YOU come over as a very honest person. YOU are very genuine too. I live in Thailand and have a small workshop . Your idea's have given me a steady income that is growing every week. I am 76 years old so my out put is not prolific but steady. Thank you. Your channel will grow and grow simply because of your genuine honesty. Signed R.H. BRITISH.
So for any military out there. I called Wen directly for an order because their prices were the same all over. The sales rep offered me 10% and free shipping. 12" drill press. Love it. Wen are some great hobby tools.
I just bought that bandsaw. I had to do a little adjusting before using it. For resawing I bought a 3/8" 6 tooth blade and it cut through 3" walnut like butter. I'm very happy with it. Remember to bring your blade guard down to your work. It makes a big difference since that's where the top blade bearings are located.
Hey Matt, just an FYI: that particular blade isn't made for resawing parts like the cutting board drop..the teeth are too close together and the sawdust will bind as you experienced. If you get a 3tpi blade it'll have more room between the teeth gullets to sweep that dust out and make it easier to cut. I experienced the same thing with my 10" wen, but switching to a 3 tooth per inch blade made a WORLD of difference! 👊
you cant get a 3TPi for that size bandsaw. not that i have seen. between this, Ryobi's 9", Harbour Freights 9" they are all exactly the same design i think one company makes this and just changes colour. you can upgrade the cut depth though just by chopping just above the switch and bolting on a piece of Angle iron. then you can get a 3 TPI blade and install. just done it with my harbour freight one and now I can cut 12.5" height. can even slab some small logs.
@@seanrobinson203Yeah its a Chinese model that various international brands get China to brand and color differently. Here in Canada the cheapest version is sold by King Canada.
Matt, As with any tool that comes with a blade, replace the blade with a good quality blade, Also, the blade that is on the band saw right now is for curves, you should be using a wider blade for resawing wood.
When cutting thicker stock like that use a 3/4-1" blade. It doesn't bind and cuts smoother. Had to learn that the hard way. Tried cutting 4x4 for table legs and ended up breaking 3 blades.
I’m betting that little saw can’t handle more than a 1/2 inch blade at most, and probably more like 3/8. You’re spot on about using a wider blade though.
If Inexperience and stupidity were peanut butter and jelly, my name would be bread. Thanks for posting this comment. It’s definitely going to save me cash.
I feel your excitement. I bought the 10in rikon last week. I finally was confident enough to change the blade and wow. It’s a totally different tool with the after market blade. It’s my first bandsaw, I’m hoping to get a big boy bandsaw within the year for resaw and milling capabilities but for curves and resaw up to just over 5 in, this thing I can tell is going to transform what I can do. Even when I get a bigger one, this rikon isn’t going anywhere. So so excited
Hi Matt, great video! That brand has some decent ratings so you should have some great results. Move the guide down to where you are approximately 1/4” from the top of the material. This will help in the tracking of the blade and will help following the line.
If your WEN band-saw matches the quality of their drill press, then you have yourself a nice tool there. I remember buying the WEN drill press when it first came out, and took a chance on it, because I couldn't pass up the price. I figured if it was a total piece of junk, I would send it back to Amazon. I was completely blown away by how accurate it was and had proven to be very reliable after years of use. The same drill press has just about doubled in price due in part to its popularity and ratings on Amazon.
Matt, when you are making multiple species cutting boards and need very thin pieces of a different species, I've used a bandsaw almost that same size and got great thickness and cleanliness control with it. I had 2 different saw blades with different teeth configurations for that machine and it really made a difference. I've seen many videos where other makers cut random cuts with curves in their boards then used the fence to make 1/4" thick boards to sandwich between the 2 main pieces as an inlay for really sharp additions to their cutting boards. When you were resawing the hardwood, the size motor makes a huge differnce, just like in a router.
Matt, whenever I am in need of a new tool, I always check your channel and my current new purchase is a bandsaw. I am going with a Wen today, thanks for this video. It will more than serve my needs. You're awesome, Matt.
Can't reiterate enough what others are saying about the blade: buy a good 'un. I'm about ready to get a 9 inch myself for that exact reason - small stuff. I first used one back in 1973 or 74 in high school woodshop, so I'm aware of what they do. Love your channel. Keep the content coming.
Nice review Matt. Lower the blade guard so the piece you're working on just passes under it. Thanks for the info on the SVG file for the mallet, may have to give one a try! :)
Hi Matt, WEN makes some great, reasonably priced, tools. I bought the 10", the one with the stand. It is about double the price and twice the weight. I wanted it for it's thicker resaw capacity. Sooner or later you will want to "fillet" a. thick board down the middle, plane it, and make thinner boards. You need a blade with big teeth, and you will have to change the speed by moving the belt. Then it will saw faster. Be careful pushing material into the blade. The tendency is to use your fingers, but an emergency room surgeon said he gets more band saw cases than table saw cases. A bandsaw, as well as a bench sander, are definite requirements of any wood shop. They make fast work of things that would take forever or be impossible. PS, if you want to cut tighter curves, get the narrowest blade made for it. Like table saw blades, you get what you pay for.
To take up a smaller *floor* footprint in your shop, It'd be a really nice *BUILD video* if you were to design and build one of those cabinets that flips 180 degrees (Bandsaw on top / Drill Press on bottom). ~ Just sayin'. Congratulations on that new *toy* for your shop! I love my super-inexpensive Ryobi tabletop bandsaw and will definitely check out this WEN model, though. A big round of applause (from me) to the person who gifted you this new tool. Looking forward to new videos! As an aside - Your recent commentary about how amazing your wife is and how humbled you are to have her in your life, really choked me up and get the tears rollin' a little the other morning. I often feel that our Heavenly Father blesses us sometimes with just what we truly need in this life - and does so - when we least expect it. I don't know where I'd be (spiritually) right now if I hadn't met my current wife 8 years ago. I guess sometimes when we wind-up walking down the wrong path in life, it takes us several million small steps to get where we need to be? ❤️
hey Matt, love your channel, and especially that you proudly rep your FAITH!! That was actually the main reason I started following you. I am wondering if you have considered doing a follow up review after using this bandsaw for a while. Thank you sir, God Bless
You are very welcome Matt. Glad you like it. yes i can attest to it not cutting straight while cutting thin strips, but what i found helps is a feather board clamped on as well as not pushing the wood, let the blade do the work and just keep resistance on it. Kyle B.
