*Phenomenal portaband. Worth the wait in replacing my stolen previous model **MyBest.Tools** Variable speed, with an adjustable governor, adjustable shoe, and locking articulating forward handle. It's beefy, but feels just incredibly well built and solid, will eat through strut, emt, rigid, all thread, whatever, all day.*
Major kudos to you for deciding to put a year of use into this little band saw before reviewing it! In my not-very-humble opinion, reviews filmed right after the "unboxing" are virtually meaningless. What you accomplished with and said about this machine have convinced me beyond a shadow of a doubt. THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for this review. I've been doing DIY projects for about 18 months and I am about to step up and get a band saw and drill press for a different level of projects. Your review is extremely helpful and I'm glad I saw it. I'll definitely be subscribing and looking at your other videos. Thanks for sharing your time and expertise with us.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the band saw! I loved seeing those other projects you did, they looked amazing! Well done! Side note, glad to see your Son doing woodwork…we are a dying breed.
Like others, I saw this on Amazon, and thinking about getting it along with the drill Press. My main projects will be rings and pens (wood and acrylic). Your review after a year of use pretty much sold me on getting it.
I looked at several and this one was the best value for the quality. It is not industrial but it’s really a good band saw for the home shop. It’s doing great and I use it a lot. Thanks for watching.
@DIYGene It does its job. Keep a good blade on it. I have a folding portable stand for the saw. I would set it up in the front yard while building a deck. Looking for a band saw and a wood lathe in the near future
There is a 2021 model 3959T. What do you think of it? You mentioned if it is setup perfectly then it is great. How do I know when it isn't setup correctly and how often do you need to tune it? Out of the box - does it need tuning/setup? After how many hours of use do you think it will need the setup? How hard it is to do the setup?
Looks like a nice saw. I had a Skill bandsaw several years ago when I built alot of cigar box guitars. It held up about a year then the blade kept slipping off. I could never get it to stop doing that. Thanks for the review.
That had some good info. I have liked wen products and I was wondering about the quality of the bandsaw. I am glad you made this video. I have my classic 3 wheeled bandsaw and it works really good because it is set up and tuned. I have been trying to incorporate it more into my workflow and project ideas. Have a great day ~Kevin
I have been using that band saw for two years and I am very happy with it. I just did a new video and used the band saw in it. Great tool. I have never thought about building one. That would be interesting. Thanks for watching.
Miine will be delivered today. I need to rip some boards, and my portable table saw gets me a bit nervous doing tight rips. I'm hoping this saw will replace that thing.
I wonder if the BA3959 is of similar quality? The one you show in this video is now priced at $170, while the 3959 model is priced at $150, and appears to be identical in specs.
Also can you do a adjustment video for that bandsaw like changing your blades and how to set them up properly because I suck at changing blades and it takes me forever to get them honed in and then I feel like it’s not quite there but if you could do that, that would be great. Thanks.
im looking at getting one of these for guitar building, how do you think it would go cutting a guitar body out of 2 inch thick hardwoods? cherry, maple, walnut etc?
Thanks for the review! I'm a downsizing boomer, don't have the space for the big ol' bandsaw. Looking for something I can store away when not is use. Thanks!
Did you ever have to replace the blade within the first year? I just got mine today and got it all set up. Works great, but I can't seem to get a straight cut down a board. Any suggestion?
thanks for posting - I've been contemplating this along with the drill press for a while and I had already heard pretty decent things about the drill press and this is the third positive review i've seen today on this saw. I just pulled the trigger on purchasing - should have the saw at my door in about two weeks. Looking forward to using it.
The press has a strange adjustment for the belt tension that struck me as flimsy, but once I set it, it’s held up well. I ignore their speed chart and tend towards the slow speed for most of my work-mostly 1/4th” holes in steel. It actually goes through really well.
