Ryobi 2.5 AMP 9 in. Band Saw

When I first got my hands on the Ryobi 2.5 AMP 9 in. Band Saw (model BS904G), I was cautiously optimistic. As a seasoned woodworker, I’ve seen my fair share of tools that promise much but deliver little. This band saw, with its affordable price point and a host of features, had the potential to be a game-changer for the home workshop enthusiast. However, after extensive use, I found it to be a mixed bag of pros and cons.

Setup and Initial Impressions

The setup process for the Ryobi band saw was relatively straightforward. Straight out of the box, it was almost fully assembled, which was a pleasant surprise. Within about 10 minutes, I had it ready for its first cut. The ease of assembly is a significant plus, especially for those who might be new to using band saws. The included instructions were clear, but I also found supplemental YouTube videos to be incredibly helpful for fine-tuning the setup.

The build quality is a mix of sturdy metal components and some plastic parts. The aluminum interior blade wheels are a nice touch, designed to minimize vibration. However, the plastic knobs and other components did give me pause, as they felt less durable and more prone to wear over time.

Performance and Usability

The 2.5 Amp induction motor is adequate for light to medium tasks. For small projects and hobbyist woodworking, the saw performs reasonably well. I tested it on various types of wood, including pine, walnut, and cherry. For softer woods and thinner cuts, the saw handled itself admirably. It cut through 1-inch thick walnut and cherry with relative ease, producing smooth and accurate cuts.

However, the saw struggles significantly with harder woods and thicker cuts. When attempting to cut through a 3/4-inch pine board, the motor bogged down and stalled multiple times. This issue is a significant drawback for anyone looking to use the saw for more substantial projects. The cutting speed of 2,460 SFPM is decent, but the motor’s lack of power becomes evident with more demanding tasks.

Blade Adjustment and Tracking

One of the standout features of this band saw is the Rapid Set blade tensioning system and the micro adjustment blade tension knob. These make blade changes and adjustments relatively simple. The blade tracking sight window is also a helpful addition, allowing for easy monitoring of the blade’s alignment.

However, the blade tends to wander, especially when cutting thicker or harder materials. I found myself frequently adjusting the blade guides and tension to try and maintain a straight cut. The rack and pinion blade guide adjustment system is functional but requires frequent tweaking to keep the blade on track.

Table and Miter Gauge

The table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees, which is useful for making angled cuts. The table size (11 3/4 x 14 3/4 inches) is adequate for small to medium-sized projects. However, I did notice that the table had a slight warp across the diagonal, which affected the accuracy of my cuts. This issue is not a deal-breaker but does require some compensation during use.

The included sliding miter gauge is made of lightweight plastic, which feels somewhat flimsy. It fits into a U-channel on the table, but the fit is loose and allows for some play, which can result in less accurate cuts. For more precise work, I would recommend investing in a higher-quality miter gauge or making a custom table with better support for the miter gauge.

Additional Considerations

One notable omission is the lack of a work light. This makes it challenging to see the cut line clearly, especially in dimly lit workshops. I ended up using a magnetic light attached to the metal frame, which worked well enough but added an extra step to the setup process.

Dust collection is another area where the saw could improve. The standard vacuum port is a nice feature, but the saw generates a significant amount of dust, which the port struggles to manage effectively. I would recommend using a dedicated dust collection system to keep your workspace clean.

Long-Term Durability

After several months of use, I noticed some wear and tear on the plastic components. The blade tensioner, in particular, started to show signs of fatigue. Additionally, the motor began to run hotter after extended use, which is a concern for the saw’s long-term durability. While the saw performs well for light tasks, I have reservations about its longevity under more demanding conditions.

Conclusion

In summary, the Ryobi 2.5 AMP 9 in. Band Saw is a decent entry-level tool for hobbyists and home users. It’s easy to set up, lightweight, and performs well for small to medium-sized projects involving softer woods. However, its limitations become apparent when tackling more substantial tasks. The motor lacks the power needed for cutting thicker or harder materials, and the build quality of some components raises concerns about long-term durability.

Would I recommend this tool? It depends on your needs. If you’re a casual woodworker looking for an affordable band saw for light projects, this Ryobi model could be a good fit. However, if you require a more robust and reliable saw for demanding tasks, I would suggest investing in a higher-end model. For those willing to make some adjustments and upgrades, such as replacing the blade and adding a custom table, this saw can still be a valuable addition to your workshop.