I bought this exact model about 6 months ago for the purpose of cutting curved pieces and I really like this bandsaw. As you said, for $165 you can't beat it.
Just bought a Dewalt BS100 (9" bandsaw) $ 40 . I did have to order a miter and fence but the thing is great! A tune up, new blade and the thing cuts like banshee
Matt, I'm new to wood-working and just bought the WEN 9" band saw based on your introduction and review. Thanks for the info! Though I'm a little late, I love your content Keep up the good work brother.
Got the same one but haven’t used it yet as I’m waiting on my 24x12 building to get delivered. From your inspiration I have purchased a miter saw, table saw, oscillating sander, drill press, plainer, 10 wahuda jointer and several other tools but don’t have the “shop yet” lol. Keep up the great work! 🤜🏼 🤛🏼
I have that saw. Love it. Only tool my 14yr old girl is comfortable with. Super quiet and really easy to use. It does not seem to want to cut a really straight line, but it could be the blade. But would definitely not recommend for resawing.
Very nice addition, Matt! I have the 10" big brother of this saw and it has been great. Especially after I replaced the stock blade with a Highland Woodworking Wood Slicer resaw blade. You will be amazed at the difference between the trash stock blade and a good quality blade. Mine was about $30 and worth every penny.
I got one of these and had the same reaction as you - really handy tool to have for the price. I haven’t had the time to drill into tuning it to avoid the blade drift you saw - I’ve got that even on moderately thick softwoods, and it limits my use and enthusiasm. I’m still assuming it’s fixable, I just don’t love the idea of having to take the time to research it, I just want to cut wood 😂. Soooo… I hope you figure that out and do a vid! I’m sure it would be a great service to more people than just me.
I had a decent bandsaw but am in the process of moving house and let it go for peanuts. £20 UK sterling . It is v similiar with the wheels and general construction Everything has to go literally . If anybody wants one and doesnt mind second hand keep looking and good luck
I got a ryobi 9 inch as my first bandsaw which I used to learn to make smaller bandsaw boxes and discover I love bandsaws which lead to me getting a 12 inch craftsman. Next I plan on getting an 18 inch for resawing capability.
I just picked up a Porter Cable on clearance from Lowes and I'm having the same reaction. I haven't resawed any hardwood but it split a piece of pine no problem.
I haven't tried it on mine yet, but I've seen on YT that if you want to cut a straight line, there are two things that help. 1 - Use the widest blade your saw can use. 2- Use the table saw to cut a groove in the top and bottom of the board. The bandsaw blade will track straight between the walls if you do that.
SpyderHelix summed up most of your resewing issues. Also, for resewing you really want the widest blade you can reasonably use, and slow and steady fed speed. Good start.
Man that would be handy!!!! My old jigsaw is squirrely when tryin to cut anything but straight!! Lol. Another awesome review Matt!! Thank you for the content!!
Lead line. You need to find the lead line for each band saw blade. The lead line is the natural angle you need to feed a board through your band saw. Bandsaw blades tend to cut more aggressively to one side or the other. There are many smarter people that can explain this much better than I can. Great video best of luck
I had one similar and it was a decent tool for the price. Then I got my hands on a used Grizzly for a few bucks more than this was new and now I barely use the thing. For $150 it does the job as long as you know its limits and issues.
I have the upright 10" version. Looks almost identical to yours. I have had mine for about 1 1/2 years and love it. My biggest issue was doing a major tune up when the original blade broke. I spent about an hour tuning it up and had to actually bend one of the blade guides to get the new blade to track properly. Other than that it has been wonderful and makes things so much easier, especially when you have a small piece to cut that would not work well on the table saw.
Great review Matt. Freehand cuts will probably work better than using a fence. I think a neat idea would be to bookmatch a mallet. So both sides look the same. Great addition to the shop.
Matt you are on very blessed dude. You viewers are the best I wish I could afford you send you some sweet tools to help you out but I’m still try to get some stuff myself lol great video keep them coming.
Good video. Nice to see it in action. It will be interesting to see how long it holds up and how quickly the blades need replacement. I believe it will serve you well.
the ability to resaw is why i switched to the Rikon which was actually cheaper but do lower the guide down and try a quarter in the the gap to keep the to aid in sawing and a better blade the one it comes in with it will get it down.
Nice band saw. I need.to get one soon. One thing i noticed that you had the guard set all the way up. You should set that closer to your stock to help protect you and keep the blade straight. Thanks. Love all ur vids. Keep em coming! Wil-
Nice review and video Matt! I’ve recently purchased two Wen products and I’ve been pleasantly surprised and happy with both. I hope this bandsaw brings many happy projects into shape! 👊🏽
For resawing fewer teeth is better, something like 3 or 4 tpi with a skip tooth design. The binding can come from the denser teeth not being able to clear out sawdust as you go along. The Woodslicer blade from Highland Woodworking is excellent.
I'm disabled, and do my thing from a chair. I have a portable table saw that I bolted to a low table that I made for it. I just use it for rip cuts. I do most of my cross-cuts on the miter/chop saw. The problem is the table saw is risky, as I'm already in a semi-compromised position from the wheelchair. Add to that all the horror stories and videos about table saw accidents, and it makes me a bit anxious whenever I have to use it. I am heavily considering purchasing this bandsaw. I'm not making pretty furniture. I just want to safely crosscut 2X4(3.5"x1.5") stud/boards. This video makes me feel a little better about making the purchase.
I have the Wen 10 inch bandsaw. I've had it for a few years now and it's been good so far. Just like most power saws you will get better results with a better quality blade. Need to look up videos from Alex Snodgrass on how to setup a bandsaw to cut better. My dad bought the same 10 inch bandsaw about a year ago. Mine came with a cast iron table and his has an aluminum table plus he paid a good bit more from the same place.