@@DIYGene yah I got the saw - the drill press went up in price though!! So i'm waiting until I can find a deal on it close to what it used to be again. The saw has been working great for the smaller pieces its designed for. I've used it nearly every day and even a few times ran some large boards through it just because it was faster than setting up the track saw. I have noticed that even with a dust hose on it, dust likes to build up on that lower control but not a huge issue to just stick the hose right on that part regularly.
@@davidkeetz, have you tried the tall side of a 2x4 yet? I’m noticing the price increases on tools and especially lumber. I hope this all come back down soon. Thanks again!
@@DIYGene I have tried a 2x4 set upright - you have to go verryyyy slow to keep it straight, at least with the blade I have on it, but it's doable for sure - I've ripped an 8" piece of 2x4 on it, as well as a 3" x 3" x 6" block of cast resin and wood that I cut up into 3" x 3" x .5" coasters and that turned out fine.
Have you used the Wen for cutting metal ? -- Such as alluminum, copper, or brass ? -- I have been trying to decide whether to get the Wen or the Central Machinery (Harbor Freight) 9 in bandsaw. -- The only reason I had been thinking of the Central Machinery saw is because it will take a 1/2 inch wide blade. 1/2 inch blade is what most metal blades are. -- While the Wen, Ryobi, and others only take a 3/8 wide blade. --- Otherwise, it looks like the Wen is built better. Any opinion ?
I looked at the Harbor Freight band saw and just didn’t think it was built as well. I have only cut 1/4 aluminum and 1/8” brass so I really can’t give you a good reference. I hope this little bit helps. Thanks so much for watching.
Overall a good saw for the money. I don't like that the side guides are little posts to push the blade rather than bearings... Some of the adjustments can be a little finicky but you're still getting good bang for buck. Not what I'd call a precision tool but it gets the job done for a low price.
Buenas Tardes, me podria hacer el favor y me indica como cambio la cinta o sierra, la pieza que se dezplaza de arriba hacia abajo para determinar la altura de lo que voy a cortar, no se como se retira para cambiar la sierra. gracias saludos
I wonder how this compares to the Shop Fox 9 in. Benchtop Bandsaw Model #W1878. I can't get this bandsaw and considering the Shop Fox bandsaw which is more expensive. I can't find a review of the Shop Fox w1878.
I think the construction on the WEN is very similar. But also found the XtremepowerUS 9" that has very similar construction as the Shop Fox but runs at about $180. Here is a link to what I found: amzn.to/3geSPon All though I looked at the ShopFox and I do like the Rip fence.
@@DIYGene : I want one with a fence which many of the 9 inch do not have. The Extremepower 9 inch does not have a fence. Also I noticed it is no longer available like the Wen. I think I would prefer the Wen 9 inch but the only place to get one is on eBay but such items I hate to order online and prefer to purchase them locally if possible, though I don't mind ordering on line through a local dealer.
Would love to see a review of the Worx Bladerunner Table Saw. I'm a hand weaver and after purchasing a small drill press, jig saw and a hobby table saw, I've saved hundreds of dollars making weaving tools that I would normally have to buy. I live in an apartment and keep tools stored in a closet. I'm trying to decide between the Wen Band Saw and the Worx BladeRunner Tabletop Saw for their size.
I looked at the blade runner and I opted to by a scroll saw from Harbor Freight. It just seemed to be built better. The blade runner was mostly plastic and actually cost more. I now that probably doesn’t help much. My shop is very small and I keep the majority of my tools like a 10” potable table saw and a belt and disk sander under my work bench.
My saw blade comes off when doing a simple cut on a 2x4. Not sure if you experience this. I tighten the band to full and still pops off on a simple turn.
I think it would be great. I bought the one I have based on size and based on price. It was in my budget. I probably would have go with the bigger one if I could.
This is good information. I have seen the WEN on Amazon and was curious as to its quality. I like seeing a review after you have had a chance to use it.
I used it to square aluminum 1.5 x 1.5 inch by 1/8” thick and it did fine. I would make sure you use a blade made for cutting aluminum. Thanks for watching.
