cuts in a variety of woodworking tasks. This combination of motor power and blade size allows the band saw to efficiently handle different wood types, from oak and beech to walnut and mesquite, ensuring consistent performance across various materials.

Moreover, the WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw ability to make adjustments such as blade tensioning and alignment on the wheels contributes to its overall performance and usability, enabling users to fine-tune the saw to achieve optimal cutting results. These features make the WEN band saw a versatile and reliable tool for woodworkers, empowering them to execute their projects with accuracy and efficiency.

WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw Pros and Cons

Comparative Analysis of the WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw

Feature	WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw	Rikon 10-305 10-Inch Bandsaw	SKIL 3386-01 9-Inch Bandsaw
Power Source	Corded, 2.8 Amp	Corded, 3.5 Amp	Corded, 2.5 Amp
Blade Length	59.5 inches	70-1/2 inches	59-1/2 inches
Cutting Capacity (Throat)	9 inches	10 inches	9 inches
Cutting Depth	3-5/8 inches	4-5/8 inches	3-1/2 inches
Speed	2500 FPM	2780 FPM	2800 FPM
Table Size	12 x 12 inches	13-3/4 x 12-1/2 inches	12 x 11-3/4 inches
Weight	40 lbs	75.8 lbs	37.9 lbs
Key Features	Compact design, dust port, LED light	Larger table, fence included	Articulating LED light, rack and pinion table adjustment
Design and Build Quality	Sturdy steel frame, compact	Steel frame, cast iron table	Steel frame, aluminum table
Value	Affordable, good for beginners	More features, higher price	Affordable, basic features
Performance and Usage	Good for light to medium tasks	Better for thicker materials	Suitable for light tasks
Pros	Compact, easy to use, affordable	Larger capacity, more power	Lightweight, easy to use
Cons	Limited capacity, less powerful	Heavier, more expensive	Limited features, less power
Maintenance	Regular cleaning, blade tension	Regular cleaning, blade tension	Regular cleaning, blade tension
Safety Tips and Best Practices	Wear safety gear, secure workpiece	Wear safety gear, use push sticks	Wear safety gear, avoid distractions

Summary

The WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw (BA3959) is an affordable and compact option suitable for beginners and light to medium woodworking tasks. Its ease of use and portability make it a great choice for hobbyists.

The Rikon 10-305 10-Inch Bandsaw offers a larger cutting capacity and more power, making it suitable for thicker materials and more demanding projects. However, it comes at a higher price and is heavier.

The SKIL 3386-01 9-Inch Bandsaw is another affordable option that’s lightweight and easy to use, making it ideal for light tasks and small projects. It has basic features and is suitable for those who need a simple, no-frills bandsaw.

Maintenance

Maintaining your WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Here are some tips for proper maintenance:

1. Blade Care:
   • Regularly inspect the blade for wear, damage, or dullness. Replace if necessary.
   • Keep the blade clean and free of debris to ensure smooth cuts.
2. Tension and Alignment:
   • Check the blade tension periodically to ensure it’s neither too tight nor too loose.
   • Adjust the blade tracking to keep it running straight and true.
3. Lubrication:
   • Lubricate moving parts, including bearings and pulleys, to reduce friction and prevent wear.
4. Cleaning:
   • Keep the saw clean and free of dust and debris. Use a brush or vacuum to clean the interior and exterior.
   • Clean the table surface to keep it smooth and rust-free.
5. Dust Port:
   • Regularly clean the dust port to ensure efficient dust extraction and maintain a clean workspace.
6. Safety Features:
   • Check safety features such as blade guards and switches to ensure they are functioning correctly.
7. Storage:
   • Store the band saw in a dry, secure location to prevent rust and damage.
8. Manual:
   • Refer to the user manual for specific maintenance instructions and safety guidelines.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

To ensure the safe and effective use of your WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw, follow these safety tips and best practices:

1. Wear Protective Gear:
   • Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
   • Use hearing protection to reduce noise exposure.
2. Check Safety Features:
   • Ensure that all safety features, including blade guards and emergency stop buttons, are in place and functioning properly.
3. Secure Workpiece:
   • Use clamps or a vise to securely hold the workpiece. This prevents it from moving during the cut and reduces the risk of kickback.
4. Use Push Sticks:
   • When cutting small pieces, use push sticks or push blocks to keep your hands away from the blade.
5. Maintain a Clean Workspace:
   • Keep the area around the band saw clean and free of clutter to reduce the risk of accidents.
6. Check Blade Condition:
   • Regularly inspect the blade for signs of wear or damage. Replace dull or damaged blades promptly.
7. Adjust Blade Tension:
   • Ensure that the blade tension is properly adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
8. Use Proper Blade Speed:
   • Adjust the blade speed according to the material you are cutting. Refer to the user manual for recommended speeds.
9. Avoid Distractions:
   • Stay focused on the task at hand. Do not operate the band saw while distracted or fatigued.
10. Disconnect Power When Servicing:
    • Always disconnect the band saw from the power source before performing maintenance, changing blades, or making adjustments.
11. Read the Manual:
    • Familiarize yourself with the band saw’s features, controls, and safety guidelines by reading the user manual thoroughly.

Conclusion

The WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw (BA3959) stands out as a compact and versatile tool, ideal for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. Its 2.8-Amp motor, combined with a 9-inch throat and 3-5/8-inch cutting depth, provides ample power and capacity for a variety of woodworking projects.

The large work table, quick-release blade tension lever, and dust port add to its convenience and efficiency. When compared to similar models like the Rikon 10-305 and SKIL 3386-01, the WEN band saw offers a balanced blend of performance, value, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for those looking to tackle precise cuts in smaller workspaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What materials can the WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw cut?
   It can cut a variety of materials including wood, plastic, and non-ferrous metals with appropriate blades.
2. Can I use this band saw for resawing?
   While it’s capable of small resawing tasks, its 3-5/8-inch cutting depth limits its ability to handle larger resawing projects.
3. Is the blade included with the band saw?
   Yes, a standard 59.5-inch blade is included with the purchase.
4. Can I adjust the speed of the blade?
   No, this model has a fixed blade speed of 2500 FPM.
5. How do I change the blade on this WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw?
   You can change the blade by releasing the tension lever, removing the old blade, positioning the new blade, and then readjusting the tension and tracking.
6. Does this WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw have a warranty?
   Yes, it comes with a 2-year warranty from WEN.
7. Can I make angled cuts with this WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw?
   Yes, the work table can be tilted up to 45 degrees for making angled cuts.
8. Is this band saw suitable for professional use?
   While it’s a reliable tool, its compact size and power are more suited for hobbyists and light professional tasks.
9. How do I maintain this WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw?
   Regular maintenance includes cleaning the dust port, checking blade tension and alignment, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting safety features.
10. What safety precautions should I take when using this band saw?
    Wear protective gear, secure the workpiece, use push sticks for small pieces, maintain a clean workspace, and always disconnect power when servicing the machine.

Arthur Cooper

Forestry Author