The blade guide should be lowered to a 1/4” above the stock. Safety and it should help with the blade drifting around. A wider blade should be used for re-sawing stock, but I don’t know how wide a blade it can handle. As a retired shop teacher, the rule was if you keep your fingers away from the throat plate, you shouldn’t get them caught by the blade. Always enjoy your program. Andy
Paid $40 on FB marketplace for an open box/auction one. Had it for a year now and it’s never let me down. Not for heavy large hardwood use but I agree on small projects it’s a great tool for cheap. Just try and find one locally for a better price.
Adjust blade tracking so that the gullets are in the center of the top wheel. Tension may need to be bumped up a bit. Square the table with the blade if possible. Fence may need further squaring to blade. This should help with your ripping and resawing. Less tpi will also on thick pieces.
Thanks for the review Matt...I have the same saw and it has simplified many small part headaches...yes, it has limitations, but for the cost and portability, it provides a big plus for my needs...Thanks again
I have this band saw and I love it. One of my favorite tools in my shop. I will upgrade one day but this is a great one to start with and to test and see if you want/need a band saw. Fence is kinda crap though.
Howdy again Mr. 731... It's official, it's become a morning routine for me to watch a few of your videos before I set to working in my shop. Gets me motivated. I've been looking at the Wen products, Bandsaw, Drill Press and Joiner. Still haven't decided which I'll get first. I haven't used a Bandsaw in quite some time, but used it extensively at my old old old job, but theirs was MASSIVE, built in 1920 something. Sucker weighed probably over 1000 lbs. Was used for resawing 12"+ boards. Let me tell ya something...If it hasn't happened to ya yet, it will eventually and that's having the blade "POP" on ya in the middle of a cut. Good thing you workout cause your gonna need a strong heart when that happens cause it's gonna scare the whole living POOP out of ya, make ya lose your hair too (haha). You'll find that your reflexes become enhanced too, cause when that blade pops, BAM, like a flash of lightning, you'll hit that off button. Ain't nothing you can do to prepare for it either, there's zero warning. I can however say that there's a "tell tell" sign to look for in the blade to let ya know it's time to change the blade. When you start seeing discoloration in the blade...it'll be a blue, purple tinge to it. That's the sign. The blades are just thin sheet metal with teeth, so they heat up quick and don't last too long. As in metal forging, heat changes the molecular structure of the metal (which causes the discoloration). However, in this case, the heat isn't making the metal stronger, it's weakening it. The thicker and harder the material, the quicker it'll heat up. Good video Sir...me likes it.
Congratulations on your bands all. You are extremely lucky to have a friend to get you one. You might want to check out Alex Snodgrass bandsaw clinic. He will show you how to fine-tune and get rid of drift. Enjoy your saw I have the 10 inch floor standing. Love it.
Idk if it’s been said but I broke a blade on my scroll saw on hardwoods. Then found out that there are different more sturdy blades for hardwoods that I happened to find in a storage compartment on my scroll saw 😂 and it was a game changer
I LOVE MY BANDSAW!!!! IT IS A VERY VERSATILE TOOL!!!! AND IT IS SAFE FOR CUTTING ROUGH LUMBER IF IT IS CUPPED OR WARPED DUE TO THE FACT THE BLADE CUTS DOWNWARD AND NOT AT YOU LIKE THE TABLE SAW. KEEP THAT IN MIND IF YOU HAVE ROUGH LUMBER TO MILL UP FOR PROJECTS!!! HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!! 🇺🇲🇺🇲
I had the 10 inch version of that saw. I never could get it to resaw straight but a wider blade will make a big difference. I finally bought a resaw grizzly 17 inch. With a 3/4 inch blade, it resaws like "budda". I am not sure what the largest blade that saw can take but I would suggest getting the largest one it will handle.
Nice bandsaw Matt! You should consider making a video creating bandsaw boxes for your wife and daughter! You can reference Carmichael workshop or make something channel's for reference. It is a great use of scrap wood and the sky is the limit, you can create any design you can think of! Great review, looking forward to more videos! Love the shirt also!
I bought a Timber Wolf 1/2" 4 tooth per inch blade. Mine takes a 72" blade. Check your specs to find out how long yours is. You can adjust the speed by moving the belt over to the other pulley groove. With the coarse blade and other speed, it will cut trough the wood fast. On Amazon you can also find "WEN bandsaw blade", but they are not as good. You can cut tighter curves with a narrower blade, but you won't get a narrow coarse blade. I can cut small parts with the coarse blade by nibbling away. The other choice is a scroll saw, but it won't do 3/4" hardwood well. It works well for thin soft wood or plywood.
Drop guide down to about 1/4 above work piece for best cuts. Did I hear some Leslie west playing in the background. Love it. Good content love your shirts.
For the cut around 6 min: this kind of blades is for cuts no wider than 5 cm. (2 inch) Don't be lazy to switch out blades otherwise you will just ruin your blade and your cut. (Been there, done that.) But I'm not sure that the machine could handle wider, bigger blades, it really depends the wheel size. But I think this kind of small benchtop machines are suitable for small cuts, curved cuts which would be really unsafe on a table saw or making templates, toys, etc. I have a Metabo BAS 318, pretty similar to Makita LB1200F. It's much bigger machine, but with the single phase 900W motor could resaw a 160mm wide board with a 16x0.5mm N6 blade. I did it with walnut and hornbeam. When I bought that machine I thinked about a lot to buy the smaller, benchtop version (BAS 216), but I'm really happy that I bought the bigger one. It was about +50% more expensive but definitely a much more capable machine. (But I didn't had anything before that, that was my first electric saw and I bought specificly that because I needed something for resawing).
Looks like my earlier comment vanished. I highly suggest you check out Timber Wolf blades. Excellent bandsaw blades for a great price. Small ones for fine, curvy cutouts. Wide blades (1/2" or more) for resawing.
