Craftsman 9-in Band Saw

The 9-in Band Saw from Craftsman, model CMXEBAX69434602, has been a recent addition to my workshop, and I have to say, it has been quite an experience. This compact band saw comes with a 2.5 amp ball bearing induction motor that cuts at 2,500 feet per minute (FPM). It's a versatile tool designed to handle various types of wood, making it a potentially valuable asset for any hobbyist or DIY enthusiast.

Initial Impressions and Assembly

Upon unboxing, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the saw was 90% assembled. All that was left to do was attach the table, which took me about 10 minutes. This ease of assembly is a significant plus, especially for those who might not be as mechanically inclined. The saw features heavy steel construction, which gives it a robust feel. However, some components, like the doors covering the cutting belt, are made of plastic. While this doesn't affect the saw's functionality, it does raise questions about long-term durability.

Build Quality and Design

One of the standout features of this band saw is its large die-cast aluminum table, measuring 12-5/16 inches by 11-7/8 inches. The table provides ample space for most cutting tasks and includes a rack and pinion adjustment for 45° bevel cutting. The table's design is quite user-friendly, allowing for quick and easy adjustments.

However, I did encounter an issue with the base. The saw wobbles slightly, which I initially thought was a one-off defect. But after some adjustments and even trying a second unit, the problem persisted. It seems to be a common issue, possibly due to uneven base construction. This wobbling can be quite annoying and may require additional shimming or bolting to a workbench to stabilize the unit.

Performance and Cutting Capability

Performance-wise, this band saw holds its own. The 2.5 amp motor provides sufficient power to handle various types of wood, and the cutting speed of 2,500 FPM ensures smooth, efficient cuts. The saw is compatible with 59-1/2 inch blades ranging from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch in width, giving you the flexibility to tackle different cutting tasks.

I found the depth of cut, up to 3-1/2 inches, to be more than adequate for most of my projects. The saw also includes a miter gauge for angled cuts, which adds to its versatility. One thing to note is that the saw does not come with a fence, which might be a deal-breaker for some. However, for my purposes, this wasn't a significant issue as I primarily use it for freehand cuts.

Smoothness and Vibration

One of the most critical aspects of any band saw is how smoothly it runs. In my experience, the Craftsman 9-in Band Saw operates smoothly with minimal vibration, provided it's properly assembled and adjusted. The ball bearing induction motor contributes to this smooth operation, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods.

However, I did notice some vibration issues initially, which I attributed to the wheels being slightly out of round. After some fine-tuning and adjustments, the saw's performance improved significantly. This might be a point of concern for those who prefer a plug-and-play experience, as some tinkering might be required to get the saw running optimally.

Dust Management

The saw features a 2-1/2 inch diameter dust port, which is compatible with most vacuum systems. I found this to be quite effective in keeping the workspace clean. Good dust management is essential for both health and efficiency, and this saw does a commendable job in this regard.

Versatility and Use Cases

This band saw is particularly well-suited for hobbyists and those with smaller, personal workshops. Its compact size and ease of use make it an excellent choice for light to medium-duty tasks. I've used it to fabricate small parts in aluminum for various projects, and it performs admirably. However, if you're planning to work on larger pieces or require a saw for commercial use, you might find this model lacking in power and stability.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Craftsman 9-in Band Saw is a solid choice for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who need a compact, versatile tool for their workshops. Its ease of assembly, smooth operation, and effective dust management make it a pleasure to use. However, the wobbling base and the need for some fine-tuning might be drawbacks for some users.

Would I recommend this band saw? Yes, but with some reservations. If you're looking for a reliable, easy-to-use band saw for light to medium-duty tasks, this model is a great option. However, if you require a more robust, commercial-grade tool, you might want to explore other options. The Craftsman 9-in Band Saw excels in many areas but falls short in a few, making it a good, but not perfect, addition to any workshop.