Do you think the motor is bad? Mine has plenty of power and can cut some hard materials. I wonder what’s up with the one you have and if it could be fixed?
@@DIYGene it could be but I don’t see how it works fine. Basically a 2x4 of pine it can’t cut. It will cut 3mm birch that’s about it. Nothing like what you’ve cut here. I just think I got a bad saw. I’ve tracked it I’ve adjusted it, I’ve drift corrected it, I’ve replaced the fence. Lol. Wen it works. 😂
*Phenomenal portaband. Worth the wait in replacing my stolen previous model **MyBest.Tools** Variable speed, with an adjustable governor, adjustable shoe, and locking articulating forward handle. It's beefy, but feels just incredibly well built and solid, will eat through strut, emt, rigid, all thread, whatever, all day.*
Major kudos to you for deciding to put a year of use into this little band saw before reviewing it! In my not-very-humble opinion, reviews filmed right after the "unboxing" are virtually meaningless. What you accomplished with and said about this machine have convinced me beyond a shadow of a doubt. THANK YOU!
Thanks so much. I agree, I think unboxing videos are pretty much useless. Thanks again for watching.
I dont even own a drill, im just here to see the video cause i just love how this man does them ! Stay safe sir
Thanks so much. I’m working on a fun project now and hope to have it up soon. Thanks again for watching.
@@DIYGene thats great news hoping to see it soon, its a pleasure as always !
Thank you so much for this review. I've been doing DIY projects for about 18 months and I am about to step up and get a band saw and drill press for a different level of projects. Your review is extremely helpful and I'm glad I saw it. I'll definitely be subscribing and looking at your other videos. Thanks for sharing your time and expertise with us.
Thanks Dan, That bandsaw is still working like a charm and a very important part of my small shop. Thanks again for watching and for subscribing!
Thank you sir. Enjoyed the review. That is the one I'm going with in my small workshop.
It has truly been a work horse for me. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the band saw! I loved seeing those other projects you did, they looked amazing! Well done! Side note, glad to see your Son doing woodwork…we are a dying breed.
Nice little saw. They sure are handy! Thanks for the recent videos. Hope you and your family are doing well. Take care!🙂
We are doing okay. How about you and your family?
@@DIYGene That's good. We're all ok, too. Ready for Spring!
Like others, I saw this on Amazon, and thinking about getting it along with the drill Press.
My main projects will be rings and pens (wood and acrylic). Your review after a year of use pretty much sold me on getting it.
I looked at several and this one was the best value for the quality. It is not industrial but it’s really a good band saw for the home shop. It’s doing great and I use it a lot. Thanks for watching.
Sweet! I have a Wen miter saw , need a band saw
@@lowlifeangler , how do you like the miter saw?
@DIYGene It does its job. Keep a good blade on it. I have a folding portable stand for the saw. I would set it up in the front yard while building a deck.
Looking for a band saw and a wood lathe in the near future
@@lowlifeangler, I would love a lathe. You can do some beautiful stuff.
@DIYGene it's a fun toy lol 😆
DIY Gene: Mine just arrived. Want to cut 4 x 4's (3.5 x 3.5) angled on one side. Hope it works. Thanks for the info.
Holly crap! The projects you made are incredible and love you had your son out there!
I will follow you
Thank you so much! Please let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas for videos. Thanks again for watching.
There is a 2021 model 3959T. What do you think of it? You mentioned if it is setup perfectly then it is great. How do I know when it isn't setup correctly and how often do you need to tune it? Out of the box - does it need tuning/setup? After how many hours of use do you think it will need the setup? How hard it is to do the setup?
Looks like a nice saw. I had a Skill bandsaw several years ago when I built alot of cigar box guitars. It held up about a year then the blade kept slipping off. I could never get it to stop doing that. Thanks for the review.
That had some good info. I have liked wen products and I was wondering about the quality of the bandsaw. I am glad you made this video. I have my classic 3 wheeled bandsaw and it works really good because it is set up and tuned. I have been trying to incorporate it more into my workflow and project ideas.