I have the lime green version of your saw. It is awesome for how much it was. Just be careful of small pieces that fall in the hole on the table. I've snapped two blades because stuff falls through there and gets caught on the bottom bearings. Eventually get built up and jam the blad and the weld pops
Good Vid, Matt... For resaw , you want a thicker blade,3/4-1' and I think max size for the (; Wen is 3/8. My experience says the thinner blades are for finer detail and curves.
I have the bigger one that allows if I remember up to 6 or 8 inches cut and it's good.. lower the arm down so it's as low as possible but allows easy movement of the wood.
It’s not operator error, it’s a beginner mistake. I can’t remember why, but I’ve always had to figure out the angle a band saw blade cuts at. Then adjust the fence at an angle that has never been parallel to the blade. The features of that Wen are better than a lot of other band saws. I would suggest finding more information on setting up a band saw fence. Also think about adjusting/ upgrading blade guilds and the table insert. Watch some RUclips videos on band saws - there’s great videos out there (like yours!!)
I forgot to add in my last (overly long) comment, there are some great videos on RUclips for dialing in your bandsaw. Watch some of them, it makes a big difference!
Safety tip, lower the blade guard closer to the thickness of the material you are cutting. I saw a guy get his knuckles pretty good. Had the guard all the way up cutting a 3/4 piece of plywood.
Late to this video, but enjoyed it very much. To me bandsaws aren't the most glamorous of tools but really useful. Currently in the market for my first one. Too bad I couldn't find a video on youtube doing comparisons of best budget band saws. I've been looking at Skil, Ryobi, Wen, and bit more expensive Rikon.
Check the tension on the belt from the motor to the blade pully. My blade would stop at first and i tightened the belt tension on the motor and it didn't stop anymore
Matt.Thank you for sharing your experience with this particular saw. I'm planning to buy a band saw. I have no experience at all with band saws. I will like to buy a tabletop to start, but I struggle to decide which brand is bettter to choose.
Just found your show a few days ago. Love your show and the fact that God is part of it. Where do you get your shirts that you wear on the show? Have a great day God bless.
The little WEN will get you started, and maybe be all you need, but usually bigger equals better. Bigger equals more options and precision and ability to cut big wood. See Ashley Harwood. She turns big chunks of wood on a lathe, so has a big one.
I enjoy watching your videos on your channel and I always feel inspired not only to make something but also the spiritual inspiration that I feel when I watch your videos. I was watching your video on making the mallets and you mentioned using salt when gluing pieces together to keep them from moving around while clamping them. I have seen some other channels where they use some fine sawdust or they will take two pieces of sandpaper and rub the sand sides together over the pieces that they have applied glue on and the grit of the sandpaper does the same thing as salt. Both methods seem to work. Just thought I would share that information with you. Also, I saw the video you published about the games such as the corn hole boards. You mentioned that the six inch hole saw grabs the wood. I have seen videos where people will take the hole saw and just score the wood with the hole saw then drill out some relief holes with a Forster bit on the waste side of the wood that they are cutting the hole in. I know that this method will keep the hole saw from getting hot and burning the wood but I was wondering if it would help to keep the hole saw from grabbing the wood also. Woodsmith channel just published a video today where they are building a “heavy-duty, mobile miter saw station and Chris demonstrates the technique for keeping the hole saw from getting hot and burning the wood. Thought I would share this idea with you also.
I have a similar model to this one (the one with the carry handle up top). It's not a bad product, though I haven't tried to cut anything thicker than 3/4 of an inch with it. Not a lot of choices as to available blades, at least not from Home Depot where I bought the saw. I have one of the narrower "scroll saw" type blades as well as the original blade that came with the saw. I have found that gunk tends to build up on the blade as well as the wheels, I'm guessing because I have mostly cut cheap dimensional lumber with it, i.e. pine, etc. You mention maybe building a cart for the bandsaw along with your drill press. I built just such a cart (I think I also have the same drill press as you -- I have several WEN tools), and have the two oriented at 90 degrees to each other, so as to not interfere with longer workpieces.
Ive got the wen plunge router i like it it does the job real nice im looking at the small router from them all i see people using online is dewalt or bosch twice the price of wen wen makes some good stuff but like all brands they have lemons in all.
YOU come over as a very honest person. YOU are very genuine too.
I live in Thailand and have a small workshop . Your idea's have given me a steady income that is growing every week. I am 76 years old so my out put is not prolific but steady. Thank you. Your channel will grow and grow simply because of your genuine honesty. Signed R.H. BRITISH.
So for any military out there. I called Wen directly for an order because their prices were the same all over. The sales rep offered me 10% and free shipping. 12" drill press. Love it. Wen are some great hobby tools.
I just bought that bandsaw. I had to do a little adjusting before using it. For resawing I bought a 3/8" 6 tooth blade and it cut through 3" walnut like butter. I'm very happy with it. Remember to bring your blade guard down to your work. It makes a big difference since that's where the top blade bearings are located.
Hey Matt, just an FYI: that particular blade isn't made for resawing parts like the cutting board drop..the teeth are too close together and the sawdust will bind as you experienced.
If you get a 3tpi blade it'll have more room between the teeth gullets to sweep that dust out and make it easier to cut.
I experienced the same thing with my 10" wen, but switching to a 3 tooth per inch blade made a WORLD of difference! 👊
Great little nugget of info! Did you do regular or hook blade?
you cant get a 3TPi for that size bandsaw. not that i have seen. between this, Ryobi's 9", Harbour Freights 9" they are all exactly the same design i think one company makes this and just changes colour. you can upgrade the cut depth though just by chopping just above the switch and bolting on a piece of Angle iron. then you can get a 3 TPI blade and install. just done it with my harbour freight one and now I can cut 12.5" height. can even slab some small logs.
@@seanrobinson203 I haven't seen a 3 TPI but I got a 4 TPI from Home Depot and it works fantastic..
@@seanrobinson203Yeah its a Chinese model that various international brands get China to brand and color differently. Here in Canada the cheapest version is sold by King Canada.
