I'm limited on space and can only fit a benchtop band saw. I'm considering two options: the Kobalt 9-inch band saw for $125, which I found on Facebook Marketplace, and the Bauer 9-inch model that costs about $160-$180 from Harbor Freight if I join their loyalty program. What do you think?
3 Answers
Consider how often you plan to use it. If it's just for occasional projects, go with the Kobalt. But if you're going to use it frequently, the Bauer might be worth the investment. Honestly, I’ve only used my tabletop band saw a dozen times across 30 years, so any would suffice if you’re not using it much.
Before you buy, think about whether you really need a band saw. I've used cheaper ones, and honestly, a good jigsaw can often do the trick for many projects. If space and budget are tight, you might want to save up for a better quality saw in the future, like a Rikon.
Check out the Wen brand too. They have a 9-inch model that's pretty affordable and looks similar to the Bauer. I had a Wen 10-inch before, and while it performed decently, it could use a bit more power for resawing. Still, it's solid for the price!
Yeah, that's a great point! I've rushed into buying tools before, only to find out I didn't use them as much as I thought I would.