Have a great day ~Kevin
Hi Kevin,
That is the whole thing, setting it up right. Nothing more frustrating than when they are not dialed in. Thanks for watching.
Can you make a video about all the tools you use to make your guitars at home? thanks!
Thanks for sharing, I'm in for a bandsaw and not sure about building one or buying one. I'm working with a wen plainer and very happy with it.
I have been using that band saw for two years and I am very happy with it. I just did a new video and used the band saw in it. Great tool. I have never thought about building one. That would be interesting. Thanks for watching.
Great review - short, sweet, and useful! Thank you.
This is one of my work horses in my shop. Thanks for watching.
Miine will be delivered today. I need to rip some boards, and my portable table saw gets me a bit nervous doing tight rips. I'm hoping this saw will replace that thing.
I have really used mine a lot. It is the work house of the shop. Thanks for watching.
I wonder if the BA3959 is of similar quality? The one you show in this video is now priced at $170, while the 3959 model is priced at $150, and appears to be identical in specs.
I would bet they are the same. I wonder if one comes with a light or maybe legs?
Gene you are enjoying your hobbie that's great. Thanks for sharing I'll buy my own
I hope you found the review helpful. Thanks for watching.
Great Review. Did you change out the original Blade to a better one?
Not for a while. Only after I cut some copper with it. LOL. Thanks so much for watching.
Also can you do a adjustment video for that bandsaw like changing your blades and how to set them up properly because I suck at changing blades and it takes me forever to get them honed in and then I feel like it’s not quite there but if you could do that, that would be great. Thanks.
That is an excellent idea. I need to change the blade anyway. Thanks for the great idea.
im looking at getting one of these for guitar building, how do you think it would go cutting a guitar body out of 2 inch thick hardwoods? cherry, maple, walnut etc?
I have used it to cut guitar bodies out of poplar and maple. If you have the right blade it don’t think it would be a problem. Thanks for watching.
new sub. Thank You. liked this review.
looks real good. encouraged my viewpoint!!
I have their WEN scroll saw & its nice!
Good work!
It has been a great tool now for a couple of years and keeps going. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the review! I'm a downsizing boomer, don't have the space for the big ol' bandsaw. Looking for something I can store away when not is use. Thanks!
That sounds like my shop. I hope it helped. Thanks for watching.
wow nice stuff you made , I was thinking of getting one for myself
I have really enjoyed this bandsaw. I use it on almost every project I do. And after 3 years it's still working great. Thanks for watching.
Did you ever have to replace the blade within the first year? I just got mine today and got it all set up. Works great, but I can't seem to get a straight cut down a board. Any suggestion?
It can take some tweaking. Here is a link that might help. It’s a bigger saw but the principle is the same. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
thanks for posting - I've been contemplating this along with the drill press for a while and I had already heard pretty decent things about the drill press and this is the third positive review i've seen today on this saw. I just pulled the trigger on purchasing - should have the saw at my door in about two weeks. Looking forward to using it.
I hope it works as well for you as this one has for me. Thanks for watching.
The press has a strange adjustment for the belt tension that struck me as flimsy, but once I set it, it’s held up well. I ignore their speed chart and tend towards the slow speed for most of my work-mostly 1/4th” holes in steel. It actually goes through really well.
@@DIYGene yah I got the saw - the drill press went up in price though!! So i'm waiting until I can find a deal on it close to what it used to be again. The saw has been working great for the smaller pieces its designed for. I've used it nearly every day and even a few times ran some large boards through it just because it was faster than setting up the track saw. I have noticed that even with a dust hose on it, dust likes to build up on that lower control but not a huge issue to just stick the hose right on that part regularly.
@@davidkeetz, have you tried the tall side of a 2x4 yet? I’m noticing the price increases on tools and especially lumber. I hope this all come back down soon. Thanks again!