@@seanrobinson203whaaaaa? I can’t picture what you’re describing but would love to see pics.
You have to be the most blessed man I have ever heard of, you get all your tools free, God Bless good for you
I’ve got a lot of WEN tools! I’ve never had a problem with any of them. High quality!
Add a magnet LED light to light up where the blade and material meet.... It will help a bunch... Did this on my Laguna made a big difference.
Matt, As with any tool that comes with a blade, replace the blade with a good quality blade, Also, the blade that is on the band saw right now is for curves, you should be using a wider blade for resawing wood.
More reviews. More reviews!!!
@Martinwebb, what do I do if my bandsaw only accepts 1/4” wide blades? It’s an old Craftsman direct drive 10” bandsaw.
When cutting thicker stock like that use a 3/4-1" blade. It doesn't bind and cuts smoother. Had to learn that the hard way. Tried cutting 4x4 for table legs and ended up breaking 3 blades.
I’m betting that little saw can’t handle more than a 1/2 inch blade at most, and probably more like 3/8. You’re spot on about using a wider blade though.
@@jeanchapman1301 manual says blade goes from 1/8 to 3/8
If Inexperience and stupidity were peanut butter and jelly, my name would be bread.
Thanks for posting this comment. It’s definitely going to save me cash.
I feel your excitement. I bought the 10in rikon last week. I finally was confident enough to change the blade and wow. It’s a totally different tool with the after market blade. It’s my first bandsaw, I’m hoping to get a big boy bandsaw within the year for resaw and milling capabilities but for curves and resaw up to just over 5 in, this thing I can tell is going to transform what I can do. Even when I get a bigger one, this rikon isn’t going anywhere. So so excited
Hi Matt, great video! That brand has some decent ratings so you should have some great results.
Move the guide down to where you are approximately 1/4” from the top of the material. This will help in the tracking of the blade and will help following the line.
Thanks Bret!
I have this exact one. I use it all the time. Not going to re-saw on it. But it does what I need so I'm happy.
I got a WEN Band Saw last year and I like it very much. I also just got a WEN Scroll Saw.
Having a baby bandsaw in the shop is nice!
If your WEN band-saw matches the quality of their drill press, then you have yourself a nice tool there. I remember buying the WEN drill press when it first came out, and took a chance on it, because I couldn't pass up the price. I figured if it was a total piece of junk, I would send it back to Amazon. I was completely blown away by how accurate it was and had proven to be very reliable after years of use. The same drill press has just about doubled in price due in part to its popularity and ratings on Amazon.
Matt, when you are making multiple species cutting boards and need very thin pieces of a different species, I've used a bandsaw almost that same size and got great thickness and cleanliness control with it. I had 2 different saw blades with different teeth configurations for that machine and it really made a difference. I've seen many videos where other makers cut random cuts with curves in their boards then used the fence to make 1/4" thick boards to sandwich between the 2 main pieces as an inlay for really sharp additions to their cutting boards. When you were resawing the hardwood, the size motor makes a huge differnce, just like in a router.
Matt, whenever I am in need of a new tool, I always check your channel and my current new purchase is a bandsaw. I am going with a Wen today, thanks for this video. It will more than serve my needs. You're awesome, Matt.
Can't reiterate enough what others are saying about the blade: buy a good 'un. I'm about ready to get a 9 inch myself for that exact reason - small stuff. I first used one back in 1973 or 74 in high school woodshop, so I'm aware of what they do. Love your channel. Keep the content coming.
Nice review Matt. Lower the blade guard so the piece you're working on just passes under it. Thanks for the info on the SVG file for the mallet, may have to give one a try! :)
Thank you for the tip!
Good eye.
Hi Matt, WEN makes some great, reasonably priced, tools. I bought the 10", the one with the stand. It is about double the price and twice the weight. I wanted it for it's thicker resaw capacity. Sooner or later you will want to "fillet" a. thick board down the middle, plane it, and make thinner boards. You need a blade with big teeth, and you will have to change the speed by moving the belt. Then it will saw faster. Be careful pushing material into the blade. The tendency is to use your fingers, but an emergency room surgeon said he gets more band saw cases than table saw cases. A bandsaw, as well as a bench sander, are definite requirements of any wood shop. They make fast work of things that would take forever or be impossible. PS, if you want to cut tighter curves, get the narrowest blade made for it. Like table saw blades, you get what you pay for.
To take up a smaller *floor* footprint in your shop, It'd be a really nice *BUILD video* if you were to design and build one of those cabinets that flips 180 degrees (Bandsaw on top / Drill Press on bottom). ~ Just sayin'.
Congratulations on that new *toy* for your shop! I love my super-inexpensive Ryobi tabletop bandsaw and will definitely check out this WEN model, though. A big round of applause (from me) to the person who gifted you this new tool. Looking forward to new videos!
As an aside - Your recent commentary about how amazing your wife is and how humbled you are to have her in your life, really choked me up and get the tears rollin' a little the other morning. I often feel that our Heavenly Father blesses us sometimes with just what we truly need in this life - and does so - when we least expect it. I don't know where I'd be (spiritually) right now if I hadn't met my current wife 8 years ago. I guess sometimes when we wind-up walking down the wrong path in life, it takes us several million small steps to get where we need to be? ❤️
Amen, my wife saved me from a life of self destruction!
It's a good ideal to where some sort of safety eye wear. Decent little bandsaw.
You are my deciding factor for getting this.
hey Matt, love your channel, and especially that you proudly rep your FAITH!! That was actually the main reason I started following you. I am wondering if you have considered doing a follow up review after using this bandsaw for a while. Thank you sir, God Bless
I just got the same saw yesterday. I'm also going to use it for small parts and curves.
I've got a 17-in grizzly bandsaw and it's the most used tool in my shop
You are very welcome Matt. Glad you like it. yes i can attest to it not cutting straight while cutting thin strips, but what i found helps is a feather board clamped on as well as not pushing the wood, let the blade do the work and just keep resistance on it. Kyle B.
Thank you 👊🏻
I bought this exact model about 6 months ago for the purpose of cutting curved pieces and I really like this bandsaw. As you said, for $165 you can't beat it.
I have the same one,keep a 1/4 inch blade on it all the time. Good for small thinner material. Just got know it’s limitations.
Just bought a Dewalt BS100 (9" bandsaw) $ 40 . I did have to order a miter and fence but the thing is great! A tune up, new blade and the thing cuts like banshee
Matt, I'm new to wood-working and just bought the WEN 9" band saw based on your introduction and review. Thanks for the info! Though I'm a little late, I love your content Keep up the good work brother.
Got the same one but haven’t used it yet as I’m waiting on my 24x12 building to get delivered. From your inspiration I have purchased a miter saw, table saw, oscillating sander, drill press, plainer, 10 wahuda jointer and several other tools but don’t have the “shop yet” lol. Keep up the great work! 🤜🏼 🤛🏼
fist
Wow, you’ve really sold me on this Wen! Thanks for sharing this experience! 👊🏽
👊 It's a good beginner bandsaw for sure
I have that saw. Love it. Only tool my 14yr old girl is comfortable with. Super quiet and really easy to use. It does not seem to want to cut a really straight line, but it could be the blade. But would definitely not recommend for resawing.
Check out on RUclips the Alex Snodgrass method of setting up your bandsaw blade. With this method it produces the straightest cuts.
Very nice addition, Matt! I have the 10" big brother of this saw and it has been great. Especially after I replaced the stock blade with a Highland Woodworking Wood Slicer resaw blade. You will be amazed at the difference between the trash stock blade and a good quality blade. Mine was about $30 and worth every penny.
Doesn’t look like Highland makes a 59 1/2” blade length. Smallest is 67 1/2”
Any suggestions?
Ahhh they make custom sizes!
just bought the farmhouse bundle and woodshop bundle from your site! very excited!
Awesome! Thank you!
We got a $189 Porter Cable table-top band saw at Lowe's. Works great so far.
I got one of these and had the same reaction as you - really handy tool to have for the price. I haven’t had the time to drill into tuning it to avoid the blade drift you saw - I’ve got that even on moderately thick softwoods, and it limits my use and enthusiasm. I’m still assuming it’s fixable, I just don’t love the idea of having to take the time to research it, I just want to cut wood 😂.
Soooo… I hope you figure that out and do a vid! I’m sure it would be a great service to more people than just me.
I had a decent bandsaw but am in the process of moving house and let it go for peanuts. £20 UK sterling . It is v similiar with the wheels and general construction Everything has to go literally . If anybody wants one and doesnt mind second hand keep looking and good luck
I got a ryobi 9 inch as my first bandsaw which I used to learn to make smaller bandsaw boxes and discover I love bandsaws which lead to me getting a 12 inch craftsman. Next I plan on getting an 18 inch for resawing capability.
I just picked up a Porter Cable on clearance from Lowes and I'm having the same reaction. I haven't resawed any hardwood but it split a piece of pine no problem.
I haven't tried it on mine yet, but I've seen on YT that if you want to cut a straight line, there are two things that help.
1 - Use the widest blade your saw can use.
2- Use the table saw to cut a groove in the top and bottom of the board. The bandsaw blade will track straight between the walls if you do that.
SpyderHelix summed up most of your resewing issues. Also, for resewing you really want the widest blade you can reasonably use, and slow and steady fed speed. Good start.
Man that would be handy!!!! My old jigsaw is squirrely when tryin to cut anything but straight!! Lol. Another awesome review Matt!! Thank you for the content!!
👊
Lead line. You need to find the lead line for each band saw blade. The lead line is the natural angle you need to feed a board through your band saw. Bandsaw blades tend to cut more aggressively to one side or the other. There are many smarter people that can explain this much better than I can. Great video best of luck
I had one similar and it was a decent tool for the price. Then I got my hands on a used Grizzly for a few bucks more than this was new and now I barely use the thing. For $150 it does the job as long as you know its limits and issues.
Band saws are a fantastic tool to have just wait till you really get into it and see everything you can do with a bandsaw.
Haha great review and gift. Enjoy your humor and joy. Love the "Mattisms" haha
Thank you
I have the upright 10" version. Looks almost identical to yours. I have had mine for about 1 1/2 years and love it. My biggest issue was doing a major tune up when the original blade broke.
I spent about an hour tuning it up and had to actually bend one of the blade guides to get the new blade to track properly.
Other than that it has been wonderful and makes things so much easier, especially when you have a small piece to cut that would not work well on the table saw.
Great review Matt. Freehand cuts will probably work better than using a fence. I think a neat idea would be to bookmatch a mallet. So both sides look the same. Great addition to the shop.
Oh that would be sweet
after watching video again while this saw is in my Amazon cart i noticed the shirt change, thanks again for the information
Happy to help!
Matt you are on very blessed dude. You viewers are the best I wish I could afford you send you some sweet tools to help you out but I’m still try to get some stuff myself lol great video keep them coming.
Good video. Nice to see it in action. It will be interesting to see how long it holds up and how quickly the blades need replacement. I believe it will serve you well.
the ability to resaw is why i switched to the Rikon which was actually cheaper but do lower the guide down and try a quarter in the the gap to keep the to aid in sawing and a better blade the one it comes in with it will get it down.
Amen to your T-shirt! Nice review and thanks for sharing!
I have that saw. It is fine for small cuts. I upgraded to a bigger saw for the bigger things I do.
Nice band saw. I need.to get one soon. One thing i noticed that you had the guard set all the way up. You should set that closer to your stock to help protect you and keep the blade straight. Thanks. Love all ur vids. Keep em coming!
Wil-
Nice review and video Matt! I’ve recently purchased two Wen products and I’ve been pleasantly surprised and happy with both. I hope this bandsaw brings many happy projects into shape! 👊🏽
For resawing fewer teeth is better, something like 3 or 4 tpi with a skip tooth design. The binding can come from the denser teeth not being able to clear out sawdust as you go along. The Woodslicer blade from Highland Woodworking is excellent.