@@DIYGene I have tried a 2x4 set upright - you have to go verryyyy slow to keep it straight, at least with the blade I have on it, but it's doable for sure - I've ripped an 8" piece of 2x4 on it, as well as a 3" x 3" x 6" block of cast resin and wood that I cut up into 3" x 3" x .5" coasters and that turned out fine.
Have you used the Wen for cutting metal ? -- Such as alluminum, copper, or brass ? -- I have been trying to decide whether to get the Wen or the Central Machinery (Harbor Freight) 9 in bandsaw. -- The only reason I had been thinking of the Central Machinery saw is because it will take a 1/2 inch wide blade. 1/2 inch blade is what most metal blades are. -- While the Wen, Ryobi, and others only take a 3/8 wide blade. --- Otherwise, it looks like the Wen is built better. Any opinion ?
I looked at the Harbor Freight band saw and just didn’t think it was built as well. I have only cut 1/4 aluminum and 1/8” brass so I really can’t give you a good reference. I hope this little bit helps. Thanks so much for watching.
THanks for the video and overview!
I have really enjoyed this saw. Thanks so much for watching.
😅😅 Gene, excellent work and production
I can't seem to find the overall dimensions. Would you be so kind to supply them. I have limited space. Thanks!
Sure, I just went down to the shop and measured it. 27" tall, 18" wide, 12" deep. I hope that helps. Thanks so much for watching.
Gene
I have the same one, I like it but I wish I got the next one bigger other than that love it
I agree but for me it was price and just having room. Thanks for watching.
Nice job man I think that’s how all Reviews should be after you’ve actually used them for a while
Thank you so much. I agree with you. I don’t see how unboxing videos help at all.
Overall a good saw for the money. I don't like that the side guides are little posts to push the blade rather than bearings... Some of the adjustments can be a little finicky but you're still getting good bang for buck. Not what I'd call a precision tool but it gets the job done for a low price.
I agree. It’s a great tool for the home shop. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for this! Just the kind of review I needed :)
Oh, good, I glad it helps. I have been very happy with mine. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the review!
And I just used it less than 10 minutes ago. It’s been a great shop tool. Thanks for watching.
did you cut the circles on the guitar with the band saw are a drill?
Buenas Tardes, me podria hacer el favor y me indica como cambio la cinta o sierra, la pieza que se dezplaza de arriba hacia abajo para determinar la altura de lo que voy a cortar, no se como se retira para cambiar la sierra. gracias saludos
Do you think it would be suitable to rip 1x boards to use for corner trim for an old house? The boards would probably be 8 feet long.
I know it could do it but you would probably be better off with a small table saw.
Awesome reviewer. Thank You
Nice review. Thank you
Thank you. Its been a work horse for me.
One year reviews are the best idea. You should have an affiliate link for this, because you just made a sale.
I agree. I’m not big on unboxing videos. Oh and thanks there is a link in the description below the video. Thanks for watching.
Awesome review! Thanks
That saw has been a work horse for me. Thanks so much for watching.
I wonder how this compares to the Shop Fox 9 in. Benchtop Bandsaw Model #W1878. I can't get this bandsaw and considering the Shop Fox bandsaw which is more expensive. I can't find a review of the Shop Fox w1878.
I think the construction on the WEN is very similar. But also found the XtremepowerUS 9" that has very similar construction as the Shop Fox but runs at about $180. Here is a link to what I found:
amzn.to/3geSPon
All though I looked at the ShopFox and I do like the Rip fence.
@@DIYGene : I want one with a fence which many of the 9 inch do not have. The Extremepower 9 inch does not have a fence. Also I noticed it is no longer available like the Wen. I think I would prefer the Wen 9 inch but the only place to get one is on eBay but such items I hate to order online and prefer to purchase them locally if possible, though I don't mind ordering on line through a local dealer.
@@rayrainer985 I so agree with you. I just don’t trust EBay. It would be so nice to be able to go to a store, look at the tool and say yup this is it.