Still need a table saw but this is now on my list.
I'm disabled, and do my thing from a chair. I have a portable table saw that I bolted to a low table that I made for it. I just use it for rip cuts. I do most of my cross-cuts on the miter/chop saw. The problem is the table saw is risky, as I'm already in a semi-compromised position from the wheelchair. Add to that all the horror stories and videos about table saw accidents, and it makes me a bit anxious whenever I have to use it. I am heavily considering purchasing this bandsaw. I'm not making pretty furniture. I just want to safely crosscut 2X4(3.5"x1.5") stud/boards. This video makes me feel a little better about making the purchase.
I have the Wen 10 inch bandsaw. I've had it for a few years now and it's been good so far. Just like most power saws you will get better results with a better quality blade. Need to look up videos from Alex Snodgrass on how to setup a bandsaw to cut better. My dad bought the same 10 inch bandsaw about a year ago. Mine came with a cast iron table and his has an aluminum table plus he paid a good bit more from the same place.
The blade guide should be lowered to a 1/4” above the stock. Safety and it should help with the blade drifting around. A wider blade should be used for re-sawing stock, but I don’t know how wide a blade it can handle. As a retired shop teacher, the rule was if you keep your fingers away from the throat plate, you shouldn’t get them caught by the blade.
Always enjoy your program.
Andy
Great video! It looks identical to my harbor freight 9 in bandsaw.
Paid $40 on FB marketplace for an open box/auction one. Had it for a year now and it’s never let me down. Not for heavy large hardwood use but I agree on small projects it’s a great tool for cheap. Just try and find one locally for a better price.
Adjust blade tracking so that the gullets are in the center of the top wheel. Tension may need to be bumped up a bit. Square the table with the blade if possible. Fence may need further squaring to blade. This should help with your ripping and resawing. Less tpi will also on thick pieces.
If you still have you fingers after a day in the shop you did it right 👊🏻
lol 👊
Thanks for the review Matt...I have the same saw and it has simplified many small part headaches...yes, it has limitations, but for the cost and portability, it provides a big plus for my needs...Thanks again
I have this band saw and I love it. One of my favorite tools in my shop. I will upgrade one day but this is a great one to start with and to test and see if you want/need a band saw. Fence is kinda crap though.
Howdy again Mr. 731...
It's official, it's become a morning routine for me to watch a few of your videos before I set to working in my shop. Gets me motivated.
I've been looking at the Wen products, Bandsaw, Drill Press and Joiner. Still haven't decided which I'll get first.
I haven't used a Bandsaw in quite some time, but used it extensively at my old old old job, but theirs was MASSIVE, built in 1920 something. Sucker weighed probably over 1000 lbs. Was used for resawing 12"+ boards.
Let me tell ya something...If it hasn't happened to ya yet, it will eventually and that's having the blade "POP" on ya in the middle of a cut.
Good thing you workout cause your gonna need a strong heart when that happens cause it's gonna scare the whole living POOP out of ya, make ya lose your hair too (haha). You'll find that your reflexes become enhanced too, cause when that blade pops, BAM, like a flash of lightning, you'll hit that off button.
Ain't nothing you can do to prepare for it either, there's zero warning.
I can however say that there's a "tell tell" sign to look for in the blade to let ya know it's time to change the blade.
When you start seeing discoloration in the blade...it'll be a blue, purple tinge to it. That's the sign. The blades are just thin sheet metal with teeth, so they heat up quick and don't last too long. As in metal forging, heat changes the molecular structure of the metal (which causes the discoloration). However, in this case, the heat isn't making the metal stronger, it's weakening it. The thicker and harder the material, the quicker it'll heat up.
Good video Sir...me likes it.
Thank you for the info!!! I just got in a new Rikon bandsaw that I can re-saw with. I can imagine how scary it can be to have one pop!
Congratulations on your bands all. You are extremely lucky to have a friend to get you one. You might want to check out Alex Snodgrass bandsaw clinic. He will show you how to fine-tune and get rid of drift. Enjoy your saw I have the 10 inch floor standing. Love it.
Idk if it’s been said but I broke a blade on my scroll saw on hardwoods. Then found out that there are different more sturdy blades for hardwoods that I happened to find in a storage compartment on my scroll saw 😂 and it was a game changer
I LOVE MY BANDSAW!!!! IT IS A VERY VERSATILE TOOL!!!! AND IT IS SAFE FOR CUTTING ROUGH LUMBER IF IT IS CUPPED OR WARPED DUE TO THE FACT THE BLADE CUTS DOWNWARD AND NOT AT YOU LIKE THE TABLE SAW. KEEP THAT IN MIND IF YOU HAVE ROUGH LUMBER TO MILL UP FOR PROJECTS!!! HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!! 🇺🇲🇺🇲
I had the 10 inch version of that saw. I never could get it to resaw straight but a wider blade will make a big difference. I finally bought a resaw grizzly 17 inch. With a 3/4 inch blade, it resaws like "budda". I am not sure what the largest blade that saw can take but I would suggest getting the largest one it will handle.
Nice bandsaw Matt! You should consider making a video creating bandsaw boxes for your wife and daughter! You can reference Carmichael workshop or make something channel's for reference. It is a great use of scrap wood and the sky is the limit, you can create any design you can think of! Great review, looking forward to more videos! Love the shirt also!
I'm building little boxes so this is perfect for me.
Matt use a flush trim bit on your router for repeatable parts.
I bought a Timber Wolf 1/2" 4 tooth per inch blade. Mine takes a 72" blade. Check your specs to find out how long yours is. You can adjust the speed by moving the belt over to the other pulley groove. With the coarse blade and other speed, it will cut trough the wood fast. On Amazon you can also find "WEN bandsaw blade", but they are not as good. You can cut tighter curves with a narrower blade, but you won't get a narrow coarse blade. I can cut small parts with the coarse blade by nibbling away. The other choice is a scroll saw, but it won't do 3/4" hardwood well. It works well for thin soft wood or plywood.
Drop guide down to about 1/4 above work piece for best cuts.
Did I hear some Leslie west playing in the background. Love it.
Good content love your shirts.
For the cut around 6 min: this kind of blades is for cuts no wider than 5 cm. (2 inch) Don't be lazy to switch out blades otherwise you will just ruin your blade and your cut. (Been there, done that.) But I'm not sure that the machine could handle wider, bigger blades, it really depends the wheel size. But I think this kind of small benchtop machines are suitable for small cuts, curved cuts which would be really unsafe on a table saw or making templates, toys, etc.
I have a Metabo BAS 318, pretty similar to Makita LB1200F. It's much bigger machine, but with the single phase 900W motor could resaw a 160mm wide board with a 16x0.5mm N6 blade. I did it with walnut and hornbeam. When I bought that machine I thinked about a lot to buy the smaller, benchtop version (BAS 216), but I'm really happy that I bought the bigger one. It was about +50% more expensive but definitely a much more capable machine. (But I didn't had anything before that, that was my first electric saw and I bought specificly that because I needed something for resawing).
Looks like my earlier comment vanished. I highly suggest you check out Timber Wolf blades. Excellent bandsaw blades for a great price. Small ones for fine, curvy cutouts. Wide blades (1/2" or more) for resawing.
thank you!
I have the lime green version of your saw. It is awesome for how much it was. Just be careful of small pieces that fall in the hole on the table. I've snapped two blades because stuff falls through there and gets caught on the bottom bearings. Eventually get built up and jam the blad and the weld pops
Good Vid, Matt... For resaw , you want a thicker blade,3/4-1' and I think max size for the (; Wen is 3/8. My experience says the thinner blades are for finer detail and curves.
Thank you
I have the bigger one that allows if I remember up to 6 or 8 inches cut and it's good.. lower the arm down so it's as low as possible but allows easy movement of the wood.
It’s not operator error, it’s a beginner mistake.
I can’t remember why, but I’ve always had to figure out the angle a band saw blade cuts at. Then adjust the fence at an angle that has never been parallel to the blade. The features of that Wen are better than a lot of other band saws. I would suggest finding more information on setting up a band saw fence. Also think about adjusting/ upgrading blade guilds and the table insert. Watch some RUclips videos on band saws - there’s great videos out there (like yours!!)
I forgot to add in my last (overly long) comment, there are some great videos on RUclips for dialing in your bandsaw. Watch some of them, it makes a big difference!
Thanks for the tips!
Safety tip, lower the blade guard closer to the thickness of the material you are cutting. I saw a guy get his knuckles pretty good. Had the guard all the way up cutting a 3/4 piece of plywood.
Late to this video, but enjoyed it very much. To me bandsaws aren't the most glamorous of tools but really useful. Currently in the market for my first one. Too bad I couldn't find a video on youtube doing comparisons of best budget band saws. I've been looking at Skil, Ryobi, Wen, and bit more expensive Rikon.
I was going to buy it and changed my mind lol 🤣 looks like I'm going to get it now great job bro 💯🇺🇸
Check the tension on the belt from the motor to the blade pully. My blade would stop at first and i tightened the belt tension on the motor and it didn't stop anymore
Matt.Thank you for sharing your experience with this particular saw. I'm planning to buy a band saw. I have no experience at all with band saws. I will like to buy a tabletop to start, but I struggle to decide which brand is bettter to choose.
Just found your show a few days ago. Love your show and the fact that God is part of it. Where do you get your shirts that you wear on the show? Have a great day God bless.
Thank you. Most come from Kerusso.com
Yep. Gotta get me one of those.
Maybe I’m remembering incorrectly. I’m thinking I saw you using an oscillating tool to separate your parts?
The little WEN will get you started, and maybe be all you need, but usually bigger equals better. Bigger equals more options and precision and ability to cut big wood. See Ashley Harwood. She turns big chunks of wood on a lathe, so has a big one.
I enjoy watching your videos on your channel and I always feel inspired not only to make something but also the spiritual inspiration that I feel when I watch your videos. I was watching your video on making the mallets and you mentioned using salt when gluing pieces together to keep them from moving around while clamping them. I have seen some other channels where they use some fine sawdust or they will take two pieces of sandpaper and rub the sand sides together over the pieces that they have applied glue on and the grit of the sandpaper does the same thing as salt. Both methods seem to work. Just thought I would share that information with you. Also, I saw the video you published about the games such as the corn hole boards. You mentioned that the six inch hole saw grabs the wood. I have seen videos where people will take the hole saw and just score the wood with the hole saw then drill out some relief holes with a Forster bit on the waste side of the wood that they are cutting the hole in. I know that this method will keep the hole saw from getting hot and burning the wood but I was wondering if it would help to keep the hole saw from grabbing the wood also. Woodsmith channel just published a video today where they are building a “heavy-duty, mobile miter saw station and Chris demonstrates the technique for keeping the hole saw from getting hot and burning the wood. Thought I would share this idea with you also.
thank you
Ooo I'd love to have a band saw
I keep several blades handy in different thicknesses for straight and curve cuts
I have a similar model to this one (the one with the carry handle up top). It's not a bad product, though I haven't tried to cut anything thicker than 3/4 of an inch with it. Not a lot of choices as to available blades, at least not from Home Depot where I bought the saw. I have one of the narrower "scroll saw" type blades as well as the original blade that came with the saw. I have found that gunk tends to build up on the blade as well as the wheels, I'm guessing because I have mostly cut cheap dimensional lumber with it, i.e. pine, etc.
You mention maybe building a cart for the bandsaw along with your drill press. I built just such a cart (I think I also have the same drill press as you -- I have several WEN tools), and have the two oriented at 90 degrees to each other, so as to not interfere with longer workpieces.
Good video! 0'45" and 1'14" 😊😊
Ive got the wen plunge router i like it it does the job real nice im looking at the small router from them all i see people using online is dewalt or bosch twice the price of wen wen makes some good stuff but like all brands they have lemons in all.