Would love to see a review of the Worx Bladerunner Table Saw. I'm a hand weaver and after purchasing a small drill press, jig saw and a hobby table saw, I've saved hundreds of dollars making weaving tools that I would normally have to buy. I live in an apartment and keep tools stored in a closet. I'm trying to decide between the Wen Band Saw and the Worx BladeRunner Tabletop Saw for their size.
I looked at the blade runner and I opted to by a scroll saw from Harbor Freight. It just seemed to be built better. The blade runner was mostly plastic and actually cost more. I now that probably doesn’t help much. My shop is very small and I keep the majority of my tools like a 10” potable table saw and a belt and disk sander under my work bench.
Thank you for the Video! I enjoyed it 👍
Thanks so much for watching.
Hi Gene. This is almost identical in construction to my Delta. An invaluable tool, if I can ever get it to track right!
That is the most frustrating thing when they are not tracking right. So fare this one has been doing great. Thanks so much for watching.
Can it cut soft metal and thin steel, with a proper general blade?
I have cut 1/4” aluminum with it but I have not tried any thin steel. Thanks for watching
My saw blade comes off when doing a simple cut on a 2x4. Not sure if you experience this. I tighten the band to full and still pops off on a simple turn.
Oh wow, no I have not had that problem. And you can't adjust it out?
Do you know where I can get parts for a Wen 9 inch band saw?
I would try Wen's web site: wenproducts.com/collections/parts
Thanks for watching.
Great review.
Thank you. It has been a great little band saw. Thanks so much for watching.
@@DIYGene I'm thinking of getting his bigger brother. What do you think of this one?
ruclips.net/video/eQY8p5E7Omo/видео.html
@@DIYGene The stuff you're making, you are very skilled. Seeing your work is inspiring.
I think it would be great. I bought the one I have based on size and based on price. It was in my budget. I probably would have go with the bigger one if I could.
Not sure about the skill, but I have fun.
This is good information. I have seen the WEN on Amazon and was curious as to its quality. I like seeing a review after you have had a chance to use it.
Thank you for watching.
In your opinion is this better than a Ryobi 9" ?
I looked at the Ryobi and it looks really well built, but I have never had a chance to use on so I honestly can’t say.
Size (how much room does it require) and weight ???
Including the cutting deck , it is 19” wide, 16” deep and 30” high. It weighs about 40 lbs. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
@@DIYGene Thank thee :-)
Is there a speed setting or is it just one speed?
It only has one speed. Thanks so much for watching.
Just plugged mine in! Then found your video. Ok-wink-a dink.
Can you use it to cut aluminum tubing?
I used it to square aluminum 1.5 x 1.5 inch by 1/8” thick and it did fine. I would make sure you use a blade made for cutting aluminum. Thanks for watching.
Thanks so much
I hope it helps. Thanks for watching.
Is that bandsaw can cut steel?
It says mild metal. I have used it to cut aluminum, but I would not recommend steel. Thanks for watching.
I have the same saw and mine stalls on cardboard lol. I must have got a dud.
Do you think the motor is bad? Mine has plenty of power and can cut some hard materials. I wonder what’s up with the one you have and if it could be fixed?
@@DIYGene it could be but I don’t see how it works fine. Basically a 2x4 of pine it can’t cut. It will cut 3mm birch that’s about it. Nothing like what you’ve cut here. I just think I got a bad saw. I’ve tracked it I’ve adjusted it, I’ve drift corrected it, I’ve replaced the fence. Lol. Wen it works. 😂
@@fsecofficial that’s too bad. You should complain to WEN and see if they will do something. That just isn’t right.
140 bucks? Wow!
Is that Wow! That’s cheap or Wow! That too much. 😀
@@DIYGene its wow i can afford it! Expected it to be 400 bucks. Keep making content. Love this channel
@@swettyspaghtti, I felt it has been a really good value and has held up really well. Thanks so much for watching and following.
Great review thanks!
Thanks so much for watching.